Bicycles have been around for more than 100 years. The first bikes looked strange. They had very large front wheels and a tiny rear wheel. Only tall people could ride them!

Later, the "safety bike" was made. It looks like today's bicycles. Bicycles are used for fun and racing. In racing, wind drag on the bike and rider are very important. New designs were tried. Several years ago someone tried a new vehicle called a "velocar". It was very successful. It could beat all the "normal" bicycles in races. Bicycle racing officials decided that it wasn't a bicycle and could not race against bicycles.

Aerodynamics

A bicycle rider causes most of the drag while riding. So, special handlebars were made. The rider can now lean over, keeping his back flat. This cuts the drag down by about 25%. Wearing a helmet helps, too. The rider can go faster than if he were sitting straight up.

The body of the bicycle causes some drag, too. The body of the bicycle is now lighter and lets the air pass easier. There is less drag than before. Wheels are better now, too.

Another way drag can be reduced (made less), is by closely following a bicycle or vehicle in front of you. The bicycle or vehicle "separates" the wind or air, leaving less air for you and your bicycle to push against. This is called "drafting".

In bicycle races drafting is a bigger help than any other thing. A racer will ride his bicycle in the pack to save energy. At the right time he will "break away" from the other riders to try and win.