What are bicycles made of?

The pneumatic tire and the chain drive, followed by the development of gears, revolutionized bicycling in the later 1800s. In the last fifteen years, there has been a revolution of sorts in the development and use of new materials for building frames. It wasn't that long ago that frames were made out of cast iron or even wood. read more

During the 1890s bicycles became very popular, and the basic elements of the modern bicycle were already in place. In the first half of the 20th century, stronger steel alloys allowed thinner frame tubing which made the bicycles lighter and faster. read more

The more common types include utility bicycles, mountain bicycles, racing bicycles, touring bicycles, hybrid bicycles, cruiser bicycles, and BMX bikes. Less common are tandems, low riders, tall bikes, fixed gear, folding models, amphibious bicycles, cargo bikes, recumbents and electric bicycles. read more

Bicycles are made from a wide variety of materials. Assuming that you are talking about the bicycle frame in particular, the most common material worldwide is steel which comes in various grades, from the lowest end "stovepipe" grade to premium aerospace tubing that can cost many thousands of dollars. read more