Cycling has created a colourful tapestry of subcultures since it's dawn in the 1800's. From the olden days of the penny farthing to the modern world of gravel grinders and fixed-gear enthusiasts, the evolution of cycling has given rise to various subcultures that embody the enthusiasm, creativity, and daring nature of riders. Join us as we delve into the history of cycling subculture, uncovering the influences that have shaped this beloved sport.
Back in the 19th century, a whole new chapter unfolded with the emergence of the bicycle in its basic form. It marked the beginning of a new era of transport. Those early cyclists were fuelled by the need for a self propelled machine that could help transport goods and were relatively inexpensive compared to a horse or at later dates, cars. It would be very romantic to say that the first cyclists wanted to explore and had an insatiable desire for adventure but that is unfortunately not the case here.
The Advent of Road Cycling
Road cycling, as we know it today, took root in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first race documented was organised in 1868 and took place over 1200m in Paris. Although this is contested by some sources, it is still widely regarded as the first ever cycling race. James Moore, an Englishman living in Paris at the time, won the race riding a bicycle with solid rubber tires and the cranks on the front wheel since the Rover safety bicycle, which is the first bike to mostly resemble bikes today, had not been invented yet. The world's first road race, Paris-Rouen 1869, was also won by James Moore where he covered the 123km in a time of 10 hours and 25 minutes. L'Auto's inauguration of the The Tour de France was in 1903 and due to the need to sell more newspapers. It became a pivotal event in the history of road cycling, showcasing the stamina of riders tackling 6 stages over 19 days across the French countryside. The sport's popularity soared, giving rise to a dedicated community of road cyclists passionate about speed, endurance, lycra and whether or not you've got your hoods turned in so you can win the bunch sprint for 14th after letting the break get 4 minutes.
Going Offroad - Cyclocross and Mountain Bikes
In the early 1900's, riders on the road would use cyclocross as a means of keeping fit throughout the winter with the story going that riders would race a "steeplechase" from one town to the next, via any route necessary, across farmers fields to get to the finish town. So-called because the steeple in the next town was often the only visible landmark from the starting point. This allowed riders to work on their bike handling skills and short, sharp accelerations throughout the winter months without the drag of having to roll out the door to do an interval session. It was after the first cyclocross national championships in France in 1902 and Octave Lapize attributing his Tour de France win to cyclocross training in winter that other countries began to organise cyclocross races of their own. The UCI began to regulate cyclocross in the 40's, finally registering it as an 'official' cyclesport and one with international recognition. They organised the first world championships in 1950 in Paris.
The first US national cyclocross championships happened in 1963 and shortly after, in 1966, the first use of the name 'mountain bike' was attributed to the modified bike of an Oregon cycling club member. Enthusiasts in the 70's modified old cruiser bikes, taking them off-road to explore rugged terrains. The birth of mountain biking is often attributed to the "Repack" downhill races in Marin County, California (although many different regions can have claim to aiding in the birth of the sport too). The name came from the hub brake of these old bikes that would heat up enough to burn the grease inside them, which the riders would have to repack into the bearings to keep the bikes running smoothly. The innovation continued and the sport quickly became commercial in the early 1980's. Some brands missed the adventure sports boom, writing off mountain biking as a fad that'll last a couple of years but it has certainly stood the test of time and now, with 2 world championship sports (Downhill and XC) and XC mtb being an Olympic sport it'll have a grand future in cycling.
Origins of Time Trials and Technological Advancements
Time trialling, a discipline rooted in the race against the clock, has a rich history. Originating in the late 19th century again, time trials, and all races on the roads of Britain for that matter, were banned by the National Cyclist's Union due to a fear of cycling being banned in the country. Events were often disrupted by police despite being run mostly on quiet lanes and so when road racing was banned, a few riders sought to try and race in such a way as to not entice police intervention; and hence the time trial was born. Riders would dress in all black, forgo wearing numbers and only refer to the courses in code which is where the codes used today for time trial courses all over the country come from. The organising body for time trials in the UK at the time was the Road Racing Council which was founded in 1922, shortly after the first world war. The NCU and British League of Racing Cyclists merged to form what is now known as British Cycling and would leave control of time trialling to the Road Time Trials Council (Cycling Time Trials today).
In Europe, time trials have played a significant role in determining overall race outcomes. Iconic races like the Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a España, and the Tour de Suisse have featured particularly challenging individual time trials throughout the years. The individual time trial stages in the Grand Tours often become a battleground where GC contenders aim to gain seconds over their rivals. The iconic final time trial, held in the penultimate or concluding stages, can dramatically influence the overall outcome of the race. Its legend was cemented by the 1989 upset of Laurent Fignon losing 50 seconds on the final stage to lose the Tour to Greg Lemond by 8 seconds thanks to Greg's first use of TT extensions, making it the perfect crescendo of the three-week-long cycling symphony for drama and shattered dreams. Recently however, we've been seeing less difficult and shorter TTs present in the longer tours with even fewer races opting to include a TTT. I would certainly like to see some old school TTs make a return to races in the next few years.
Nowadays, aerodynamic advancements in bike design, specialized time trial helmets, and the pursuit of marginal gains through meticulous equipment choices have become commonplace for everyone searching for time trial success. Advancements in sports science, data analytics, physiology and biomechanics allow most riders to fine-tune their strategies, pacing and nutrition for time trials. The convergence of human performance and cutting-edge technology has elevated time trialling to a realm where every detail will impact a rider's performance against the clock.
BMX - From the Streets
The birth of BMX (Bicycle Motocross) in the early 1970s marked a turning point in cycling culture. Born from the thrill-seeking spirit of young riders emulating motocross racing on their bikes, BMX rapidly evolved into a distinct subculture. The bikes were originally ones that were easy to modify and fix yourself since they needed to take a beating and would break regularly as the freestyle aspect of BMX took off. It captured the imaginations of riders who sought to express themselves through tricks. The freestyle discipline is divided into park, street, dirt, and flatland riding, each emphasizing different skills and styles. Structured BMX racing involves riders navigating a purpose-built track with jumps, berms, and rhythm sections. The sport gained recognition through high-profile events like the X Games, showcasing the speed and precision of riders. The compact, track races and gravity-defying tricks captivated a youthful audience, propelling BMX into the realm of extreme sports and now both freestyle and racing are Olympic sports.
The Spanish Inquisition - Trials Riding
The concept of testing a rider's skill over challenging terrain dates back much earlier than the invention of trials riding. The inception of trials can be linked to the early 20th century when motorcycle trials were popular. Cyclists, inspired by this, began to create their versions using bicycles. This early form of trials riding was more about navigating through tough natural terrains than the technical obstacle navigation seen today. The translation of trials from motorcycles to bicycles was a natural progression. Riders who didn't have access to motorcycles or who sought a different kind of challenge started experimenting with bicycles. These early bicycle trials were rudimentary, focusing more on endurance over rough terrain rather than the technical precision that defines modern trials riding.
The modern era of trials riding began to take shape in the 1970s in Catalonia. Here, riders started to focus on the ability to navigate through complex, often urban, environments without their feet touching the ground. This marked a significant shift from endurance-based rides to skill and technique-focused challenges. Pioneers like Pere Pi, a Catalan trials motorcycle rider and father of Ot Pi (featured on the instagram a few days ago), played a crucial role in shaping trials riding. Pi's expertise in motorcycle trials heavily influenced the early development of bicycle trials. Another key figure was Joe Breeze, an American cyclist, known for his contributions to both mountain biking and trials riding. As the sport evolved, so did the equipment. Early trials bikes were simply modified road or mountain bikes. However, the unique demands of the sport led to the development of specialized trials bikes. These bikes were designed to be lightweight, strong, and highly manoeuvrable, with features like no seat or a very low seat, short wheelbases, specific gear ratios and different sized wheels depending on terrain. Nowadays, you'll find all sorts of different techniques people employ to get the most out of their equipment, usually revolving around increasing braking force through methods like rim grinding, using roofing tar on the rims and brake boosters.
Fixed Gear Enthusiasts
Fixed wheel cycling traces its origins back to the earliest days of bicycle design. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most bicycles were fixed-gear, meaning they had a single gear ratio and no freewheel mechanism. The fixed wheel gained prominence in the world of track racing. Velodromes were where the fixed gear truly shined. Its direct power transfer and the ability to control speed through pedalling made it ideal for the high-speed, close-packed environment of track racing. Legendary track races like the Six-Day Races in the early 1900s contributed significantly to the popularity of fixed wheel bikes. In the late 20th century, a resurgence of interest in fixed wheel bikes occurred, especially in urban areas. The fixie, as it became affectionately known, was embraced by city riders for its simplicity, reliability, and the unique riding experience it offered. This resurgence was partly due to the influence of bike messengers in cities like New York and San Francisco, who favoured fixed gear bikes for their durability and low maintenance.
Today, the fixed wheel subculture is about more than just the bike; it's a lifestyle and a form of self-expression. Riders customize their fixies with colourful frames, unique handlebars, and personalized components, making each bike a reflection of the rider’s personality. This community often comes together in events like alleycat races – unsanctioned urban races originally organized by and for bike messengers – and group rides, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared identity. Fixed gear bikes have also made their mark in popular culture, featuring in films, music videos, and fashion shoots. They've become symbols of urban cool, appealing to those who appreciate both the aesthetic and the ethos of the fixie lifestyle. As cycling continues to evolve, the fixed gear bike remains a beloved icon, representing a pure, unadulterated form of cycling that resonates across generations and cultures.
Adrenaline, Pine Wood and Track Cycling
Track cycling's origins can be traced back to the 1870s when the first velodromes began to appear. These early tracks were typically made of wood and later, concrete and other materials. The sport quickly gained popularity, driven by the thrill of high-speed races and the spectacle of competition that was spectator friendly due to the athletes never being out of sight, no matter where you were watching from. The late 19th and early 20th centuries are often regarded as the golden age of track cycling; this period saw the construction of numerous velodromes across Europe and North America, making track cycling a popular spectator sport. One of the era's highlights were the aforementioned Six-Day Races, endurance events where teams or individual riders competed over six consecutive days and nights, drawing large crowds and creating cycling heroes. Various track cycling events emerged during this time, many of which remain staples of the sport. These include the sprint, the pursuit and the points race.
Track cycling has been part of the modern Olympic Games since their inception in 1896. Its inclusion helped to internationalize the sport, bringing together the world's best cyclists and elevating the level of competition. Women's track cycling was added to the Olympics in 1988, further broadening the sport's appeal and diversity. Today, track cycling is a global sport, with major competitions like the World Championships and the World Cup series attracting the best riders from around the world. The sport continues to evolve, with recent additions like the keirin, an event originating in Japan where riders follow a derny before sprinting to the finish, and the omnium, a multiple-race event that tests a cyclist's versatility and endurance.
Ballet on Two Wheels - Artistic Cycling
Artistic cycling emerged in Europe, particularly in Germany, as cyclists began experimenting with tricks and stunts on their bikes. In the early days, artistic cycling was more of a circus or vaudeville act than a competitive sport. Performers would show off their skills in balancing, riding backwards, and performing tricks to entertain audiences. These exhibitions laid the groundwork for the structured sport we see today. The transition from performance art to competitive sport began in the early 20th century. Germany, with its strong tradition of cycling, played a pivotal role in formalizing artistic cycling as a competitive discipline. The first competitions were held in the 1920s, and the sport quickly spread across Europe. As the sport grew in popularity, the need for standardized rules and regulations became apparent. This led to the formation of governing bodies for artistic cycling. The International Cycling Union (UCI) eventually recognized artistic cycling, providing a global platform for the sport. Over the years, artistic cycling has evolved in terms of both the complexity of the routines and the technology of the bicycles. Routines now include a combination of riding, jumping, standing on the handlebars or saddle, and performing intricate movements, all while maintaining perfect balance and control. Artistic cycling stands out as a unique discipline within the cycling world. It combines the physical demands of cycling with the elegance and precision of artistic performance, creating a visually stunning and technically challenging sport. Its history, from vaudeville acts to competitive championships, reflects a journey of innovation, skill, and artistic expression.
Conclusion
The world of cycling is as diverse as it is dynamic. Each discipline offers a unique perspective on what it means to ride a bike. From the adrenaline of downhill mountain biking to the rhythmic precision of artistic cycling, these subcultures form a mosaic that reflects the rich history and evolving nature of cycling