| A bike rack is a device to which you can | | | | pretty soon, one was seeing the domino effect |
| securely attach a bike to prevent it from | | | | in action. These types of racks were commonly |
| getting stolen. The securing part is normally | | | | called "wheel benders." |
| done by means of a bike lock. The bike rack, | | | | |
| in turn, is fastened to the ground or to a | | | | Bike racks have come a long way from those |
| solid, immovable structure like a wall. | | | | humble beginnings. A more modern version of |
| | | | these bike racks was pioneered in Sheffield, |
| Earlier bike rack models often allowed the | | | | England, and are hence called Sheffield |
| user to secure one wheel. This one wheel | | | | racks. These devices consist of a thick metal |
| could be secured to any device, such as a | | | | bar shaped somewhat like a square arch. The |
| grooved piece of concrete in the ground or a | | | | top part of this rack is on the same level as |
| piece of metal into which the wheel of the | | | | the top bar of the bike frame. This top part |
| bike is placed. | | | | allows the frame to be secured by supporting |
| | | | the bike. |
| These early means, however, were not very | | | | |
| effective, since all a would-be thief needed | | | | There is another type of bike rack that is |
| to do was to detach the wheel that was | | | | popular with bikers. There is the kind that |
| secured. He could then free the rest of the | | | | can be attached to any automobile, like a bus |
| bike and that was normally the last that one | | | | for example, to transport bikes. There are |
| saw of the "secured" bike. | | | | bike racks to suit virtually every need. Bike |
| | | | racks are not only used in private homes but |
| A further disadvantage of these racks was | | | | also at schools, universities, apartment |
| that they did not offer the bike much | | | | buildings, retail stores, and government |
| support. All it took was for one bumbling | | | | agencies. |
| passerby to push one of the cycles over and | | | | |