The benefits of riding in a pack can also be extended to tandem bicycles. In the late 1800's, individuals would use multiple-rider bikes to pace behind when attempting speed records. This soon evolved into pacing behind motorized vehicles. If you've ever seen the Tour of France or any other bicycle race, you've probably seen individual riders trying to pace behind motorcycles. This gives them an advantage in a breakaway as they greatly reduce their aerodynamic drag and, hence, increase their speed.
Some riders take drafting to extreme speeds.
In 1896 a rider exceeded 60 mph by riding behind a specially shielded railroad car. Summary The bicycle has been around for a little more than a century. In that time, the general design of the bicycle has changed little from the safety bicycle. Still significant advances have decreased the aerodynamic drag a rider must overcome. While some of these ideas have been around as long as the bicycle, the proper materials to take advantage of the aerodynamic knowledge has only appeared recently.