'Bike Nation' reengineers the bicycle

The bicycle first entered China as an import item in November 1868. Back then, bicycles were used exclusively to entertain the royalty. And 147 years on, the two-wheelers are riding a wave of innovation in China to glory.

Now, bikes are smart, speedy, snazzy. They are capable of recording and analyzing data and making route suggestions to the rider.

Over the decades, the purpose of riding bicycles has changed from entertainment to transportation to exercise to a statement on a pro-environment lifestyle.