• Bike Check – Getting to Know the Parts of Your Bike
  • Bike Check – Getting to Know the Parts of Your Bike

    pd11in22g > 11-23-2021, 06:10 AM

    Bike Check – Getting to Know the Parts of Your Bike

        The bicyclesa is a fascinating machine with many parts – so many, in fact, that a lot people never actually learn the names and just point to an area on their bike when something goes wrong. But whether you’re new to bicycles or not, everyone knows pointing isn’t always the most effective way to communicate. You might find yourself walking out of a bike shop with something you didn’t actually want. Ever ask for a new “wheel” when all you really needed was a new tire?

        Going into a bike shop to purchase a bike or get a tune up can be bewildering; it’s as if the employees speak a different language.

        There is a lot of technical jargon in the world of bicycles and bicycle accessories. Simply knowing the basic part names can help clear the air and even make you feel more confident about riding your bike. That’s why we put together an article highlighting all, well almost all, the parts that make up a bicycle. If this sounds like more work than it’s worth just remember that when you’re interested in everything you will never have a dull day.

        Use the photo and descriptions below as your guide. If you do forget the name of a part you’ve always got your finger to help point it out.

        Essential Bicycle Parts / Bicycle Tool

        Pedal

        This is the part that a cyclist places their feet on. The pedal is attached to the crank which is the component that the cyclist rotates to spin the chain which in turn provides the bicycle’s power.

        Front derailleur

        Mechanism for changing the front gears by lifting the chain from one chain wheel to another; it allows the cyclist to adapt to road conditions.

        Chain (or drive chain)

        Set of metal links meshing with the sprockets on the chain wheel and gear wheel to transmit the pedaling motion to the rear wheel.

        Chain stay

        Tube connecting the pedal and crank mechanism to the rear-wheel hub.

        Rear derailleur

        Mechanism for changing the rear gears by lifting the chain from one gear wheel to another; it allows the cyclist to adapt to road conditions.

        Rear brake

        Mechanism activated by a brake cable, comprising a caliper and return springs; it forces a pair of brake pads against the sidewalls to stop the bike.

        Seat tube

        Part of the frame leaning slightly to the rear, receiving the seat post and joining the pedal mechanism.

        Seat stay

        Tube connecting the top of the seat tube with the rear-wheel hub.

        Seat post

        Component supporting and attaching the seat, inserted to variable depth into the seat tube to adjust the seat’s height.

        Seat

        Small triangular seat attached to the bicycle’s frame.

        Crossbar

        Horizontal part of the frame, connecting the head tube with the seat tube and stabilizing the frame.

        Down tube

        Part of the frame connecting the head tube to the pedal mechanism; it is the longest and thickest tube in the frame and gives it its rigidity.

        Tire valve

        Small clack valve sealing the inflation opening of the inner tube; it allows air to enter but prevents it from escaping.

        Spoke

        Thin metal spindle connecting the hub to the rim.

        Tire

        Structure made of cotton and steel fibers coated with rubber, mounted on the rim to form the casing for the inner tube.

        Rim

        Metal circle constituting the wheel’s circumference and on which the tire is mounted.

        Hub

        Central part of the wheel from which spokes radiate. Inside the hub are ball bearings enabling it to rotate around its axle.

        Fork

        Two tubes connected to the head tube and attached to each end of the front-wheel hub.

        Front brake

        Mechanism activated by a brake cable, comprising a caliper and return springs; it forces a pair of brake pads against the sidewalls to slow down the front wheel.

        Brake lever

        Lever attached to the handlebars for activating the brake caliper via a cable.

        Head tube

        Tube using ball bearings to transmit the steering movement to the fork.

        Stem

        Part whose height is adjustable; it is inserted into the head tube and supports the handlebars.

        Bicycle Handle Bar Grip

        Device made up of two handles connected by a tube, for steering the bicycle.

        Brake cable

        Sheathed steel cable transmitting the pressure exerted on the brake lever to the brake.

        Shifter

        Lever for changing gears via a cable moving the derailleur.

        Optional Bicycle Parts

        Toe clip

        This is a metal/plastic/leather device attached to the pedals that covers the front of the feet, keeping the feet in the proper position and increasing peddling power.

        Reflector

        Device returning light toward its source so that other users of the road might see the cyclist.

        Fender

        Piece of curved metal covering part of the wheel to protect the cyclist from being splashed by water.

        Rear light

        A red light that makes the cyclist visible in the dark.

        Generator

        Mechanism activated by the rear wheel, converting the wheel’s motion into electric energy to power the front and rear lights.

        Carrier (aka Rear Rack)

        Device attached to the back of the bicycle for carrying bags on each side and packages on top.

        Tire pump

        Device that compresses air and is used to inflate a bicycle tire’s inner tube.

        Water bottle clip

        Support attached to the down tube or the seat tube for carrying the water bottle.

        Headlight

        Lamp illuminating the ground a few yards in front of the bicycle.