Anatomy of a Bike

When most people think of bicycle structure, they tend to only think of the basics — the frame, the wheels and the seat. While theses fundamental parts of a bikes structure have remained relatively the same since the inception of bicycles in 1885, bikes have, in fact, advanced beyond the basics in a number of ways.

Bike anatomy is complicated and varies depending on the type of bike and riding you practice. Some of the standard features are:

• brake and shifter handles: Located on the ends of the handlebars, these controls allow the rider to easily break or change gears as they ride.

• chain and chainrings: The chain connects the gears to the chainrings, which are usually attached to the pedals in the front. The main purpose of the chains and chainrings is to facilitate gear shifting so riders can easily ride on a variety of terrain at different speeds.
• frame: A tube of metal designed to support the bike and its rider, the frame is generally made of aluminum or titanium alloy. Higher end bikes may have carbon fiber frames. All other bike parts are connected to the frame.
• fork: The fork connects the front wheel and the handlebars to the bike.
• handles: Handles are placed at the ends of handlebars for shifting and braking, although pedal brakes do still exist on many childrens bikes. Handles are also important to steering and maneuvering bicycles.
• rear and front brakes: This part of a bike is made up of steel levers attached to the bikes frame. They cause rubber brake pads to squeeze against the wheel rims when the rider triggers the brake handles.
• seat and seat post: The seat and seat post can vary greatly depending on the type of bicycle you ride. Seats can be as wide or narrow as you prefer. They also come in assorted materials and may feature splits or holes in the center to relieve pressure.

In this section, we will explain the various bike parts and bike part accessories essential for proper riding and cycling safety. Our articles will discuss how to choose the right bike, how to stay safe as you ride and the various non-essential accessories you may find helpful.

Choosing the Right Bike

When it comes to buying a bike, the type of bike and related equipment you purchase will depend on a variety of factors. Not only will you need to select a bike that you can afford, but you will also need to consider what type of riding you want to practice.

For example, if you want to start mountain biking, you are going to need a significantly different style of bike than if you plan to BMX or just want to leisurely ride on the street. Deciding on your type of riding will be the first step in choosing the right bike.

Saddles and Seat Posts

Different bicycle saddles and seat posts are used in different types of riding. They can vary in shape, size and material, and some even have cutouts for extra comfort and ventilation.

The type of riding you will be doing and your bike type will help you determine the correct saddle and seat post.

Resource

Spadout (2005). Bicycle Anatomy. Retrieved January 14, 2008, from the Spadout Web site.