Bicycle Anatomy

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Learn the parts of a bicycle and their functions. This includes the frame, wheels, handlebars, brakes, gears, and pedals.

Frame: The basic structure of the bicycle which consists of top tube, down tube, head tube, seat tube, seat stays, and chain stays.
Fork: The part of the bicycle that connects the front wheel to the frame.
Wheelset: The two wheels, including rims, spokes, and hubs that make up the bicycle's wheelset.
Tires: The rubber outer layer of the bicycle wheel that comes into contact with the road.
Brakes: The mechanisms that are used to slow or stop the bike, including rim brakes, disc brakes, and coaster brakes.
Handlebars: The part of the bicycle that the rider holds onto, including the stem, handlebar, and grip.
Shifters: The mechanisms that control the gears on the bicycle, which can be located on the handlebars or on the frame itself.
Drivetrain: The parts that allow the bicycle to move forward, including the chain, pedals, cranks, and derailleur.
Bottom bracket: The part of the frame where the pedals attach to the frame.
Seatpost: The part of the frame that the seat attaches to.
Saddle: The seat that the rider sits on, which can come in different shapes and sizes.
Headset: The part of the frame that connects the fork to the bike's frame.
Suspension: The system that provides shock absorption, which can be either front suspension, rear suspension, or both.
Rack and fenders: Optional parts that can be attached to the bicycle for carrying cargo and protecting the rider from mud and water.
Pedals: The part of the bike that the rider's feet attach to.
Bearings: Parts that allow the different parts of the bike to move smoothly.
Cables and housing: The wires and protective casing that connect the brakes and shifters to the frame.
Accessories: Additional parts that can be added to the bike, such as lights, bells, and water bottle holders.
Maintenance: The regular upkeep of the bike, including cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of different parts.
Fit: Adjusting the bike to the rider's body, including the saddle height, handlebar position, and frame size.
Frame: The core structure of a bicycle that supports all other parts.
Fork: The part that connects the front wheel to the bike's frame.
Headset: The part that connects the fork to the frame and allows the rider to steer.
Stem: The part that connects the handlebar to the headset.
Handlebars: The part that the rider uses to steer and balance the bike.
Seat post: The part that attaches the saddle or seat to the frame.
Saddle: The part where the rider sits.
Pedals: The part where the rider places their feet to power the bike.
Chain: The part that transfers power from the pedals to the rear wheel.
Derailleurs: The part that moves the chain between different gears on the rear wheel.
Shifters: The part that the rider uses to change gears.
Cassette: The set of gears on the rear wheel that the chain moves between.
Chainring: The part that the chain moves around on the front wheel.
Brakes: The part that the rider uses to slow down or stop the bike.
Wheels: The part that the bike moves on, consisting of the rim, spokes, and hub.
Tires: The rubber outer part of the wheel that touches the ground.
Inner tubes: The part that holds the air in the tire.
Rim tape: The part that protects the inner tube from the spoke holes on the rim.
Hubs: Central part of the wheel that the spokes are attached to.
Spokes: Thin metal rods that connect the hub to the rim.
"A bicycle frame is the main component of a bicycle, onto which wheels and other components are fitted."
"The modern and most common frame design for an upright bicycle is based on the safety bicycle, and consists of two triangles: a main triangle and a paired rear triangle."
"A main triangle and a paired rear triangle."
"Frames are required to be strong, stiff and light."
"They do so by combining different materials and shapes."
"A frameset consists of the frame and fork of a bicycle and sometimes includes the headset and seat post."
"Frame builders will often produce the frame and fork together as a paired set."