Why are you biking?  Do you want to cut down on your fuel costs or improve your health by biking to work or to do your errands?  Do you want to compete in races and cut seconds off your time?  Do you want to take your bike on vacation and use it to see the sights and get some exercise at the same time?  No matter why you love your bike, you should take a little time to understand its parts.  Knowing about bicycle components will help you choose the right bike for you and help you maintain and repair it yourself. 

If you want to cut costs and have a reliable bike for transportation, simple is better.  When there are fewer parts, there are fewer things to break!  The basics are the frame, the tires, the chain, the chainring (around which the chain is attached), the handlebars, brakes, and a seat.  If a tire pops, you patch it.  If the chain slips, you put it back on and grease it regularly.  If your bike is steel, make sure you keep it out of the elements and wipe it dry after cleaning it or you apply a rust-proof finish. 

As you advance and expect more from your bicycle, the components become more complex.  Depending on what type of bike you have (racing, mountain, leisure), the components will vary.  In general, though, you can expect to find these parts on your bicycle:

Groupset.  This is the gear and braking system.  It also includes the chainrings, bottom bracket, front derailleur and rear derailleur, cassette, chain, and hubs.  Now, what are all these?

Chainrings. This is the round piece with all the teeth.  Chainrings are usually two or three piece, and the size for entry-level bikes is usually 53-39, or 53 teeth on the first ring and 39 on the second.  This changes as you progress.

Bottom Bracket.  This is the system around which the chainring revolves.  It consists of an axle and a bearing which provides the rotation. 

Front and Rear Derailleur.  The front derailleur has the important job of moving the chain from one chainring to another.  This is how you are able to switch gears in more complex bikes.  The rear derailleur moves the chain from one sprocket to another. 

Sprockets.  These are the small wheels with teeth that drive the chain.  To use a bike with ten speeds as an example:  this bike will have two sprockets of different sizes (bigger in diameter and more teeth) in the front, called the driving sprockets.  There are also give sprockets of different sizes in the rear, called the driven sprockets.  This allows the rider to choose from ten different speeds, or gears.  If you were going up a hill, you would probably switch to a lower gear to make it easier to pedal.  Likewise, on flats, a higher gear works best.  So the rear derailleur works by moving the chain from one sprocket to another, allowing you to change gears.  The combination of sprockets forms the cassette.

Chain.  This is an essential component.  Your bike will have a roller chain, which consists of many small rollers linked together.  Make sure to take good care of your chain, keeping it clean, greased, and free of moisture.

Wheel Hubs.  These are the systems that allow the wheels to turn.  In the rear, there is a “freewheel,” so your bike continues to move even if you are not pedaling.  This design allows you to coast.

Gear Shifter and Braking Levers.  These are located on the handlebars, so riders can easily switch gears or brake without missing a beat.  This is called “STI” or System Total Integration by Shimano, a renowned manufacturer of cycling equipment.  Campagnolo, a leading manufacturer based in Italy, calls it their “Ergo” system.  Whatever you call it, it makes riding seamless and fast. 

Your needs as a cyclist will change as you progress or will differ based on your intended use of your bike.  No matter why you are biking, though, it pays to take proper care of your bike and know where the bicycle parts are located so you can perform routine maintenance.  It is also nice to know how these amazing machines work so you can appreciate each and every ride. 

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