Cycling Components

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CYCLING COMPONENTS?

Cycling Components are an essential part of a bicycle. The most important cycling components of a bike are the drivetrain, wheels, brakes, handlebars, forks and shock absorbers, saddles and tyres. A groupset consists of the chain, derailleur, chainrings, crankset and cassette, which allows the rider to adjust the gear ratio to suit different terrain conditions and desired speeds.

Bicycle wheels are designed to support the weight of the rider, provide traction, enable steering and contribute to the overall performance of the bicycle. Depending on the number of spokes the wheel will be lighter or lighter. The lighter the wheel, the faster they spin and they will have a greater acceleration. Road bikes aim for speed and therefore use light, thin wheels with a narrower tyre, while mountain bikes have to withstand hard knocks due to the uneven terrain and therefore the wheels are wider, heavier and with tyres thicker.

The suspension is a cycling component that is mainly used on MTB bikes to absorb and dampen vibrations and impacts that occur when riding on uneven terrain. There are two types of suspension, the front suspension or fork and the rear suspension or shock absorber. The fork is located on the front wheel of the bike and has the function of absorbing impacts. It also allows the rider to have better control by keeping the front wheel in contact with the ground. While the shock absorber is located on the rear wheel to maintain balance on rough terrain and improve traction and control of the bike.

The brakes are an essential cycling component that allows you to stop or slow your bike when necessary. Its main function is to provide control and safety to the cyclist, allowing him/her to stop effectively and avoid collisions or accidents. There are several types of brakes used on bicycles. The most common are the brake discs, used on high-performance MTB and road bikes. Brake discs use metal discs mounted in the centre of the wheels and callipers that squeeze the brake pads against the discs to stop the bicycle. The brake pads are another type of brakes that exert pressure on the bicycle rims to generate friction and stop or slow down the bicycle.

The bicycle handlebars is used to control the steering of the bicycle and provide a support point for the rider's hands. Handlebars are connected to the front fork of the bicycle and allow the rider to turn the front wheel , which controls the direction of the bicycle. Handlebars can come in different styles, shapes and materials, allowing riders to choose the type of handlebars that suit their riding style and personal preferences. Examples of handlebar types include the straight handlebar, the road handlebars or the MTB handlebars.

The stem of the bicycle is the part that connects the handlebars to the bicycle frame via the steerer tube of the fork. The stem allows you to control the handlebar height, so that a variation of the stem will have an impact on the body posture. Stems are usually made of carbon or aluminium alloys. When purchasing a stem, two essential parameters must be taken into account: the inclination and the length. The inclination influences the control of the bicycle. The greater the angle, the more upright your posture will be and the safer and more controlled your descents will be. The narrower the angle of position, the more reclined you are on the bike, which is favourable for ascending steeper climbs. The length is related to the flexibility of the cyclist. More flexible people should opt for longer stems, especially in the case of MTB.

The saddle is the seat where the cyclist sits while pedalling. The saddle allows the rider to sit comfortably for extended periods of time. Its shape and design are designed to minimise discomfort and fatigue while riding. The saddle supports the weight of the rider while pedalling. It should be sufficiently sturdy and robust to keep the rider safe and comfortable.

The pedals of a bicycle are the parts at the bottom of the bicycle frame where the rider places his feet to apply the force needed to turn the wheels. There are different types of pedals, each designed to suit different cycling styles and preferences. The most common types include the platform pedals, the pedals with cleats and clipless pedals for mountain bikes.

The cranks of a bicycle are essential components of the drivetrain system at the bottom of the bicycle frame. They are designed to convert the linear motion of the pedals into a rotary motion that drives the chain and turns the rear wheel . The cranks are the connection between the pedals and the chainring. When a cyclist applies force to the pedals by pressing down, the crankset is rotated by the cranks. This action transfers the rider's power to the chain, propelling the bicycle forward.

The tyres of a bicycle are the rubber components that cover the wheels of a bicycle. Bicycle tyres have a tread design that varies according to the type of bicycle and the terrain on which it is used. The choice of bicycle tyres can significantly affect the overall performance of the bicycle. Different types of tyres are suitable for different types of cycling, such as road, MTB tyres, cyclocross or hybrid bikes.