Things To Know About Your Mountain Bike Parts
The Basic Parts Of A Mountain Bike
The Frame
The frame of a mountain bike is smaller than that of a road bike. But the angle is very relaxing for the rider so that he can maneuver the bike with skillful agility over different grounds. Mountain bike manufacturers build bikes, which are gender specific. So while you buy a bike be sure to get the right sizing.
The Handlebars
The handlebars of a mountain bike are flat, usually as wide as the rider's shoulders. However, depending on the rider's preference it could be narrower or wider. Riser bars are fast becoming popular as it looks attractive and gives the riders a more upright position. You can add bar ends to the handlebars, which will allow more hand positions and give more comfort to the rider.
Bike Crank And Derailleur
A crank is connected to the bottom bracket of the frame with pedals attached to the tip of each crank. Crank has chainrings attached to it. The gear and chainrings are outfitted with derailleurs. The derailleurs, using the shifters that are placed at the handlebars, derail one gear to the other and the chain from one chainring to the other. The finer the quality of the derailleur the more exact the shifting will be.
Shifters
Shifters activate the front and rear derailleurs setting off the motion of the chain from one gear to the other.
Three basic types of shifters are:
1. Thumb Shifter: These are the most basic shifters that are fastened on top of handlebars and are operated by a push and pull of the thumb and the index finger respectively.
2. Rapid Fire Shifters: Rapid-fire shifters are generally fixed at the bottom of the handlebar and are activated by a two push buttons. For newer models a push and pull lever is used.
3. Grip Shifters: A grip shifter acts like a motorcycle throttle. To shift up to a lighter gear you have to turn the grip shift for the rear derailleur inwards. And to shift down to a heavier gear turn the grip shift outward.
Gear
Mountain bikes are meant to stomp on Steep Mountain trails and are usually equipped with outstanding gear ratios. The most popular one is the 36x34, which the mountain biker christens as "granny" gear. With this gear, you can trudge steep hills at a high tempo.
Brakes
Today's mountain bikes have passed the stage of coaster brakes. Today the "V" brakes or the linear pull-type brakes are regular in mountain bikes. You can have Disk Brakes for high-end mountain bikes. Disk Brakes are highly proficient, as its feat does not get clogged by water or mud. You must keep your timing intact for a good braking performance.
Pedals
The mountain bike riders use two types of pedals. One is the toe clip, which can be made up of metal or plastic and is compatible with any kind of rubber shoe. The second type is the clipless pedal for which the biker has to wear a special kind of shoe. Clipless pedals raise the transfer of power from the rider to the bike.
Saddle
A saddle is necessary for your comfort while you chomp your way through a rugged ride. Make your seat comfortable with a perfect saddle for you.
Wheels and Tires
There are plenty of wheel sets in the market, which will ensure high performance. Mostly these wheels are durable and light but before buying a wheel keep in mind the safety factor.
Tires are the most important parts of the mountain bike. They should have a good grip for a smooth experience. A bad tire can sour up your whole journey ending it up in some gutter.
Suspension System
Today the suspension system has become essential for a mountain bike and with improved technology, suspensions are now cheaper and simpler to handle. This is evident in fork suspension system of hardtail mountain bikes.
Knowing about the components of a mountain bike will make your bike live long and healthy always ready for a rousing journey.
Related Tags: biking, bike, bikes, frame, tires, mountain, biker, handlebars, chain, trails, pedals, wheels
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert and read more about treating acne at http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Dirt-Bikes.html
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Austin, Texas: A Cyclist's Paradise
Austin, Texas, is well known for its high rate of resident activity. In fact, Austin is often rated - A Short History Of Bike Messengers (and Their Fixies)
Even in our modern information age the bike messenger still has a job. You would think that in the a - Bicycles, Bikes And Cycles - How They Got Where They Are Now
Early in the 1800's the first forms of the bike were being made. They were normally referred to as " - The Importance Of The Biker Jacket
The biker jacket is by far the best part of the biker's wardrobe. You can see a good looking jacket - Taking Up Mountain Biking
When you think of exercise, you may imagine running in place on a treadmill at the gym. However, los - Buy Some Clothes And Help A Cause!
Do you like to help a cause you believe in? Do you feel like you want to do more to help? You can he - See The Country On A Mountain Bike
The next time you're ready to answer the call of the wild, hop on your mountain bike and head for th - Mountain Biking On Adventure Tour: Guide And Tips
People who love sports usually can't resist mountain biking. The sport is considered to be most adve - Vuelta A Espaņa: Bettini Wins And Freire Holds The Yellow Jersey
The last Tour of the cycling season started last Saturday in the northwest of Spain in the city of V - Cycling Shoes
I can remember my first pair of cycling shoes. They were a pair of New Balance that I got on a sale
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Your Mountain Bike Needs A Little Lovin' Too...How To Care For Your Bike!
When you're out on the trail, miles and miles from home, you don't want any serious mechanical situa - The Beauty of Beach Cruiser Bikes
There's something beautiful about beach cruiser bikes. Where else will guys get such a chance to sh - Mountain Biking at the Next Level - At Night
Do you need a bike light?If you bike during the evenings - during the dusk or at night, it is impera - How To Be Comfortable - Safe And Smart In Bicycle Clothes
Wear The Right Bicycle Clothes While Biking Bicycling clothes must provide protection. comfort and - Bike Frames Evolution
The bicycle can trace its history back to Germany in the year 1817, when inventor Karl Drais develop - Know Your Mountain Bike
There's a lot of terminology to learn if you're a mountain biking enthusiast. These enthusiasts have - Picking a Beach Cruiser
Beach Cruisers are the most common term for bicycles with overstuffed seats, wide tires comfortable - Cycling Injuries
Cycling is a hugely popular sport across the world, but if you are cycling on the wrong size of bicy - Information on Bicycle Saddles
A saddle is different from a traditional bicycle seat. A seat is designed to carry complete weight o - Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong is well a known sportsman, but he is not just a great cyclist, he is also an inspira
