| A bicycle is a simple, machine, but it involves a lot of | | | | the bicycle moves forward with each stroke of the |
| mechanization. A bicycle is made up of many parts put | | | | pedal. A mountain bike has 24 gears. Chain wheels are |
| together. Perfect synchronization in the functioning of | | | | the gears at the front. Most bikes have 2-3 chain |
| all the parts is essential for the efficient working of the | | | | wheels. The freewheel, at the rear, has 5-9 gears on it. |
| bicycle. Modern day bicycles include many new | | | | It spins freely in one direction and locks in the other. |
| elements, but a standard bicycle has the same main | | | | This enables the bike to coast, when not pedaling. |
| parts. The basic parts of a bicycle comprise; the | | | | There are front and rear derailleurs to change the |
| frame: A bicycle's frame is made up of many tubes | | | | gears. |
| welded together. The front fork holds the front wheel | | | | Ball bearings in a bicycle serve to reduce friction. Ball |
| and is movable. | | | | bearings are found in the front and rear hubs for the |
| The wheels: wheels include a hub, the spokes, metal | | | | wheels, the pedals, the fork tube, the bottom bracket |
| rim and rubber tyres. The brakes: they include the | | | | and in the freewheel. These bearings need to be |
| actuators on the handlebar, brake cables, brake pads | | | | periodically cleaned and greased. Expensive bicycles |
| and calipers. The chain and gears: they consist of the | | | | have sealed bearing cartridges that don't need |
| front chain wheels, the rear freewheel, the shift levers | | | | lubrication. |
| on the handlebars and the cables. Other bicycle parts | | | | Materials used |
| include the seat, seat posts, handlebars, handlebar | | | | Bicycles need to be strong and lightweight. Alloy steel |
| stem, bicycle lights, dynamos, cranks, and pedals. | | | | is used for making the frames and fork tubes. The |
| Gears and ball bearings | | | | handlebars, seat posts and brake levers are made of |
| Most racing bicycles have gears. Gears basically | | | | aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloy frames are affordable. |
| serve the purpose of reducing the size and diameter | | | | Carbon frames, titanium and advanced steel alloys |
| of the wheel. Gears adjust the direction of rotation. | | | | frames are also available. |
| Multiple gears on a bicycle helps change the distance | | | | |