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