What Parts Does the Road Bike Have?
Knowledge

What Parts Does the Road Bike Have?

In response to developing sports trends and the pandemic, more and more people are using bikes to commute or for leisure activities. With this increase in interest, it would be interesting to know, how many components a bike has.
Published: Dec 02, 2021
What Parts Does the Road Bike Have?

Overview of the Bicycle Industry

Taiwan enjoys the reputation of being the kingdom of bicycle manufacturing. After 40 years of development, Taiwan has become the world's largest exporter of bicycles. In the past 10 years, under the low-price competition between China and India, domestic industry players have gradually transitioned into making mid-to-high-end, and higher-end bicycles. In terms of electrically assisted bicycles, it has increased production by 125% compared with 2018. Even during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, from January to October, there was a 20% growth rate compared to the same period in 2019. There are presently four major trends taking place in the development of the global bicycle industry, namely: going to lightweight, electrification, intelligence and networking, and sharing and services. With the bicycle industry booming, mastering key international technologies will give manufacturers the opportunity to meet the different demands in the market, and give added value to bicycles.

What parts does the bicycle have?

  1. Frame
    The frame is the most important basic structure of a bicycle and is a decisive factor that affects the riding experience. Most frames are made in a rhombus shape, as it is the most stable structure and is the most economical to produce. When purchasing, you should pay attention to whether the size of the frame matches your height. A good frame will be light in weight and strong. Common materials frames are made of include aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, carbon fiber, and synthetic steel.
    • Head Tube: Connects the Top Tube and the Down Tube, the Front Fork passes through it, and the Headset is built into it.
    • Top Tube: The frame tube that connects the Head Tube and the Seat Tube.
    • Down Tub: The frame tube that connects the Head Tube and the Bottom Bracket.
    • Seat Tube: The length of the Seat Tube will directly affect the riding experience. Choose a suitable frame size based on the rider's height.
    • Seat Stay: Connects the upper edge of the Seat Tube to the Rear Axle.
    • Chain Stay: Connects the Down Tube to the Rear Axle.
    • Fork: Controls the front wheel and provides cushioning and shock absorption. Road bikes usually adopt more rigid front forks, with a bit of an arc at the fork end to produces an offset. Mountain bikes are equipped with flexible, shock absorber front forks, to cope with more forceful vibrations on harsh roads. This also helps the front tire to maintain contact with the road for better control. There are two types of suspension forks: connecting rod and crumple type. Most mountain bikes usually use crumple type, while connecting rod type suspensions are mostly used in bikes with smaller diameter frame tubes.
    • Saddle: Supports the weight of the rider. When selecting, comfort should be the main consideration to reduce pressure and friction. The cushion structure is divided into the cushion shell, cushion underframe (seat bow), reinforcement sheet, cushion, and surface layer. The cushion supports most of the body's weight and is most likely to cause pressure and friction. Different models of vehicles need to use different forms of cushions. 
    • Mountain bikes have easy to sit on saddles which can reduce fatigue. The road bike must reduce frictional resistance as much as possible, so the appearance is relatively slender. The saddle cushion should have support points and comfort for long-distance riding. In addition, for women with a wider pelvic cavity, the rear part of the cushion is designed to be wider and can reduce the feeling of pressure. It can be selected according to the indicated purpose of the cushion.
    • Seat Post: Connects the seat cushion and the frame to support the weight from the seat cushion.
    • Seat Post Clamp: Clamps the seat tube and the frame for easy adjustment of the height of the seat tube.
  2. Steering system
    A headset inside the head tube provides bicycle travel control.
    • Handlebar: Is connected by the stem to the front fork to control the driving direction. Generally, road bikes use curved handlebars to lower the upper body to reduce wind resistance. There are also flat-handled road bikes. Handle bears need to be able to bear impact and pressure from the body's weight. During acceleration and climbing there will bear the force of pull on the handlebars. The requirements for rigidity and fatigue resistance are self-explanatory. The handlebars come in many shapes depending on the function of the bike type. Road bikes often use down-bending handles. Mountain bikes are equipped with straight handles.
    • Handle Tape: Non-slip, shock-absorbing tape can will give a good grip and prevent sweat from corroding handlebar.
    • Brake/ Shift Lever: The brake lever and shift lever of road bikes are usually integrated into one piece which is installed on the handlebar.
    • Head Sets: Bearing bike parts installed on the upper and lower ends of the head tube to hold the front fork steering tube and allow it to steer.
    • Stem Cap: Protective bike parts, used as a dust-proof and waterproof outer cover for the stem. The Stem connects the handlebar and the front fork steering tube. It controls the driving direction, and maintains balance.
  3. Braking system
    Controls the slowing and stopping of the front and rear wheels.
    • Caliper Brake: Movable bike parts that hold the brake blocks which slow down or stop the wheels. C-type brake clamps (C clamps for short) are commonly used on road bikes, but disc brakes are also used.
    • Brake Block: Makes contact with the wheel frame and clamps to the frame to restrain the wheel from rotating, thereby decelerating or stopping the bike.
    • Brake Cable: Connect the brake control on the handle bar to the caliper brake.
  4. Gear transmission system
    The variable speed gear system is like the heart of a bicycle, transferring the force that drives the bicycle forward. These components bear constant force, and because they are close to the ground, they are susceptible to corrosion caused by dirt or contaminants. Therefore, regular maintenance and inspection are very important.
    • Pedals: Feet are directly applied to the pedals to push the bicycle. There are various tuprs pf petals, including pedals that clamp onto the rider’s shoes.
    • Crank: A lever that connects the bottom bracket to the pedal, and transmits the pedaling force to the chain.
    • Large plate Chainring/ Chainwheel: A large gear set connected to the right crank that the chain attaches to.
    • Bottom Bracket: A combination of bike parts that connect the big plate, the crank, and the frame.
    • Chain: Connects the chainring and the freewheel gear set to transfers energy to the rear wheel.
    • Freewheel/ Cassette: A combination of multiple gears, placed on the ratchet seat of the rear wheel.
    • Front Derailleur: Controls the switching of the chain between various gears on the front chainring.
    • Rear Derailleur: Controls the switching of the chain between various gears on the freewheel gears.
    • Derailleur Cable: Connects the shift lever on the handlebars with the derailleur.
  5. The wheel
    The bicycles move forward or stops depending on friction between the tires and the ground. Therefore, the material and design of the wheels will affect the speed and stability of riding. The wheels include a hub, spokes, and rims. The hubs should minimize internal frictional resistance and withstand strong torque during pedaling. The spokes should be rigid enough to firmly connect the hub and the rim. Flat spokes can also reduce the warping and reduce wind resistance. The rim structure must allow it to withstand radial impact and maintain a constant round shape with minimal deflection. Wheelsets should be lightweight, have good rigidity, and provide smooth hub rotation.
    • Rim: The outer frame of the wheel. The tire is fixed on the rim.
    • Hub: The bearing that drives the rotation of the rim. The rear hub works in conjunction with a corresponding freewheel set.
    • Spoke: The wire which connects the hub and the rim.
    • Nipple: A nut that fixes the spokes to the rim.
    • Cassette Body: Inside has a one-way ratchet, which engages the freewheel to drive the rear wheel of the bike forward when force is placed on the pedal, and idle freely when the pedal is not being rotated.
    • Quick Release: Allows the bike parts of the fixed wheelset to be quickly removed or replaced by opening or closing the handle.
    • Dropout: The small groove at the end of the front fork and the rear triangle of the frame that the wheelset can fit into.
    • Tire: According to different needs, there are various specifications and tread patterns to choose from. The thinner the tire, the lower the rolling resistance; the wider the tire, the better the shock absorption. Road tires are generally divided into tube tires and tubeless tires and wheelsets. The driving and stopping of the bike mainly relys on the friction between the tires and the ground. The tire tread affects the contact area with the ground, which affects the friction and tracking of the bike. Mountain bikes need to use large tires to increase cushioning and traction on rough road. Road bikes use narrow tires with higher tire pressures to reduce friction.
    • Valve: The tube where tires are inflated from. The two commonly used valves are American and French. American air nozzles are the same as automobile and locomotive tires, and can be inflated in general car shops and gas stations. French air nozzles require additional adapters.
Published by Dec 02, 2021 Source :cycling

Further reading

You might also be interested in ...

Headline
Knowledge
Precision in Rotation: Indexing Plates in Metal Machining
Rotary Indexing Plates are precision components of milling machines that facilitate the precise angular positioning of workpieces and cutting tools. They are used in both metal machining and woodworking, and while they share a fundamental purpose, there are notable differences in their design, capabilities, and applications due to the distinct characteristics of the materials and processes involved.
Headline
Knowledge
Sheet Metal Fabrication Machines: An Overview
Sheet metal machines are widely used in various manufacturing industries for shaping, cutting, and forming sheet metal into different components. Some of the industries that extensively utilize sheet metal machines include light industries such as electrical and medical equipment, all the way up to heavy industries such as automotive, rail, oil and gas, as well as wind power generation.
Headline
Knowledge
The Significance of Planing Machines in the Machining Tool Industry
Metal and wood planing machines are essential tools in the machining industry. Wood planers use a rotating cutterhead equipped with sharp blades to smooth and size workpieces, ensuring uniformity in woodworking projects. Metal planers use a cutting tool mounted on a reciprocating tool head to remove excess material from metal surfaces, achieving precise dimensions in components. Both types of planning machines enhance efficiency, precision, and the overall quality of finished products. Understanding the key features of the various types of planing machines will help you choose the right machine best suited for your machining needs.
Headline
Knowledge
Stamp Press Technology and Manufacturing in Taiwan
Nestled in the heart of East Asia, Taiwan has emerged as a powerhouse in the global stamp press industry, with a robust manufacturing ecosystem, and cutting-edge technology. With a rich manufacturing tradition and a focus on precision engineering, Taiwanese companies meet the demands of diverse sectors, ranging from electronics and automotive to medical devices and aerospace, supplying high-quality stamp press solutions to a diverse range of markets worldwide.
Headline
Knowledge
Introduction to Stamp Press Technology
Stamp press technology, also known as stamping or pressing, is a manufacturing process that utilizes a press to shape or cut materials into desired forms. This process involves the use of a die and a punch to form or cut the material, creating intricate shapes with high precision. Widely employed for mass production due to its speed, accuracy, and repeatability, this process is a crucial part of modern manufacturing.
Headline
Knowledge
Mechanical Reducers in Industrial Manufacturing
Speed reducers are powerful mechanical devices generally used in machining tools to multiply the force or torque generated by an input power source, thereby increasing the usable force, enhancing the performance and precision of the machining tool. They are also used in material handling systems such as conveyor belts and lifting mechanisms to control the speed of material transfer and manage heavy loads efficiently. By multiplying the available output force, they enable the use of a reduced input power source, resulting in cost savings for machine tool investments. When choosing the appropriate speed reducer, the torque, speed, and horsepower of the input, as well as the mounting configuration, efficiency, and required lifetime all need to be considered. The quality of the machine chosen will also be reflected in the amount of backlash, transmission error, torsional rigidity, and inertia experienced during machining.
Headline
Knowledge
Introduction to Stamp Press Technology
Stamp press technology, also known as stamping or pressing, is a manufacturing process that utilizes a press to shape or cut materials into desired forms. This process involves the use of a die and a punch to form or cut the material, creating intricate shapes with high precision. Widely employed for mass production due to its speed, accuracy, and repeatability, this process is a crucial part of modern manufacturing.
Headline
Knowledge
Innovations in Sawing Technology
The traditional image of saws as just cutting tools is being reshaped by cutting-edge advancements that integrate automation and robotics in sawing technologies, paving the way for greater precision and efficiency of sawing technology in manufacturing.
Headline
Knowledge
The Fundamentals of Drilling Machines
Drilling machines play a pivotal role in the manufacturing industry, using rotary motion to create precise holes in a variety of materials. Whether it's metal, wood, plastic, or composites, drilling machines are versatile and essential for producing components in countless applications.
Headline
Knowledge
Hybrid Milling in Manufacturing: Integrating Additive and Subtractive Processes
The integration of additive manufacturing (AM) and subtractive milling processes has emerged as a transformative manufacturing process known as hybrid milling. This technique combines the strengths of both 3D printing and traditional subtractive milling, opening up new possibilities and diverse applications for creating complex geometries with improved material efficiency.
Headline
Knowledge
Features and Mechanics of Industrial Saws
Industrial saws shape raw materials into precise components that form the backbone of countless products. Understanding the mechanics of sawing, examining the fundamental principles, cutting mechanisms, and essential aspects of safety and maintenance will ensure the most efficient and safe operation of industrial saws.
Headline
Knowledge
Understanding the Diversity of Industrial Saws
Industrial saws play a pivotal role in processing a wide range of materials with precision and efficiency. Taiwan is a major supplier of industrial saws to the automotive, aerospace, and construction, as well as the metal fabrication industries. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse industry of industrial saws, exploring their types, structures, applications, and the crucial role they play in various industries.
Agree