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Bicycle:
two-wheeled vehicle operated by pedals.
Rear caliper
brake: piece that joins the different parts
of the rear brake.
Seat post:
metal tube that holds the seat.
Saddle:
seat.
Cross bar:
cylinder that connects the seat tube and the head tube.
Handlebar
stem: metal tube used to steer the front wheel.
handle bars:
metal tube used for steering.
Brake cable:
braided steel cable used to control the brakes.
Brake lever:
device used to operate the brake.
Head tube:
cylinder that holds the handlebars and which connects the crossbar
to the down tube.
Front caliper
brake: piece that joins the different parts
of the front brake.
Derailleur
gear changer: lever used to shift the chain
on a multi-speed bicycle.
Fork:
piece formed of two parallel tubes, between which the wheel
is fixed.
Down tube:
cylinder onto which the crank gear is attached and which connects
the down tube to the seat tube.
Spoke:
long, thin piece of metal connecting the rim of a wheel to its
hub.
Hub:
central part crossed by the axle.
Rim:
circle of metal forming the edge of a wheel.
Tire:
hollow, air-filled casing made of rubber-covered fabric and
steel.
Tire valve:
system used to regulate the air in a tire.
Wheel:
round object that turns around a central axle to allow the bicycle
to advance.
Pedal:
footed operated system used to propel a bicycle.
Crank arm:
arm perpendicular to an axle, used to give it circular motion.
Drive chain:
set of metal links that is used to transmit motion.
Rear derailleur:
apparatus used to transfer the chain from one gear to another,
situated at the rear of a bicycle.
Chain stay:
part on which the bicycle rests.
Front derailleur:
apparatus used to transfer the chain from one gear to another,
situated at the front of a bicycle.
Seat tube:
cylinder to which the seat is attached and which connects the
down tube to the crossbar.
Bicycles can be categorized in different
ways: e.g. by function, by number of riders, by general construction,
by gearing or by means of propulsion. The most common types
are:
Utility bicycles
are designed for commuting, shopping and running errands. They
employ middle or heavy weight frames and tires, internal hub
gearing, and a variety of helpful accessories. The riding position
is usually upright.
Mountain bicycles
are designed for off-road cycling, and include other sub-types
of off-road bicycles such as Cross Country (i.e."XC"),
Downhill , and to a lesser extent Freeride bicycles. All mountain
bicycles feature sturdy, highly durable frames and wheels, wide-gauge
treaded tires, and cross-wise handlebars to help the rider resist
sudden jolts. Some mountain bicycles feature various types of
suspension systems (e.g. coiled spring, air or gas shock), and
hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. Mountain bicycle gearing
is very wide-ranging, from very low ratios to high ratios, typically
with 21 to 30 gears.
Racing bicycles
are designed for speed, and include road, time trial, and track
bicycles. They have lightweight frames and components with minimal
accessories, dropped handlebars to allow for an aerodynamic
riding position, narrow high-pressure tires for minimal rolling
resistance and multiple gears. Racing bicycles have a relatively
narrow gear range, and typically varies from medium to very
high ratios, distributed across 18, 20, 27 or 30 gears. The
more closely spaced gear ratios allow racers to choose a gear
which will enable them to ride at their optimum pedaling cadence
for maximum efficiency.
Touring bicycles
are designed for bicycle touring and long journeys. They are
durable and comfortable, capable of transporting baggage, and
may feature any type of gearing system.
Cruiser bicycles
feature balloon tires, curvy "cantilever" frames,
upright riding position, and padded saddles. They are popular
recreation bikes for those who value style and durability over
performance, especially in resort areas. The many elaborate
and fanciful cruiser designs of the 1930s-1950s have become
a focus for bicyle collectors.
tandems or twins
have two riders, one on the front and one on the back.
folding bicycles
can be quickly folded for easy carrying, for example on public
transport.
unicycles are not
proper bicycles, as they have only one wheel.
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