What is a derailleur?
A derailleur is a mechanism on a bicycle that moves the chain from one sprocket to another, allowing the rider to change gears. There are two types of derailleurs: front and rear. The front derailleur controls the movement of the chain between the chainrings on the crankset, while the rear derailleur moves the chain between the cogs on the cassette. Derailleurs are essential components of a bike’s drivetrain system, enabling the rider to adjust the resistance and speed of pedaling.
What are disc brakes?
Disc brakes are a type of braking system commonly found on modern bicycles. Unlike traditional rim brakes, which use pads to grip the wheel rims, disc brakes use a rotor attached to the hub of the wheel. When the rider squeezes the brake lever, calipers press brake pads against the rotor, creating friction and slowing down the bike. Disc brakes offer better stopping power and performance in wet or muddy conditions compared to rim brakes, making them popular among mountain bikers and commuters.
What is a crankset?
A crankset is the component of a bicycle that converts the rider’s pedaling motion into rotational energy to drive the chain and propel the bike forward. It consists of one or more chainrings attached to a set of crank arms, which are connected to the bottom bracket of the bike frame. The size and number of chainrings on a crankset determine the range of gears available for the rider to choose from. Cranksets come in various configurations, such as single, double, or triple chainring setups, to suit different riding styles and terrains.
What are clipless pedals?
Clipless pedals are a type of pedal system that allows the rider to securely attach their cycling shoes to the pedals for a more efficient and powerful pedaling stroke. Contrary to their name, clipless pedals actually involve clipping into a mechanism on the pedal using cleats on the bottom of the shoes. This connection between the rider and the bike enhances control, stability, and power transfer, especially during high-intensity riding or racing. Clipless pedals are popular among road cyclists, mountain bikers, and triathletes for their performance benefits.
What is a cassette?
A cassette is the cluster of cogs or sprockets that make up the rear gear system on a bicycle. It is mounted on the hub body of the rear wheel and is connected to the chain via the rear derailleur. Cassettes come in various sizes and configurations, with different numbers of teeth on each cog to provide a range of gear ratios for the rider to choose from. By shifting the chain between the cogs using the rear derailleur, the rider can adjust the resistance and speed of pedaling to match the terrain or riding conditions.
What are handlebars?
Handlebars are the steering and control component of a bicycle, providing the rider with a grip to steer the bike and support for the hands while riding. They are attached to the stem of the bike frame and come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different riding styles and preferences. Common types of handlebars include flat bars, drop bars, riser bars, and bullhorn bars, each offering a unique riding position and hand placement. Handlebars also often feature brake levers, shifters, and other accessories for controlling the bike’s speed and gears.