The Parts of a Bike

Bikes are made up of frame, gears, brakes, seats, handlebars, tires and pedals.

A frame needs to be strong enough to handle you and the terrain, but light enough to enhance your riding experience. Better bikes have stiffer aluminum frames or more flexible thinner steel frames.

Shifting gears are crucial for anything but casual biking. The ability to shift can save much effort on your part, and a basic 21 shift is adequate for most people. On some bikes you either twist the handlebars for shifting, or use a trigger shift: one for gearing up and one for gearing down.

Brakes must be reliable. Mountain bikes have "V" brakes (good leverage) or disc brakes (better for wet situations, more costly). Road bikes have caliper brakes.

The seat or saddle can be replaced on any bike. It is important that you have a comfortable seat and it even comes gender specific if you desire. Prices range from $20 and up.

Handlebars come in two basic shapes. Straight handlebars allow you to sit in a more upright position. The highly curved handlebars are aerodynamic but can be uncomfortable and stressful for a weak back.

Casual bikers will not need toe clips but if you are doing serious up and down pedaling as well as racing, consider these add ons. But make sure you practice getting your feet in and out of them easily, for those quick stops or you may end up with injuries.

Tires vary with the bike's purpose. Road bikes have a smooth tread, offering wire-bead tires or Kevlar-bead tires (not as heavy but more expensive). Mountain bikes have a bumpy tread...the bumpier or knobby, the better for muddy traveling...smoother tires for road or hard surfaces.

Suspension is bike specific. Front suspension for mountain bikes is a must for absorbing any rough trail bumps. Full suspension can also enhance the ride but add cost and weight. If your riding terrain is a smooth road or packed dirt path, suspension can be an unnecessary, and in fact, hindering addon.