Bicycle Parts: Useful Parts of a Bike with Pictures

Last updated on November 9, 2023 by 7ESL

Whether you are an avid cyclist or not, it is important to be able to refer to the different parts of a bicycle. This is useful if you have a bicycle which you need to take in for repair whilst in an English speaking country as you will be much more easily able to explain the problem. It is also useful for when you are listening to conversations or watching TV as you will more easily be able to recognise words and what is being said. Take a look over this section to educate yourself on the English names for the parts of a bicycle

Bike Parts

Bicycle Parts: Useful Parts of a Bike with PicturesPin

A bicycle, also called a cycle or bike, is a human-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A bicycle rider is called a cyclist, or bicyclist.

The bicycle consists of many different parts. Each part of a bicycle has a very important function.

Learn these parts of a bicycle to improve and increase your vocabulary words about transportation in English.

List of Bicycle Parts

  • Handlebar
  • Brake lever
  • Brake cable
  • Seat
  • Rear brake
  • Crossbar
  • Frame
  • Crank
  • Wheel
  • Chain
  • Pedal
  • Chain wheel
  • Front brake
  • Front fork
  • Hub
  • Spoke
  • Rim
  • Tire

Bicycle Parts: Useful Parts of a Bike with PicturesPin

Bike Parts Names with Examples

Learn names for different parts of a bicycle with examples.

Handlebar

The handlebar is a part of a bicycle that the rider uses to steer the bike. It is typically made of metal or plastic, and can be adjusted to different heights and angles for comfort and control.

  • Example: “I gripped the handlebar tightly as I rode down the hill and felt the wind rushing through my hair.”

Brake lever

The brake lever is a part of a bicycle that the rider uses to apply the brakes. It is typically located on the handlebar and can be squeezed to activate the brake system, which slows down or stops the bike.

  • Example: “I gently squeezed the brake lever as I approached the stop sign and came to a smooth stop.”

Brake cable

The brake cable is a part of a bicycle that connects the brake lever on the handlebar to the brake mechanism on the wheels. When the brake lever is squeezed, it pulls the cable, which in turn applies pressure to the brake pads or calipers, causing the bike to slow down or stop.

  • Example: “I noticed that the brake cable on my bike was loose, so I took it to the bike shop to have it adjusted.”

Seat

The seat, also known as the saddle, is a part of a bicycle that the rider sits on while cycling. It is typically made of foam or gel and covered in leather or synthetic material for comfort.

  • Example: “I adjusted the height of my seat before starting my bike ride to ensure that my legs were at the proper angle for efficient pedaling.”

Rear brake

The rear brake is a part of a bicycle that is located on the rear wheel and is used to slow down or stop the bike. It can be activated by squeezing the brake lever on the handlebar, which pulls the brake cable and applies pressure to the brake pads or calipers.

  • Example: “I used the rear brake to slow down as I approached the steep hill and felt the bike come to a gradual stop.”

Crossbar

The crossbar, also known as the top tube, is a part of a bicycle that connects the seat tube to the head tube. It is typically made of metal and can be straight or sloping, depending on the design of the bike.

  • Example: “I swung my leg over the crossbar and settled onto the seat before starting my bike ride.”

Frame

The frame is the main structural component of a bicycle that holds all the other parts together. It is typically made of metal, such as aluminum or steel, and can vary in shape and size depending on the type of bike.

  • Example: “I chose a lightweight frame for my road bike to make it easier to ride long distances.”

Crank

The crank is a part of a bicycle that connects the pedals to the chainring, which transfers the power from the rider’s legs to the wheels. It is typically made of metal and can vary in length and shape depending on the type of bike.

  • Example: “I replaced the old crank on my mountain bike with a new one to improve my pedaling efficiency on steep hills.”

Wheel

The wheel is a part of a bicycle that rotates around an axle and is used to support and move the bike. It typically consists of a rim, spokes, and a hub, and can vary in size and design depending on the type of bike.

  • Example: “I checked the tire pressure and tightened the spokes on my bike’s wheels before heading out for a ride.”

Chain

The chain is a part of a bicycle that connects the pedals to the rear wheel, transferring the power from the rider’s legs to the bike’s motion. It typically consists of metal links that are connected to form a continuous loop.

  • Example: “I cleaned and lubricated the chain on my bike to keep it running smoothly and prevent rust.”

Pedal

The pedal is a part of a bicycle that the rider uses to turn the chain and propel the bike forward. It is typically made of metal or plastic and is attached to the crank arm, which is connected to the chainring.

  • Example: “I pushed down on the pedal with my foot and felt the bike accelerate as I picked up speed.”

Chain wheel

The chain wheel, also known as the chainring, is a part of a bicycle that is located on the crankset and is used to transfer power from the pedals to the chain. It typically consists of one or more toothed rings that the chain wraps around.

  • Example: “I shifted to a higher gear and felt the chain wheel engage, allowing me to pedal faster and with more power.”

Front brake

The front brake is a part of a bicycle that is located on the front wheel and is used to slow down or stop the bike. It can be activated by squeezing the brake lever on the handlebar, which pulls the brake cable and applies pressure to the brake pads or calipers.

  • Example: “I used the front brake to come to a quick stop as a car pulled out in front of me while I was riding my bike.”

Front fork

The front fork is a part of a bicycle that connects the front wheel to the frame. It typically consists of two metal tubes that are angled forward and downward from the frame, and can vary in length and design depending on the type of bike.

  • Example: “I adjusted the front fork on my mountain bike to improve the bike’s handling and stability on rough terrain.”

Hub

The hub is a part of a bicycle that is located at the center of the wheel and contains the axle and bearings. It allows the wheel to rotate smoothly and can be connected to the bike’s drivetrain, such as the chain and pedals.

  • Example: “I replaced the worn-out bearings in the hub of my bike’s rear wheel to improve its performance and reduce friction.”

Spoke

 A spoke is a part of a bicycle that connects the hub to the rim of the wheel. It is typically made of metal and can vary in length and thickness depending on the type of bike.

  • Example: “I replaced the broken spoke on my bike’s rear wheel to prevent further damage and ensure that the wheel was properly aligned.”

Rim

The rim is a part of a bicycle that forms the outer edge of the wheel and provides a surface for the tire to rest on. It is typically made of metal or plastic and can vary in size and design depending on the type of bike.

  • Example: “I replaced the worn-out rim on my bike’s front wheel to prevent any damage to the tire and ensure a smooth ride.”

Tire

The tire is a part of a bicycle that provides traction and cushioning while riding. It typically consists of an outer rubber layer and an inner tube that holds the air. Tires can vary in size and tread pattern depending on the type of bike and the riding conditions.

  • Example: “I inflated the tire on my bike to the recommended pressure before heading out for a ride to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.”

Bike Parts: Useful Parts of a Bicycle Video

Learn different parts of a bike with American English pronunciation.

Transportation Vocabulary

List of transportation and vehicles vocabulary words in English with different categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main components of a bike?

The main components of a bike include the frame, fork, wheels, drivetrain, brakes, saddle, and handlebars. The frame is typically made of materials such as steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or titanium, and it’s the central part of the bicycle that connects all other components. The fork holds the front wheel, while the wheels themselves comprise various parts, such as the spokes, rim, and tire. The drivetrain includes components like the chain, cassette, and crankset, which transmit power from the rider to the wheels. The braking system, saddle, and handlebars all contribute to a rider’s comfort and control while cycling.

What are the essential parts of a bicycle frame?

The essential parts of a bicycle frame include the top tube, down tube, seat tube, head tube, and chainstays. The top tube connects the head tube to the seat tube, while the down tube runs from the head tube to the bottom bracket. The seat tube holds the seat post and saddle and connects to the chainstays, which run parallel to the chain. These components all come together to form the bicycle’s main structure.

Can you name some common bike wheel components?

Some common bike wheel components are the rim, spokes, hub, tire, and inner tube. The rim forms the outer edge of the wheel, while the spokes connect the rim to the hub, which is the central part of the wheel that attaches it to the bike frame. The tire is the outer covering of the wheel that contacts the ground, and the inner tube is a separate, inflatable rubber component that sits inside the tire, allowing it to hold air pressure.

Which components are crucial for bike transmission?

Crucial components for bike transmission are the chain, cassette, crankset, derailleurs, and shifters. The chain transmits power from the pedals to the rear wheel, while the cassette and crankset consist of different sized sprockets and chainrings, allowing the rider to change gears. The derailleurs are responsible for moving the chain between gears, and the shifters provide the leverage required to make gear changes.

What are the key parts of a bike’s braking system?

The key parts of a bike’s braking system include brake levers, brake calipers, brake pads, and cables or hydraulic lines. The brake levers, usually mounted on the handlebars, allow the rider to apply pressure to the braking system. Brake calipers hold the brake pads in place and provide the clamping force needed to stop the wheel. The brake pads, made of a friction material, contact the rim or disc to create braking force. Cables or hydraulic lines connect the levers to the calipers, transmitting the rider’s input.

What are some common bicycle accessories?

Common bicycle accessories include lights, reflectors, bells, fenders, bottle cages, and racks. Lights and reflectors help increase visibility in low-light conditions, while bells are used to signal your presence to others. Fenders keep mud and water from splashing onto the rider, and bottle cages provide a convenient place to store water bottles. Racks can be attached to the frame, offering extra storage space for carrying items while cycling. 

Bike Parts Vocabulary Practice

Listening Practice

Drag and Drop

 

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