After the introduction of the bicycle in Europe during 19th Century, it is the only item which was very useful and used sparingly by the entire world population. Bicycle is simple but elegant, with multiple uses. It has helped the people as the cheapest way of transportation, it serves as the best way of doing exercise and the place of bicycle as a sports equipment is at the pinnacle. A bicycle is made out of many components. These bicycle parts integrated in an elegant and perfect way make a superb and imposing bicycle.

A bicycle is driven by the human power. The cycle is run by the two wheels connected by a metal or plastic frame. The typical parts of eth bicycle are wheels, frame, brakes, suspension, seating, carriers, drive train or chains connected between wheels and pedals, steering or handle and other accessories like bells, lights etc.

Wheels are the most vital and inevitable part of any vehicle. Looking back to its formative years, one can see that the wheels used were made up of wood. Of course the wooden wheels were very heavy, very slow due to its blunt body, and also required more effort to ride. Thanks to modern technology, the present day wheels are superb and very efficient; one can drive the bicycle with very less efforts. The present day wheels have a metal hub, a metal rim holding the metallic spokes, a rubber tube and a pneumatic rubber tire in the outer envelope. The metal bearings allow the wheel hubs to move freely on the axles.

Frames are the next parts to discuss. Frames are made very strong, which gives the skeleton of the cycle. They are generally made up of metals and some times with that of plastic. Steering, seating, the wheels are all connected to the frame in a harmonious way making the bicycle fit for a smooth ride. Usually frame has two parts of triangular shape, one in front and the other in the rear.

Suspensions are very important for the comfortable ride of a bicycle. There serves the role of a shock absorber. Drive train is the engine part of a bicycle. It consists of pedals, a chain connected to rear wheel, crank arms which makes the chain to rotate and in turn it helps the rear wheel to roll. Brakes are the insurances of the bicycle. Brakes control the movement and can be applied whenever necessary. Most of the bicycles use handbrakes. Brake shoes are attached to the wheels, front and back. Both front and back brakes are attach? to the steering. Seating and steering are very important for comfortable cycle drive. Presently adjustable steering and seating are available in most of the modern cycles.

Bicycles have become part of the human life. This is the cheapest way of conveyance and the best way of exercise. The popularity of the cycles is sure to grow further.

By: Robert Grazian