Bike Accessories Guide
When selecting bike parts, it is important to take into consideration the quality and the environment where you bike is going to be used. For long distance fast rides, you require a road bike. But if the bicycle is meant for sports, then a rugged lightweight mountain bike will suffice.
Wheels
Like most sport bikes, a road bike is designed with narrow high-pressure wheels. This is to allow for the least road to tire contact surface area in order to facilitate less forward resistance.
Body Frame
The strength and quality of material used on most bikes vary. Riding through off-road and up-hill terrain demand that your bike is lighter. On the other hand, heavy bikes are good for casual riding, which translate into slower speeds but more comfort. Basic level bikes have frames made of steel though lately aluminum has replaced it. Stiff aluminum is strong, lasts longer, and does not rust. It is suitable for rough mountainous terrain rides, while steel is heavier but flexible thus ideal to cushion against pumps. High-end bikes have their body frames made of either carbon or titanium, which are extremely lightweight and strong.
Handlebars
Bike designs take riding posture into consideration. Sport bikes have handlers designed so the rider bends forward to reduce wind resistance. Brakes, as well as the gearshift levers are mounted on the handlers.
Gears
Conventional bikes do not come with gears except for mountain bikes. For instance a road bike would have two to three chain rings attached to its crank assembly while the chain is linked in tandem with the gear cassette on the rear wheel to allow for several gear combinations.
Pedals
Most bikes come with platform pedals installed while toe clips is a common accompaniment and if it does come without, adding one is a matter of quick fix. Conventional bikes do not come with these accessories. Other accessories to accompany your bike may include frame pump, tool bag, water bottle and its case, and a cyclo-computer depending on the model and the manufacturer.