All About Bicycle Parts

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A bicycle is a simple, machine, but it involves a lot of mechanization. A bicycle is made up of many parts put together. Perfect synchronization in the functioning of all the parts is essential for the efficient working of the bicycle. Modern day bicycles include many new elements, but a standard bicycle has the same main parts. The basic parts of a bicycle comprise; the frame: A bicycle’s frame is made up of many tubes welded together.

The front fork holds the front wheel and is movable.

The wheels: wheels include a hub, the spokes, metal rim and rubber tyres. The brakes: they include the actuators on the handlebar, brake cables, brake pads and calipers. The chain and gears: they consist of the front chain wheels, the rear freewheel, the shift levers on the handlebars and the cables. Other bicycle parts include the seat, seat posts, handlebars, handlebar stem, bicycle lights, dynamos, cranks, and pedals.

Gears and ball bearings

Most racing bicycles have gears. Gears basically serve the purpose of reducing the size and diameter of the wheel. Gears adjust the direction of rotation. Multiple gears on a bicycle helps change the distance the bicycle moves forward with each stroke of the pedal. A mountain bike has 24 gears. Chain wheels are the gears at the front. Most bikes have 2-3 chain wheels. The freewheel, at the rear, has 5-9 gears on it. It spins freely in one direction and locks in the other. This enables the bike to coast, when not pedaling. There are front and rear derailleurs to change the gears.

Ball bearings in a bicycle serve to reduce friction. Ball bearings are found in the front and rear hubs for the wheels, the pedals, the fork tube, the bottom bracket and in the freewheel. These bearings need to be periodically cleaned and greased. Expensive bicycles have sealed bearing cartridges that don’t need lubrication.

Materials used

Bicycles need to be strong and lightweight. Alloy steel is used for making the frames and fork tubes. The handlebars, seat posts and brake levers are made of aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloy frames are affordable. Carbon frames, titanium and advanced steel alloys frames are also available.

By: Alastair Hamilton

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Posted in Bicycle

Bicycle Brakes

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Remember when you were a kid, and you first dared to ride your bike down that really steep hill in your neighbourhood? The ride down can be a rush. Stopping isn’t always so much fun. Bicycle control relies on two elements: steering and brakes. If either of these is missing, you are and out of control cyclist, hazardous to yourself and others.

History’s first bicycles had no brakes. Band-aids hadn’t yet been invented, so the next logical step was to devise a stopping system. Thus, brakes were born to help riders slow down and stop, and bicycles suddenly became more popular. By increasing frictional force on the wheels, cyclists were able to slow down and stop.

The first widely used braking system was called “the plunger”. It first appeared on the high-wheeled bicycles that were popular in the 1800s. The plunger operated on a simple principle. To slow down a bicycle, a lever was either pressed down or pulled up, causing a metal show to press against the outer side of the tire. Of course, the friction created caused excess wear and tear on the tire. Cyclists found that the plunger did not work well with pneumatic tires, even after covering the metal shoe with rubber. Wet surfaces were another drawback, as water decreased the friction between the brake shoe and tire, reducing the braking power.

The next major development in bicycle brakes was the “coaster brake”. Most of us have used coaster brakes, still popular in pint-size toddler bikes and tricycles. Some utility bicycles and cruisers also use coaster brakes. The concept behind coaster brakes is simple reverse motion. When the pedals are moved in a reverse direction, the brake mechanism inside the hub of the wheel pushes outward, creating friction and slowing down the bike. Coaster brakes are quite strong and tend to lock up and skid the rear wheel when engaged, so they’re great choices for sidewalk burnouts.

Most of today’s mountain, road and stunt bikes use caliper rim brakes. By pulling a lever, a cable is tightened. This cable then forces the brake pads or shoes to press against the inner rim of the wheel, stopping the bike. Caliper bicycle brakes are light and relatively inexpensive, but they do come with their own set of problems. Not hugely efficient on rainy days, wet brakes take twice as long to stop a bicycle because the water reduces friction between the brake and the wheel. Caliper brakes work best when pressure is applied gently.

It is important to balance the braking between the front and rear brakes while riding. If too much brake pressure is applied to the front wheel, your momentum and body inertia will take you right over the handlebars.

Over the decades, braking systems and materials have changed, but the fundamentals of slowing and stopping a bicycle have not. Bicycle brakes are still based on the concept of friction, and are still vitally important to your safety.

By: Christopher Johnson

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Posted in Bicycle

Automotive Air Conditioners

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It’s August, the car is jammed with kids and luggage, and you’re finally on your way to the cottage. Suddenly you realize that your car’s air conditioning system is on the fritz, and your family vacation really starts to heat up.

Automotive air conditioning systems were first introduced in 1940 to address customer demands for relief from unbearable heat. These systems use refrigerant to cool the air and remove the heat from the car’s passenger compartment. Air conditioning also cleans the air that enters the car, and removes excess moisture as it dehumidifies the air.

There are three basic components to any automotive air conditioner system:

1. Compressor–Considered the heart of the air conditioning system, the compressor transfers and compresses refrigerant gas to let the heat out of the car.

2. Condenser–removes heat from the refrigerant and cools down the high-pressure gasses.

3. Evaporator–Acts as the heater core of the air conditioning system. The evaporator removes the heat from inside the car. The refrigerant then condenses the air and transforms it into water.

Cars manufactured in 1995 or later have been equipped with R-134A air conditioning system. These ozone-friendly units do not contain CFCs, are nontoxic and nonflammable.

Prior to 1995, automotive air conditioners came with R-12 refrigerant, most commonly Freon. During that time, a car owner experiencing air conditioner problems needed only to visit a local retailer to purchase a recharge kit. With a can of Freon and basic knowledge, the average driver could easily repair his or her own air conditioning system. When studies confirmed that R-12 systems were contributing to the damaged ozone layer, many countries including the United States banned their manufacture.

Common Problems
The most common complaint about automotive air conditioners, particularly R-134 systems, is the odor that permeates from the A/C vents. Mechanics and car manufacturers have concluded that accumulated bacteria and fungus in the evaporator core likely cause the odor. Because the air conditioning system is loaded with moisture, it attracts microbes. The solution offered by automakers is to make the blower motor effective in drying out the evaporator after the A/C system is turned off. General Motors introduced this breakthrough, called Electronic Evaporator Dryer.

This solution might offer relief to some car owners, but not to all. Installing this system can cost hundred of dollars. As a result, many car owners have resorted to finding alternative methods of fighting the odor. Using antibacterial chemicals such as Lysol can be an effective short-term solution. Keeping a can of Lysol handy can go along way for your odorous air problem. Just spay the Lysol inside the car, and in the air intake once a week, for temporary relief from the problem. Another way to help eliminate the odor is to shut off the A/C unit at least one mile before reaching your destination. This will allow enough time for the evaporator to dry out, essentially doing away with the moisture and microbes that cause odor. This can be the easiest and least expensive method in combating the issue.

Caring For Your A/C System

* To keep working efficiently, your automotive air conditioner must be recharged from time to time, depending on how often it is are used. Consult your mechanic or your owner’s manual for information about system recharges.

* Call your mechanic if you see water leaking from the A/C system’s condenser, as this can affect the refrigerant. Have the system repaired before refilling it.

* Replacing the filter once every three months will also help to maintain the performance of your automotive air conditioning system. This is where dust builds up when the A/C system is running.

* Setting the gauge at one specific temperature will also help it perform well. If you constantly switch from one temperature to another, your system will have trouble adjusting accordingly.

Automotive air conditioners can be a driver’s best friend, whether you’re traveling across town or from coast to coast. Keep your A/C unit well maintained, and keep your cool on the road.

By: Charles Jackson

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Posted in Automotive

Bicycle Maintenance

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Learning to ride a bike is no big deal. If you fall off, just brush yourself off and climb back on. Learning how to keep your bike from falling apart can be just as easy.

Bicycle maintenance is vital to the performance and preservation of your ride. Without proper maintenance, your bike will quickly go from a lean, mean, two-wheeled machine, to a squeaky, rusty, pant leg munching mess. Keeping your bicycle in top condition requires regular protective and preventive maintenance, some of which can be done by you. Other jobs may require the skills of a professional cycle repairer.

Tires
When riding a bicycle, most of the load and pressure falls directly on the tires. Check your air pressure to be sure the tires are inflated as per the manufacturer’s specifications. Tires should be inspected on a regular basis for any signs of ripping, or wear and tear. Wheels need regular tuning and adjustment, and should be checked for dents and twists caused by collisions or falls. Spinning is the best way to check a wheel. If the wheel shakes from side to side as it spins, it will need to be tightened. Spokes also need to be tightened and fixed firmly to the rims as part of regular bicycle maintenance. The spokes transmit pressure, so if they’re damaged they must be replaced immediately.

Handlebar
Similar to the steering wheel of a car, the handlebar is a key component in maneuvering the bicycle. A handlebar needs to be adjusted to produce the best results. Adjust the height so that you can comfortably hold the handlebar when seated. The handlebar should be properly aligned with the front wheel, to accommodate both quick swerves and smooth changes in either direction. A properly adjusted front fork is equally important. The front fork stabilizes the handlebar and should be securely fastened to the handlebar post. Also, be sure that your bicycle maintenance regime includes checking that the pedals are tightly secured.

Brakes
The single most important part of the bicycle for rider safety is the brake assembly. Check the brakes by squeezing them and rolling the bike ahead. If the brakes work properly, the wheels will not roll and the brake pads will stay squarely on the rims without touching the tires. If the brake levers touch the handlebars when pressed, it means the brake cables are loose. Tighten them and check for wear. If the brake cables are frayed, have them replaced.

Chain
Proper bicycle maintenance includes regular lubrication of the chain, to produce smooth and swift movement. Use a de-greaser to remove accumulated dirt on the grease. Remember to put fresh grease on to replace the dirty grease that has been removed. Keeping your chain clean and well lubricated will keep it from getting stuck or jumping the gear teeth.

Keeping your bicycle in prime riding condition doesn’t take a lot of tools or a great deal of technical knowledge. Bicycle maintenance is a simple task that takes only a little time and effort. Keep your bike fit and it will last many years keeping you fit.

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Exercise Anywhere With Your Bicycle

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A car bike rack will give you the opportunity to get more exercise anywhere that you want. You will be able to bike anywhere that you want-from beaches to mountains to forests.

A car bike rack can make your bicycling even more fun and adventurous. It will enable you to get that exercise anytime and anywhere that you choose, because you can always keep your bicycles handy for you and your entire family. All of the lower body muscles are used in bicycling, which makes it a wonderful cardiovascular workout.

You may enjoy indoor bicycling on a machine, but you are only getting a small part of the benefit that bicycling can offer you. Going bicycling outside can relax you and can be a very fun activity to do with your friends or family. Biking clubs can be found in almost any part of the country and this is a great way to find some friends that will enjoy sharing this hobby with you. All of these reasons only support the idea of you needing a car bike rack so that you can be ready to go biking anytime.

You will have a great deal of freedom with a car bike rack. You can take your bike anywhere that you want-from the beach to the mountains to the woods-easily and conveniently.

From a short weekend jaunt to a longer vacation, you will be able to take your bicycles with you with a car bike rack. This will help you stay on track with your exercise regimen and it will give you new opportunities to have fun. Bicycling can be relaxing and fun and with a car bike rack, you can do it anywhere that you choose.

A car bike rack will make it much easier to work out when you are on the road, too. If you travel for work, then you will enjoy having your bicycle with you so that you can work out as much as possible. A car bike rack can give you that flexibility and convenience.

This is great if you take your vehicle on your work trips, rather than flying. It will not take you much more time to load your bike with a car bike rack. You will have fun looking for fun and interesting places to bicycle and get your exercise, too. Another great benefit is that you will not have to worry about finding the gym in the hotel, either, because you will have your very own way to get that exercise in.

Getting a car bike rack will open up more opportunities for you to ride. Whether it is when you take a quick trip to your moms at Christmas or when you take a week long vacation at the beach, you will be able to take your bicycle so that you can have fun and do some exercise.

By: Alastair Hamilton

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Posted in Bicycle