Bike components guide: what are the parts of a bike?

What are the essential bike parts? Which bike components should you know and possibly upgrade soon? You might be using a bike to commute to work, for fun days out with the family, or you could be on a bikepacking adventure. Whatever you use it for, it is good to understand what brings a bike together, what are the different bike parts.

We are often asked, “What are the components of a bike?” In this article, we will answer that question by explaining the different bike parts, what sets performance bike components apart from basic bike components, and much more.

1. Bike parts: High-tech or basics?
   1. Advancements in technology
   2. Basic still works
2. Which are the essential bike parts?
   1. First bike component: the frame
   2. Forks
   3. Wheels and tires
   4. Groupset
   5. Finishing kit
   6. Accessories
3. Understanding component compatibility
   1. Wheel size matters
   2. Brake compatibility is crucial
   3. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should
4. Bike components' price vs performance
   1. What are 3 important bike components of a bike safety checklist?
   2. How long do bike parts last?
   3. Maintenance is key for bike components
5. What are the bike components of a bike?

Bike parts: High-tech or basics?

Advancements in technology

Bike parts have greatly advanced over the years, more so in modern times than ever. Although bikes 20 years ago looked very similar to today's bikes, they are completely different machines.

Frames were generally aluminum or steel. We now have many carbon fiber frames. Groupsets required cables to work. Now, we have hydraulics and electronic bike components, some completely wireless and customizable. 

Wheels that needed to be trued often and were incredibly heavy are now lightweight and so strong that many cyclists will never need to true them. People tend not to use inner tubes as much but tubeless systems with sealant.

Basic still works

Although technology has come a very long way, and that does come with an extra price tag, basic bikes still work fantastically, and many people choose simplicity over technology. There’s a lot to be said for keeping it simple.

Which are the essential bike parts?

Now for the exciting part. What are the parts of a bike? These are the main bike components. Some types of bikes can differ, and not all bikes have each. A good example is a road bike, which won’t come with a rear shock.

First bike component: the frame

The first and most important component to discuss is the frame. This is the centerpiece of the bike, to which all the other bike components attach. It’s vital that every bike has a frame, and different types of bikes have different styles of frames. 

They come in all different sizes and materials. Depending on the frame, the bike can be limited to using certain bike components. Road bike frames cannot fit mountain bike tires. The cost of the frame often greatly differs depending on the manufacturing process. 

Forks

Next, we have the forks, which hold the front wheel. When they are supplied with a frame, this is classed as a frameset. They come in many different types, and depending on the type of bike, they are completely different. 

Forks for road bikes are rigid and made to keep the bike aerodynamic and go faster. Forks for mountain bikes (Suspension forks) are made to give the bike extra ability and can compress and expand over bumps.

Wheels and tires

A bike will also be equipped with wheels. Wheels come in various sizes, such as 26”, 27.5”, 29”, and many more. They also come in different materials, such as carbon fiber and aluminum. 

The wheel consists of a few parts. You have the rim, spokes, nipples, tape, and hub in the center. You get tubular wheels, tubeless, clincher, and tubular wheels. The clincher is the most popular and generally what most people use. 

When it comes to tires, they not only have to match the wheel size but also be the correct size to fit inside the frame. They will also need inner tubes or sealant to ensure they can hold air properly. 

Groupset

Then we have the groupset, often referred to as the bike's gearing. This is what gives the rider the ability to climb uphill at different leg speeds (cadences) and also descend much quicker when they require it. 

Groupsets consist of many different parts, such as shifters, cranksets, brakes, chains, derailleurs, cassettes, cables, brake rotors, and even the bottom bracket. These can all be classed as separate bike components in themselves.

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Finishing kit

We also have a finishing kit on the bike. A finishing kit is what we use to help steer the bike and also sit comfortably on it. Like the groupset, it is a group of bike components generally picked by the user with the correct sizes for them. 

The finishing kit is generally considered the seat post, handlebars, bar tape or grips, and seat. These are all typically unique to the person and bike, as saddles come in many different styles, handlebars come in many different lengths. What component holds handlebars on a bike? This is called the stem.

Accessories

Finally, we have accessories. The accessories are all the little add-ons to the bike that not only give it a personal touch for the user but are very handy for improving comfort and making cycling a little easier. 

Accessories could include a bell, a computer mount, water bottle cages, or even lights. Bikes often don’t come with these, leaving it to the end user to pick their own if they want them. They are fairly cheap to buy, and you can find them in bike shops or online. 

Understanding component compatibility

Certain bike components will work perfectly together, and others will not. One of the biggest challenges for bike builders is getting all the bike components to match up and work. Although this might sound simple, it doesn’t always go according to plan.

Wheel size matters

Let’s go through some examples. In modern times, we have lots of different wheel sizes. 26”, 27.5”, and 29” on mountain bikes, 650b and 700c on gravel bikes, road bikes 700c and 650c (see our road bike size chart). The frame has to fit the wheel and the added tire to suit with ample clearance. 

Brake compatibility is crucial

Another good example is the brakes. Disc brakes will not work on a rim brake frame, and rim brakes won’t work on a disc brake frame. When designing a bike, it has to be fit for purpose, and the parts all need to work perfectly together.

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should

Some bike parts will be compatible, but that doesn’t always mean you should put them together. For example, you could fit flat handlebars on a road bike instead of drop handlebars, but the groupset wouldn’t work, and it would greatly change the bike's geometry.

It’s important when building a bike and putting parts together that they will work and work properly. We often see bikes that are a mix of many different bits from different bikes, and very rarely does it perform properly, or it comes at a cost to make it work.

Bike components' price vs performance

There is a big argument for price vs performance when it comes to bike components. Some bike parts are incredible upgrades for a little money, and you can gain a lot of performance. Upgrading wheels to carbon fiber is a great example. 

Generally, if you spend more money, you get more performance. It might be upgrading a frame or getting better gears. It is safe to say that in cycling, you get what you pay for 95% of the time. 

What are 3 important bike components of a bike safety checklist?

Three important bike components for a safety checklist are:

• brakes
• tires
• lights.

There are also most important factors when it comes to bike parts are, do they work properly? Are they safe and attached properly? Do they make any strange noises? If you answer no to any of these further investigation is required. 

How long do bike parts last?

There are many variables that affect the amount of time bike components last. Firstly, the bike components themselves, with some wearing quicker than others. It is recommended that a chain be changed every 1500 miles on road bikes. 

The next factor that affects it is how well it is looked after. If you are regularly cleaning your bike and not just riding hard every ride, you will find that bike components will last a lot longer, and you will find that replacements won’t come around as much.

Maintenance is key for bike components

The most important thing is to keep on top of maintenance, keep a clean bike as much as possible, and use branded bike components that last much longer. Some cyclists can get away with a yearly service quite often.

What are the bike components of a bike?

Bike parts are quite simply the parts of a bike broken down. It is great to learn about them if you have the time, and one of the best ways of learning is stripping and rebuilding a bike. 

So, what will be you next bike components upgrade?