Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Anatomy
By Andrew Kelly
A mountain bike is the one thing you need before you
go mountain biking. A mountain bike contains many
parts, which will be covered below:
1. Bottom bracket - This attaches the crankset to
the body of a bike.
2. Brake cable - This is the cable that connects the
brake lever to the brake mechanism.
3. Brake lever - The lever on the handlebar to
activate the brakes. The left side is the front brake
and the right side is the rear brake.
4. Chain - The circular set of links that transfer
power from the chain ring to the cogs.
5. Chain ring - The toothed rings that attach to
the crank to hold the chain.
6. Crank - The lever that extends from the bottom
bracket to the pedal, transferring the power to the
chain rings.
7. Derailleur - The mechanism for moving the chain
from one cog to another.
8. Down tube - The section of frame that extends
downward from the stem to the bottom bracket.
9. Front shock - The shock absorber on the front
fork.
10. Handlebar - The horizontal bar attached to the
stem with handgrips on the end.
11. Headset - The mechanism in front of the frame
that connects the front fork to the stem and
handlebars.
12. Hub - The center part of the wheel that the
spokes are attached to.
13. Idler pulley - The bottom pulley of the rear
derailleur that provides spring tension to keep
the chain tight.
14. Nipple - A threaded receptacle that holds
the end of the spoke to the rim.
15. Pedal - The platform to pedal on; attaches to
the crank.
16. Rear shock - The shock absorber for the rear
tire on dual suspension type bikes.
17. Rim - The metal ring that holds the spokes
on the inside and the tire to the outside.
18. Saddle - The seat.
19. Seat post - Offers support for the seat.
20. Skewer - The metal rod that goes through the
hub, attaching the wheel to the dropouts of the
frame.
21. Spindle - The free rotating axle that the
crank arms attach to; also a part of the bottom
bracket.
22. Spokes - The thick wires that join the hub to
the rim.
23. Stem - A piece that attaches the handlebar
to the steering tube.
24. Wheel hub - The center of the wheel that the
spokes are attached to.
Author Details:
Andrew Kelly, copywriter for various websites including, Mountain Biking Info a subsection of Tartan Gems a growing information portal, The A to Z of, an ambitious project to cover various subjects plus a great many other sites.
Source: Information Junkie
NOTE: You may only use this article if this note, the source, author details and links remain and are kept active.
Related Mountain Biking Articles:
Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Skills
Buying A Mountain Bike
Types Of Mountain Bikes
Mountain Bike Anatomy
Mountain Bike Designs
Sizing Mountain Bikes
Mountain Bike Accessories
Disc Brakes Or Rim Brakes
Framing Materials
Mountain Biking Safety Tips
Mountain Biking Vacation
Things To Take With You
Clothes Fo Winter Riding
History Of Mountain Biking
Types Of Mountain Biking
Cross Country Mountain Biking
Down Hill Mountain Biking
The Bunny Hop
Spring Tune Up Tips
Setting Your Tire Pressure
Wheel Truing
How Mountain Bike Gears Work
How To Lube Your Mountain Bike
How To Use A Chain Tool