Bike Parts
Welcome! If you are interested in learning more about bike parts and how to maintain them, you have come to the right place! To get started, select the part that you would like to learn about.
Shocks
Not every mountain bike comes equipped with a rear suspension shock, and that's okay. A hardtail can be a wonderful bike and take you most anywhere you'd like to go. However, for those of you have like to have a bit more of a plush ride, this is for you. Rear shocks can really improve your stability on the trail as well as make your overall experience a little more smooth. Most shock companies recommend servicing your shock after 100 hours of riding, or yearly. Whichever comes first. The majority of shocks on mountain bikes today you will find are air shocks. If you would like to learn more about your shock, how it works, and how to service it, check out the videos below.
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Forks
The majority of modern mountain bikes come standard with a suspension fork. There is a wide range of quality and performance and likely something for everyone's budget. Less performant, but more budget friendly forks are typically coil forks. Usually more expensive, and more performant are air forks. Air forks allow you to adjust the pressure to accomodate the wieght of the rider. There are several other ways to adjust and fine tune your suspension fork. If you would like to learn more about this bike part be sure to watch the videos provided.
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Brakes
Brakes. They keep you alive. In all seriousness, brakes are one of the most important parts of a mountain bike. You can survive without suspension, or a dropper post, or even without a derailleur and the ability to shift gears, but if you don't have the ability to slow down and stop, you're in trouble. Disc brakes are mainstream for mountain bikes. You will find that some entry level bikes come with mechanical disc brakes, which are effective but they require more effort when pulling the brake lever. More expensive bikes will come with hydraulic disc brakes. If you are planning on riding fast at all, they're highly recommended. A set of good brakes always needs to come with a set of good rotors. Brake rotors can vary in size, but generally speaking, the bigger they are, the more stopping power. The videos below will teach you have to line up your brake pads and rotors to prevent the dreaded rubbing, as well as teach you how to bleed your brakes if you find they aren't as responsive or feel a bit "squishy".
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Drivetrain
Lets talk about your drivetrain. A drivetrain is made up of all the parts that help you make your bike go. Parts like your derailleur, cassette, cranks, chainring, pedals and of course your chain. Keeping your drivetrain in good working order and servicing it regularly will help prolong it's life and make riding more enjoyable. Keeping your drivetrain clean and well lubed is the key to a happy riding experience. It will keep your bike shifting properly, which we all know is essential for those climbs we will most certainly come to. Check out the videos below for tips on maintaining your drivetrain.
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Wheels
Wheels, often grouped together with your tires are essential to any bike. For a mountain bike, they need to be able durable, but also light. Over the years mountain bike wheels have varied in sizes. Not too long ago most bikes had 26" wheels. Today, you'll only find wheels like that on a kids bike. Adult sized bikes are typically either 27.5" or 29". Wheel size popularity seems to be leaning towards the 29" rims, but it really comes down to rider preference. Bigger wheels tend to roll faster and go over obstacles with a little more ease, while smaller wheels are more nimble when it comes to the downhill. Kids bikes vary in sizes starting at 12" and working their way up to 26". Choosing the best size wheel really depends on your height and what kind of riding you like to do
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Droppers
Ever been riding behind a friend and watch them effortlessly adjust their seat height depending on the section of trail they are riding? Meet the dropper post. Sometimes the terrain of the trail calls for you to be on your feet standing on your bike and there's nothing like an annoying seat in the way to keep you from leaning your bike or getting your weight back. A mountain bike can be easily enjoyed without the commodity of a dropper post, but a dropper post allows you ride with more confidence and control.