Bicycle design

The structure of a bicycle seems complicated only for beginners, everyone who has mastered the bike already knows what a bicycle handlebar is, how to assemble a bicycle and how difficult it is to set up a bicycle. A bicycle, even the most "favorite", faithful and comfortable, sooner or later has to be changed, either due to wear and tear, or for a completely understandable reason - the desire to buy a newer, more modern model. If you decide to buy a new bicycle, the choice of models is very large, but the method of purchase involves only two ways - to buy an already assembled bicycle, or to find out what bicycle assembly is and try to assemble it with your own hands from purchased parts. Usually, cycling fans buy a ready-made model - it is a little more economical in cost, and there is no need to assemble it, in addition, setting up a bicycle is not as easy as it seems at first glance.

However, there are reasons why a person still chooses the option of self-assembly, the following factors encourage him to do so:

• The choice in favor of a specific model has been made, but specialized stores cannot provide this model in assembly.
• The desire to have an extraordinary, exclusive bike that will be a personal source of pride and the object of envious glances.
• Save money by purchasing parts gradually, piece by piece.
• Just a desire to test my abilities and skills in terms of assembling a bicycle.

The standard bicycle structure includes the following parts and components:

1. The frame is one of the most important parts of a bicycle, which consists of:
   • Upper pipe
   • Downpipe
   • Seat tube
   • Rear lower feathers
   • Rear upper feathers
   • Steering tube
2. Brake handles
3. Grips
4. Shifters
5. Takeaway
6. Bicycle handlebars
7. Bicycle steering column
8. Bicycle forks
9. Rim
10. Tires
11. Spokes
12. Sleeve
13. Bicycle brakes
14. Saddle
15. Seatpost
16. Cassette
17. Rear shock absorber
18. Rock ring
19. Connecting rods
20. Chain
21. Pedals
22. Rear and front derailleur

Bicycle frame

The structure of a bicycle is its base, that is, the frame. Not only the geometric design of the frame is important, but also the material from which it is made. The frame is the support that helps to withstand overcoming obstacles on rough terrain, the comfort of the cyclist's landing depends on the geometric parameters of the frame, on its size. The more experienced the cyclist, the more he prefers a low landing, leaning mainly on his hands. The frame is, perhaps, the first thing to start assembling a bicycle, since almost all parts of the bike are attached to it:

• bicycle forks,
• bicycle handlebars,
• wheels,
• seat,
• chassis,
• bicycle brakes,
• speed switches,
• cock - a bracket that secures the switch.

If necessary, a luggage rack and other parts can be attached to the frame, creating maximum comfort for the bike owner.

Bicycle handlebars

As the great Einstein said, "Life is like riding a bicycle, keep your balance - move", so without a steering wheel, no matter how fast you move, it is impossible to maintain the balance proposed by the scientist. The steering wheel for a bicycle is the essence of its control, this is indisputable and does not require additional argumentation. The steering wheel is a tube made of carbon or a special metal, which is attached to the bike with a stem. In addition to the fact that the steering wheel is responsible for controlling the bicycle, it also takes on the weight of the cyclist, just like the frame. The brake control handle, gear shifter, grips, headlights, reflectors, horns, bell and such a fashionable and very convenient accessory as a bike computer are attached to the steering wheel.

Types of Bicycle Handlebars

• Mountain bikes typically have straight handlebars, while other models, such as hybrids, have upright, raised handlebars. These types of handlebars are not designed for long rides because they limit hand positioning.
• For tourists, a steering wheel that is made in the form of a drop is more suitable, it is called a drop steering wheel. This type of steering wheel assumes a slight tilt, which helps to keep your hands from sliding forward.
• Bicycle handlebars, called butterfly handlebars, are extremely popular among European cyclists. Such bicycle handlebars allow for four hand positions, which helps reduce the load on them. The handlebars are suitable for those who prefer long journeys and trips.
• The handlebar moustache is another long-distance handlebar option that allows you to change hand positions and keep your body upright.
• Bicycle handlebars called horn handlebars. This is a type of handlebar designed to control a bike that wins a high-speed race. The ideal type of handlebar for overcoming obstacles, when traveling off-road.

The bicycle handlebar is equipped with grips (handles) - rubber, slotted, in a word, such that create convenience and comfort in control. The handlebar extension is also important, since it regulates the convenience of the cyclist's landing. For walks, a more vertical landing is selected, for high-speed races - aerodynamic options, that is, lower. According to the specifics, the extension is also selected, which in the latest modern bicycle models is made adjustable.

Bicycle forks

This is an important part that the bicycle device includes. Bicycle forks are the supporting control mechanism. With the help of the fork, the front wheel is held, the wheel axle is connected to the steering wheel, and many functions are performed, among which the following can be mentioned:

• Control of wheel trajectory accuracy.
• The accuracy of the wheel rotation is adequate to the steering wheel rotation angle.
• Front brake load control for bicycles when braking.
• Neutralization of vertical oscillatory movements of the front wheel when overcoming road obstacles and driving on uneven terrain.
• Safe driving control thanks to robust design.

Bicycle forks can be rigid and soft or shock-absorbing. Rigid forks are a fixed design that has its advantages, but shock-absorbing forks for bicycles are the most popular. In adaptive, shock-absorbing forks, the main "highlight" is the element that absorbs the load. This can be a spring with air, or air and oil, models that contain all three shock-absorbing components have become increasingly common.

Gear shift system

The design of a bicycle, as well as the adjustment of a bicycle, requires the presence of a high-quality gear shifting system. The system includes the following parts:

• Monoblocks, including gear shift handles, brake handles. The shifter (monoblock) can be trigger or gripshift. The trigger monoblock works on the basis of a hammer mechanism, the gripshift - on the basis of a drum mechanism.
• The front derailleur moves the chain along the sprockets, the derailleur is connected to the shifter by cables. Assembling the bike in this part is extremely simple, since the front derailleur is perhaps the simplest mechanism in the bike's design.
• The rear derailleur is designed to transfer the chain to different stars of the bicycle cassette. It is also connected to the monoblock with cables, but this part of the structure is more difficult to assemble than the front derailleur. In addition, the rear derailleur is constantly in contact with dirt, water, so it is considered a rather fragile mechanism.
• Cables that extend from the shifter and transmit the actions of the cyclist's hands to the braking system using switches. The design of a bicycle assumes the presence of four cables, but there are bicycle brakes where the cables are replaced by hydraulic lines, and the transmitter of the cyclist's efforts is oil and piston pressure in the shifters.

Bicycle brakes

Speed is great, but the bike needs to be controllable, which means it needs brakes. The braking system offers a choice of three types of brakes:

• Braking by moving the pedals in the opposite direction is the mechanism of action of the brake drum.
• Bicycle brakes that are designed like pliers. They clamp the wheel rim.
• Bicycle brakes that work by compressing a disc on the wheel hub, like a motorcycle brake.
• Disc and rim brakes can be mechanical (cable), hydraulic, or combined.

System

A chainset is a special set of front sprockets, cranks, pedals and a chain. The chainset usually includes three sprockets, but two sprockets are enough for road bikes. The chainset often has plastic protection to prevent clothing from getting caught between the chain or teeth. Pedals are attached to the cranks attached to the chainset. Pedals are selected depending on the type of bike and the main purpose – speed, overcoming obstacles or just traveling. Pedals can be:

• Standard pedals with strap - toe clips.
• Simple pedals without fastenings and straps.
• A contact type of pedal that is intended to be attached to special cycling shoes.

The bicycle structure also includes a rather complex mechanism – a chain, which wears out quickly and requires regular maintenance – cleaning, lubrication.

A cassette is a set of sprockets designed for the rear of a bicycle. The more sprockets in a cassette, the better the gearing and the less effort required to conquer a vertical, steep slope.

Bicycle wheels

The wheel structure includes the following parts:

• The rim, on the strength of which the entire strength of the wheel depends, as well as the speed. A mountain bike is usually equipped with a rim with a diameter of 26 to 29 inches, a road model has a rim of 27-28 inches.
• A tire that provides stability when riding on different terrain, and also affects the speed properties of a bicycle. Treadless tires are called "slicks", tires with side studs are called "semi-slicks". "Studded" are fully treaded tires.
• Wheel bushings provide the rotational properties of the wheel on the axle. The bushings also hold the spokes.
• Spokes are a very fragile and vulnerable element of the bicycle design, since it is the spokes that take the brunt of the impact when riding on rough, uneven terrain. Wheels are usually spoked in a three-cross pattern, with a sun cross. Mountain bikes have 32 to 36 spokes per wheel.
• The valve that holds air in a bicycle tube.

Bicycle saddle

A saddle is a place that a priori should provide maximum comfort for a cyclist. Road bikes have rather long and narrow saddles, mountain bikes are equipped with a wide saddle, there are spring-loaded saddles that help maintain the vertical position of the body. Previously, there was a clear differentiation of saddles by the so-called gender, modern bicycle models offer to equalize such inequality, they are usually equipped with universal types of saddles.

Verb or seat post, the height of which also determines the biker's position, also the verb regulates the distance of the cyclist's feet from the pedals to the ground. The posts can be rigid or shock-absorbing.

A seat clamp or eccentric that is designed to clamp the seatpost to the frame.

Assembling a bicycle

If you have decided that the structure of a bicycle is not a big secret for you, then assembling a bicycle should also work. Of course, it is better to assemble a bicycle under the careful guidance of an experienced cyclist. However, if you want to test your own strength and apply your knowledge, skills and abilities, try. In the end, perhaps during the assembly process you will be able to assemble a completely unique model, confirming the expression "you can invent the wheel endlessly."

First of all, you will need the following set of tools, without which the assembly of the bike, as well as the adjustment of the bike, is impossible:

• Hex keys, preferably in a set.
• Carriage and cassette puller.
• Puller for the system.
• Bicycle chain extractor.
• Metric wrenches, preferably in a set.
• Pliers and a hammer.
• Spoke wrench.
• Nippers.
• Lubrication.

Assembling a bicycle begins with the frame and fork, which you have already selected in accordance with the chosen model and the task at hand - cross-country travel, just walking or high-speed racing. It is also important to check the adequacy and compliance of the shifter, the number of stars, the front star system and the chain before assembly. The largest star in the gear should be in accordance with the front derailleur, the rear derailleur - the maximum size of the star, cassette and shifters. It is also important to pre-assemble the wheels; for their assembly, you will need a machine and an umbrella meter to control the accuracy of the rim position in the fork and control its runout. Before you begin assembling the bicycle, you can put a special flipper (tape) on the rim to neutralize the risk of a puncture of the tube.

Assembling a bicycle – what you can do yourself and what should be entrusted to a workshop specialist.

A professional can, and even should, be entrusted with the installation of the steering column. At home, it is unlikely that it will be possible to press the cups into the frame qualitatively, and it is not advisable to buy a special tool that allows you to do this. Also, only in a workshop is it possible to end the steering cup of the frame, that is, to bring the cup perpendicular to its axis. For such an operation, you will need a milling machine, which no one will buy for home assembly. If you want to take a risk, you can try to do all these procedures yourself using an ordinary board and a banal hammer. However, such experiments are time-consuming, and you are guaranteed to experience nervous stress.

At home, you can install a steering column thrust ring on the fork, which is manually put on the tube. It is easy to seat the ring with a hammer and a tube of adequate diameter. Next, we install the anchor and the carriage unit, it is better if it is capsule, since this type of carriage does not require additional adjustment. Please note that the design of the bicycle and the assembly of the bicycle assumes that on the right side of the frame, the carriage must be screwed counterclockwise, the left side of the frame - vice versa. To make the screwing process more convenient, the threads must be pre-lubricated.

Assembling a bicycle - steering unit. If the bicycle forks do not have threads, then the unit is assembled first: you need to install more rings, try riding, check the sensations, adjust the length of the stem after testing (cut off the excess). If the column and fork have threads, you will have to take risks, trying them on in place and sawing off the excess part of the fork stem. Next, install the stem, with pre-tensioned bearings.

An important stage is installing the bike on the wheels (it is good if this happens on a special stand), securing it with eccentrics (screwing the axle). The next step is installing the steering wheel, equipping it with brake levers and shifters. We put on the grips and horns. The grips are well secured if you pour a little alcohol into them beforehand, which quickly evaporates and creates the necessary fit to the steering wheel.

The next stage is the installation of the system, before which the axle is lubricated. When installing the system, it is necessary to ensure that the bolts are tightened tightly. In the future, after each hundred-kilometer run, the fasteners must be regularly checked and tightened.

We install (screw) the switches - rear and front. To install the chain, you need to press the pin with a tool first. We fix the brakes for the bicycle, lay the brake cables and the shift cables, cutting them with a margin, crimping the ends.

Install the pedals. The assembly of the bicycle assumes that the right pedal has a right-hand thread, the left pedal - accordingly, a left-hand thread, thus preventing the possibility of unscrewing the pedals during operation. We assemble the seat post, and then the saddle.

All other parts – wings, lights, bags and other accessories are installed quite easily and without additional recommendations.

Before you start using the assembled model, you need to adjust it, that is, you need to set up the bike. The bike setup is as follows:

• Alignment of the steering wheel with the plane of the front bicycle wheel (perpendicular).
• Tightening the steering column.
• Bearing tension after tilt test - the bicycle is tilted on its side so that the wheel can tilt downwards (front edge) without jamming.
• Checking the smoothness of wheel rotation.
• Adjusting the extension to a comfortable height. Loosen the bolts that secure the extension to the fork tube, tighten the top bolt, then tighten the extension bolts.
• Setting the steering wheel in the desired position.
• Adjusting the position of the brake levers and monoblock (shifters).
• Adjusting the vector brakes. Before tightening the pads, you can put a small coin under the rear part. The gap in the free state should be no more than 2 millimeters.
• Adjusting the shifting. The extreme position of the switches is set using screws in such a way as to achieve precise shifting. If everything is done correctly, the chain will not touch or catch on the frame.

The design of a bicycle, its assembly and its adjustment only seem to be a difficult and overwhelming task. In reality, with desire and sufficient motivation, everything can be overcome, as well as obstacles that a bicycle assembled with your own hands can conquer.