Mountain Bike Anatomy

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.

Store
Site Map
Introduction To Mountain Biking
The History Of Mountain Biking
Before Buying a Mountain Bike
Shopping for Mountain Bikes for the First Time
Buying a Mountain Bike
Notes When Buying a Mountain Bike
Sizing Mountain Bikes
Different Types Of Mountain Bikes
Mountain Bike Anatomy
Mountain Bike Designs
Mountain Bikes Frame Designs
Mountain Bike Framing Materials
Mountain Bikes Suspension Choices
Mountain Bike Disc Brakes Or Rim Brakes
Mountain Bikes Accessories
Mountain Biking Accessories Must Haves
Mountain Bike Upgrades
Beginner Mountain Bike Skills
Basic Mountain Biking Skills
The Bunny Hop Mountain Bike Trick
Mountain Biking Trip What to Bring
Mountain Biking Conduct and Etiquette
Mountain Biking Do's and Don'ts
Mountain Biking Five-Point Rule when Riding Downhill
Mountain Biking Safety Tips
Safety Tips For Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking Survival Tips
Getting Ready for Mountain Biking Race
Things To Take With You On A Mountain Bike Ride
Mountain Biking Racing for the First Time
Mountain Biking Vacation
Safety Tips when Mountain Biking in Cold Weather
Stay Away from Danger when Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking Bike Maintenance
Setting Your Mountain Bike Tire Pressure
How to Lube Your Mountain Bike
How to Use a Mountain Bike Chain Tool
Mountain Bike Wheel Truing
How Mountain Bike Gears Work
Mountain Bike Spring Tune Up Tips
Nine Types of Mountain Biking
Cross Country Mountain Biking
Technical Down Hill Mountain Biking
Night Mountain Biking for Beginners
How to Prepare for Winter Mountain Biking Adventure
Clothes For Winter Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking Keeping the Fun Side Alive
Top Reasons Why You Should Not Quit Mountain Biking
Gift Ideas for Mountain Biking Enthusiasts