The Parts of a Bike

“What are the parts of a bike?” This is whet AG Knight needs to know. He is thinking of building a bike from the frame up and he needs to know what parts he will need to buy. He could just look at a photograph of a bike, but we have made him a list and added a few extras he might think of buying

Question:
I am considering buying a frame and building a bike. Can you provide a parts list of everything else that would be needed to complete the bike?

Hi AG,

This is a fairly easy question and all you have to do is look at a bike to work it out, but here is a list for you.

Depending on the frame you buy, it might come with some bike parts, like; head set and seat pin and some frames are supplied with the handlebar stem also. If you are buying a complete wheel set then it will consist of hubs, rims and spokes, but if you are building the wheels you need to buy them separately. The gear shifters normally come with the brake and gear cables in a group set, but if you are buying all the parts from different shops or they are second hand you may need to buy these also. If you are going to buy all new equipment its best you stick with the same manufacturer and level of equipment and the best way to do this is by buying a group set which can also save you money.

So here is what you need:

Frame including forks and seat pin clamp.
Head set.
Handle bars.
Handle bar stem and spacers.
Handle bar tape.
A wheel set or; hubs, rims and spokes.
Rim tapes.
Tires and inner tubes.
Gear cassette.
Chain.
Rear derailleur.
Front derailleur.
Chain set and bottom bracket.
Pedals.
Brake lever/gear shifters.
Brake and gear cable inners and outers.
Seat pin.
Saddle.
Brake calipers with brake blocks.

Extras that you don’t have to have, but probably should have:

Bottle cages and bottles.
Pump.
Small bag for spares.
Spare inner tubes, tire levers and handy tool.
Helmet.

Extras that you might want:

Cycle computer and/or pulse monitor
Cycling shoes
Cycle clothing.
Cool cycling sunglasses.
Mudguards for bad weather areas.

I hope this answers your question AG?

9 Responses to “The Parts of a Bike”

Tony D August 17, 2009

Might need a clamp for the front derailleur, watch for downtube diameter.Might also need the star fangled nut thing that fits inside the steerer tube that the stem cap bolts to.The metal crimp things for the ends of the cut cables.Alternatively go down your local bike shop and buy a bike…!

jezrodando August 17, 2009

I don’t want to seem “pigheaded” over this but doesn’t this bode the question …..”shouldn’t the correspondent be considering having the bike built up by someone who is experienced”….., also bearing in mind that special, and sometimes dedicated tools are required. I would recommend the correspondent does some considerable research into choice of components (with price v. quality and “fit for purpose” in mind) and then researches the tools required (including a torque wrench!!which can go as low as 5NM up to 35NM). Such research can be a combination of internet and friendly cycle shop. I have 40 years plus of building up my own bikes for racing and general cycling and I still do most (not all) of my own mechanical work and I can still come to a dead stop because something doesn’t fit, or I don’t have the right tool or whatever. I don’t want to discourage AG from having a go but BE CAREFUL. Also bear in mind things like handlebars come in different diameters requiring compatible a-head stem, sit pins come in different diameters AND profiles and therefore what you choose must fit the frame, front fork steerer tubes generally are 1″ or 1 1/8″ and therefore make sure the a-head stem comes with a shim IF the steerer is 1″ dia. Also depending on whether the steerer tube is carbon or aluminium determines the expander type that is used, …………and so on.As mentioned earlier, be careful but if everything is correctly researched, building bikes can be great fun and very satisfying.

Jose Jimenez August 17, 2009

Unless you find some extraordinary deals on the components, it is generally less expensive to buy a bicycle that has already been built up, since you most likely can’t purchase everything at wholesale or at a steep discount. That being said, Having once stripped down a bike to its various components and then having rebuilt it, building up your own bike is well worth the experience. You’ll be able to handle any problem that your bike has in the future without always having to resort to a bike mechanic. But, to build up your own bicycle, you will also need the requisite tools and equipment, especially if you are going to build up the wheels yourself. Although there are ways to cut down on the number of specialized tools and equipment, I think you will also need the following:WorkstandTruing standWheel building toolsHeadset toolsCrank/bottom bracket toolsChain toolsCassette toolsCleanersLubricantsYou can certainly take some short cuts, but investing in tools for a do-it-yourself is a good idea. If you are an avid bicyclist and prefer to do your own maintenance work, the necessary tools and equipment are a great investment. Have fun!

rob August 17, 2009

having done the same a few weeks ago you may also add to the listcable capssti/ergo down tube adjusters (groupsets dont come with any more check frame)good bike greasegood pair cable cutters

Joey Coddington August 17, 2009

You forgot;Cable StopsEnd PlugsSkewers (often not included these days)Head set spacers if going threadlessI would also say chainrings and bolts but assume that comes with a new crank.Cable guide for under the BBA plusThird eye device for the chain shifting from big to little.

Peter August 17, 2009

Bloody idiot – just built a bike myself and it’s not that difficult – a frame, groupset, wheels, seat etc just becomes more expensive the more exotic you want to go. Tell him to source through the net – not just Ebay, depending on his currency exchange rate there may be some good deals going in the US and UK, but he needs to do his homework. cheers

david August 17, 2009

Hi David-I could not have said it better-But, If I might add ,it is very important to make sure what rear wheel space is available for the rear wheel,which will detemine if I have an 8spd frame or a 9spd clearing.If it is an 8spd and you are planning on STI,one will have to look for older groups of 105 or Ultegra whatever maybe the case,otherwise, one will have to settle for a Sora 8spd group which is more readily available ,but, also fast fading into history.Correct me if I’m wrong.D.R.

Wayne August 17, 2009

I have built several bikes (road and mountain) from parts and it is a very rewarding experience. I found it to be a large scavenger hunt; finding all the parts I wanted and getting them to work together. The key items are Bottom bracket/ crankset.# of speeds you wish to have ( affects rear hub/chain/crankset/cassette)The stem handlebar combination is also critical.Enjoy the experience Wayne

phil webb August 17, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRbX2uPgGswThis video shows the process of building my first bike, Bamboo frame with carbon fiber joints and all! Enjoy!