Cycling is not just a simple means of transportation; it's a way of life! Whether you're a daily commuter relying on Ubike or a speed enthusiast passionate about racing bikes, we're here to guide you through the various types of bicycles and their components. This will help you make intelligent choices and use your bike according to your needs!
Two wheels and foot pedals make it a bicycle, right? Biking is more diverse than you might think!
Ubike, as a public bicycle system, has long been a great companion for commuting and exercise for many urban dwellers! They are typically designed to be sturdy and durable, suitable for short rides and daily commuting. Therefore, many people's passion for cycling often begins with Ubike.
In fact, the world of bicycles goes far beyond the basics of pedaling and turning. Each bike model has its unique charm and specific usage techniques, ranging from the nimble and swift road bikes to the off-road adventurers tackling mountain trails. Each component contributes to giving a bicycle its distinct DNA! Below, let's introduce you to 5 fundamental bike parts and four different types of bicycles!
Ubike serves as the first step for many in their cycling journey. (Image source: YouBike Greater Taipei Fan Page)
5 Bicycle Components You Should Know
The transmission is the key to adjusting the rhythm and effort of cycling, allowing you to maintain the highest efficiency on different slopes and road conditions. A complete transmission system includes shifters, front derailleur, rear derailleur, crankset, chain, and cassette. The combination of these components completes the gear ratio configuration. Learning how to choose the appropriate gear ratios based on different riding conditions is the first step to breaking away from being a cycling novice!
The transmission allows you to achieve excellent performance in various environments. (Image source: Asya Vee on Unsplash)
Braking System: The Guardian of Safety
While the braking system is essentially about braking, it serves not only as the cornerstone of safety but also enhances control precision. The braking system can be categorized into drum brakes, hydraulic disc brakes, V-brakes, and C-brakes.
Each brake system corresponds to different types of bicycles to showcase their advantages and disadvantages. For example, in the case of road bikes, despite the theoretically better braking performance of V-brakes, they are more prone to causing the bike to lock up and skid due to the high-speed nature of road cycling.
Just like motorcycles and cars, a good braking system significantly enhances agility and safety. (Image source: Valentin Petkov on Unsplash)
Tires: The 'Shoes' in Contact with the Ground
Tires are the part that directly contacts the ground, affecting grip and riding comfort. Tires are further divided into inner tube systems and tubeless systems, influencing factors such as weight, maintenance speed, grip, and puncture resistance.
Tread patterns on the outer tire vary widely. On one end of the spectrum, you have the sleek road bike tires, offering lower rolling resistance and excellent acceleration. On the other end, you have the large-knobbed and clearly treaded tires of off-road bikes, providing good puncture resistance and grip.
Tires are the components of a bicycle that directly touch the ground, and they directly impact the performance of a bike. (Image source: Josh Nuttall on Unsplash)
Seat: The Comfortable Companion for Riding
Many people tend to overlook the importance of the seat for a bicycle. The shape, material, shock absorption, and adjustment mechanism of the seat have a significant impact on riding posture and comfort. A suitable seat can reduce fatigue and discomfort during prolonged rides or on uneven terrain!
Some seats combine lightweight design with comfort, which is crucial for athletes. (Image source: Josh Nuttall on Unsplash)
Handlebars: The Key to Control
The key to maneuvering a bicycle lies in the handlebars, which also include the grips. The material and shape design of the handlebars directly impact the rider's operating posture. Different types of handlebars (such as flat bars, drop bars, and bullhorns) and adjusting the height and angle of the handlebars are crucial for enhancing control and riding comfort!
Still confused about the differences in bicycles? Here's a breakdown of four types of bicycles for you to see!
Road Bike: Pursuer of Speed and Efficiency
Road bikes are characterized by lightweight and aerodynamic design. They typically have a lightweight frame, narrow tires, a multi-gear setup, and aerodynamic drop handlebars designed to provide a fast and efficient riding experience. The seamless integration with the wind is not only the biggest charm of road bikes but also their strength!
Mountain Bike: The Explorer of Off-Road Trails
Mountain bikes emphasize durability and adaptability, designed to navigate smoothly through mountainous terrain or rugged surfaces. Well-suited for uneven and challenging mountain or off-road paths, mountain bikes typically come equipped with wide tires and effective suspension systems.
Although they face higher resistance on flat roads, they are truly the bikes that can take you 'up and down the mountains and across the seas.
City Bikes: The Optimal Choice for Urban Commuting
City bikes are primarily designed for comfort and practicality, often equipped with features like mudguards, baskets, and a second seat. They are well-suited for daily commuting and navigating through city streets. City bikes come in a variety of styles, from affordable classics to stylish and powerful models, catering to the diverse needs of different riders.
Folding Bikes: Exemplars of Portability and Practicality
Folding bikes, with their convenient portability and storage features, have gained popularity among urban residents, especially in living environments with limited space. Many people choose to purchase folding bikes as versatile means of transportation, akin to skateboards. Riding a folding bike to catch the subway and then cycling to reach destinations seamlessly allows for easy transitions between different scenes.
Universal Bike Phone Mount: "Bone Bike Tie 4 Pro Max"Bone Bike Tie 4 Pro Max
Once you have your own bike, whether for city, riverside, or mountain biking, your phone is always your best companion on the ride!
he Bone Shaker "Bone Bike Tie 4 Pro Max" is versatile, suitable for use on folding bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, and city bikes, without any restrictions! It is compatible with various handlebars, including different T-shaped handlebars, bicycle flat bars, drop bars, bullhorns, and more.
This bike phone holder comes with an exclusive binding strap, accommodating phones ranging from 4.7 to 7.2 inches. It has undergone professional vibration testing to effectively disperse and absorb vibrations from the road, providing shock protection for your phone.
Made from silicone material, it is washable, making it easy to remove outdoor dirt. Whether you're mountain biking, commuting in the city, or leisurely riding, this holder ensures that your phone rides along with you seamlessly!
With the Bone Bike Tie 4 Pro Max, you no longer have to worry about where to place your phone!