Bicycle Basics: Parts of a Bicycle

As in any equipment or tool that I use, I do some research to become more familiar with them. With familiarity, I will be able to better use the tool and enjoy working or using it.

The same is true with bicycles. And since I decided that having a bicycle is a long term endeavor, I decided to get to know my bicycle a little bit more. I'm just glad that the internet contains a wealth of information about bicycles and it could be quite overwhelming sometimes.

A quick Google search has turned up the page at http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/bicycleparts.html which includes an illustrated bicycle with most, if not all, bicycle parts named and listed. It certainly is very, very useful.

Bicycle parts (image courtesy of http://www.jimlangley.net)

"Snakebite" and Tire Upgrade

As I have mentioned in an earlier post, I experienced the first snakebite (tire puncture) from a glass shard since I got my el cheapo mountain bike. Later in the day, I ran to my favorite small bike shop and got me a new rear tire.  I'm glad that I took the time to go to the shop. The owner was nice enough to give me pointers about MTB wheels and tires. I learned new stuff which are priceless. I also learned that the bike vendor didn't do a good job assembling the wheels and tires. At least, now I know some really good points which I will definitely share with you guys in a future post.

The tire was made by a local company called Leo Tires and the tire model was hilariously called "MuddyMax" (L-027-013 red side wall) sized 26 x 1.95 . Although the stock tire on my bike was a 26 x 1.50, I opted for the 1.95 for the beefier look, and the grooves are larger on the new tire compared to the old one. The new "MuddyMax" tire set me back 248 bucks.

Sure enough, the rear is beefier than the front but it's ok. I'll be replacing the front tire soon. Oh, and the old tire will be patched tomorrow by a local tire patcher.

 Pictures after the jump.

How to choose MTB tires from Art's Cyclery

I just had a tire puncture a couple of hours ago and it sucks. Really sucks. Pro guys call it a "snakebite" I believe. Regardless, it is rather disappointing. The culprit was a minute glass shard that lodged itself between the grooves of the rear tire. Sucks.

I will definitely need to get this fixed.

In the meantime, I was looking around for some information related to my new predicament and sure enough, I was able to find a video from Art's Cyclery over at Youtube.

Enjoy.