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Bike Parts And Repairs: Saddles, Seats, Pedals And Handlebars
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Published: July 20, 2007
All around the world, bikes are an important means of transportaion. And why shouldn't they be? They reduce fossil fuel emissions, keep the roads clear, and help keep a nation moving and out of danger of obesity. But, with more bikes out in the streets, bike accidents will happen more frequently as well. And, most unfortunately, even prudent bikers experience accidents during their lives.
Some of these are caused by distractions but others can be prevented with careful maintenance of the bike parts.
There are certain steps to take that can help any bike rider stay trouble-free. Bike riders should check bike parts such as the bike seat, handlebars, and pedals for comfort and fit to reduce distractions and improve control of the bike. Second, bike riders should listen to what the bike is saying whenever one or more of the bike parts makes an unusual noise. The key is to pay attention and fix the bike parts immediately, so they don't sustain excess damage.
The most essential bike parts for a bike are the bike seat (saddle), bike pedals, and bike handlebars. One of the most important things to know is that saddles are both purpose-specific (racing, mountain biking, etc.) and gender-specific. Women's saddles are wider at the back than men's bike seats to account for their larger hips. Not checking what kind of saddle it is can make for a rather unpleasant ride. Also, beware of mountain bike seats—they should not be used for any other purpose, as they are narrower than their counterparts, which could cause discomfort.
Pedals are bike parts that are essential to a smooth ride. Bike riders should check to make sure that the pedals turn smoothly with their chain. Feet may slip occasionally without clips or straps (optional bike parts that can be attached), but sometimes feet need to be removed quickly and without trouble. Many people increase the severity of their accidents by panicking when they can't immediately remove their feet from the bike pedals This results in replacement bike parts, and sadly, physical therapy for the rider.
It's also very important to listen to what the bike is saying. The noise the bike parts are making will define what needs to be fixed. Often, not correcting a mistake early enough will lead to more problems later. There are several common noises, and each has predictable causes. For example, if the tire is rubbing improperly, it will start making noise and can potentially lead to brake failure. But if the noise occurs once per pedal rotation, the nuts and bolts on each side of the crank arm are probably loose. They are responsible for keeping it attached snugly to the axle, and need to be checked every few months. If not checked regularly, they can destroy the axle, one of the most crucial bike parts.
The hardest problems are the ones that occur randomly and/or seldom. With these, it is best to replace bike parts, based on instinct. For example, if the sound comes every three seconds, try and determine what could be causing it. Test out the bike, making it do various stunts such as hard turns, up and down steep grades, etc., until it is more obvious as to which bike parts are causing the problem.
With the previous tips and by trusting basic instincts, the bike's longevity will be increased and the
bike parts will stay in better shape, making the bike more enjoyable to ride. However, even with all the information presented here, there are times when it is best to ask a professional, and learn from what they have to say. Ultimately, repairs in the present mean fewer expenses in the future.
Sources:
Lauzon, Gerry. "Bicycle seats: what you have to know." HowToFixBikes. Blogspot.com.12 Aug. 2006. Gerry Lauzon.3 June 2007. http://howtofixbikes.blogspot.com/2006/08/bicycle- seats-what-you-have-to-know.html
Bicycle Maintenance Guide: Drive Train. Thomas Driemeyer. 21 June1995. 3 June 2007. http://www.bitrot.de/bbook_drive.html
Bicycle Maintenance Guide: Steering. Thomas Driemeyer. 21 June 1995. 3 June 2007. http://www.bitrot.de/bbook_steering.html
Related Articles
There are certain steps to take that can help any bike rider stay trouble-free. Bike riders should check bike parts such as the bike seat, handlebars, and pedals for comfort and fit to reduce distractions and improve control of the bike. Second, bike riders should listen to what the bike is saying whenever one or more of the bike parts makes an unusual noise. The key is to pay attention and fix the bike parts immediately, so they don't sustain excess damage.
The most essential bike parts for a bike are the bike seat (saddle), bike pedals, and bike handlebars. One of the most important things to know is that saddles are both purpose-specific (racing, mountain biking, etc.) and gender-specific. Women's saddles are wider at the back than men's bike seats to account for their larger hips. Not checking what kind of saddle it is can make for a rather unpleasant ride. Also, beware of mountain bike seats—they should not be used for any other purpose, as they are narrower than their counterparts, which could cause discomfort.
Pedals are bike parts that are essential to a smooth ride. Bike riders should check to make sure that the pedals turn smoothly with their chain. Feet may slip occasionally without clips or straps (optional bike parts that can be attached), but sometimes feet need to be removed quickly and without trouble. Many people increase the severity of their accidents by panicking when they can't immediately remove their feet from the bike pedals This results in replacement bike parts, and sadly, physical therapy for the rider.
It's also very important to listen to what the bike is saying. The noise the bike parts are making will define what needs to be fixed. Often, not correcting a mistake early enough will lead to more problems later. There are several common noises, and each has predictable causes. For example, if the tire is rubbing improperly, it will start making noise and can potentially lead to brake failure. But if the noise occurs once per pedal rotation, the nuts and bolts on each side of the crank arm are probably loose. They are responsible for keeping it attached snugly to the axle, and need to be checked every few months. If not checked regularly, they can destroy the axle, one of the most crucial bike parts.
The hardest problems are the ones that occur randomly and/or seldom. With these, it is best to replace bike parts, based on instinct. For example, if the sound comes every three seconds, try and determine what could be causing it. Test out the bike, making it do various stunts such as hard turns, up and down steep grades, etc., until it is more obvious as to which bike parts are causing the problem.
With the previous tips and by trusting basic instincts, the bike's longevity will be increased and the
bike parts will stay in better shape, making the bike more enjoyable to ride. However, even with all the information presented here, there are times when it is best to ask a professional, and learn from what they have to say. Ultimately, repairs in the present mean fewer expenses in the future.
Sources:
Lauzon, Gerry. "Bicycle seats: what you have to know." HowToFixBikes. Blogspot.com.12 Aug. 2006. Gerry Lauzon.3 June 2007. http://howtofixbikes.blogspot.com/2006/08/bicycle- seats-what-you-have-to-know.html
Bicycle Maintenance Guide: Drive Train. Thomas Driemeyer. 21 June1995. 3 June 2007. http://www.bitrot.de/bbook_drive.html
Bicycle Maintenance Guide: Steering. Thomas Driemeyer. 21 June 1995. 3 June 2007. http://www.bitrot.de/bbook_steering.html
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