Bike Rack For Car

How to Choose a Bicycle Car Rack

By Rick C Kern

There are several types of bicycle racks for cars. Trunk mount, Roof mount, Spare Tire mount or Receiver Hitch mount. Trunk mount bicycle racks for cars are the most common.

Advantages To Trunk Mount Bicycle Car Rack

Trunk Mount are usually cheaper than other types of racks.
Simple installation. Easy to store when not in use.
Often they are great for hauling one or sometimes two bikes.

Disadvantages to trunk mount bike racks

If your car is dirty and you put a trunk mount on, the dirt under the rack feet will act like sandpaper and ruin the paint.

Some Trunk Racks do not get the bike far enough from the car so the bike can rub on the car.
You cannot attach the upper rack straps to a glass window. If your car’s back window opens and there is not an attachment point above that that is metal you cannot attach a trunk rack. Some of the older Camaros, Firebirds, Toyota 4 Runner have this problem so you either need to use a receiver hitch rack or a roof rack.

If your exhaust pipe points directly at the tires on your bike it can overheat the tire and ruin it.
Many racks do not separate the bikes well and the bikes will rub the paint off of each other.
You cannot access the back of the vehicle when you have bicycles on the rack.

Advantages to Roof Racks

The bikes are well separated so they do not rub on each other or the car.
You can pull a trailer and the bikes will not be in the way.
The roof racks protect the finish on your car really well.
Often there are a lot of other accessories to carry canoes, skis, snowboards etc. to fit the roof rack.

Disadvantages to Roof Racks

People have been known to forget the bikes are on the roof and run into the garage. This is really hard on the car, bike and sometimes the garage.
Usually Roof Racks are quite expensive. Often it will cost over $400 for a two bike roof rack.
Putting the bike on the roof can be a chore sometimes.
The extra wind drag from the bikes above the car will significantly affect your gas mileage.
Installing a roof rack can be a chore.

Putting your bike on a roof rack can be difficult.

Advantages to Spare Tire Racks

Sometimes they are the only rack that will fit the vehicle.

Disadvantages to Spare tire racks

They do not fit many cars.

Advantages to Receiver Hitch Racks

Easy to install.
Less wind drag than Roof Racks.
The bikes are kept away from the car so they do not rub on the paint of the car.
The rack only touches the car by slipping into the Receiver and either bolted or pinned to the receiver.

Receiver racks are easy to move from vehicle to vehicle as long as the vehicle has the right size receiver. Check out my Receiver Hitch Tips page.

Disadvantages to Receiver Hitch Racks

If your vehicle does not have a receiver it usually costs around $200 or more to have a receiver put on.

You cannot haul a trailer when your rack is on your car.

Like the Trunk rack and the Spare Tire Rack when your bikes are on the rack it is often hard to get into the back of the car.

Read another post about bicycle : Bicycle Wheel Buying Guide and Performance Bicycles

Bike Wheel

Bicycle Wheel Buying Guide – Buy the Right Wheels For Your Bike For a Safer Ride

By Ilse Hagen

A bike is never complete without a good set of wheels that won’t just keep you moving but also ensure a safe ride down the streets. Using a bicycle wheel buying guide allows you to achieve that while helping you learn how you can take care of them. Let’s begin.

Parts of the wheel

The bicycle wheel is composed of 3 parts: the rim, tire, and the spokes. The rims are supposed to be self-butted to secure the tires to them. The rim materials can be made of steel, lightweight carbon fiber, or aluminum alloy. Meanwhile, the spokes work to connect the rims to a hub. Each spoke has a nipple that works to adjust tension and they can be made of either chrome-plated metals or stainless steel. Each wheel can have at least 12 or as much as 48 spokes. As for the tire, it is the outermost layer that covers the wheels.

The right wheel for your bike

This bicycle wheel buying guide tells you to buy wheels depending on how you are going to use your bike. For example, if you are going to race, make sure that it has aerodynamic features with lightweight material so you can swiftly swerve through various race tracks. If you have a BMX bike, equip them with BMX wheels that are wider and can absorb pressure and shock better when jumping or passing through dirt tracks. Mountain bike wheels, on the other hand, are for mountain bikes and they have low air pressure contributing to their increased traction and shock absorption.

What’s your riding style?

Also, buy your wheels depending on your riding style. Thicker and stronger wheels are for stunts while lightweight ones are suitable for racing. Just make sure to check them once in a while to see if there are tire punctures or broken spokes. That way, you are assured of a safer ride with your bicycle.

Read another post about bicycle : Performance Bicycles and Bike Rack Review

Bicycle Car Racks

Bike Rack Review – Bicycle Parking Racks, Stands and Storage Guidelines

By Jon Rutledge

Bicycle Parking

What to look for – What to avoid

With today’s bicycles costing a small fortune, cyclists now look for bike racks that will not damage their bikes and allow locking of the wheel and frame with a ‘U’ lock.

Unfortunately, many parking facilities provided for cyclists are poorly designed and remain unused. Cyclists are forced to lock their bikes to trees and posts, or lean them against building fronts and windows. This not only creates an eyesore, but causes damage to property and becomes a hazard to pedestrians.

The key to providing a safe and effective bicycle parking program is to specify high quality, attractive bike racks. In Australia, this means bicycle racks must at least meet the parking device guidelines established by Austroads Part 14 and AS2890.3.

Here are some guidelines to help you select a bike rack that cyclists will use.

What to look for…

* Bicycle racks should attract cyclists, and by design should encourage use.

* Security – racks must allow the bike frame and wheel(s) to be locked securely.

* Protection – racks must support the bicycle frame and not hold the wheel.

* Most racks are misused to some degree. Look for racks which provide the same opportunity for security whether the bike is on the end or middle of the rack.

* Racks should be built from heavy duty, weather & tamper resistant materials.

* Attractive designs encourage property owners to install secure parking facilities.

What to avoid…

These are the main reasons why cyclists will not use some racks:

* Damage – If a parking device can damage a bike it won’t be used. Some racks, so-called wheel benders, can damage the wheels or frame of a bike. If a rack will bend a wheel it won’t be used.

* Security – As many bicycles have ‘quick release’ front wheels, security of the wheel and frame is essential. Do not buy a rack which does not allow for both the wheel and frame to be locked with a ‘U’ lock.

* Capacity – If a specification says a rack will hold ten bikes and knowing what you know now, check it. Where some rack designs are misused the stated capacity may be reduced by as much as 90%.

* Look Around – See how some rack owners have wasted their money. Cyclists won’t used devices that don’t secure or support their bike by its frame.

Examples of Good Bicycle Parking Facilities

* Bike parking racks that provide secure spaces for multiple bikes can offer a great solution to maximize capacity in a given area. Make sure the bike rack design supports the bike frame (not wheel) and encourages locking of the wheel and frame to the rack. Select a high quality, attractive design that is easy to install, will compliment your setting, and encourage cyclists to use it.

* Bicycle parking rails are suitable for narrow footpaths and difficult spaces. The standard parking rail supports the bike frame and allows secure locking. Bike rails can be fixed in-situ, or fixed onto an existing concrete surface.

* Wall mounted bike racks are a great second choice when space does not allow for surface mounted options. By allowing bikes to park either vertically or horizontally off the ground, you may be able to park bikes where you didn’t think possible. Make sure the rack design supports the bike by its frame (not wheel) and allows easy locking.

Other Parking Devices

* Bicycle Lockers – These enclosed units can offer a deluxe storage system. Each unit should have a door for single bike access. These units are expensive and usually require ongoing maintenance and inspection due to vandalism and security concerns.

* Bicycle Rooms & Compounds – Secure grounds are a deterrent to theft but unsecured bikes in a bike room or compound are an invitation for theft. A room alone isn’t enough – place high quality bicycle racks in the room for the security of each bike.

Finishes and Materials

Most good bike racks today are available in a variety of finishes.

Paint – Racks that are painted chip and rust. Stay clear.

Colour coatings – High density colour powder coatings can produce an attractive colourful product that is scratch and corrosion resistant. Colour powder coatings applied directly to a steel frame will rust, while colour powder coatings on a galvanised frame will chip very easily. If you want a colour finish, ask for powder coatings on a zinc electroplated frame. Not recommended for areas within 2km from salt water.

Galvanised steel – Virtually maintenance free and weather resistant. Products that have been ‘hot-dipped’ galvanised post fabrication offer the most durable galvanised finish. Avoid pre-galvanised tube unless using strictly in undercover/underground areas.

Stainless steel – Attractive and expensive. Well suited for plazas and for buildings with stainless accessories. Ask for high quality Grade 316 or 304 Stainless Steel. The addition of an electropolish finish increases the shine and adds additional protection.

Conclusions

* Don’t waste your money.
* Be aware of capacity claims and avoid racks which are misused.
* Do not buy products which hold (pinch) wheels.
* Buy products which permit the bike frame and wheel(s) of the bike to be locked.
* Locate racks where the cyclists will go – not where you might like them to go.
* Avoid racks that have a low profile or could cause a hazard to pedestrians.
* Buy only quality products.

Read another post about bicycle : Bicycle Clothing and Performance Bicycles

Performance Cycles

Performance Bicycles: What Is Performance?

Author: Bill Wallmuller

In order to talk about performance bicycles, we should start by defining the term. We all know what bicycle signifies, but what about performance? I think that many people tend to define the word performance as the ability to offer top operation, meaning top speeds, top maneuverability, and clockwork smooth mechanical functioning.

While all of those minor definitions certainly relate to an overall concept of performance, I would like to offer another perspective of performance as related to bicycles. Though we all want to be the next Lance Armstrong, our own best personal performance does not have to reflect world’s records for speed or distance.

In my opinion, for the non-professional bicycle rider, even the more serious bicycle rider, performance should really be an issue of finding the bike that best fits your lifestyle. This is going to include things other than top, high speed racing performance.

The best bicycle for the more common user has many non-race related factors to take under consideration. How much can I spend on a bike? I have to carry my bike upstairs, will the bike be heavy to lift? There are many practical concerns that may end up making more of a difference than trimming a couple seconds of your mile.

One thing to consider is where you will be storing your bicycle, and where it will be kept when you ride it to various destinations. You may not want to have a flashy top of the line bike in particular parts of town anyway.

And if you want to get into the topic of non-flashy bicycles, boy, could I talk your ear off. There are so many amazing things about recycling old bikes [recycled bicycles] into fabulously functional and affordable new bikes!

I remember when I was young, after a short period of ownership, dismantling and customizing my very fancy red and chromed Columbia touring bicycle that I had received one Christmas. The first items removed were the fancy chromed fenders and tail extension and of course the chrome chain guard.

I was not the only one of my friends who did this, risking the wrath of parents wondering why we took such expensive and fancy looking bikes and tore them down. I remember the Wynn brothers. They made chopper bicycles by mounting the front wheel fork and tube upside down in the bicycle frame giving the bike that motorcycle chopper look. This was our definition of a performance bicycle.

The Wynn brothers had a collection of used bicycles and bicycle parts that amazed me. What they did with those parts was even more amazing.

Sustain ability is the way to go. Every time we’re able to use what already exists we’re giving someone a new bike that may not be able to afford one otherwise. Or perhaps we’re merely saving a spot in a landfill where stuff he haven’t figured out how to recycle can go.

Consider all your concerns and interests surrounding the type of bike that will best fit into your lifestyle and your community. You may learn something about yourself and the other people like you living just next door.

Read another post about bicycle : Bicycle Safely and Bicycle Clothes

About the Author:
Bill Wallmuller aka Mr. Merokee is the founder of Merokee Enterprises and has developed helpful Web site guides with resources in various topical areas. One is the: Bicycle Resource Guide

Choose A Bike

Choosing a Bicycle

By Jerry Goodwin

As a volunteer expert in bicycling at allexperts.com I am often asked about how to choose a bicycle either for the questioner or for a gift. It is not really as simple as it sounds.

Of course you can just go down to your local discount department store like Wal-Mart or Target and drop anywhere between 50 and 200.00 for a bike. In fact this is what 7 out of 10 people do. Wal-Mart is the largest bicycle retailer in the US. Target and other discount stores also sell many bicycles. While most of these bikes are bought by adults as gifts for children, many are indeed purchased for adults,

In fact back in 1997 my wife and I entered a contest called the Body for Life, Body Transformation Contest. We went to the local Wal-Mart and bought two bikes, one for each of us and we rode those back and forth to the gym where we worked out. In 1998 I took that bike a 26′ Roadmaster on a ride around South Georgia to help raise money for the Bikes or Bust which is operated through the Toy’s for Tots Organization of the Marine Corps Reserves. I personally rode that bike 50 miles a day for 3 days. That was when full suspension bikes were just really hitting the market. The Roadmaster was not a full suspension bike and was purchased for 49.00 plus tax. A new seat and some bar ends to give extra hand positions were the only things I added, which about doubled the total cost of the bike.

In trying to raise support for the ride I met up with some really nice people that loved to cycle also they were members of the Pecan City Pedalers the bicycling club in Albany Georgia. We sort of adopted each other and I am now a member also and have been since 2000.

So how do you choose the right bike and get what you want for a reasonable price?

If the bike will be for a child, you can probably go almost completely by age and or size. It gets more complicated though. There are many types of bicycles, such as BMX bike, Road Bikes, or Mountain Bikes. In the BMX line you will also hear the term Cruiser used to describe a bike that looks like a solid framed mountain bike, but has only one gear. There are also variations in the Mountain Bikes there is what is known as a hard tail as well as a full-suspension bike. Go to road bikes and you will hear people talking about Carbon, Titanium, steel, aluminum and allux and cromoly it can get pretty confusing.

Here is my suggestion, first decide what the bike will be used for. Will it be for fitness, a fun way to get in your cardio, or are you planning on becoming the next Lance Armstrong? I would not spend a lot of money on any piece of exercise equipment until I knew for sure I would use it. I personally put about 500 miles per month on my bike and I know of people here in South Georgia that do close to twice that amount, So I own two fairly high quality bicycles a Giant OCR2 and a Specialized Expedition.

My Grandson has a little Giant Frantic that he was racing at the BMX Track, but for his birthday when he turned 9, we bought him a new SE Ripper X, which is about the best of the best when it comes to BMX Racing, Sorry Redline and Diamondback fans.

If you are planning on getting the bicycle as a way of getting some exercise, then you can probably pick up a nice bike at any department store 70 to 80% of bikes bought for that reason usually end up in the garage until they get sold at a yard sale anyway.

If you are planning on using the bike for a specific purpose, such as we were for our grandson, then buy the best you can afford. To do that you will almost always have to go to a good quality shop. A good shop will help you pick out a bike that fits your needs or the needs of the person you are getting the bike for. They can help with any accessories or special equipment that you need. A good shop will be able to tell you where you can meet other local cyclists with the same interests, and any good shop will be able to service virtually anything that you ever need repaired. Often a shop can get you a good deal on a used bike, saving hundreds of dollars.

For example I had ridden a Mountain Bike for years, and while I thought I would like to try road biking I didn’t really have an extra 1000.00 to buy a new one that was the one I wanted. Jim Lau owns Cycle World in Albany Georgia. He watched for a good used bike for me, It happened after a while that a man came in to his shop and traded a 1 year old Giant OCR2 on a New Trek Madone. Jim told me the Giant had less than 800 Miles on it, and he would sell it for 800.00. It was a great deal, so I bought it. I have worn out two set of tires on it since I bought it last September. I took that bike to the Golden Olympics in 2007 and won two Silver Medals and one Bronze. That was less than a month after I picked it up.

When we were looking to get our grandson a new bike we went to a shop that specializes in BMX Bikes. The closest shop that had the SE bikes was in Columbus Georgia, so we met Aaron Oney there and found not only a good bike shop and a great deal on a bike but also a new friend. That is another benefit to going to a shop rather than a discount store. You are much more likely to connect with a shop owner than an employee at a big discount store. I now have friends all over Georgia and even other states like Alabama, Ohio, and Texas that own Bike shops. These are people that I didn’t know before I started riding.

So basically it really depends on what you plan to use the bicycle for and how much money you are willing to invest in the bicycle as well as how much time you have to get the bike and get the right fit. If you want to get the best deal on a high quality bicycle then a bike shop is your only answer.

Read another post about bicycle : BMX Extreme and Mountain Bike Clothings

Bicycles Trailer

Bicycle Trailers – The Best Way to Travel on Your Bike, Carrying Everything You’ll Need

By Ricardo Nunes

There are several bicycle trailers available these days. One can choose from single wheel trailers or two wheels trailers. The weight capacity of each trailer can be one of the main choosing factors but it’s more common to see people making their choice based on the trailer weight. In fact this is very important because if the journey is going to be very long the trailer weight can make it an even harder task to accomplish.

It is also very important for you to find a trailer which has an easy and effective fastener in order to avoid problems in case of an accident. Some of the trailers are connected with the bike’s seat tube, but this will raise the center of gravity of the bicycle/trailer set making it more difficult to control. The best system for fastening the trailer it’s on the rear axle level which allows for better maneuverability and easy towing of the trailer.

Depending on where the riding is going to take place (whether it is on the road or off-road), it’s important to assure that everything it’s protected from water, dust or even mud. No one wants to finish the day without having dry clothes to wear after a hard riding day. The best way to assure that everything gets dry and clean is using completely waterproof bags similar to the ones used on water sports like sailing or kayaking.

Read another post about bicycle : Bicycle Saddles & Mountain Bike Clothing

Now it is time to choose the trailer that better answer your needs. Good luck and happy rides!

Bike Rack For Car

Getting the Best Price On Your Car Bicycle Rack

By Alastair Hamilton

A car bicycle rack that is discounted or on sale can be a great treasure to find. New bikers may think that a car bicycle rack is not needed, but they will quickly find that this one piece of equipment can be as important as the bicycle itself. If you cannot get your bike to different locations to ride, then you may find that you will not bike as often. By purchasing a car bicycle rack, you will be able to ride anywhere you choose.

Boredom is the most common reason that people give up a particular type of exercise. If you are riding the same path every day, then you may find that this routine becomes humdrum and boring. By purchasing a car bicycle carrier, you will have the option of riding any number of bike paths in your area and in surrounding areas to help decrease the boredom quotient.

The great thing is that this equipment doesn’t have to be very expensive. By checking the sales ads in local papers and on the Internet, you may be able to find a car bicycle rack that easily fits your budget. All you need to do is bide your time until you find one that will work for you and your billfold.

When you are starting a new sport, buying equipment can sometimes be very costly. By watching sales and ads in the paper, you will find that you can find a very good price on equipment. You only have to be willing to wait until you can find equipment that you need.

Finding a car bicycle rack on sale may take a few weeks, especially if you want one that is high quality. A high quality car bicycle rack will save you money in the long run, however, because it will be more durable than an inferior one that may cost a few dollars less.

It is quite irritating when you buy an item and they see it on sale or discounted at another store the next day. You can return it to the first store, if you haven’t put it on your automobile yet, but if you had simply looked around before making your purchase, then you could have save yourself time, money, and irritation. That is why it is so important to do your research first before shelling out any money.

The internet is a great resource for finding prices for car bicycle racks. It can be done anytime of the night or day and you do not have to leave your house to price check. Make sure that you also read the ads in the newspaper, both personal and sales ads and see if your neighborhood bike shop has a mailing list. All of these are ways to find the right price for your car bicycle rack.

If you do your research, you can save yourself money on your car bicycle rack. Then you can use that money for other equipment or for a bicycle tour. Doesn’t that sound like a plan?

Read another post about bicycle : Cycling Clothing & Bicycle Safety

Bicycle Saddle Comfort

Selecting the Right Bicycle Saddle

By Marcos K Meyers

Choosing the correct bicycle saddle is an important step when looking for the perfect bike. One needs to remember that the seat carries the burden of the bike – namely the rider and more than 50% of his or her weight. Not only do they need to be comfortable, but they also need to wear well. It needs to made of a good material so if the bike falls to the ground, marks are not made or it does not deteriorate from the friction of sitting on it for a long ride. It is a good idea to test bicycle saddles before committing to one and here are a few things to consider when looking to purchase:

PADDING

There are a couple of types of padding that are most commonly used on bike seats – polymer gels and urethane foam. Both are typically molded on the seat however each model of seat has different thicknesses and density depending the seat model. Sometimes both types of padding are used on one seat trying to add different textures to different pressure points, however more padding does not necessarily mean that it will be more comfortable. The purpose of padding is to disperse one’s weight over the entire seat and sometimes thicker padding can move get lumpy in spots and can actually be more uncomfortable. If one prefers, there are still flyweight saddles that are made without padding.

SHELL DESIGN

The shell of a bike saddle can be made of a few different materials, depending on the flexibility required of the seat. Most saddles are made of plastic which is injection-molded, and typically made of nylon. These seats are usually the least flexible and heaviest so carbon fiber is added to create a lighter and more malleable. There are even a few types of saddles which are made entirely of carbon and are quite light and flexible. In order to make the saddle more comfortable and adjustable, manufacturers have added slots or holes in the nose of the seat which can disperse pressure away from softer tissues. According to Andy Pruitt, Ed. D. of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine in Colorado, seats with a hole in the nose are more comfortable for approximately 80% of riders, though solid saddles are still preferred by some. If one wants an option other than a carbon or plastic shell,there are a few manufacturers that still use leather which is riveted to the rails.

RAILS

Titanium is the material of choice for today’s saddle rails and is found typically on higher-end bicycles. Previously, rails were made cheaply using carbon steel that had been chrome plated, but this made the seat and bike unnecessarily heavy. Another common material is lighter, though strong steels such as chrome-moly, which is usually fashioned in a hollow tubular shape, keeping the bike light. Some more expensive seats have rails made of carbon fiber, but because they can be more easily damaged than steel, they are often wrapped in aluminum. There are still a few companies that have a dedicated seat with a beam system or monorail.

SHAPE

The shape of a seat is perhaps the most important aspect when choosing the perfect saddle. If the seat is too narrow, it will feel like there is not enough support. If it is too wide, however, it will often rub and end up chaffing. For women, a wider seat is typically more comfortable since the sit bones – ischial tuberosities to be technical – are wider than those of males. Since each rider is different some specialty shops have seats that come with special pads which measure the width of the sit bones to make it easier to choose the seat. Some seats are also curved and are rounded while others have squarer sides and a flatter top. There are also seats made for different bicycling purposes. A saddle made for off-roading, for instance is thicker over the whole seat while a seat made for a triathlon as more padding in the front of the nose to help the cyclist sit forward.

COVERING

The covering can vary greatly on bicycle saddles. They can be made from materials such as plastic, fabric, leather or even Kevlar on more expensive seats and can come in many different and personalized colors, though typically black fades and wears the least. In order to keep the rider from sliding around, some seat coverings have tiny holes to add friction. Saddles made for off-roading are usually made with durable materials and reinforced corners since they are heavily used.

Read another post about bicycle : Bicycle Crankset &
Bicycle Tires

Cycling Tire

Bicycle Tires

By Ken Marlborough

A bicycle is one of earliest modes of transportation developed by man. With the invention of the wheels, man was mobile and continues to be. Wheels have undergone numerous changes to help people attain great speeds by themselves or when combined with motorized gadgets. The efficiency and utility of bicycle tires is determined by their ability to convert the force produced by riders. This undemanding mechanism helps riders move forward. It is important to use bicycle tires that are recommended for a particular bicycle frame. Bicycle tires are available in varying sizes and widths. Tires are ranked as per their rolling resistance, uniformity of speed in a straight line and ability to remain upright at turns.

Bicycle tires help balance a bicycle when riders are off their seats while attempting to create extra speed through side-to-side maneuvers. This is common when racing or hiking. At a professional level like this, bicycle tires that are used are very different from regular counterparts. Bicycle tires are likely to wear off because of local weather conditions. Tire size, tread patterns, rubber compounds, and frequency of bicycle usage regulate wear and tear of tires. In case of a puncture, bicycle tires can be repaired in a matter of minutes by mechanics. Tubeless tires offer maximum resistance to punctures.

Bicycle tires may be of regular or off road varieties. Users need to be attentive to air pressures within attire and have them filled as and when required. When inflating bicycle tires, they need to be checked with accurate meters. This helps fill an accurate amount of air and prevents chances of tire bursts and accidents. Bicycle tires are available at showrooms and with local mechanics. Potential customers may opt for online shopping to find a creditable bicycle tire source. Apart from the regular design tires that are fitted in a bicycle at the time of purchase, owners may choose to replace them with broad width tires that are stylish and preferred by many.

Read another post about bicycle : Bicycle Crankset and Cycling Clothing

Bicycle Cranks

Bicycle Cranksets – The Anatomy of a Typical Crankset Assembly?

By Luc Lacasse

The Crankset is the key bicycle part that converts human physical motion into the rotational power you need to get your bicycle moving. Your success and enjoyment will be a function of its performance. To upgrade or maintain you first need to know what goes into making a great crankset; cranks, spiders, chainring, shell, bottom bracket and spindle each have a roll to play. Here’s a bit of terminology to get you going.

Cranks Arms: These are the essential arms connecting the bicycle pedals to the spindle or axle. The left hand bike crank is typically bolted to the end of the spindle. The right crank arm can be attached in a similar fashion, but quite often today is permanently mounted to the drive-side spindle and spider.

Buy cheap if you are a casual road rider but if your passion in life is jumping curbs and bunny hoping up the steps, the impact on reconnecting with the pavement will exert huge forces on the pedal-crank and crank-spindle interface, so invest in quality arms.

Spider: These are the star shaped arms that radiant out from the right crank to hold the front sprockets or “chainring.”

Chainring: A fancy name for the front sprockets. Different manufacturers, just like cars, design them with various bolt patterns so it is essential to identify what specifically will work with your crankarm-spider-spindle combination and front derailleur.

Bottom Bracket Shell: This is the tube welded to the lowest point of your bicycle frame designed to accept a set of bearings and the main spindle (bottom bracket assembly). It is typically threaded to accept the bottom bracket assembly. English, French and Italian bikes are NOT all the same diameter or threaded with the same tpi (teeth per inch) thus it is important to get the right match. It is not really part of the chainset, but you must know its specifications in order to replace any components.

Bottom Bracket Assembly: This bicycle part comes in numerous combinations and configurations, but essential includes the drive spindle, a set of bearings and cups that thread into the shell to hold all of these parts in place. This assembly allows the pedals to freely rotate and put power to the chain.

Spindle: The last piece of the puzzle is the drive axle. It comes in a number of different configurations depending on the attachment link between crank and spindle. It may or may not come independent of the bearing assembly. In two piece cranksets is attached to the right crank arm. The bottom bracket bearings and cups are sold separately to match spindle diameter and length.

Where buying a complete crankset becomes confusing is that these key 7 pieces (2 cranks, spider, chainrings, spindle, retaining cups and bearings) are not always sold in the same way or have one set of sizes.

It is essential to know what specifications are necessary so repairs and upgrades can add speed and reliability to your riding experience. Read further on myWheelsAndMore.com website for information and lots of pictures that will add clarity to this article. Find out what you need to know and why and how bicycle parts suppliers and manufacturers continue to tweak their crankset designs for weight, durability and speed gains.

Read another post about bicycle : Cycling Clothing and Bike Rack For Car