Frame System
Frame
The main structure of the bicycle, made of joined tubes. Every other component is attached to it.
Learn more about the FrameBicycle Components & Anatomy
Explore the parts that make up a bicycle and learn what each component does and how it works.
Bicycle Anatomy
Explore the main parts of a bicycle. Click any labelled component to learn what it does and how it works.
Scroll sideways to see the whole diagram.
Real parts
Parts Up Close
Photos of the components labelled on the diagram above. Choose a part to learn what it does and how it works.
Frame System
Fork
The two-legged part that holds the front wheel and connects it to the frame through the head tube.
Learn more about the Fork
Drivetrain
Crankset
The crank arms and the toothed chainrings attached to them. The pedals screw into the ends of the crank arms.
Learn more about the Crankset
Drivetrain
Chain
A loop of linked metal plates and rollers that connects the chainring at the front to the cassette at the back.
Learn more about the Chain
Drivetrain
Cassette
A cluster of several sprockets of different sizes mounted on the rear wheel hub.
Learn more about the Cassette
Drivetrain
Rear Derailleur
A sprung mechanism mounted near the rear wheel that guides the chain.
Learn more about the Rear Derailleur
Braking System
Brake Lever
The lever on the handlebar that the rider pulls to brake.
Learn more about the Brake Lever
Braking System
Brake Caliper
The part that holds the brake pads next to the rim or the brake rotor.
Learn more about the Brake Caliper
Braking System
Brake Rotor
A metal disc bolted to the wheel hub on bicycles with disc brakes.
Learn more about the Brake Rotor
Wheel System
Rim
The outer metal or carbon hoop of the wheel that the tyre is mounted on.
Learn more about the Rim
Wheel System
Hub & Spokes
The hub is the centre of the wheel and contains the bearings. The spokes are thin metal rods connecting the hub to the rim.
Learn more about the Hub & Spokes
Wheel System
Tyre
The rubber outer layer of the wheel that touches the ground.
Learn more about the Tyre
Cockpit / Steering
Handlebar
The bar that the rider holds to steer. Common shapes include drop bars and flat bars.
Learn more about the Handlebar
Cockpit / Steering
Stem
The short part that clamps the handlebar to the fork's steerer tube.
Learn more about the Stem
Seating
Seatpost
The tube that holds the saddle and slides into the frame's seat tube.
Learn more about the SeatpostOther parts you might spot
Drivetrain
Bottom Bracket
The bearings inside the frame where the crank axle passes through. They let the cranks spin smoothly and take the force of every pedal stroke.
Drivetrain
Chainrings
The toothed rings on the crankset. On bikes with two or three, a front derailleur moves the chain between them: a larger ring gives a harder, faster gear and a smaller one makes climbing easier.
Suspension
Rear Shock
Found on full-suspension mountain bikes. It compresses over bumps so the rear wheel can follow the ground, which improves grip and comfort.
Component Systems
Bicycle parts grouped by the job they do together.
Frame System
The backbone of the bicycle. It provides the structure, holds every other part in place and defines the riding position.
Drivetrain
The system that converts the rider's pedalling into forward motion by transferring power to the rear wheel.
Braking System
The parts that let the rider control speed and stop safely.
Wheel System
The parts that roll along the ground. They affect grip, comfort and how efficiently the bicycle moves.
Cockpit / Steering
The parts the rider holds to steer, control the bicycle and support the upper body.
Seating
The parts that support the rider's weight and set the saddle height and position.
How It Works Together
Bicycle components work as connected systems. In the drivetrain, the rider's effort passes through several parts before it moves the bicycle forward.
- 1PedallingThe rider pushes the pedals
- 2CranksetThe cranks turn the chainring
- 3ChainThe chain carries the power backwards
- 4CassetteThe chosen sprocket sets the gear
- 5Rear WheelThe wheel turns and the bicycle moves