There are three main types of brakes used today all with their own characteristics to them. Rim brakes are the most common type of bike brake they are found in every category of bike. They consist of friction pads compressing against the wheel rims. Internal hub brakes are often found on cruisers and kids bikes. Disc brakes are found on some fitness bikes but most commonly on mountain bikes due to their responsiveness and other advantages found when riding off road.
Giving your brakes a good service can dramatically improve the way they feel and act, new cables, new pads and having them all cleaned and realigned can make them feel like new again.
Material, Brake System, Level in product line
Bikes come in a magnitude of different gearing options and it can often seem overwhelming trying to get your head around it all.
There are different types of gearing intended for certain bike categories and most are interchangeable with each other meaning you can personalise you setup to exactly the way you like it and take advantage of your strengths when pedalling.
Each category of gearing has different levels of components which get more advanced the higher you go, ask a staff member to explain the differences in each level.
Becoming more popular is some bikes are now coming with internal gear hubs for ease of use and low maintenance aspects.
The gearing that comes standard on a bike is generally reflective of the level of all componentry it has i.e. the gearing should be able to last quite a while if the rider is riding at the intended level that bike is designed for.
Material, Gear system, Number of gears, Level in product line
Includes the Crankset, Bottom Bracket, Front and Rear Derailleur, Chain and Cassette. These are the heart and sole of your pedalling effort. Upgrading these features makes gear changes smoother, and pedalling more efficient and ensures these parts can handle your maximum effort.
Road bicycles have close set multi-step gearing, which allows very fine control of cadence (pedal rotation). Mountain bikes and most entry-level road racing bikes may offer an extremely low gear to facilitate climbing slowly on steep hills.
Groupsets are available to buy if you want to completely upgrade your drive train otherwise you can work on it part by part and build up this areas strength and quality one step at a time.
Material, Weight, Level in product line, Varying levels of each components
Choose from a standard flat system or a clipless system. A flat pedal is typically suited to mountain bikers, BMXers or people new to cycling. Clipless pedals in combination with cycling specific shoes offer a more efficient pedalling system since your power transfer is consistent throughout your whole pedal stroke.
Most cycling shoes will take all types of cleats so you don't have to worry too much about compatibility, also cleats come with the pedals when you purchase them not with the shoes.
A clipless pedal and shoe system is a great way to get the most of turning the power in your legs to forward motion.
Should you want to take your pedals off the left hand pedal has a reverse thread to ensure it doesn't unwind itself off the crack when riding.
Material, Weight, Bearing quality, Grip or type of cleat system
Designed to smooth out the terrain, you will be surprised the difference a new fork or shock can make to your ride. Choose from a number of different damping mechanisms (oil, air or spring), travel options. Both can also offer lock out and sensitivity features for a customised ride.
Basic shocks are found on low end mountain bikes, comfort and fitness bikes to give a smooth ride with little added weight.
Road fork upgrades are also available which have more carbon and offer lighter weight, more aerodynamics and added damping qualities
Different shocks are designed for different riding disciplines within mountain biking including cross-country (XC), downhill, and freeride riding. To get the most out of your shocks buy ones that are suited to your preferred type of riding.
Travel, Damping mechanism, Materials, Adjustment features e
With a new handlebar you can change the height, drop and sweep which all affect your riding position. Handle bars are usually either carbon or alloy or a combination to absorb vibrations yet still being string enough for high stress manoeuvres.
Stems enable you to shorten, lengthen, raise or drop your handle bar reach and reduce weight. Carbon stems can also assist in absorbing vibration.
Some stems are adjustable to set up a custom fit you prefer on your bike.
For triathlon races many choose aero bar add-ons to give a new streamlined riding position, check your current bars are compatible with this upgrade.
Material, Width, Sweep, Height, Drop, Weight, Compatibility with other accessories
A new set of grips can add extra comfort and performance to your bike. Designed to match your riding style, grips come with different profiles, designs and fastening systems. Working in conjunction with your gloves they can greatly improve the comfort of your hands.
Bar tape covers an entire road bike handlebar for grip and comfort in multiple riding positions. It is made of different materials and should be replaced when it wears down.
For added comfort on road bikes, gels are available to go under bar tape which aids in vibration damping.
Material, Feel, Softness, Diameter
An important point of contact for you and your experience with the bike, ultimately designed to improve your comfort on the bike. There are many designs of saddles available depending on your style of riding and your requirements.
While a beginner may like a well padded saddle, a racing enthusiast will seek a thin, lightweight saddle.
Fit is very important and Saddle technologies offer added comfort and performance characteristics, as well as offering durability.
Ensure your saddle is horizontally aligned. The front too upwards aligned will directly increase the perineum pressure, while a downwards alignment will reduce the sit bone support of your pelvis, again resulting in an increased perineum pressure.
Materials, Fit, Weight, Comfort features
Choose from a wide range of tyres designed for different terrains and riding styles for all bike categories.
700cc is the most typical tyre size for road bikes and is larger in circumference than a 26" mountain bike tyre. There is plenty of choice available to you, talk to a staff member about what they use and can recommend for your needs.
Choice of tyres even extends to the option of a tubeless system, this option has many advantages for the competitive rider but will generally require new rims to suit this type of tyre.
Weight, Tread pattern, Recommended terrain/surface use, Width / Profile, Bead
For added performance you can change your wheels for a lighter weight and higher quality set.
Often overlooked by people new to cycling, if you are wanting a lighter bike upgrading the wheels makes a huge difference as the rotating mass is reduced making it feel like a new bike when accelerating.
A new wheelset may also be needed if you are repeatedly breaking spokes or buckling you rim.
Do as many top athletes do and have a set of training wheels which are slightly heavier than their racing wheels, this adds to the resistance training and come race day with a lighter set of wheels than you are used to you will feel like you are flying.
Material, Weight, Strength, Rotational inertia, Aerodynamics, Hub/bearing smoothness, Stiffness
Seat posts come in different materials including steel, alloy and carbon fibre and have an effect on ride comfort. They can absorb some of the terrain vibration, reduce bike weight and change the overall position of your saddle for a more tailored fit. Carbon Seat Posts are popular due to being lightweight and their vibration damping qualities.
Suspension seat posts are great for your comfort/fitness bike to give you added cushioning when out enjoying the fresh air.
Seat posts should be periodically removed from the frame, cleaned, greased and refitted to prevent seizure of the seat post in the frame.
Material, Diameter, Clamp system, Seat post angle
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