🚲 Types of Bicycles

1. Road Bikes
   • Designed for speed on paved roads.
   • Lightweight frame, narrow tires, drop handlebars.
   • Best for commuting, long-distance rides, and racing.
2. Mountain Bikes (MTB)
   • Built for off-road trails, rugged terrain.
   • Wide, knobby tires; front (and sometimes rear) suspension.
   • Stronger frame, flat or riser handlebars.
3. Hybrid Bikes
   • Mix of road and mountain bike features.
   • Upright position, medium-width tires.
   • Great for commuting, casual rides, and fitness.
4. Gravel Bikes
   • For mixed terrain: pavement, gravel roads, light trails.
   • Drop bars, wider tires than road bikes.
5. Cruiser Bikes
   • Comfortable, upright position, wide cushy seats.
   • Single-speed or few gears.
   • Ideal for flat, casual rides like beach paths.
6. Touring Bikes
   • Built for long-distance travel with gear.
   • Strong frame, multiple mounting points, wider tires.
7. Folding Bikes
   • Compact, foldable design for storage and transport.
   • Good for urban commuters.
8. Electric Bikes (e-bikes)
   • Battery-powered motor assists pedaling.
   • Available in road, mountain, hybrid, and cargo styles.
9. BMX Bikes
   • Small frames, single speed, used for stunts, tricks, racing.
   • Suitable for skate parks and dirt jumps.
10. Cargo Bikes
    • Built to carry loads or passengers.
    • Extended frames or added baskets/boxes.

🛠️ Key Components

1. Frame
   
   • The core structure.
     
   • Common materials: aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium.
     
2. Wheels
   
   • Comprised of rims, spokes, hubs, and tires.
     
   • Tire width and tread vary by use.
     
3. Drivetrain
   
   • Converts pedaling into motion.
     
   • Includes: crankset, chain, cassette/freewheel, derailleurs, shifters.
     
4. Brakes
   
   • Types: rim brakes, disc brakes (mechanical or hydraulic), coaster brakes.
     
   • Disc brakes offer better performance in wet conditions.
     
5. Suspension
   
   • Front (fork) and/or rear (shock).
     
   • More common on mountain bikes.
     
6. Handlebars
   
   • Types: flat, riser, drop, bullhorn, cruiser.
     
   • Affects riding posture and handling.
     
7. Saddle and Seatpost
   
   • Saddle choice affects comfort; adjust height for proper leg extension.
     
8. Pedals
   
   • Flat/platform, clipless (use cleats), toe cages.
     
9. Gears
   
   • Number of speeds varies widely.
     
   • Shifting helps with climbing hills or going fast.
     

🧰 Maintenance Basics

1. Regular Checks
   • Tire pressure
   • Brake function
   • Chain lubrication
   • Bolt tightness
2. Cleaning
   • Wipe frame, clean drivetrain, avoid harsh water sprays on bearings.
3. Lubrication
   • Use bike-specific lube on chain, not on brakes or rotors.
4. Chain Wear
   • Replace chain before it stretches too far and damages cassette.
5. Brake Pads
   • Replace when worn; check alignment.
6. Tire Wear
   • Look for cracks or worn tread; replace if needed.

​🧠 Bike Fit & Ergonomics

• Seat Height: Leg should be slightly bent at bottom of pedal stroke.
  
• Reach: Arms should have a slight bend, no strain.
  
• Handlebar Height: Adjust for comfort vs. aerodynamics.
  

🧭 Riding Tips

1. Shifting Gears
   • Downshift before climbing; avoid cross-chaining.
2. Braking
   • Use both brakes; apply front brake smoothly to avoid flipping.
3. Cornering
   • Lean with the bike; keep outside pedal down.
4. Climbing
   • Sit back, steady cadence, shift early.
5. Descending
   • Lower body, keep fingers near brakes.

🛡️ Safety Gear & Essentials

• Helmet (always wear one!)
  
• Lights and Reflectors (front white, rear red)
  
• Bell or Horn
  
• Lock (U-locks or chain locks preferred)
  
• Multitool and Patch Kit
  
• Water Bottle and Cage
  
• Spare Tube or CO₂ Inflator
  

🌍 Useful Bike Skills

• Fixing a flat
  
• Adjusting brakes and derailleurs
  
• Cleaning/lubing chain
  
• Removing wheels
  
• Wrapping handlebar tape (for drop bars)