For beginner riders, it is vital to recognise the various parts of MTB bikes and their uses. This knowledge will help you buy the right MTB and understand how to repair and maintain it. This article will go over the various components of a mountain bike as well as their components.
Increased traction, strong braking power, adjustability and durability are the main goals of all the mountain cycle parts. Below is an MTB cycle components name chart, highlighting each part, their structure and their functions. Mountain bike components are designed to provide traction, stability, greater handling and safety.
1. Frame
The frame is the heart and skeleton of the bike, making it the most important of all the parts of MTB bikes. Geometrically, mountain bike frames have larger wheelbases to accommodate the larger wheels and thicker tires, and a slacker headtube angle for greater traction, stability and handling.
Steel, aluminium, hydroformed alloys and carbon fibre are the most popular materials for frames. Steel is durable but heavy, being used mainly for entry-level bikes. Aluminium and alloys are lighter and durable, making them preferable for entry-to-mid level bikes. Carbon fibre is very light and sturdy, but is expensive to use, which reserves it primarily for premium bikes. Cambio Bikes produces frames and other mountain bicycle parts with aluminium.
2. Suspension
MTB Suspension stabilises the bike and absorbs shocks. As the MTB parts name suggests, Full suspension is attached to both wheels, while front suspension is only attached to the front wheel. Most bikes have front suspension, while full-suspension is meant for rougher and more advanced trails.
3. Tires
Mountain bike tires are thicker than normal, between 3.8” and 5”. The added thickness reduces pressure, increases traction and cushions against bumpy trails. The deep knobs on the tires improves traction against loose surfaces like sand, mud and loose rocks. Some tires even have studs for icy trails.
4. Rims
For thick tires, MTB cycle rims are also wider, ranging between 65 mm and 100 mm. They are made with lightweight yet durable materials like aluminium and carbon fibre. As with other MTB bicycle parts like frames, carbon fibre rims are reserved for the most expensive advanced bikes.
5. Gears and Drivetrain
The drivetrain pushes your bike forward as you pedal. Modern mountain bikes have a single gear at the front, and a wide-range gear cassette at the rear wheel. This setup is called a 1x drivetrain, providing better durability and chain retention. The cassette determines the number of gears on the bike, and a mountain cycle usually has 12 gears.
6. Brakes
Modern mountain bikes have disc brake systems attached to them. Mountain bike callipers are controlled by the brake lever. Callipers have either two or four pistons that force the brake pads into contact with the brake rotor, slowing the wheel down. Most mountain cyclists prefer 4 pistons for their increased power.
