Fork material
— Aluminium. In this case, aluminium is the simplest and most unpretentious option. Its advantages include light weight; on the other hand, in the absence of shock absorption, the steering wheel with such a fork is highly susceptible to vibrations, and in terms of durability, aluminium is somewhat inferior to steel.
— Steel. Another relatively simple option, which at the same time is considered more advanced than the aluminium described above, and is found even in fairly expensive pro-level bikes. This is due to the fact that steel is noticeably stronger and more durable, as it is not as susceptible to "metal fatigue". However such forks weigh a little more than aluminium ones.
— Chromium molybdenum steel. A type of steel that is more advanced than more traditional grades. Among the main advantages of such alloys are high strength and reliability; at the same time, due to such properties, individual elements of the forks can be made thinner, and the forks themselves can be made lighter than ordinary steel ones. The main disadvantage of Cro-Mo steel is the rather high cost.
— Carbon. Lightweight and high-strength carbon fibre forks effectively dampen small bumps in the road under the wheels of the bike and slightly spring on small potholes, thereby providing cushioning on bumpy roads. The carbon fork facilitates the design of the front of the bike. Most often it is found on board "highways" and "gravel roads", less often it is installed in o
...ff-road fatbikes. Vulnerable point — carbon forks break under the influence of strong point impacts.Tyre
Tyre model supplied with the bike as standard. Different tyres have different purposes and characteristics; knowing the tyre model, you can clarify these points and check how they correspond to your wishes. This is especially important when choosing a machine for serious cycling.
Front hub model
The model of the hub used in the front wheel of a bicycle.
The hub is the central part in the wheel through which the axis of rotation passes. Features of the behavior of a bicycle depend on its characteristics, in particular, “rolling” (the ability to move by inertia, without pedaling). Knowing the model of the front hub, you can clarify its characteristics according to the manufacturer's documentation, find reviews from other users, etc., in order to determine how this model suits you.
Rear hub model
Model of the hub used in the rear wheel of a bicycle. See Front Hub Model for details.
Freewheel/cassette model
Model of a cassette — a system of rear wheel gears — mounted on a bicycle. Cassettes of different models differ in characteristics and can belong to different classes — from entry-level to professional. Knowing the cassette model, you can get acquainted with its features in more detail (according to official documentation, reviews, user reviews, etc.). This is especially important when choosing a bike for professional cycling.
Front derailleur
Model of the derailleur (derailer) installed on the carriage with pedals as standard on the bike. For more information on why you need to know the model of a particular bicycle component, see paragraph "Cassette Model".
Rear derailleur
Model of the derailleur (derailer) installed on the rear wheel cassette as standard on the bike. For more information on why you need to know the model of a particular bicycle component, see paragraph "Cassette Model".
Chain model
Model of the chain supplied as standard with the bike. For details on the value of the Model parameter for any part, see Cassette Model
Stem
Features of the handlebar stem (see "
Stem Adjustment ") installed on the bike. Here, both the offset model and its individual characteristics, most often the length and diameter, can be indicated. The stem itself can be either a separate part or an integral part of the steering wheel itself (the so-called integrated stem); the latter option is convenient in that the steering wheel cannot be skewed (unless broken), respectively, there is no need for centering.
As for the parameters, the rider’s landing depends on the length — the longer the takeaway, the more you will have to lean forward (ceteris paribus); strength and resistance to loads are directly related to the diameter; See “Cassette Model” for details on why the model name may be needed. It is worth noting that these parameters are important primarily for keen enthusiasts who pay attention to the smallest details in the characteristics of the machine; for most users, even advanced ones, such trifles are unlikely to be useful.
