Knowing the bike that sits at your front door is a matter of course. But rarely do you think about the mechanism of the bicycle. And what should you do when your set of wheels suddenly disappears? The Eurobike team is here to clear everything up for you!
Is this something you’ve ever wondered about? Basically, there are two common variants: the chain and the hub gear. Have you ever noticed the contraption on the rear wheel? The one with the spikes on it? This is a derailleur, and the spikes are called sprockets. They consist of individual gears and chainrings on which the chain moves back and forth. These rotate with you as you cycle. Therefore switching gear is only possible when moving. So when you shift, you basically give the command of how much of the chain should rest on each chainring on the back wheel. The more chain, the harder it will be to pedal. Incidentally, when looking at the pinion, you can see how many gears the bike has. If there are three sprockets in the front and seven sprockets in the rear, this is a 21-speed bike.
In contrast, the hub gear isn’t so easy to work out. The mechanics of this variant lies in the eponymous hub, in which a planet-like gear is at work. Inside the hub are two rings, between them a set of balls. As you change gears, these balls align and make moving easier or tougher.
Depending on the cycle tour, the Eurobike rental bikes are equipped with a chain or hub gear. Learn more!
By the way: The first bike was called Draisine. Read a short summary of the history of the bicycle on our CycleBlog.
It may seem obvious, but it isn’t on closer inspection: an electric bike is an engine support system. In fact, it only assists when you move. As soon as you stop, the engine shuts off as well. This is powered by electrical energy. Strictly speaking, by battery, with which you can usually cycle at an average of 25 kilometres per hour for up to 180 kilometres. The range depends on how energetically you pedal. The more force you spend, the further you get. The degree of engine assistance is determined by a control console on the handlebar.
Made of rubber, clearly! But that’s not quite correct. It is in fact made from three different materials. The number one material is butyl, a very elastic, airtight rubber. The second material is sturdier and lighter than butyl – latex. The third material used to produce racing and mountain bike tires is thermoplastic. This falls into the category of plastics. It is the lightest of all three and has special hardiness.
However, none of these last forever. Suddenly your tire is out of air? Learn how to change or mend the bike tube yourself.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a bike to be stolen, even when you think you’ve locked it up safely. But few people know you can treat it similar to the theft of a car. The bike also has a unique frame number. A combination of numbers and letters. Unfortunately hardly anyone will have written this down! The Eurobike team therefore recommends keeping the receipt of purchase and storing it together with the frame number and a photo of the bike. Because if your set of wheels is stolen, you can then report it as best as you can.
How about a cycling holiday? Browse through our tour search and discover our great cycling trips!
