The peripherals on your bikes are very important: they can make all the difference in terms of comfort, control and performance. Good peripherals play a crucial role in your cycling experience.
The saddle and the seatpost: for greater comfort on your rides
The saddle is one of the most important parts of the bike when it comes to comfort. It is very important that the bike saddle suits each cyclist's body shape, to avoid pain and numbness, especially on long rides.
There are different shapes and materials of saddle to suit every cyclist and every type of riding: road, MTB or city.
The seatpost connects the saddle to the frame and lets you adjust the saddle height and angle. This is a very important adjustment for an optimal riding position, in terms of efficiency but also for comfort and to reduce fatigue. Some seatposts offer suspension to absorb shocks and vibrations on rough terrain.
The stem: for steering control
The stem is the component that connects the handlebar to the frame's steerer tube and therefore sets the position of the handlebar. A well-fitted stem is important for a comfortable riding position and precise control of the bike. You can find stems in different lengths and with different angles to suit every cyclist.
The handlebar and grips: for riding comfort and better bike control
The handlebar is the component that lets you steer the bike. There are different types of handlebar for different kinds of cycling. Flat handlebars are mainly used on MTBs, while road bike handlebars offer a more aerodynamic position. City and touring bike handlebars often sit higher. The choice of handlebar affects hand comfort, your position on the bike and your control of the bike.
At the ends of the handlebar are the grips, which give your hands a comfortable and secure hold. Bike grips are often made of rubber or foam and absorb vibrations well while keeping optimal grip, even in wet weather.
On a road handlebar, you will usually fit bar tape, also called handlebar tape. It is a covering wrapped around the bike's handlebar that gives an optimal grip on the bar and a degree of comfort for the cyclist.
The headset: for smoother steering
The headset is the mechanism that allows the handlebar to rotate, and it sits in the upper part of the frame's head tube. It is essential to maintain your headset so that steering stays smooth and precise.
Pedals: for ideal power transfer
Pedals are the direct link between the cyclist and the bike, and the key component in the transfer of power from the cyclist's legs to the bike's wheels.
There are several types of pedal: flat pedals and clipless pedals with a retention system that offers more efficient pedalling.
A bike's peripherals play an essential role in the cyclist's experience. They improve comfort, performance and control on the bike.
Find all the peripheral components for second-hand bikes on Troc Vélo!