Question 1

How does a bicycle stay upright when you ride it?

Accepted Answer

A bicycle stays upright because when you keep moving, it helps to balance the bike. Turning the handlebars a little bit helps too, and the faster you go, the easier it is to stay upright.

Question 2

What makes a bicycle go forward?

Accepted Answer

When you pedal the bike, it turns the gears and chain, which makes the wheels spin and move the bike forward. Your legs are doing the work to push, and that's why it's like a mini workout.

Question 3

Why do bicycles have gears?

Accepted Answer

Gears help you ride up hills and go faster on flat ground. Lower gears make it easier to pedal up hills, and higher gears allow you to go faster when the ground is flat.

Question 4

What are bicycle tires made of?

Accepted Answer

Bicycle tires are usually made of rubber. Inside the tire is a tube filled with air. The air helps make the ride smooth and keeps the wheels from getting bent.

Question 5

Why do bicycles have brakes?

Accepted Answer

Brakes help you stop the bicycle safely. They work by squeezing the wheels to slow them down, so you can control when and where you stop.

Question 6

Why are some bicycles heavier than others?

Accepted Answer

Some bicycles are made of heavier materials like steel, while others are made of lighter materials like aluminum or carbon. Different materials affect how heavy the bike is and how easy it is to ride.

Question 7

What are handlebars for?

Accepted Answer

Handlebars are for steering the bike and keeping it balanced. When you turn the handlebars, the front wheel turns and helps guide the bike in the direction you want to go.

Question 8

What does the chain do on a bicycle?

Accepted Answer

The chain helps connect the pedals to the wheels. When you pedal, the chain turns the gears that move the back wheel forward.

Question 9

Why do bicycles have different frame shapes?

Accepted Answer

Different frame shapes help the bike do different things better, like going fast or being comfortable to ride. Some frames are better for racing, while others are better for riding on bumpy roads.

Question 10

What is a bike seat made of?

Accepted Answer

A bike seat, or saddle, is usually made of a plastic shell with some padding on top for comfort. It might also have a cover made of leather or synthetic material.

Question 11

Why do some bikes have really thin tires?

Accepted Answer

Thin tires are designed to go fast and easily on smooth roads. They have less rubber touching the ground, which means less friction, so they can roll faster.

Question 12

How do you change a bicycle tire?

Accepted Answer

First, you take off the wheel. Then, you let the air out and take the tire off the rim. To fix it, put a new or repaired tube inside the tire, put the tire back on the rim, and pump it up.

Question 13

Why do bicycles have spokes on the wheels?

Accepted Answer

Spokes help keep the wheel round and strong while you ride. They connect the outside rim of the wheel to the center, making sure it doesn't bend or wobble.

Question 14

What is the purpose of reflectors on a bike?

Accepted Answer

Reflectors help other people see you when it's dark by bouncing back light from cars or streetlights. This makes riding at night or in low light safer.

Question 15

How does a bicycle bell work?

Accepted Answer

A bicycle bell works by pressing a button or lever that makes a small hammer hit a metal part inside the bell. The sound lets people know you are coming.

Question 16

What makes a bicycle frame strong?

Accepted Answer

The frame is strong because it's made from strong materials like steel or aluminum, and it's designed with triangles. Triangles are strong shapes that don’t bend easily.

Question 17

Why do cyclists wear helmets?

Accepted Answer

Helmets help protect your head if you fall off the bike. They are made from hard plastic and foam to cushion your head and prevent injury.

Question 18

How do you steer a bicycle?

Accepted Answer

To steer a bicycle, you turn the handlebars in the direction you want to go. This turns the front wheel, guiding you along your path.

Question 19

What keeps a bicycle from tipping over when parked?

Accepted Answer

A kickstand helps keep a bicycle from tipping over when it's parked. It’s a metal stick that supports the bike when it’s not moving.

Question 20

Why do some bicycles have big baskets or racks?

Accepted Answer

Baskets and racks are for carrying things like books, groceries, or other belongings. They make it easy to take stuff with you without having to wear a backpack.

The Mechanics of Bicycle Design - 20 FAQs Explained Simply