Adrian Garza

 Composites of structural fibers like carbon are used for the frame  Wheels, derailleurs, brakes, and chains, are made with stainless steel. They are usually made somewhere else and the bicycle manufacture buys them.

 Tubes are assembled by hand- brazing or welding by a machine. The components are usually manufactured by machine and can be attached to the frame manually or by machine. The final adjustments are done by skilled bike builders.

 The metal is heated to be softened and hollowed. The hollows are measured and cut to follow the appropriate dimensions. To be more fitted the hollows are passed through dies to make them thinner and longer, called cold drawing. The tubes are shaped and tapered into a variety of designs and lengths. Frames can be brazed, glued, or welded with or without lugs which are metal sleeves used to join 2 or more tubes at a joint.  Adjustments are made while the metal is still hot and malleable. The metals are cleaned off with acid solutions to smooth the metal. After its cool more adjustments regarding precision are made.  The frames are then painted to protect and give a more finished appearance. It is primed with an undercoat then with a colored enamel.

 According to the style of the bike gear shift levers are on the down tube or handlebars. The cable is attached to the front and rear derailleurs. Front derailleurs are clamped or brazed. The rear ones can be mounted with bolt on hangers or integral hangers.

 The handlebars are bolted to the bike stem. Brake levers are attached to the handlebars. Cables go to the brakes and are fastened to the calipers.

 The crankset transfers power from the pedals to the chain moving the rear wheel. The pedals are screwed to the ends of crank arms.  Wheels are made by machines that roll steel strips into the hoops which are welded into rims. Then the rims are drilled with holes for the spokes.  The wheel must be straightened to achieve uniform tension. Then the rim liner, tire, and inner tube are put together. The wheels are attached to the frame by an axle.  Then the bike is ready for purchase.

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