There are three types of beyblade. Attack types roam around the Beystadium. Defense types stay in one place and have a higher weight. Endurance types spin longer.
There are five parts to a complete beyblade. The Blade Base determines the movement and partially the endurance of your beyblade. The Spin Gear determines the rotational direction of your beyblade. The Weight Disk determines the weight and defense power of your beyblade. The Attack Ring determines the attack power of your beyblade. And finally, the Bit Chip shows the Bit Beast your beyblade derives it's name from.
The Launcher launches your beyblade. The ripcord is needed to use the launcher. If you open up the regular launcher and take out the metal pieces and the plastic piece (not the gear, the other piece), it will increase the power of your beyblade.
There are three known beyblades with left spin gears. They are the Dragoon Storm, the Dragoon Fighter, and the Dragoon Victory.
Those are the basics of beyblade. If you look to the right, there are two links. One leads to pictures, some are accompanied by names. The other one leads to info on the accessories.