Copy of `Road Bike Rider - Bike riding terms`

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Road Bike Rider - Bike riding terms Category: Sport and Leisure > Biking Date & country: 01/02/2014, UK Words: 160

glycogen
a fuel derived as glucose (sugar) from carbohydrate and stored in the muscles and liver. It

fixed gear
a direct-drive setup using one chainring and one rear cog, as on a track bike. When the rear wheel turns so does the chain and crank; coasting isn't possible.

full tuck
an extremely crouched position used for maximum speed on descents.

general classification
the overall standings in a stage race. Often referred to as GC.

glutes
the gluteal muscles of the buttocks. They are key to pedaling power.

ergometer
a stationary, bicycle-like device with adjustable pedal resistance used in physiological testing or for indoor training.

fat
in the diet it is the most concentrated source of food energy, supplying nine calories per gram. Stored fat provides about half the energy required for low-intensity exercise.

feed zone
a designated area on a race course where riders can be handed food and drinks.

field sprint
the dash for the finish line by the main group of riders.

echelon
a form of paceline in which the riders angle off behind each other to get maximum draft in a crosswind.

elastomer
a compressible, rubber-like material used to absorb shock in some suspension systems.

electrolytes
substances such as sodium, potassium, and chloride that are necessary for muscle contraction and maintenance of body fluid levels.

endo
to crash by going over the bike

drops
the lower part of a down-turned handlebar typically found on a road bike. The curved portions are called the hooks.

dropout
on a bike frame, the slots into which the front and rear wheel axles fit.

drivetrain
the components directly involved with making the rear wheel turn, i.e. the chain, crankset and cassette. Also called the power train.

crosstraining
combining sports for mental refreshment and physical conditioning, especially during cycling

cyclocross
a fall or winter event contested mostly or entirely off pavement. Courses include obstacles, steps and steep hills that force riders to dismount and run with their bikes.

downshift
to shift to a lower gear, i.e. a larger cog or smaller chainring.

drafting
riding closely behind another rider to take advantage of the windbreak (slipstream) and use about 20 percent less energy. Also called sitting in or wheelsucking.

clydesdale
a large rider.

cog
a sprocket on the rear wheel

contact patch
the portion of a tire in touch with the ground.

corncob
a cassette in which each cog is only one tooth larger than the previous one. Also called a straight block.

criterium
a mass-start race covering numerous laps of a course that is normally about one mile or less in length.

circuit
a course that is ridden two or more times to compose the race.

circuit training
a weight training technique in which you move rapidly from exercise to exercise without rest.

cleat
a metal or plastic fitting on the sole of a cycling shoe that engages the pedal.

clincher
a conventional tire with a separate inner tube.

chainstay
the thin frame tube that extends from the rear dropout to the bottom bracket, where the bike's crankset is located. There is a chainstay on each side of the rear wheel.

chasers
those who are trying to catch a group or a lead rider.

chondromalacia
a serious knee injury in which there is disintegration of cartilage surfaces due to improper tracking of the kneecap. Symptoms start with deep knee pain and a crunching sensation during bending.

chainring
a sprocket on the crankset. There may be one, two or three. Short version is ring.

cassette
the set of gear cogs on the rear hub. Also called a freewheel, cluster or block.

catch air
when both wheels leave the ground, usually because of a rise or dip in the riding surface.

categories
the division of racers based on ability and/or experience.

century
a 100-mile ride.

chain suck
when the chain sticks to the chainring teeth during a downshift and gets drawn up and jammed between the small ring and the frame.

bunny hop
a way to ride over obstacles such as rocks or logs in which both wheels leave the ground.

cadence
the number of times during one minute that a pedal stroke is completed. Also called pedal rpm.

carbohydrate
in the diet it is broken down to glucose, the body

cardiovascular
pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.

bunch
the main cluster of riders in a race. Also called the group, pack, field or peloton.

bridge, bridge a gap
to catch a rider or group that has opened a lead.

boot
a small piece of material used inside a tire to cover a cut in the tread or sidewall. Without it, the tube will push through and blow out.

bottom bracket
the part of the frame where the crankset is installed. Also, the axle, cups and bearings of a traditional crankset, or the axle, retainer rings and bearing cartridges of a sealed crankset.

bpm
abbreviation for beats per minute in reference to heart rate.

break, breakaway
a rider or group of riders that has escaped the pack.

bead
in tires, the edge along each side

blocking
legally impeding the progress of opposing riders to allow teammates a better chance of success.

blood glucose
a sugar, glucose is the only fuel that can be used by the brain.

blow up
to suddenly be unable to continue at the required pace due to overexertion.

bonk
a state of severe exhaustion caused mainly by the depletion of glycogen in the muscles because the rider has failed to eat or drink enough. Once it occurs, rest and high-carbohydrate foods are necessary for recovery.

balaclava
a thin hood that covers the head and neck with an opening for the face. It

apex
the sharpest part of a turn where the transition from entering to exiting takes place.

attack
an aggressive, high-speed jump away from other riders.

audax
sometimes uses as a synonym for randonneur. More formally, audax cycling

aerobic
exercise at an intensity that allows the body

aerodynamic
a design of cycling equipment or a riding position that reduces wind resistance; aero for short.

anaerobic
exercise above the intensity at which the body