Copy of `Bikeline - Cycling terms`

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Bikeline - Cycling terms Category: Sport and Leisure > Biking Date & country: 01/02/2014, UK Words: 222

flange
(Say: flan - j) - What the spokes fit into on hubs.

flat bar
A handlebar that does not have any rise or drop. Flat bars are typically found on mountain bikes designed for cross-country riding and road-style hybrid bicycles.

flip whip
A trick that combines a backflip and a tailwhip.

floor pump
A bicycle inflator for home use (versus the one you carry on your bicycle). The best floor pumps have built-in gauges making it easy to check tire pressure.

frame angles
Usually shown on the frame or bicycle geometry chart (or found by measuring), frame angles help you understand a bicycle's riding characteristics. The angles used are the head-tube and seat-tube angles expressed in degrees. So, for example, a road bike might have a 74-degree head tube and a 73-degree seat tube. As a broad, general rule, as the angles steepen the ride stiffens and vice versa.

freehub
The barrel-shaped and splined part found on the drive side of a rear-wheel cassette hub. The freehub contains the mechanism that drives the bicycle when you pedal. The cassette (cluster of gears) slides onto and is attached to the freehub so you can't see the freehub until the gears are removed.

fufanu
A trick where the rider goes straight up a ramp and while they are still facing forward they tap the back tire to the coping/top of the lip, then turn back toward the direction they came as they drop back into the landing. Similar to an abubaca except they do not ride the trick out backwards (fakie).

full-face helmet
A skid lid that offers more head protection than conventional bicycle helmets by including a reinforcing piece(s) that covers your lower face. It provides additional protection and is often used for downhill runs and extreme riding.

fun box
A four-sided box jump with a ramp on every side. A common feature in skateparks.

gap
1. The distance between groups of riders or a breakaway and the pack in a race. 2. The space between jumps or ramps, often where riders throw tricks while airborne.

gear ratio
This is used to compare gearing. For example, on a road bike with 18 gears, there are 2 chainrings and 9 cogs. To check the gearing, count the teeth on the cogs and chainrings and create a chart with the rings on top and the cogs on the side. Then, to calculate each gear ratio, divide the chainring by the cog and multiply by 27 (rear wheel diameter). Put the numbers in the chart so you can compare and understand. The larger the number, the harder it is to pedal the gear. By comparing the numbers, it's possible to find overlapping gears and gaps that you might want to change to improve the gear ratios.

General Classification
General Classification (or GC), is used in stage racing for the current overall rider standings. Since stage races are comprised of multiple races, there are results for each race and also results for each rider's cumulative time for all stages. The person with the lowest time overall after all the races is first on GC and the winner of the race.

generator
A device that usually attaches to the bicycle frame and rubs against the tire to produce electricity to illuminate your lighting system via pedal power rather than batteries.

geometry
Geometry is the key technical description of a bicycle frame that helps you understand how the frame will fit and ride. Usually it's provided on a chart with an illustration making it easy to understand which measurement is which. Common geometry measurements include: seat-, top-tube, chainstay and wheelbase lengths; head- and seat-tube angles; fork rake and trail measurements; bottom-bracket height; and often more.

Giro d'Italia
In English, the Tour of Italy, this is the country's grand tour and the second most important stage race on the professional calendar after the Tour de France.

grease
(Say: greece) - A bicycle lubricant that's used for components, which include ball bearings, such as the hubs, bottom bracket, headset and pedals. Grease is the consistency of pudding, so it stays put and lasts a while.

grind
A BMX term for sliding along the edge of an object such as a handrail with only the axle pegs in contact.

group ride
Rides with more than one person, usually a lot more. Before joining an established group ride find out what type it is so you go on one that you'll like. Some are conversational and fun, others are hard-core training rides designed to simulate tough, race conditions.

gyro
An ingenious inline brake-cable device, usually installed on the headset (steering mechanism) of freestyle BMX bikes, that makes it possible to spin the handlebars and front wheel 360 degrees without tangling the cables.

hardpack
A hard-packed trail.

head tube
The frame tube that the fork fits into.

headset
The bearing mechanism attached to the head tube and fork that makes it possible to steer. It's comprised of a fork race that's pressed onto the fork crown, two cups that press into the head tube, bearings and a top cone, spacers and a top nut, clamp or stem (the stem locks the adjustment on threadless headsets).

huck
To attempt a jump with little forethought or concern about the outcome.

ice pick
A trick where only the back peg is grinding or stalling while the front wheel is in the air.

Illuminite
(Say: ill - oom - in - nite) - A brand name for a highly reflective fabric used in high-tech cycling clothing.

IMBA
(Say: im - ba) - International Mountain Bicycling Association

Ironman
The first and most famous triathlon. Held in Kona, Hawaii in October each year, it's comprised of a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile run. Competitors have 17 hours to finish the race.

Keirin
(Say: Kay - rin) - Keirin is a mass-start track race which originated in Japan as a betting event (sort of like horse racing with humans) and is now also an Olympic event. In traditional Keirin lots are drawn to determine starting positions and 6 to 9 sprinters compete after a paced start. The pacer starts at a slow 15 mph and riders are required to remain behind him. The pacer gradually increases speed and leaves the track approximately 600 to 700 meters before the end letting the racers sprint to the line. The first person across wins.

Kevlar belt
Kevlar is a tough DuPont fabric. It's sometimes used beneath a tire's tread to create a nearly impenetrable Kevlar belt that prevents flat tires.

kicker
A type of jump that will typically propel you further vertically than horizontally.

kitty litter
Small pebbles and loose debris over a hardpack trail.

LAB
(Say: el - ay - bee) - League of American Bicyclists

ladies' frame
A frame with a sloping top tube that makes it easier to mount and dismount.

LBS
(Say: el - bee - s) - Shorthand for Local Bike Shop.

LeMond, Greg
The first American to win the Tour de France. He won it 3 times: 1986, 1989 and 1990.

lid
Slang for helmet.

lip
The take-off point of a jump and the top edge portion of a halfpipe wall.

loamy
A trail that's not quite muddy and not quite dry, but moss-like.

loop out
When a rider flips over backwards often due to pulling back and/or pedaling too hard while doing a wheelie or a manual.

maillot jaune
(Say mayo - june) - French for yellow jersey, what the leader and winner of the Tour de France wears.

manual
Usually a BMX or mountain-biking skill where you lift the front wheel and ride a wheelie to more smoothly and quickly get over obstacles or certain types of terrain like rollers.

mass start
This describes when a group ride or race commences with everyone leaving the starting line at the same time. Most road and cross-country races have mass starts, and most century, charity and fun rides do too.

metric century
A 62.5-mile ride. Metric centuries are often offered along with the standard 100-mile century on organized group rides.

mixte frame
(Say: mix - tee - frame) - A women's frame that features two small-diameter sloping top tubes. These make mounting and dismounting easier. And, because there are two tubes, lateral frame stiffness is not compromised the way it is with basic ladies' frames, which feature single down tubes.

Moab
As in Moab, Utah, a mountain biking mecca, famous the world over for wonderful trails. Also, home of the Slickrock trail.

moto
1. A single heat in a BMX race. 2. Slang for off-road riding.

musette
Also called a musette bag, this pouch with shoulder strap is stuffed with food and handed to racers as they pass through the feed zone.

neutral support
At a ride or race, neutral support means if you have a mechanical there is assistance on the course available to all riders (versus in racing where team riders receive support from their own mechanics who will not help other riders).

neutral zone
Usually reserved for racing, a neutral zone is a section of the course where you're not allowed to race and have to remain behind the lead vehicle(s). For example there might be a neutral zone for a few miles to allow the race vehicles and competitors to get across a strip of highway before getting onto the official racecourse. Once on the course, the lead vehicles will typically signal the field to start racing and then speed up the road.

no-foot can-can
A trick where the rider removes one foot from the pedal, extends it over the top tube and then takes the other foot off the pedal too and kicks both feet together out to the side before returning the feet to the pedals and landing.

NORBA
(Say: nor - ba) - National Off Road Bicycle Association

nose case
Misjudging the landing of a jump and coming up short so that the front wheel of the bike tags the top or front of the landing. This often leads to the rider needing to bail out from the bike.

nothing
A trick where you remove both hands and feet from the bike simultaneously while in the air over an obstacle so that for a short moment no part of your body is in contact with the bicycle.

off-the-back
Falling off the pace so much that a gap opens up between you and the group. A quick way to end up riding home alone because the group travels more quickly than the individual.

off-the-front
Rolling away from the group on a training ride or race. Considered rude if it's an easy day or friendly spin and apt to turn any group ride into a race. It also means being well ahead of the pack in a race. So, if you attacked and no one stayed with you, you'd be off the front.

Omnium
A track racing event in which riders compete against each other in five different disciplines including the 200-meter flying-start time trial, the 5-kilometer scratch race, the 3-kilometer individual pursuit, the 15-kilometer points race and the 1-kilometer time trial.

organ donor
Cycling slang for one who rides without a helmet.

pea gravel
Pea-size rocks all over the trail or road making it very hard to ride over/through.

pedicab
(Say: ped - ee - cab) - A pedal-powered taxi.

pegs
Found on some BMX bikes, pegs (or axle pegs) are heavy-duty, short tubular extensions that screw onto the axles making it possible to do tricks like grinding.

pendulum
A trick where you do a no-foot can-can in both directions before returning your feet to the pedals.

platform damping
A feature found on many mountain bike shocks and some suspension forks. Platform damping stiffens the suspension for efficient pedaling, while allowing the shock to stay active to absorb larger bumps on the trail.

preload
(Say: pree - load) - A suspension adjustment that's needed before your first ride to ensure that the suspension is set correctly for your weight. Because suspension designs vary, you should follow the directions in your owner's manual. Usually, preload is accomplished by setting the shock air pressure or spring tension or by replacing its elastomers with stiffer or softer ones.

pursuit
A track cycling event where riders start on opposite sides of the track and race over a set distance (4K for men, 3K for women). The racer who finishes the distance the quickest wins. It's an exciting event to watch as you can see who is ahead and a rider might even catch his opponent.

quadriceps
(Say: quad - ri - ceps) - The large muscles on the front of the thighs.

quick release
A clamping mechanism used to hold on wheels and sometimes used to secure seatposts in the frame. Quick releases make it easy to remove wheels for storage or flat-tire repair. You'll also find quick releases on seatposts and sometimes other parts such as handlebars on some folding bicycles.

race of truth
Used to refer to time trials where it's the cyclist against the clock, no drafting allowed.

ratchet
To rotate your crankset halfway to avoid striking your pedal on a rock, log, etc.

recovery drink
An energy drink for after rides to recover more quickly.

rhythm section
A back-to-back series of jumps or rollers on a dirt track or trail.

rock garden
A section of trail with so many large, immovable rocks, it takes skill to ride through it without putting your foot down or walking.

rollers
1. A series of small hills on a track or trail that are typically rolled (coasted) or manualed over (extended wheelie), not jumped. 2. An indoor training device comprised of a frame holding 3 or 4 rollers on which you place your bike to pedal in place. The rollers let you pedal in place and steer as you would riding outdoors. Unlike on stationary trainers, you must balance to ride rollers (unless yours are equipped with a bicycle support).

Schrader valve
(Say: shray - der valve) - This is a type of valve found on bicycle tubes that's identical to those found on car tires.

scratch race
A track racing term for a race over a given distance or a race in which all riders start on equal terms (from scratch).

scuffing
Using your feet on the tires to scrub speed, maintain speed, or lockup the tire to cause the bike to stall.

sealant
A usually latex-based liquid with some type of small particle mixed in, that's put inside tubes and tubeless tires to fix flats before they can happen. The sealant particles seal the hole almost immediately so you can keep right on riding.

seat tube
The frame tube that the seatpost fits into.

seatstays
The twin small-diameter frame tubes that straddle the rear wheel and run from the seat tube to the rear axle.

skewer
Short for quick-release skewer, the clamping device that allows you to remove and install wheels without tools. To be technically accurate, the quick release is the entire clamping device and a skewer is the rod-like part of the quick release that passes through the wheel's axle.

skipping
This is a symptom of a worn drivetrain. When a cog (or chainring) gets worn enough, it can't carry the chain properly. So, if you pedal hard when the chain is on that cog, you may experience a sudden and disconcerting lurch in the pedal stroke accompanied by a strange popping sound. What's you're experiencing is the chain riding up and over the teeth on the cog and slamming back down again. Skipping can also be caused by a stiff link that binds when it reaches the derailleur or doesn't seat on the cog. Either way, it's something to have repaired ASAP.

slickrock
1. Large smooth swaths of rock, usually sandstone and great for mountain biking due to the excellent traction. 2. Slickrock is also the name of a famous trail in the riding mecca of Moab, Utah.

slicks
Tires with so little tread that they appear bald. Very fast and grippy.

smith
A trick where the front peg on the bike is grinding/stalling while the back tire is on top of the obstacle.

specs
Short for specifications and used to refer to the list of bicycle components or features found in catalogs and online.

spine ramp
An obstacle made up of two symmetrical lips placed back-to-back or coping-to-coping.

spokes
The usually metal rods that run between the wheel hubs and rims. Spokes come in different shapes, materials, thicknesses and lengths.

sprint
1. An all-out sharp burst of speed (usually covering no more than about 200 yards) at the end of a race to go for the win. 2. In track cycling, a sprint is a type of race in which two riders compete one-on-one. Unlike pursuits, the riders start next to each other in a sprint race.

stage
One of the individual daily races that make up a stage race. For example, the most famous stage race, the Tour de France, is usually made up of about 21 days of racing, each one a separate stage.

stage race
Any race comprised of multiple races (stages). Usually won by the person who completes the entire event in the least amount of time. The Tour de France is the most famous stage race.

stiction
(Say: stick - shun) - A term that describes friction in a suspension that prevents it from operating smoothly. Ideally, suspension should be stiction free.

stoked
(Say: st - oh - ked) - To be excited about something; probably that great ride or new carbon frame.

straights
A track term for the longer straightaway sections on either side of the velodrome that lead into the corners. This is where riders enter and leave the track.

suicide no-hander
A trick where the rider pinches the seat/frame with their legs and pulls back their upper body and throws back their arms releasing the handlebars and allowing the front end of the bike to drop away slightly mid-flight. A rather committing trick.

Superman
Slang for crashing in such a way that you go flying over the handlebars Superman-style.

switch
Riding with your non-dominant foot forward or trying a trick in the opposite direction. Example: If you spin a switch three, you are spinning a 360 in the direction that does not come most naturally to you.

table top
1. A jump that is flat from the lip to the landing. 2. A BMX or mountain bike jumping trick where you flatten the bike out horizontally, like a table top, while you're flying through the air.

tailwhip
A trick where you balance on the handlebars, hold the front end stationary and then quickly whip the backend of the bicycle around (and around again, for the rare double tailwhip), before putting your feet back on the pedals.

tapered steerer
A modern fork design where the base of the fork steerer tube is larger diameter than the top. This stiffens the front end without adding weight and improves handling and sprinting. Typically, tapered steerers measure 1 1/8 inch at the top and 1 1/2 at the bottom, but other sizes are available.

technical
Something challenging to ride. In mountain biking, it's a trail that's full of roots, rocks, turns, varying angles and/or other obstacles. On the road it could be a twisty descent with off-camber turns and/or rough, potholed pavement.

tempo
1. A steady, hard, but not too hard pace, set at the front of a group of riders. Sometimes a faster tempo will be set for the peloton to make up time. 2. A cycling workout effort level, tempo is below time-trial effort, but above aerobic pace. It's often the pace you can hold for an hour or so. 3. Tempo is also a type of track race where two points are awarded to the first person to cross the line each lap, and one point to the second-place rider. The rider with the most points at the end of the race wins.