A DICTONARY of BICYCLE TERMS COMMONLY USED
Here is a list of terms you may want to reference periodically when enjoying one of your favorite cycling pastimes.
- BMX (Bicycle Moto-Cross):
- 1. a type of racing done on a closed dirt track over obstacles, usually on a 20-inch wheel bike with one gear;
- 2. a special bike designed for this use.
- Century: a 100-mile ride (161 kilometers).
- Chamois: a pad in cycling shorts designed to keep riders dry and abrasion-free.
- Chain Lube: lubricant that keeps the chain moving freely and rust-free.
- Citizen Race: An event not sanctioned and open to the public.
- Coaster Brake: a foot-operated brake built into the real hubs, normally found on one-speed kid’s bikes and cruisers.
- Comfort Bike: a bicycle with very upright seating position, wide tires designed primarily for paved surfaces and many components to ensure rider comfort. Similar to a hybrid bike, but stable on packed dirt or gravel trails.
- Cross-Country: the traditional mountain bike race. Most courses mix fire roads (where you can pass or be passed) with single track (where passing is difficult). Races point, one long loop or two or more laps of a shorter loop.
- Cross-Country Bike: a mountain bike suited to riding on varied terrain. Features include wide-range gearing with super lows, usually front suspension, great brakes and a lightweight, performance-oriented frame and usually knobby tires.
- Criterion: a mass start race on paved surfaces, many laps on a short circuit. Great for spectators.
- Cyclocross: a blend of road and mountain bike racing. Half running, half riding, Cyclocross courses use a blend of paved roads, natural turf trails and barricades to be jumped over.
- Cyclocross Bike: a bicycle similar to a road bike, but with slightly wider tires, used to race on a short circuit, off-road, multiple-lap course, often with obstacles that require the rider to dismount. Also called a cross bike.
- Disc Brakes: a very powerful brake system found on mountain bikes using pistons and rotors similar to cars or motorcycles.
- Double-track: two parallel dirt trails formed by the wheel ruts of off-road motor vehicles.
- Downhill: a race held at ski areas. The faster rider from top to bottom wins. Competitors wear protective clothing and pads due to the many obstacles that are used to challenge riders.
- Downhill Bike: a bike designed for riding downhill, featuring long-travel dual suspension frames, disc brakes, single chain ring and a riser handlebar.
- Down Shift: to shift to a lower gear, that is, a larger rear cog or smaller front chain ring.
- Floor Pump: a tool for putting air into tires, often with built-in gauge for accuracy and strong for everyday use.
- Folding Bike: a bike that can be folded for transport or storage.
- Hybrid Bike: a bicycle featuring upright riding position and medium width tires. Similar to a comfort bike, but rolls faster and easier on paved surfaces.
- IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association): an organization that creates, maintains and protects mountain bike trails.
- Kilometer: a metric form of measure. A kilometer is equal to .62 miles. Example: a 10K race is equal to 6.2 miles.
- Lineer Pull Brakes: a side pull style of rim brake with high leverage. Commonly referred to as a “V” brake, a trademark of Shimano.
- Metric Century: a 100-kilometer ride (62 miles).
- Mountain Bike: a bicycle with sturdy tires and a wide range of gears designed for off-pavement use. A generic term for bikes including cross-country, downhill etc.
- Multi-Tool: many tools combined into one compact, easy to transport tool to use for emergency repairs; in the USA.
- NORBA (National Off Road Bicycle Association): the governing body of off-road bicycle racing in the USA.
- Pannier: a bicycle pack that attaches to a rack and dangles on the side of the bike.
- Patch Kit: a kit that generally contains patch, glue and sandpaper to repair a tube puncture.
- PSI (pounds per square inch): the unit of measure for tire inflation and air pressure (usually printed on the side of the tire).
- Presta Valves: (French) smaller diameter tire valve, often used on more expensive bikes.
- Reach: the combined length of a bike’s top tube and stem, which determines the rider’s distance to the handlebar. An important adjustment for comfort and efficiency.
- Recumbent Bikes: a bicycle that puts the rider in a reclining position. Usually a very comfortable bike, but does not climb as well or maneuver as well as a more traditional-style bike.
- Road Bike: a bicycle with drop-style handlebars, narrow tires, very light frame and components, built specifically to ride on paved surfaces quickly and efficiently.
- Road Race: a mass start race on paved surfaces that goes from point to point, covers one large loop or is held on a circuit longer than those used for criterions.
- Sag (support and gear) Wagon: a motor vehicle that follows a group of riders, carrying equipment and lending assistance in the event of mechanical trouble.
- Single-track: a single, narrow dirt path, often caused by animals. Not the most efficient way to get from point A to point B, but often the most fun.
- Shraeder Valves: (American) larger diameter tire valve, same as used in autos.
- Tandem: a bicycle that has seats, bars and pedals for two, one behind the other.
- Tire Lever (tire spone): a tool designed to help remove a tire from the rim.
- Track Bike: a bicycle used for racing on a velodome. It looks a lot like a road bike, but features only one gear, has no brakes and doesn’t allow coasting; also in fixed gear.
- Triathlon: a race usually involving swimming, biking and running.
- USA Cycling: the umbrella organization for American bicycle racing. Affiliated with the UCI.
- UCI (Union Cyclist International): the world governing body of bicycling racing, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Up Shift: to shift to a higher gear, that is, a smaller rear cog or larger front chain ring.
- USCF (U. S. Cycling Federation): the organization that governs amateur road, track and Cyclocross racing in America. A division of USA Cycling.
- USPRO (U. S. Professional Racing Organization): the organization in charge of professional bicycling racing in America. A division of USA Cycling.
- Velodome: a banked track approximately 250 meters around for bicycling racing. Commonly referred to as a “track.” Wheelbase: the distance between the front and rear axles.
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