Glossary of cycling

Jacques Anquetil and Charly Gaul 1959

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Mermaid Parade 2011 Fish Bike

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4cross

MTB over the bar crash

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Emmeline-Ragot

Freeride Mountain Biking

Glossary of Cycling

Cycling, a diverse and multifaceted activity, encompasses a wide range of practices, equipment, and terminology. This glossary aims to provide an overview of the key terms and concepts within the cycling world, from the different types of bicycles and cycling disciplines to the components and gear that cyclists use.

Types of Bicycles

• Road Bicycle - Designed for fast travel on paved roads, characterized by lightweight frames, thin tires, and multiple gears.
• Mountain Bike - Built for off-road cycling, these bikes feature robust frames, wide tires with deep tread, and suspension systems.
• Hybrid Bicycle - A mix between road and mountain bikes, hybrids are versatile bikes for general-purpose riding over various terrains.
• BMX Bike - Short for Bicycle Motocross, BMX bikes are small, durable bikes designed for stunt riding and racing on dirt tracks.
• Cyclocross Bike - Similar to road bikes but designed for off-road racing, with wider tires and disc brakes for better mud clearance and stopping power.
• Electric Bicycle (E-bike) - Bicycles equipped with an electric motor to assist with pedaling, making it easier to climb hills and travel longer distances.

Cycling Disciplines

• Road Cycling - Cycling on paved roads, ranging from casual riding to competitive racing.
• Mountain Biking - Off-road cycling on rough terrain, including various sub-disciplines like cross-country (XC), downhill (DH), and all-mountain (AM).
• Track Cycling - Racing on specially built outdoor or indoor tracks with fixed-gear bicycles.
• Cyclocross - A form of racing that involves riding on mixed terrains (such as dirt, pavement, and grass) and obstacles requiring the rider to occasionally dismount.
• BMX - A sport involving racing or performing tricks on BMX bikes.
• Triathlon - A multi-sport event that includes a cycling portion, along with swimming and running.

Cycling Equipment and Components

• Bicycle Helmet - A helmet specifically designed to protect cyclists' heads during impacts.
• Cycling Shoes - Shoes designed to improve efficiency in pedaling, often attaching directly to the pedals through a cleat system for a secure connection.
• Derailleur - A mechanism for moving the chain from one gear to another, allowing for gear shifting.
• Bicycle Frame - The main structural component of a bicycle, to which wheels, handlebars, and other components are attached.
• Pedals - The part of the bicycle that the rider pushes with their feet to propel the bicycle forward.
• Saddle - The seat of the bicycle.

Cycling Culture and Events

• Critical Mass - A cycling event typically held on the last Friday of every month in cities around the world where cyclists take to the streets en masse.
• Tour de France - The world's most famous road cycling race, held annually in France and occasionally passing through nearby countries.
• Giro d'Italia - An annual multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in Italy, similar to the Tour de France but with its own unique challenges and history.
• UCI World Championships - Annual world championship events for road, mountain bike, cyclocross, and track cycling, sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Safety and Maintenance

• Bicycle Safety - Practices and equipment used to reduce risk and enhance safety for cyclists.
• Bicycle Maintenance - The routine actions (like adjusting the brakes, lubricating the chain) required to keep a bicycle in good working condition.