–A–
Aerobars (noun)- supplementary handlebars designed to allow steering while in a narrow, aerodynamic position. These generally sit in front of traditional handlebars and bring one’s elbows and arms together in front of the body. Illegal in mass start races, not recommended on group rides.
Attack (verb) The act of escaping the group in an attempt to win the race, some points, or to tire ones opponents.
–B–
BB – abbreviation for bottom bracket.
Bottom Bracket (noun) – the assembly containing an axle and bearings that allow the cranks to move, or the round hole in a bicycle frame into which the assembly fits.
Brake lever – a handle, which when squeezed activates a mechanism that slows or halts the motion of a wheel. The right lever generally controls the rear brake, the left lever, the front brake.
Brakes – the mechanism which slows or halts the motion of a wheel so you can adjust your speed to avoid hitting something or stop the bicycle. Most people like these to work well, though to misquote a famous racer “brakes – use ’em and lose.”
Break (noun, road) The riders who’ve escaped off the front of a group, the leaders.
–C–
Category (noun) the group with which one races, usually based upon experience, skill, or both.
Cat 1,2,3,4, or 5 (slang, road)- Short for Category, which determines who races in a given event. New racers begin in the higher numbered categories and progress based upon success and experience to the lower numbered Categories. Category 4 and above may be “career” categories.
Catting up (slang, road) – To move to the next higher level of racing.
Chainring (noun) – the front gearing mechanism on a bike. The chainrings are turned by the crank, and in turn, they move the chain which moves the wheels. Most modern bikes have a big ring of 48 – 53 teeth and a little ring of 36 – 42 teeth.
Circuit Race – (road) a type of road race in which the course is ridden repeatedly for a set distance.
Cogset – The stack of gears which reside on the rear wheel and are controlled by the rear derailleur.
Crank(s) – the part of the bike to which the pedals are attached. Pressure on the pedals turns the cranks which move the chainring which moves the chain which moves the rear wheel which moves the bike.
Cross (see cyclocross)
Crit (see Criterium)
Criterium (Road) A road race on a short (approx 1 – 2 miles) course which is ridden repeatedly for a certain time period (and occasionally a set number of laps following the time period).
Cyclocross (road) A type of racing which occurs in the winter and involves a circuit containing pavement, grass or dirt road, and obstacles which require the rider to dismount and run with the bicycle for short distances.
–D–
Derailleur (noun)- the mechanism contolled by the shift lever to determine which gear or cog the bicycle uses. There are generally two derailleurs on a bicycle, a front derailleur controlling the chainrings, and a rear, controlling the freewheel cassette.
Division 3 Team (slang, road) A professional cycling team in the “minor leagues”. These teams usually race domestically in the United States.
Downtube – the part of the frame which slopes down from the headtube at the front of the bike to the bottom bracket where the crank and bottom bracket are inserted.
Draft (road) – to ride in the slipstream created by the rider in front. Drafting riders expend less energy than the leaders.
–E–
Endo (slang, mtb) – To exit the bicycle head first, usually unintentionally.
EuroPro (slang, road) – A professional cyclist who races in Europe.
–F–
field – the participants in a given race.
field sprint – A sprint finish in which a large number of riders participate. May or may not be the winning sprint.
fork – the part of the bike that holds the front wheel and turns. This may be painted to match the frame, or it may be made of a completely different material. Mountain bikes often have suspension mechanisms built into this part.
Fred (slang) – A rider with little experience or panache. (derogatory)
–G–
–H–
Handlebars – The part of the bicycle upon which one rests ones hands and steers.
Handlebars – The part of the bicycle upon which one rests ones hands and steers.
Headset – Bearings that your fork turns on, and the assembly in which they’re contained. This sits in and on top of your head tube.
Head tube – the part of the frame at the front of the bike where the top tube and the down tube are joined. The fork goes in the bottom, the stem and handlebars go in the top.
–I–
–J–
–K–
Kirin (Track) a type of track race in which points are gained by…
–L–
–M–
Maillot Jaune (road) The Yellow Jersey worn by the leader/winner of the Tour de France.
Masters (mtb, road, track) – Racing cyclists who have reached a minimum age of 30 years.
–N–
NORBA – National Off Road Bicycle Association – the branch of USAC which governs mountainbike racing.
–O–
–P–
Paceline (road) – a group of riders following one another closely to allow drafting to occur. Riders generally take turns at the front according to ability.
Pack – a group of riders
Peloton (road) – a large group of riders in a race…the main field.
Promoter – the person or group who hosts a race or event.
–Q–
Q-Factor – the width between your frame and the center of your pedal.
Quick Release – a type of lever and bolt mechanism which allows wheels and other adjustable parts of your bike to be tightened or loosened without a wrench.
–R–
–S–
Sponsor – a business or group providing prizes, cash or other materials to a race promoter or team.
–T–
Tour de France – a long stage race held annually in France. Raced by professional teams by invitation only.
–U–
USAC – USA Cycling – the governing body of competetive cycling in the United States.
USCF – United States Cycling Federation – the branch of USAC which oversees road racing, cyclocross and track racing.
UCI – Union Cycliste International, the international cycling union which is the governing body of international bike racing.
–V–
Velodrome (track) – a banked course upon which track racing occurs. These may be constructed of wood or concrete and may or may not be covered to allow for year round racing.
–W–
–X–
–Y–
–Z–