A beginners’ guide to … cycling jargon
If you’re new to the world of cycling and feel lost when cyclists throw around terms like “bonking” or “cadence”, this guide will help you navigate the jargon with ease.
Aero/aerodynamic
A term used to describe cycling gear designed to minimise wind resistance and improve efficiency. Everything from bike frames and wheels to clothing and helmets can be engineered for better aerodynamics, helping riders cut through the air with less effort. While casual riders may not prioritise aerodynamics, it plays a crucial role in competitive cycling, where reducing drag can mean the difference between winning and losing.
Audax (randonnée)
An audax is a long-distance, non-competitive cross-country event in which riders navigate a prescribed course while passing through intermediate checkpoints. They ride to specific time limits, and this event lasts two to three days.
Bead
The reinforced edge of a bike tyre that ensures it stays securely seated on the rim. High-end performance tyres often have flexible Kevlar beads, making them lighter and easier to fold, while standard tyres use steel beads for durability and affordability.
Bikepacking
A blend of cycling and minimalist camping, bikepacking involves loading up lightweight gear on a bike and heading off on multi-day adventures. Unlike traditional touring, bikepacking is often done on mixed terrain, from gravel trails to rugged country routes.
Blowing up
Slang for completely running out of energy during a ride, usually after pushing too hard for too long. When a cyclist blows up, they experience an extreme physical and mental shutdown, making it tough to continue at a decent pace.
Bonk/bonking
Hitting the wall due to depleted energy stores. When a cyclist bonks, their body runs out of glycogen, leading to a sudden drop in strength and endurance. Proper nutrition and hydration are key to avoiding this dreaded experience.
Cadence
The speed at which a cyclist turns the pedals, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Maintaining an efficient cadence can help improve endurance and performance, with most experienced riders aiming for a smooth, consistent pedal stroke.
Cassette
The cassette is a set of cogs located at the rear wheel. The number of cogs varies as well as the number of teeth on each cog. The number of cogs that your cycle has influences the number of gears that you have available.
Chamois
The padded insert in cycling shorts that provides cushioning and helps prevent chafing. Designed to wick away moisture and reduce friction, a chamois is essential for long-distance comfort. Meant to be worn without underwear!
Chainrings
These are located at the middle of the bike and are attached to the pedals. Traditional bikes have one to three chainrings, with most having two (called a double or 2x) or three (called a triple or 3x) chainrings. Single (or 1x) chainrings are gaining popularity, particularly among mountain bikers, but are still a fairly niche option for most people.
Chainset/crankset
The part of the bike that transfers power from your legs to the drivetrain. It includes crank arms (which connect to the pedals) and one or more chainrings (which engage the chain). Commonly called a chainset in the UK and a crankset in North America.
Clincher tyres
These are a type of tyre that uses two beads to attach to the rim and uses a tube, they are the most common type of bike tyre. The name clincher comes from the fact that these tyres ‘clinch’ to the rim with a bead of hard rubber, Kevlar or steel.
Clipless pedals
Despite the misleading name, these pedals allow riders to ‘clip in’ with specialised cycling shoes, securing their feet for more efficient pedalling. Unlike flat pedals, they enhance power transfer and control, making them a staple for road and mountain bikers alike.
Cycle touring
A long-distance cycling adventure that involves carrying gear and supplies for multi-day trips. Touring can range from relaxed weekend getaways to months-long expeditions, often focusing on exploration and self-sufficiency.
Derailleurs
These are devices that move the chain between chainrings and cogs, controlled by shifters on the handlebars.
- Front derailleur: shifts the chain between the front chainrings
- Rear derailleur: shifts the chain between the rear cogs in the cassette
Disc brakes
A braking system that uses a rotor mounted at the wheel’s hub, with brake pads squeezing the rotor to slow down the bike. Disk brakes are known for their powerful stopping ability and consistent performance in wet conditions, they're increasingly popular on road and mountain bikes.
Drafting
A technique where a cyclist rides closely behind another to reduce wind resistance and conserve energy. Often used in racing and group rides, drafting can make a significant difference in effort and speed.
Drivetrain
The collection of components that convert pedalling power into forward motion. These components include the cassette, chain, pedals, derailleurs and sprocket/cogs. Think of the drivetrain as the engine of your bike.
Drops
These are the curved lower section of drop handlebars found on road bikes. Riding with your hands on the drops gives cyclists a more aerodynamic position and better control when descending or sprinting.
Fork
The part of the bike that holds the front wheel and allows it to turn. A fork consists of two legs, a steerer tube (which connects to the handlebars), and dropouts (where the wheel attaches).
Frame
This is the bike’s main structure, forming its backbone. Made from materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre or steel, a frame determines a bike’s weight, ride quality and overall performance.
Granny gear
The granny gear is the lowest gear ratio on a bike, using the smallest chainring in the front and the largest sprocket in the back. Perfect for climbing steep hills without exhausting your legs.
Gripshift
A type of gear-shifting system operated by twisting the handlebar grip. This is commonly found on mountain and hybrid bikes, and offers a simple, intuitive way to change gears while riding.
Handlebar
The part of the bike used for steering, controlling the brakes and shifting gears. Handlebars come in various styles, including flat bars, drop bars and riser bars. Each handlebar variation is suited to different types of riding.
Hybrid
A versatile cycle that blends features of road and mountain bikes, combining smooth-rolling wheels with a comfortable, upright riding position. Ideal for commuters, recreational riders and those who want a do-it-all bike.
Hub
The central part of a bike wheel that allows it to spin. Inside the hub, bearings allow for smooth rotation, while the hub shell connects to the spokes and rim.
Jam
An impromptu burst of high-speed cycling, often during a group ride. Jams can be competitive, fun or just a way to shake things up and test your limits.
LBS (local bike shop)
This is an acronym for a small, independently owned bike shop. Supporting your LBS means getting personalised service while helping keep local cycling communities thriving.
Mudguards
Curved plastic or metal covers that shield you from water, mud and debris kicked up by your wheels. This is essential for staying dry in wet conditions – and will also protect riders behind you – and commonly found on commuter and touring bikes.
Presta valve
A slender, high-pressure valve commonly used on road and performance bikes. It features a locking mechanism that must be opened before inflating or deflating the tyre.
Q-factor
The distance between your feet when they are positioned on your pedals. A rider’s optimal Q-factor depends on their body structure, with a bigger Q-factor often suited to larger riders and a smaller one for smaller cyclists.
RPM (revolutions per minute)
A measure of pedalling speed, indicating how many times the crank rotates in one minute. A balanced cadence helps maintain efficiency and endurance.
Schrader valve
A robust valve type similar to those found on car tyres. Schrader valves are wider than Presta valves. Some cyclists see this wider valve as an advantage as it means they can get a greater airflow into tubeless tyres.
Shifters
These are the controls that allow you to change gear on your cycle. They are usually found on the handlebar.
Spokes
Thin metal rods that connect the wheel hub to the rim, providing strength and stability. The number and thickness of spokes affect a wheel’s durability and weight.
Sprockets
These are the toothed cogs on the rear cassette that link with the chain to drive the bike forward. More sprockets mean a wider range of gear choices.
Stem
The component that links the handlebars to the bike’s fork.
Tubeless tyres
A tyre system that eliminates the need for innertubes, reducing the risk of punctures while allowing for lower air pressures and improved traction.
Tubular tyres
A lightweight racing tyre with an innertube sewn inside. Unlike clincher or tubeless tyres, tubulars are glued to the rim for a secure fit, offering a smooth ride but requiring special installation techniques.
