CyberCycle | Glossary

aheadset: Japanese/American brand of headset. Can only be used with specially designed forks and stem. Tioga makes a similar setup.

air: when a bike is in the air, as in "getting big air" off a jump

air and oil suspension forks: suspensions forks that are air-sprung and oil-damped

Allen bolt: a type of bolt that is used on most bikes

allen key: six-sided, L-shaped bar of metal that fits in to the socket of an allen-head bolt. Available individually, in box sets, folding sets and on a ring.

alloy: usually short for aluminum alloy. A mixture of metals which is usually better than a pure one.

alloy rims: all decent quality bikes have wheel rims made of aluminum alloy. Steel is the alternative material but the braking surface is so smooth that it is hard to stop quickly, even with pads especially formulated for use with this material.

anti-scam cam: a device used to prevent the wheels or saddle from being stolen

anti-seize compound: a light grease containing powdered metal, usually copper. The grease evaporates, leaving the copper behind, which acts as a lubricant.

axle: the central part of a bearings assembly.

ball bearing: usually means a hard-chromed, perfectly round, steel ball that fits between the cup and cone in bike bearings. Also measnt eh complete assembly of inner and outer race pluse all bearinds, as used in a cartridge bottom bracket.

bar ends: look like cow horns bolted to the ends of straight handlebars. They give an alternative hand position, especially useful for hill climbing or in traffic.

barrel adjuster: a small device on brake levers and rear derailleurs to allow for fine-tuning of the cables

BCD: Bolt Circle Diameter. the spacing of bolt holes on chainrings

beads: the stiff edge of a tire. Usually made of wire but occasionally of Kevlar.

bearings: small balls that rotate inside the hubs, headset, bottom bracket, and pedals to make thesee parts move easily

binder bolt: long bolt that fits in to the upright part of the stem and screws in to the cone or wedge that locks the stem in to the fame.

blowout: when an inner tube explodes suddenly with a bang, leaving alarge hole

BMX pedal: a type of pedal that gives excellent grip and does not need toe clips

bonding: in manufacturing, a method of joining the tubes of a frame by gluing them together using a lug

bottle boss: threaded frame fitting used for attaching bottle cages to the frame.

bottom bracket: the bearings and axle that carry the crankset.

bottom bracket shell: the housing at the bottom of the seat and down tubes in to which the bottom bracket is fitted.

bottom-out: when either a tire or suspenson cannot absorb any more shock when you are riding a bike

brake block: the part of the brake that is in contact with the rim

brake pad: the rubber-like piece that slots into the brake block

brazed-on fitting: items like bottle bosses and lever bosses attached permanetly to the frame.

brazing: in manufacturing, a low-temperature method of joining tubes and attaching parts to a frame

bunny hop: a riding technique for getting over obstacles on the trail by lifting the whole bike clear of the ground

bushings: small devices that reduce the friction between the moving parts ofa suspension; also used with pulley wheels

: the thickened end of a tube. See double butted.

butting: in manufacturing, a method of making a tube lighter and stronger by varying the wall thickness

cable: the steel wire that runs from the levers to activate the gears and brakes

cable endcap: a soft metal sleeve tha can be crimped on to the end of a cable to prevent it from fraying.

cable housing: plastic covering through which the cable runs from the gear and brake levers to fixed points on the frame

cable stop: ahollow tube brazed on to the frame. The cable housing fits in to the open end, while the inner calbe passes out of teh other. Often slotted so that you can pull the housing out without disconnecting the inner cable-- useful when lubricating inner cable.

cadence: the speed at which you pedal. measured in rpm's

cantilever brakes: attached to the frame via pivots on the fork blades and chain stays. Powerful brakes, used on most mountain bikes because mud does not build up around them. Also used on hubrids and towers.

carbon fiber: high-strangth, high-cost mterial used for making frames, seat posts, and other components. The fibers are usually woven in to a bloth or tabe and bound together with resin. Very expensive and not suitable for everday use.

carcass: the main body of the tire

cartridge bearings: a sealed bearing unit, which keeps out water and debris

cartridge bottom bracket: bootom bracket bearing in which the azle runs on standard bearinds, sealed inside a metal sleeve. Low mainenance. becoming more andmore popular.

centering: usually refers to adjusting the position of a brake in such a way that the brake pads are equally spaced from teh braking surface. Can also refer to fitting a back wheel sot ah it is equally spaced between the chain stays.

centerpull breaks: a brake with two separate arms independently mounted on a back plate. Powerful and relieable but no longer made.

center to center: usual way of measuring frame size. Distance form center to botom bracket axle to center of top tube. The measurement can be given in either inches or centimeters-- it makes no difference.

chain guard: usually a light steel device that wraps around the chain, protecting the rider. Fixed to the frame with clips.

chainring: the toothed part of the crankset which engages with the chain.

chain rivet: the part that joins 2 chain links

chain stay: the tube that runs between the bottom bracket and the dropout. It is usually oval near the bottom bracket.

chain : when a chain gets jammed between either the chainrings or between the rank and the frame

chainrings: the front sprockets, which are mounted on the cranks

chrome molybdenum or chromoly: a steel alloy often used for bike frames. Though not a high-end material, chrome molybdenum steel is of good quality and ideal for budgetpriced bikes.

clinchers: detachable tires that are held on to the wheel rim by stiff beads that clinch under the open edges of the rim.

cluster: usually short for sprocket cluster.

cogs: people often speak of the chainring and sprockets as cogs becuse they're toothed.

columbus: Italkian maker of high-quality frame tubing.

cotterless cranks: cranks that bolt on to the square end of the bottom bracket axle.

cotter pins: tapered steel pins with one flat side that hold the cranks on to the botom bracket axle. Seldom found on recent bikes.

cranks: metal components that carry the pedals and transmit rider's energy to the chainring.

crankset: the chainrings, spider and cranks are known collectively as the crankset.

chromoly: a steel alloy, which is used in producing most mountain bike frames

cleat: a small attachment on the bottom of a shoe, which interlocks with a clipless pedal

Columbus: an Italian manufacturer of fine quality bike tubing

CPR tool: a compact racing tool kit

crank: the arm that joins a pedal to the bottom bracket

cross-country: a type of racing that encompasses a wide variety of terrain

cup and cone bearing: the standard bike bearins assembly consisiting of ball bearings trapped bettween the semicircular cup and the tapered cone. These bearsings are adjusted by mocing th escrewed part in or out untilthey turn freely, without any play.

dabbing: a braking technique used to slow down quickly without skidding. also putting a foot down during trials riding

damper: the part of a suspension system that controls the spring compresion and extensoin

degreaser: any solvent that will dissolve grease. Includes paraffin, diesel fuel and various specially forumulated, ecologically acceptable brandname products.

derailleur: French word for gearing systems that work by "derailling" the chain from one sprocket to another. Easilythe most popular gearing system.

diamond frame: the standard shape for a bike frame. Mountain bikes usually have a modified diamond frame.

disc brakes: a powerful type of braking system, which uses large aluminum discs mounted on the hubs as the braking surface instead of the rims

double butted: used to describe frame tubing which is drawn thin in teh middle for lightnetss and thicker at the ends where the maximum strength is needed.

doubletrack: a trail that is suitable for 2 bikes side by side

down tube: usually the largest diameter part of the frame. Runs from the head tube to the bottom bracket.

downhill: a type of racing, over a course that goes only downhill

drivetrain: all components that deal with transmitting power from the rider's legs to the back wheel. That means crankset, chain and sprockets, plus the front and rear derailleurs.

drop-in: when you ride4 off an edge and land on both wheels simultaneously

drop-off: when you ride off an edge down a near vertical slope

droupout: the part of the frame that carries the front or back wheel.

drops: short for drop handelbars found on road racing and touring bikes.

dual pivot brakes: a cross between sidepull and centerpull brakes. More compact that centerpulls and more powerful than sidepulls.

Easton: a high tech manufacturer of high quality aluminum tubing

elasomer suspension forks: a type of suspension system in which synthetic rubber is sued for the springs and dampers

entry-level bike: a beginner's mountain bike at the bottom of the price range

feathering: a braking technique, which entails pulling the brake on and off several times to control speed

fixed gear: a single sprocket screwed on to the rear hub, without a freewheel. all the time that hte bike is moving, the rider has to pedal.

flanges: the 2 outer sections of the hub, to which the spokes are attached

fork crown: the top part of the forks. Sometimes it is separate, sometimes it is formed out of the fork blade itself.

fork end: the part of the fork that carries the front wheel.

forks: the steerable part of the frame that holds the front wheel.

frame angles: the angle between the top tube and seat tube; and between teh top tube and head tube. Greatly influences how the frame behaves on the road.

frame size: the measurement between the center of the bottom bracket axle to the center or top of the seat tube

freehub: a recently introduced design of rear hub which has teh sprocket cluster built in. Suitable for 7-or 8-speed setups, righthand hub bearing fits instide the cluster part.

freewheel: nearly all sprockets are mounted on a freewheel mechanism which allows you to coast along without pedalling.

front derailleur: front gear mechanism that swaps the chain from one chainring to another. Two chainrings multiplies the number of pears by two. Three chainrings multiplies the number by three.

gear capacity: the size of the sprockets with which the derailleur is designed to cope

gear hanger: the piece of metal that attaches teh rear derailleur to the frame. Can be separate fro, or part of, the frame.

gear range: the gap between the lowest gear and the highest.

gear ratio: on bikes, this is the number of inches that the biek will move for each revolution of the cranks. On a low gear, this is about 1 m (40 inchest) per revolution and around 2.7 m (110 inches) on a high one.

gel saddle: a saddle that contains a soft compound, which molds to your shape, making the saddle more comfortable

Grip Shift: a gear shifter that works on a twist action

Ground Control: one of the best tires of all time, first manufactured in 1989

group: the standard components fitted to a bike. all produced by one manufacturer; gruppo

gusset: an added section of material which is put on to reinforce a particular are of the frame

hammer: a tool tha should be used with caution on a bike.

hanger: the part of the frame on which the rear derailleur is mounted. also a part through which the front and rear brakes are sometimes mounted, usually called the cable hanger

headset: te top and bottom bearings that support the forks and allow them to turn, thus providing steering. The bottom bearing is subject to very heavy loads and must be replaced when dents form in teh bearing race.

head tube: the shortest frame tube. Fits between the top and down tubes. Can be so short as to be almost non-existent on very small frames.

high gear: a gear ration in which you travel a long way for every revolution of the cranks. In high, the chain is on the largest chainring and one of the smallest sprockets.

hop-up: a riding technique used for getting the bike over an obstacle by lifting the front wheel up and over it

hub: the center part of the wheel, which contains the axle and bearings, and to which the spokes are attached

hub gears: the alternative system to derailleur gears. Contained within an enlarged rear hub. 3-,5- and 7-speed versions now available but they all tend to be heavy and absorb a lot of energy.

hybrid: type of bike combining some mountain bike componenets and framce features with large wheels and fairly normal frame.

hydraulic brakes: fluid-operated brakes, which are far more powerful than conventional cable-operated brakes

Hyperglide: a type of Shimano rear sprocket and chain, which makes gear shfting under heacy loads easier

Interglide: an updated version of Hyperglide, with improved shifting

indexed gears: derailleur gears with ashifter that has click stops indicating each gear position.

Judy (Rock Shox): top of the range suspension forks

Kevlar: high-strength artificial fiber used for reinforcing tires and other components.

Klein, Gary: the man who established aluminumas a viable alternative to steel as a frame material

knobbies: deeply treaded tires designed for high grip in dirt, rocks and mud.

LED light: a bright type of light, which uses Light Emitting Diodes instead of conventional bulbs

line: the route you take on your bike

low gear: a gear ratino in which you move a short distance for every revoluytion of the cranks. Used for climbing hills and off-road.

lube: short for lubricant.

lug: a complex steel sleeve used to join the main tubes of a frame.

metal matrix: a new type of super alloy used for fames, in which aluminum is mixed with particles of boron and ceramics

mid-range bike: a step up in quality and performance from and entry level bike, in the middle of the price range

monocoque: a frame made in one large piece instead of from several tubes, making it stringer and lighter

multi-tool: a samll tool incorporating several different tools

nipple: the metal nut that passes through the rim and screwws on the spoke. Spokes are tenstioned by tightening up the nipple.

off-road: any type of riding that is not on paved roads

observed trails: a type of competition in whcih riders have to negotiate a series of obstacles

orienteering: a type of race in which you have to find designated check points with the aid of a map

Overend, Ned: one of the first, and longest competing, mountain bike racers

phillips screwdriver: screwdriver with cross-shaped tip. Size 1 and2 are both used on bikes and are not interchangeable.

play: unwanted movement in a bearing. Can be due to wear or incorrect adjustment. Sometimes spoken of as 'a couple of millimeters of play'.

Presta valve: found mainling on racing bike tyres. Has a knurled section on the end to keep it closed.

pro-racing bike: a high performance bike, which is suitable for professional racers to ride in competition

PSI: Pounds per Square Inch. a measurement of tire presure

pulley wheels: small wheels that guide the chain around the sprockets and towards the chainring.

quick release: usually refers to teh mechanism that allows you to remove a bike wheel with just a turn of the quick release lever. Can also refer to other quick relese components like seat post clamps and panniers.

R
race: part of a bearing assembly in contact with the ball bearing.

reach: the distance between the seat and the handlebars

rear derailleur: rear gear mechanism that deals with up to eight sprockets.

Reynolds: Bristish maker of high-qualitfy steel tubing for frames.

rim: the part of the wheel on which the tire is mounted.

Ritchey, Tom: a pioneer of mountain biking

Rock Shox: a company started by Paul Turner, which made the first viable suspension system

roadster: old-fashioned sit-up-and-beg bike.

Schrader valve: the car-type tire valve that has a separate insert. Larger in diameter than a Presta Valve.

seat cluster: the area where th seat stays, down tube and top tube come together.

seat post: tube that fits in to the seat tube and supports the saddle.

seat stays: the small-diameter tube tha runs between the seat lug and the dropout.

seat tube: the large-diameter frame tube which supports the saddle.

setup: the way in which a bike is arranged for a rider in terms of the position of all the adjustable components

shifter: refers to any mechanism for changing gears.

shifting: changing gear

Shimano: the largest manufacturer of bicycle components in the world

sidewall: the section of a tire between the rim and the tread

sidepull break: type of brake used on road bikes. both brake arms are connected to brake cable on one side of the unit.

singletrack: a trail that is wide enough for only one bike

slalom: a type of race in which competitors have to ride in and out a series of poles

slicks: smooth tires use on montain bikes for road riding.

SPD: Shimano Pedaling Dynamics. The clipless pedal system made by Shimano

spokes: the metal wires that connect the wheel hub to the rim

spoke nipple: the adjsutable nut on a spoke, which holds the spoke in the rim

spoking pattern: the way the spokes are arranged in a wheel

spray lube: refers to various brands of silicone-based aerosol lubricant. Also the specialist bike-type, which contains a solid lubricant that remains after the liquid part has evaporated.

sprocket: the toothed wheel or wheels attached to the back wheel that transfer drive from the chain to the hub.

sprocket cluster: collective name for all the sprockets of a derailleur gear system.

standover: the amount of space between you and top tube when you stand astride the bike

steerer tube: the tube that fits in to teh fork crown and is supported by the handset. Turns with the fork.

stem: fits in to the steerer tube and supports the handlebars.

STI: a gear-changing system made by Shimano in which the shifters are built in to the brake levers.

straddle cable: short cable that joins two independent brake arms. Found on some cantilever and all centerpull brakes.

suspension: a combination of springs and dampers installed on a bike which improves the bike's handling, efficiency, rider safety and control.

suspension forks: forks that allow the front wheel to move up and down to absorb bumps. The movement is usually controlled by some sort of spring and a gas or fluid damper mechanism.

suspensoin specific: any component that has been designed for use with a suspensoin bike

tacoed: a term used to describe a wheel that is so badly buckled that it looks like a taco chip

Tange: a tubing manufacturer which supplies

technical clothing: clothing that is designed in cut and fabric to be highly functional

technical: referring to a section of trail that has challenging obstacles and terrain

thumb shifters: the origianl type of shifter which is operated with the thumb

TIG welding: Tungsten Inert Gas. the most commonly used method of frame building

tire -700C: the type of tyre normally fitted to good-quality road bikes with 27-inch wheels. Think light and strong.

tire valve: device that holds air pressure in a tire. On a bike, the valve is actually part of the tube.

tire wall: also referred to as teh sidewall. The area of a tire between the tread and the wheel rim. Often a yellow color that contrast with the black of the tread.

titanium: a strong, light metal used in many top-level bikes

toe clip: a device attached to the pedal which helps to keep your foot in poition

toe strap: a strap used to keep your foot secruely in the toe clip

toe-in: usually measuerd in millimeters. Refers to fitting brake pads closer to the rim at the front than at the back.

top tube: the tube joing the seat tube to teh head tube. It is usually horizantal but increasing numbers of bikers have a sloping top tube.

TPI: Threads Per Inch. the number of nylon threads per square inch of fabric in a tire.

traction: the amount of grip a tire has on the ground

trash: to break a bike component

tread: the raised section of a tire which grips the ground

Trek: a major US mountain bike manufacturer

True Temper: a UD manufacturer of steel tubing, which supplies most of the American market

tubulars: a tire where the tube is swen inside the thread part.

U-lock: a large, strong bike padlock in the shape of a U

wheel base: the distance between the wheel axles of a bike

wheel rim: the outer part of a bike wheel that carries the tire. Also the braking surface. Can be made of steel or alloy.

wicking: the ability of a fabric to take moisture away from your skin, to help prevent your body from over heating

wishbone stay: a design of chainstay in which the two tubes join above the back wheel and are connected o the seat cluster by a larger single tube.

WTB: Wilderness Trail Bikes. one of the founding companies of high-quality, high-performance mountain bike components

Z Max: one of the all time best tires designed by Tom Ritchey