Glossary of Cycling Terms
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
ABA - The American Bicycle Association, the world's largest sanctioning BMX organization.
Abubaca - A trick where the rider goes straight up the ramp and while they are still facing forward they tap the back tire to the coping/obstacle, then drop back down the ramp riding backwards or fakie. The rider's body faces the same direction through the whole trick.
Adventure Race - A multi-discipline team race that varies in length and distance from a few hours to several days. Involves multiple sports such as cycling, running, orienteering, boating, rappelling, etc.
Aero - (Say: air - o) - Slang for aerodynamic, streamlined. Anything that helps a cyclist cheat his main opponent, the wind. Aero devices include handlebars, bullet-shaped helmets, even windshields.
Aero Handlebars - Handlebars or bolt-on (often called "clip-on") bars made for road riding that put you in a streamlined position for more speed with the same effort. These usually include elbow pads, which support your weight. The bars place your hands in front of the body, where they poke a hole in the air, which decreases wind resistance. Using aero bars and finding an aerodynamically optimum riding position are the best ways to reduce your time in time trials, triathlons, even centuries. Many riders like and use aero bars not for speed but because they provide a relaxed position for cruising the flats.
Aero Helmet - A special helmet with a streamlined shape to reduce wind drag and offer an advantage in races against the clock. Often pretty funny looking.
Aerobic - (say: air - o - bick) - Cycling or exercising at a pace that allows breathing comfortably because you're getting enough oxygen. Think of it as a "conversational" pace. If you're breathing too hard to talk, the pace is too fast.
Aftermarket - A component or accessory that wasn't intended to be used as original equipment on stock bicycles.
Aheadset - Component manufacturer Dia-Compe’s brand name for a headset (the mechanism in the front of the bike that lets the fork turn for steering). This type is designed for forks with threadless steerers (the fork's top tube).
Air - If you like to leap over obstacles or fly off ramps, this is what you're trying to put beneath your wheels, as in, "I got big air." Also, it's what you put in your tires and some suspension forks and shocks so you have nice, soft landings.
Air Shock - A suspension that uses air pressure as its spring medium.
All Mountain - As in all-mountain bicycle, this means a bike or ride that encompasses all types of off-road terrain, climbs, descents, technical and jumping.
Allen Wrench - A hexagonally shaped tool for turning the ubiquitous recessed bolts found on bicycles. There are L-shaped Allen wrenches, ones with screwdriver handles and ones with ball-ends so that you can turn bolts in tight spaces. Get a set for your toolbox and on-the-road/trail kit that includes at least 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm wrenches, and you'll be prepared to fix most things.
Alloy - A blend of metals. Also slang for "aluminum."
Alpe d'Huez - A legendary Tour de France climb to the French ski station of the same name, Alpe d'Huez is renowned for its brutal steepness and 21 switchbacks, each bearing the name of a past Tour stage winner. The Alpe became the Tour’s first mountaintop finish when the then-unpaved climb was used in 1952. Fausto Coppi won the first stage to use the 8.6-mile, 7.9%-grade climb with a time of 45 minutes and 22 seconds. Now paved, debate remains as to who holds the record for the fastest ascent of the climber’s crown jewel. Marco Pantani is generally acknowledged to be the fastest at 37’35” with Lance Armstrong a close second at 37’36”.
Aluminum - (Say: aloo - min - um) - A super-light, durable and affordable material that's widely used for bicycle frames and components.
Anaerobic - (Say: an - air - o - bick) - Cycling or exercising at a pace that causes labored breathing because you're struggling to get enough oxygen. Obviously, you can't keep at it for long.
Anatomic Seat - Seats scientifically shaped to accommodate the body. There are models for women and men.
Anchor Bolt - The bolt on brakes and derailleurs that is tightened to hold the cable in place.
Anodized - A finishing treatment for hardening and coloring aluminum.
Apron - A bicycle track term that refers to the transition area just beneath the racing/riding surface of the track. Also referred to as the "cote d'azur" due to its blue color, it usually represents about 10% of the track's surface. It's not illegal to ride on the blue band but if you use it to get around another rider you'll be disqualified. Plus, it's dangerous to ride there as you're more likely to strike your pedal in the corners.
Arm Warmers - Sleeves for keeping your arms warm. They're easy to put on and remove and they easily fit in a jersey pocket.
Armstrong, Lance - America's most revered cycling celebrity. He's a hero to millions for surviving and fighting cancer with his foundation and for his seven-consecutive Tour de France wins.
Ashtabula Crank - (Say: ash - ta - beau - la) - Also called a one-piece crank, this is a steel crankset found in some cruisers and BMX bicycles. It's simple, heavy, durable and named after a town in Ohio.
ATB - (Say: A - T - B) - For All Terrain Bike (another term for a mountain bike).
Attack - Trying to get away from the group in a race by accelerating hard. Good luck.
Auger - Or "auger in," this is slang for crashing, usually head- or shoulder-first.
Autobus - This stage racing term (the Tour de France is the most famous stage race) is used for the group of racers riding near the back who work together to finish the stage just before the time limit expires.
Automatic Transmission - A bicycle drivetrain that shifts gears on its own. Ideally, it shifts into the gear needed, too.
Axle - The shaft that a wheel, pedal or crankset revolves on.
