A

aerobic: a sustained long period exercise or activity at an intensity where the body’s need for oxygen is continually met.

aerodynamic: a shape or design of cycling equipment and/or a riding position in the saddle that reduces wind resistance; aero for short.  Permits the cyclist or component to slice through the air with less energy.

anaerobic: a brief time period during an exercise or activity at an intensity or level that is above the body’s need for oxygen can be met.

apex: an area of a corner/turn, usually the sharpest section of a turn where the cyclist transitions from entering to exiting the turn takes place.

attack: a break in the standard cadence with an aggressive, high-speed push from other riders or pack.

audax: sometimes uses as a synonym for randonneur. More formally, audax cycling is when a group rides a randonnee in unison at a steady pace of about 22 kph.

B

balaclava: a thin hood that covers the head and neck with an opening for the face and is worn under the cyclist’s helmet to prevent heat loss in adverse cold or wet conditions.

bead: a section of a tire’s inner circumference that fits into the clincher section of a rim.

blocking: a legal procedure that impedes the progress of an opposing rider to allow their teammates a better position chance of victory.

Blood-glucose: a sugar within the blood, glucose is the only fuel that is utilized by the brain.

Blow-up: over-exertion of the body where it is suddenly unable to continue at the existing pace, a level of exhaustion.

bonk: a point at which a cyclist experiences severe exhaustion without recovery, mainly caused by the depletion of glycogen in the muscles, resulting because the rider failed to eat or drink sufficient for the activity. Once a bonk occurs a, cyclist must rest and consume high-carbohydrate foods to recover.

boot: an adequate sized piece of material placed inside a tire to reinforce a cut in the tread or sidewall of the tire, if not used the tube bulges through the cut and can cause a blow out.

bottom bracket: a cylindrical part of the frame where the bearings and cups are installed that support the installation of the crankset.

bpm: common abbreviation for beats-per-minute in reference to heart rate.

break, breakaway: a rider or group of riders that has broken away from the pack.

brevet: a long-distance event used to qualifying riders for major randonnees such as Paris-Brest-Paris and Boston-Montreal-Boston. The typical brevet series has rides of 200, 300, 400 and 600 km. Pronounced "brevay."

bridge, bridge a gap: to catch a cyclist or group of cyclist that had previously had a breakaway or lead.  See also jump.

bunch: the main body of cyclists in a race, also referred to as the group, pack, field or peloton.

bunny hop: a technique used by a cyclist to pass an over obstacles (log, root, rut, rock etc.) where the cyclist jumps with the bike lifting both wheels off the ground clearing the obstacle.

C

cadence: the rotations completed of a crankset pedal stroke in one minute, also referred to as pedal rpm.

carbohydrate: a type of food product that is broken down to glucose, the body’s primary energy source, through digestion and metabolism. It is stored in the body as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Carbo simply means (sugars) or complex-carbs (bread, pasta, grains, fruits, vegetables etc.), which contains additional nutrients. One gram of carbohydrate supplies four calories of energy.

cardiovascular: portion of the anatomy pertaining to the heart and blood circulatory system.

cassette: the rear set of gears or cogs attached to the rear hub, driven by the chain during pedaling, also referred to as a block,  freewheel or cluster.

catch-air: when both wheels of a bicycle leave the ground caused by a sudden rise or drop in the trail or road.

categories: the divisional breaks of racers based on ability, experience and/or age.

century: slang for a 100-mile ride.

chain-suck: when the chain sticks to the chainring teeth and gets pulled (sucked) up and jams between the small chainring and the chain stay portion of the frame.

chainring: a toothed sprocket on the crankset either in a single (1), double (2) or a triple (3) ring crankset, slang variant is simply “ring”.

chainstay: the portion of the frame tube that extends from the rear dropout to the bottom bracket.  Chainstay refers to same portion of the frame on either side of the rear wheel.

chasers: the cyclist/s who are trying to catch lead rider or peleton.

chondromalacia: a serious knee injury in which there is disintegration of cartilage surfaces due to improper tracking of the kneecap. Symptoms start with deep knee pain and a crunching sensation during bending.

circuit: a loop or series of paths that are ridden two or more times during a race.

circuit-training: a training technique or exercise in which the person moves rapidly from exercise to exercise without resting.

cleat: a metal or plastic object on the sole of a cycling shoe that engages/clips into the pedal.

clincher: a conventional type tire that when mounted locks onto the rim (Can be either tube or tubeless type of tire).

clydesdale: a larger cyclist usually over 200lbs for male categories.

cog: a single sprocket on the cassette or freewheel.

contact patch: the area of a tire that makes contact with the riding surface.

corncob: a cassette where each cog is only one tooth larger than the previous one, also referred to as a straight block.

criterium: a group starting a race making numerous laps of a circuit that is normally one to two miles in length.

cross bike: a niche bike that combines both road and mountain bike features but more commonly look like a road bike.

crosstraining: the combining of differing sports or physical conditioning exercises, typically during cycling’s off-season to bring freshness or changes into one’s training.

cyclocross: a fall or winter cycling event mostly or entirely off pavement ridden on bicycles closely resembling a road bike, the race courses includes a myriad of obstacles, steps and steep hills that force riders to dismount and run with their bikes.

D

downshift: to shift to a lower gear which is actually a larger cog or smaller chainring.

drafting: the positioning of a cyclist riding closely behind another cyclist to take advantage of the slipstream (windbreak) which conserves about 20 percent less energy than riding point. Also referred to as sitting-in, slipstreaming  or wheelsucking.

drivetrain: the bicycle components directly involved in spinning the rear wheel, the chain, crankset and cassette, also referred to as the power train.

dropout: a slot on a bike frame where the front and rear wheel axles mount the front and rear wheels.

drops: a section of a road bike’s handlebars (lower part of the down-turned handlebars), the curved portions of the bars are called the hooks.

E

echelon: the angular or stepped formation of paceline in which the cyclists angle off behind each other to get maximum draft/slipstream while riding in a crosswind.

elastomer: a soft compressible, usually a synthetic (rubber-like) material used to absorb shock in some types of suspension systems.

electrolytes: minerals such as sodium, potassium, and chloride that are necessary for muscle function and replenishment of body fluid levels.

endo: a radical crash when the cyclist goes over the bike’s handlebar, slang for end over end.

ergometer: a medical use stationary bicycle-like machine with adjustable pedal resistance used in physiological testing or for indoor training.

F

fartlek: a Swedish word meaning "speed play," it is a training technique based on unstructured changes in pace and intensity. It can be used instead of timed or measured interval training.

fat: a dietary food product that has the most concentrated source of food energy, fat provides nine calories per gram. Fat provides about half the energy required for low-intensity exercise.

feed zone: a predetermined spot on a race course where riders are provided food and drinks.  For professional racers they’re handed backs while they ride through the feed zone.

field sprint: the last or final sprint for the finish line by the peloton or main group of riders.

fixed gear: a type of bicycle with a direct-drive drive train setup using a single chainring and a single fixed rear cog, as on a track bike. This setup causes that when the rear wheel turns the chain and crank also turns making coasting isn't possible.  Slang for fixed gear is fixie.

fixie: see fixed gear.

full tuck:  a riding position that is extremely low in the saddle and drop bars for less wind resistance and maximum speed on descents.

G

general classification: the overall standings in a stage race with the rest of the field, also referred to as GC.

glutes: the gluteus muscles of the buttocks which serve as the are key to pedaling power.

glycogen: a fuel used by the body derived as glucose (sugar) from carbohydrate and stored in the muscles and liver and is a primary energy source for high-intensity cycling. These glycogen reserves are usually depleted after about two-and-a-half hours of cycling.

glycogen window: the period within an hour after intense exercise when glycogen depleted muscles are most receptive to restoring their glycogen stores by by eating foods or drinking fluids rich in carbohydrates, energy stores and recovery are enhanced.

gorp: plain and simple raisins and peanuts, a high-energy mix for munching during long rides, can also include nuts, seeds, M&Ms, granola, etc. also commercially referred to as ‘trail-mix’.

granny gear: the lowest gear ratio achievable in a gear group combining the smallest chainring and the largest cog and primarily used for very steep climbs.

granny ring: the smallest chainring on a triple ring crankset.

H

hammer: to ride strongly in big chainring gears..

hamstrings: the muscle group located on the back center of the thigh, hamstrings are not well developed by cycling.

hanging in: cyclists who are trailing at the back of the pack barely keeping up.

headset: the upper and lower openings of the head tube (the cylindrical vertical portion of the bike frame) where the fork stem is passed through and connected to the handlebar stem.

hooks:  the curved section of a road bike’s drop handlebars .

hybrid: a niche bike that combines features from both road and mountain bikes making for a comfortable more upright sitting bicycle.

I

intervals: a planned/organized method of training that alternates between brief hard exertions with short periods of easier riding for partial recovery.

J

jam: a variable period of hard, fast riding in attempt to split the main pack into smaller packs.

jump: a rapid, hard acceleration, often used in bridging a gap.

L

lactate threshold (LT): the exertion level or boundary just beyond which the body can produce aerobic energy causing the body to produce and buildup lactic acid this is followed by muscle fatigue, pain and shallow, rapid breathing, also referred to as anaerobic threshold (AT). 

lactic acid: a by-product during anaerobic metabolism when there is incomplete breakdown of glucose. It rapidly produces muscle fatigue and pain. Also called lactate.

LBS: slang for local bike shop.

lead: the cyclist who is riding first in a pack or peloton which breaks/slices the wind for other riders trailing behind him.

leadout: a race tactic where two cyclists of the same team, the lead cyclist accelerates to his maximum speed to position his teammate in tow, the second rider who then leaves the draft and sprints past at even greater speed near the finish line.

LSD: stands for Long, Steady Distance; a training strategy that regulates a steady aerobic pace for two hours or longer.

M

mass start: race events such as road races, cross-country races and criteriums in which all contestants begin the race at the same time.

metric century: refers to a 100-kilometer ride or 62 miles.

minuteman: refers to a cyclist in a time trial who is one place in front of you in the starting order, he is called the minuteman because in most time-trials (TTs), cyclist start on one-minute intervals.

motorpace: when a cyclist rides behind a motorcycle or other vehicle that breaks the wind, usually an illegal tactic in racing.

mudguards: fenders both small and large to protect components or the cyclist.

O

off the back: the cyclist or group of cyclsits who have failed to keep pace with the main group, also referred to as OTB.

orthotics: custom-made foot/arch supports worn in shoes to try and help balance biomechanical imbalances in the feet or legs.

overgear: using a gear ratio too big (hard) for the terrain or fitness level of a cyclist.

overtraining: a state of deep-seated fatigue in a cyclist (both physical and mental) caused by excessive training at an intensity or schedule too great for cyclist to adapt.

oxygen debt: the amount of oxygen required to pay back the amount used in anaerobic work.

P

paceline: a group cycling technique where each cyclist takes a turn breaking the wind at the front before pulling offline and dropping to the rear position where they use the others cyclists draft to recover until their turn at the front once again.

panache: flamboyance, verve, daring, style as displayed in road racing. See: Lance Armstrong in 2001 Tour de France.

panniers: are large bags used by touring cyclists and some commuters which attach to racks that place them low on each side of the rear and front wheels.

peak: a relatively short period during when a cyclist reaches maximum performance.

peloton: the main group of cyclists in a race or bike event.

periodization: the procedure of dividing training into particular phases by weeks or months.

pinch flat: an internal puncture of a tube usually identified by two small holes caused by the tube being compressed against the rim by impact into a hard object.  The tire pressure is insufficient to withstand the impact, slang for pinch flat is called a snakebite.

point: the lead cyclist in a group or peloton.

power: the resultant combination of speed and strength.

preload: the adjustable spring tension in a suspension fork or rear shock. It determines how far the suspension compresses under body weight and how much travel remains to absorb impacts.

presta valve: the narrow European-style air valve found on some cycling inner tubes. A small metal valve on its end must be unscrewed before air can enter or exit.

prime: (pronounced ‘preem’) is an award given to the leader on selected laps during a criterium, or the first rider to reach a certain landmark in a road or cross-country race. It's used to heighten the action and competition amongst the racers.

protein: a part in the dietary make up of fuel, it is a necessity for tissue growth and repair. It is composed of structural units called amino acids. Protein is not a significant energy source unless insufficient calories and carbohydrates are consumed. One gram of protein equals four calories.

psi: a unit of measure and an abbreviation for pounds per square inch. Used in tire pressure and also some mountain bike spensions.

pull, pull through: take a turn at the front (lead) of the pack, usually to break the wind for the trailing cyclists.

pull off: to move to the side of the pack after riding in the lead so that another rider can take the lead.

pusher: a rider who pedals in a large gear at a relatively slow cadence, relying on the gear size for speed.

Q

quadriceps: the large muscle in front portion of the thigh, the strength of which helps determine a cyclist's ability to pedal with power.

R

RAAM: the Race Across America, contested from the west coast to the east every year since 1982.

randonnee: a long-distance event in which riders must navigate a prescribed course while passing through intermediate checkpoints within certain time limits.

randonneur: a cyclist who participates in randonnees.

Randonneurs USA: the event-sanctioning, record-keeping and informational organization for American randonneurs.

reach: a measurement within cycling which is the combined length of a bike’s top tube and stem, which determines the distance from saddle to the handlebar.

repetition: each cycle of effort in an interval workout.

resistance trainer: a stationary device used in training into which a bike is mounted. Pedaling resistance increases with pedaling speed to simulate actual riding. Primarily used in doors during the off season or times of inclement weather.    Various types consisting of wind, fluid, or magnetic (mag) trainers (the names derived from the fan, liquid, or magnet that creates resistance on the rear wheel).

road race: a mass-start race on pavement that travels from one point to another point, or covers a large loop or held on a circuit longer than that used for criteriums.

road rash: the skin abrasion caused from a fall or crash on pavement, also referred to as crash rash.

rollers: an indoor training device consisting of three long cylinders connected by belts. Both bike wheels roll on these cylinders so that balancing is much like actual riding.

S

saddle sores: skin problems in the crotch that develop from chafing caused by pedaling action. Sores can range from tender raw spots to boil-like lesions if infection occurs.

saddle time: time spent in the saddle while cycling.

sag wagon: a motor vehicle that follows a group of riders, carrying equipment and lending assistance in the event of difficulty. Also called the broom wagon.

Schrader: an inner tube valve identical to those found on car tires. A tiny plunger in the center of its opening must be depressed for air to enter or exit.

seatstay: the thin frame tube that extends from the rear axel dropout to the top of the seat tube. There is a seatstay on each side of the rear wheel.

set: in intervals or weight training, a specific number of repetitions.

singletrack: a trail so narrow that two cyclists can’t easily ride side by side, which makes passing difficult or impossible.

sit on a wheel: to ride in someone's draft.  See also Wheelsucker.

slingshot: to ride up behind another rider with help from his draft, then use the momentum to sprint past.

slipstream: the pocket of calmer air behind a moving rider. Also called the draft.

snakebite: see pinch flat.

snap: the ability to accelerate quickly.

soft-pedal: to rotate the pedals without actually applying power.  Used when a cyclist has been dropped and the group is slowing to let them catch up.

speed: the ability to accelerate quickly and maintain a very fast cadence for brief periods.

speedwork: a general term for intervals and other high-velocity training, such as sprints, time trials and motorpacing.

spin: to pedal at high cadence.

spinner: a rider who pedals in a moderate gear at a relatively fast cadence, relying on pedal rpm for speed.

squirrel: a nervous or unstable rider who can't be trusted to maintain a steady line.

stage race: a multi-day event consisting of various types of races. The winner is the rider with the lowest elapsed time for all races (stages).

straight block: a cassette with cogs that increase in size in one-tooth increments.

stem: the bike component that attaches the handlebars to the tube of the front fork.

suppleness: a quality of highly conditioned leg muscles that allows a rider to pedal at high cadence with smoothness and power. Also known by the French term, souplesse.

T

take a flyer: to suddenly sprint away from a group.

team time trial (TTT): a race against the clock with two or more (usually 5) riders working together.  The clock stops when the last cyclist crosses the finish line.

tempo: fast riding at a brisk cadence.

throw the bike: a racing technique in which a rider thrusts the bike ahead of his or her body at the finish line, gaining several inches in hopes of winning a close sprint.

time trial (TT): a race against the clock in which individual riders start at set intervals and cannot give or receive a draft.

tops: the part of a drop handlebar between the stem and the brake levers.

training effect: the result of exercise done with an intensity and duration sufficient to bring about positive physiological changes.

travel: in suspensions, the maximum distance a fork or rear shock can compress.

tubular: a lightweight tire/ rim combination that has its tube sewn inside the casing. Also called a sew-up. The tire is glued to the rim as the rim does NOT have sides for the tire to clinch into.

turkey: an unskilled cyclist.

turnaround: the point where the riders reverse direction on an out-and-back time trial course.

U

ultra cycling: used to describe the side of the sport involving the longest endurance events. Also called ultramarathon.

Ultramarathon Cycling Association: the event-sanctioning, record-keeping and informational organization for ultra riders.

unweight: the act of momentarily lightening the bike through a combination of body movement and position. It’s integral to jumping over things such as potholes or railroad tracks.

USA Cycling: the umbrella organization for American. bicycle racing. Affiliated with the UCI.

UCI: Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body of bicycle racing, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

upshift: to shift to a higher gear, i.e. a smaller cog or larger chainring.

USCF: U.S. Cycling Federation, the organization that governs amateur road, cyclocross, and track racing in America. A division of USA Cycling.

USPRO: U.S. Professional Racing Organization, the organization in charge of professional bicycle racing in America. A division of USA Cycling.

V

velodrome: an oval banked track for bicycle racing.

VO2 max: the maximum amount of oxygen that can be consumed during all-out exertion. This is a key indicator of a person’s potential in cycling and other aerobic sports. It’s largely genetically determined but can be improved somewhat by training.

W

watt: a measurement of power produced. It tells how much force is applied to the pedals. A power output of 100 watts will illuminate a 100-watt light bulb.

wheelie: to elevate the front wheel and ride on the rear wheel only.

wheelsucker: someone who drafts behind others but doesn't take a pull.

windchill: the effect of air moving across the skin, making the temperature seem colder than it actually is. A cyclist creates a windchill even on a calm day, a situation that must be considered when dressing for winter rides.

wind up: steady acceleration to an all-out effort.