Cycling Glossary
ABC - DEFGH - IJKLM - NOPR - STVW
aero bar
A handlebar that juts forward so that the rider can assume a low profile for better aerodynamics.
attack
A sudden burst of speed designed to leave a rider or group of riders behind. As a verb, to attempt an attack.
biff
A crash.
block
To disrupt a chase by slowing down the pace line. It can be the action of one or more riders. Blocking is often done to protect a teammate who's in the lead.
bonk
A state of exhaustion brought on by lack of food during a long stretch of riding.
break-away
The action of a rider or group of riders that launches an attack and leaves the main group behind.
bridge
To move from one group of riders to another group that's farther ahead.
bunny-hop
Jumping the bike over an obstacle without dismounting.
cadence
Pedaling rate, in revolutions per minute of one of the cyclist's feet.
chainsuck
The unhappy situation when the chain gets caught between the rear wheel and chain stay.
chase
The pursuit, usually by a group of riders, of another group that's farther ahead, often one engaged in a breakaway.
chasers
Riders who are involved in a chase.
circuit
One trip over a course that is traversed more than once during a road race; the equivalent of a lap in track racing.
circuit race
A multi-lap race on a course of two miles or longer.
cleat
A metal or plastic attachment on the sole of the cycling shoe that fits into an opening to fasten the shoe to the pedal.
criterium
A multi-lap race on a course of a mile or less.
cross-country
Descriptive of a mountain bike race that takes place over trails, jeep roads, and similar difficult terrain.