Cycling Glossary
ABC - DEFGH - IJKLM - NOPR - STVW
derailleur
A mechanism that moves the bicycle chain from one gear sprocket to another when the gear is shifted.
devil take the hindmost
A popular name for the miss-and-out race.
disk wheel
A solid wheel, without spokes, that's used in the time trial and sometimes in other races because of its aerodynamic qualities.
domestique
The team rider in a long race who's responsible for getting food, water, and other from the support vehicle and distributing them to his teammates.
draft
To ride close behind another racer in order to take advantage of decreased wind resistance.
drops
The lower portion of down-turned handlebars.
echelon
A diagonal line of riders, in which each rider is downwind of the rider immediately ahead. It's a cooperative group, since each rider takes a turn in front, fighting the wind while the other riders are shielded from it.
field
The main group of riders in a race.
field sprint
A sprint among riders in the main group, usually at the end of a stage in a long race.
fixed gear
A direct drive system, used on track bikes, in which the chain ring and rear cog are linked, so that the pedals turn constantly while the bicycle is moving, and coasting isn't possible.
flyer
A surprise attack by a single rider.
force the pace
To increase speed in order to make the entire group go faster.
full tuck
The deep crouch used by cyclists for better aerodynamics.
gap
The difference in time between individuals and/or groups of riders. As a verb, to increase the gap.
granny gear
The lowest gear on a mountain bike, used for very steep climbs.
hammer
To ride very hard, at the limit of one's capabilities.
hammer
To ride very hard, at the limit of one's capabilities.
hammered
Totally exhausted.
handicap
A type of track race, very popular in Australia, in which the riders start from different points, based on past performance. The fastest riders, known as "scratch men," start at the usual start line, while the "outmarkers" start at various positions up to 250 meters away, thus getting a head start.
hang on
To maintain contact with a group of riders, but just barely.
headset
The part of the bicycle frame where the fork, stem, and handlebar are fitted.
hook
To block a following rider by moving the back wheel to the side.
hooks
The curved portions of down-turned handlebars.
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