The Glossary: K-O

Welcome friends to section K-O of The Glossary.

--K--

Keirin: A type of track racing with its origins from Japan.

Kick stand: A device used to prop a bicycle in an upright manner.

King of the mountain: A title given to a cyclist who has the fastest combined time during the climbing sections of a race.

Knobby: A type of tire designed for off-road riding. Designed for maximum traction in unstable terrain.

--L--

Lactic acid: Occurs in the muscles, causing fatigue and pain.

LBS: Acronym for Local Bike Shop.

Locknut: A nut used in combination with a threaded object to lock it in its place.

Lycra: Also known as Spandex. A stretchable synthetic fabric material used for the construction of most cycling clothing: shorts, jerseys, etc.

--M--

Mass-start race: A type of race where all participants start at the same time from the same point.

Match sprint: A type of track race that involves only two riders. It's a race that involves tactics, timing and the ability to out-sprint your opponent quickly at the right time at the end. Like a game of chess combined with rock, paper, scissors.

Metric Century: A type of distance ride that's measured in kilometers (100 kilometers or 62 miles). A regular century is 100 miles.

Mixte: Another term for a lady's bicycle.

MTB: Abbreveation for mountain bike.

--N--

Nipple: A piece of metal attached to the end of the cable.

Noodle: A bent metal tube used to direct a cable on a v-brake. Also an individual strand of spaghetti.

Nut: A fastener that attaches to a bolt.

--O--

OEM: Acronym for original equipment manufacturer or "stock."

O-Ring: A rubber washer/ring used to seal out moisture on certain components of a bicycle: headset, bottom bracket, pedal spindles, etc.

Oversized: Generally refers to tubing that is of larger diameter than normal sized.

End of section K-O.

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