The Glossary: P-T

Welcome friends to section P-T of The Glossary.

--P--

Pack: The largest group of riders in a race; also called a "peloton."

Panniers: A saddlebag used and fitted on either side of bicycle. Often used in touring or gettin' groceries.

Peloton: A french term for the largest group of riders in a race.

Pinch flat: A type of flat. Usually occurring when the tube compresses between the tire and the rim.

Presta valve: A type of tube valve of European origin. Common on most higher quality road and mountain bikes. Uses the air pressure of the tube to seal itself, along with a lock nut on the valve tip.

--Q--

Quick-release: A clamp-like device to hold a wheel hub or seatpost.

--R--

Racing bike: Generally, very light, usually designed with steeper angles built to go fast.

Rake: The angle of the front fork. The fork rake helps determine bicycle steering and stability.

Recumbent: A type of bicycle with a very relaxed seating position. Mainly used for touring, but is still quick and agile.

Reflector: Non-electrical device used for safety. These are designed to deflect light back to its source. Commonly placed on the wheels the handlebar and on the seatpost.

Road Race: Racing that takes place on the road. Also called; Circuit race, Stage race and Time trial.

Road Bike: The term used for bicycles used for road racing and touring. Commonly referred to in layman's terms as a "10-Speed."

--S--

Saddle: The part of the bike you sit on.

Schrader valve: A type of tube valve, similar to those found on automobile tires. Common on cheaper bikes. Uses a spring loaded valve assembly to seal itself.

Seatpost: This holds the saddle and inserts into the seat tube.

Seatstay: Frame tubing that connects to the top tube and chain stay.

Seattube: The frame tube that extend upward from the bottom bracket and it houses the seatpost.

Sew-up: Also known as a tubular (see tubular). Sew-up tires are glued to the rim unlike clinchers which have a stiff wire bead that attaches them to the rim.

Shifter: The mechanisms that allow the movement of the front and rear derailleurs. Usually located on the handlebars, but can also be attached to the stem or downtube.

Spinning: To pedal at a high rate or revolution using low gears. Pedalling is easy and light.

Spindle: This is the axle that connects the crank arms.

Squirrel: A nickname given to a cyclist who cannot ride a straight line.

Steerer: The tube that connects the fork to the stem and to the handlebar.

Stem: Connects the handlebar to the steerer.

--T--

Time trial: A road race where the competitor start usually in 1 minute intervals covering the same distance. The winner is the one with the fastest time.

Toe clip: Also known as a "cage." This is a clip that is attached to the pedal which holds the bicyclist foot in place, allowing for efficiency while pedaling.

Top tube: The frame tube that connects the seat tube to the head tube.

Tour de France: The oldest and most famous of all the road races. This race is 3 weeks in duration with the victory going to the cyclist with the overall fast time.

Track bike: A speciality road bicycle that has a fixed single gear and crank with no brakes. Used primarily for stadium track racing (velodrome).

Track race: A speciality type of bicycle race using track bikes and held at a stadium called a velodrome.

Trackstand: A manuever developed by track racers which involves balancing on your bike at a dead stop.

Trail: Off-road path.

True: Adjustments to the spokes to eliminate wobbles.

Tubular tire: A tire where the outer part is sewn together around the inner tube.

Tuck: Aerodynamic body position used to maintain downhill speed.

End of section P-T.

P-T: Return to The Glossary Home