Cycling (Individual Sport)
Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, exercise
or [Link] engaged in cycling are referred to as "cyclists","bikers",or less commonly, as
"bicyclists".Apart from two-wheeled bicycles, "cycling" also includes the riding of unicycles,
tricycles, quadracycles, recumbent and similar human-powered vehicles (HPVs).
History
Bicycles were quickly adopted after their introduction in the 19th century and remain popular
with more than a billion people worldwide used for recreation, transportation and sport. The first
rudimentary bikes were designed in Europe during the 19th century. Called swiftwalkers, these
bicycles were made of wood. The first pedal cycle was created in 1839 in Scotland. Scottish
blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan designed a bicycle that he could ride 140 miles with an
average speed of 8 mph. Another version of the pedal bicycle called the velocipede was
introduced in Paris in 1861. These were popular -- by 1865, inventors Pierre and Ernest
Michaux were producing 400 annually. Though popular, the bike was uncomfortable and
commonly called the boneshaker. England's Coventry Sewing Machine Company created a
metal-frame bicycle with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel featuring solid rubber tires in
1870. It was referred to as the high-wheeler or penny-farthing. Despite the fact that it was prone
to accidents, it also was popular. The first chain-driven bike was introduced in 1874 by H.J.
Lawson. It was easier to stop and more stable than the high-wheeler. However, it was criticized
because riders ended up with muddy feet because the pedals were so low to the ground.
Further adaptations to the bike frame in 1885 by John K. Starley addressed this problem. In
1888, J.B. Dunlop added air-filled tires to bicycles, making them faster and more comfortable.
By 1893, bikes had become an efficient and easy-to-use mode of transportation, says "Cycling
Britian" author Etain O'Carroll.
The first cycling race recorded in history was held in June 1868 in England at Hendon,
Middlesex. By 1893, there was a world championship race, and in 1896, cycling was added to
the Olympic Games. The Tour de France was introduced in 1903. Some 60 riders rode about
1,553 miles, or 2,500 km, over a 19-day time frame. The idea behind the race was not to
promote the sport of cycling but to increase sales of L'Auto newspaper. It worked, with the
paper destroying its rival, Le Velo. The race was marred by poor behavior and cheating. The
Tour, considered the pinnacle of road racing, has continued to have its share of controversies
over the years, such as the 1998 doping scandal. The route also has evolved. In 2010, the race
was 2,263 miles, or 3,642 km, and made up of one prologue, or time trial, and 20 stages. Other
races followed the Tour de France. For example, the Tour of Britain was introduced in 1951.
Road cycling is a professional sport with competitors who represent national teams at annual
world championship races and the Olympics as well as sponsored trade teams, whose
members often are on national teams. At the international level, Union Cycliste Internationale, or
UCI, is the governing body for the sport. National, collegiate and state organizations also
oversee and organize races. The shortest races are prologues, or time trials for individuals,
which usually are held as tour or stage races commence. The prologues for the Olympics and
world championship races, for example, are 40 km, or about 25 miles. Prominent single-day
races include the Paris-Roubaix World Championship and the Olympic Games road race. Stage
races include the 1,307-km, or about 812-mile, Paris-Nice race, which consists of eight stages.
Stage races typically take four to 10 days to complete. The other category of road races is major
tours, such as the Tour de France, which take 21 to 22 days to complete.
Equipment
Bikes
Track
Unlike the bikes used in road races, track bikes are pared down to the basics. These
bikes have no brakes and one fixed gear (requiring no shifting mechanism). Track bikes
also have no rear flywheel, allowing the cyclist to slow down, or even stop by pedaling
backwards (as often seen in the sprint competition). Most track bikes also feature solid
disk wheels on the back or on the back and front. The aerodynamic shape of these
wheels allows the rider to attain faster speeds without exerting additional energy than
with traditional spoked wheels.
The bikes used in the pursuit and time trial events differ slightly from the standard track
bike. These bikes feature aerobars in place of the traditional racing handlebar. The
aerobars extend to the front of the bike and allow the racer to maintain a more
aerodynamic position. Mounted below the aerobars are bullhorns, two smaller bars that
assist the rider in exploding out of the start.
Road
Outside the controlled environment of the velodrome, road cyclists face conditions that
require more features than the stripped-down track cycling models. Road racing bikes
are equipped with gearing systems with front and rear derailleurs as well as brakes.
Road racing bikes have standard racing handlebars on which the brake and shifting
levers are mounted. This allows the cyclist to shift or brake while still maintaining an
aerodynamic position. Most road race competitors use spoked wheels on both the front
and back. Spoked wheels are lighter than the carbon fiber "Mag" style wheels (with 3 to
5 wide spokes), but have greater wind resistance.
The bikes used in the individual time trial differ slightly from standard road bikes. These
bikes feature aerobars in place of the traditional racing-style handlebar. The aerobars
extend out to the front of the bike and allow the racer to maintain a more aerodynamic
position. The wheels of a time trial bike are also different from the standard road bike.
On the back is a solid disk wheel for better aerodynamics. On the front is typically a
wheel with a deep dish rim, also for aerodynamics and decreased rolling resistance.
Mountain
Mountain bike competitors require bikes that are durable enough to withstand the
punishment of the off-road terrain, yet are light enough to optimize speed. This
combination is obtained with frames made of light and rigid materials, typically carbon
fiber or aluminum. Mountain bikes feature front and sometimes rear suspension systems
that absorb shocks and vibrations. They also increase the bike's adherence to the
ground for better traction and stability.
The handlebars on a mountain bike differ from a road bike in that they are straight
across with brake and shifting levers mounted at each end. The brakes also differ and
consist of discs mounted to the front and rear hubs, each controlled by hydraulic fluid.
The tires on a cross-country bike have a much deeper tread and are much wider than
those used on a road bike.
BMX`
Like mountain bikes, BMX bikes feature wide wheels with a thick tread. However they
are smaller, as is the rest of the bike. Unlike mountain bikes, BMX racers use one gear
and one break lever and do not have any suspension.
Helmets prevent serious injury. Cyclists under the age of 18 are required by law to wear
an approved bicycle helmet when cycling on any public road. For a child under 16, it is
the duty of the parent or guardian to ensure that the helmet is work. For youths 16 or
17, it is their own personal responsibility to wear a helmet.
A white front light and a rear red light or reflector, if riding between 30 min before sunset
and 30 min after sunrise. Visibility is key. There are few things as frightening to a
motorist as having a cyclist appear out of the darkness as the car is about to pull out into
the street. Even though you may see the car with ease at night, that does not mean they
can see you if you do not have lights.
Bell or Horn in good working order. Bicycles can be very quiet. Use a bell to alert
motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists to your presence. At times it may be more
courteous to call out something like “passing on the left” when overtaking other cyclists
and pedestrians.
Brake system on the rear wheel (at a minimum, both wheels is best).
The rear brake must be capable of skidding the rear wheel on dry, level pavement. A
front brake is highly recommended as it does 70 to 80% of the braking work and the
most effective way to brake is to use the front and back brakes together.
White reflective tape on the front forks. Red reflective tape on the rear chain stays and
seat [Link] should cover a surface of not less than 250mm in length and 25mm in
width. Reflective tape will increase the visible surface of your bicycle at night.
Terminologies
aero - Short for aerodynamic, the adjective is used to describe gear (bike frames, helmets,
wheels) that are designed for minimal wind resistance. Although being aero is not super
important for the average rider, you’ll see this term pop up for races like time trials and
triathlons.
attack - A sudden attempt to pull ahead from a rider or group of riders, also known as a
breakaway. This is a tactic most commonly used in racing.
beater (or clunker bike) - Usually a retired bike that’s seen better days but is still capable of
getting you around. Beaters are a great low-investment option for commuting in an urban area.
bibs - Cycling shorts that have a bib or suspenders (like overalls) instead of an elastic
waistband. Most cyclists prefer bib shorts since an elastic band can cause discomfort or chafing
in the bent-over cycling position. The downside for women is having to strip down when nature
calls. Fortunately many brands are updating the classic design with new features like adjustable
straps or a clasp in the back for easier bathroom breaks.
bikepacking - Sometimes called randonée (French for excursion) or brevet, it's a form of long-
distance cycling where you load everything you need on your bike frame. Think of it like packing
your car's trunk for a weekend getaway—minus the car.
brakes - The things that make you stop. Variations include rim brakes (which squeeze the rim
of the wheel to slow—see photo on the left) and disc brakes (which squeeze a metal disc at the
hub). Typically the left brake slows the front tire, and the right brake slows the rear. (Fun fact:
It's the reverse in countries where people drive on the left side of the road.) To stop, squeeze
both brakes evenly. To slow, “feather” them by gently pulling and releasing repeatedly to “scrub”
your speed. Never squeeze the left brake alone unless front flipping over the handlebars is your
thing.
bunny hop - A bicycle trick in which you use your arms and legs to jump and lift the bike off the
ground to avoid an obstacle or hop onto a curb.
cadence - Pedaling rate or the number of revolutions per minute (RPM). Jury's still out on the
ideal cadence for maximum efficiency, but cadence tends to scale with how much power you're
able to put out. The weaker someone is, the more efficient they tend to be at a lower cadence,
while stronger riders are more efficient at a higher cadence.
chain - A loop of roller links that transfers power from the pedals to the rear wheel to propel the
bike forward. If you drop your chain (i.e., if your chain slides off the gears), it's easy to put back
on, but be prepared to get your hands dirty. Chain lubricant will keep your chain in tip-top shape.
chainrings - Circular metal discs with teeth that are closest to the front wheel and next to the
pedals. Together they make up the crankset, which is rotated by the crank arms. Your bike can
have one, two, or three chainrings depending on the bike or type of riding you do.
chainring tattoo - The grease mark some new cyclists get on their legs from accidentally
bumping the chain. If this happens to you, NBD. Some dish soap or eye makeup remover will
easily take care of the temporary tat.
chamois (or shammy) - Pronounced “sham-wah," chamois refers to the pad in the seat of
cycling shorts that wicks away moisture, prevents chafing, and provides extra cushion. A bit of
advice: Never wear underwear with chamois shorts; it'll cause unnecessary chafing and saddle
sores—ouch.
chasers (or a chase group) - Nope, not a swig to wash down a shot. Chasers are riders,
usually in a race, who crank away to try to catch a lead rider ahead of them.
climb - Outdoors, an actual hill or mountain. Indoors, it's when you crank up the resistance to
simulate one.
clincher - A standard tire design that has a hooked, U-shaped rim and open tire casing with a
tube inside. Clinchers are commonly associated with road bikes because the high tire pressure
forces the lip of the tire into the rim for a super-snug fit (quite literally clinching it into place), but
they can be found on all kinds of bikes.
clipless - A type of pedal that locks into the cleat of special cycling shoes for better power
transfer when pedaling. This can be confusing because your shoes actually do clip (or lock) into
the pedal. Cyclists used to use toe clips (little cages that go over your toes), so when ski and
cycling brand LOOK invented the first pedal that didn't use toe clips, they decided to go with the
term clipless.
Clydesdale - A male athlete over 220 pounds (according to official USA Triathlon Competitive
Rules). This weight class (like athena) is most often found in races such as triathlon but also
pops up in mountain biking and even running. The purpose of this division is to encourage
participation and even the playing field, since carrying more weight is harder but also gives you
a slight advantage when going downhill.
cog - Also known as a sprocket or gear, it's one of the rings in the cassette. The entire cluster of
gears on the rear wheel is called a cassette or cogset.
commuter - A bike used for commuting or getting from point A to B in an urban area,
sometimes called a town bike or city bike.
cornering - Basically leaning your bike to "steer" around a curve.
crank (or crankarm) - The arm that connects the pedals to the chainrings.
criterium (or crit) - A short cycling race on city streets that typically lasts less than an hour and
covers 5 km or less.
cross chaining - When the chain is either 1) on the big ring in the front and the easiest (or
biggest) ring in the back or 2) on the small ring in the front and the smallest (or hardest) ring in
the back. This stretches the chain across the cassette and sometimes causes a weird noise.
Cross chaining isn't ideal, so if you realize you're doing it, simply adjust your gears.
cycling shoes - Shoes with a stiff sole and a cleat that locks into special bike pedals, allowing
for a more efficient transfer of power. These can be worn on bicycles or in indoor cycling
classes. Riders who don't want to commit can opt for sneakers and toe cages (or toe straps) as
a totally reasonable alternative.
cyclocross - Also known as CX or cross, cyclocross is a type of off-road bicycle racing done on
an obstacle course. It can also refer to a style of off-road riding. Cyclocross bikes look similar to
road bikes but have certain features (like knobby tires and disc brakes) made for off-roading.
Think of it as a happy medium between road and mountain biking.
drafting - Cycling behind another rider so they block the wind for you. Cyclists like to take
advantage of this because it requires about 30 percent less energy. Drafting behind a vehicle is
called motorpacing.
derailleur - Say it with us: de-rail-yeur. This mechanism moves the chain from gear to gear
whenever you shift. Depending on your bike, you may have zero, one, or two derailleurs. On
most road bikes, there is a derailleur in front for the chainrings and one in the rear for the
cassette.
drops - The lower curved portion of road bike handlebars. Cyclists usually move to their drops
when descending, since the lower position makes them more aerodynamic and lowers their
center of gravity for more control over the bike at high speeds.
endo - When a cyclist flips over the handlebars, end over end.
flat - When you pop a tire. But don’t fret: Flat tires happen to the best of cyclists, which is why
you should always carry an extra tube or two and a hand pump or CO2 canister so you
can reinflate on the go. In an indoor cycling class, a flat is a simulation of a flat road, which has
some resistance but not as much as a climb.
frame - The bike’s backbone or the geometrical tubing connecting its parts. Often hollow and
made of lightweight material, the frame comes in all different shapes and sizes. A frame should
fit you properly for efficient energy use, pedaling posture, and comfort.
fenders - A semicircle guard that hovers over the wheel and blocks spray from a wet road or
mud. On rainy days, fenders are a cyclist’s best friend. Fenders are typically attached to the
frame and can be removed.
fixie (or fixed gear) - A single-speed bike, often with no brakes, that can't freewheel (or coast).
This means that whenever the bike is moving, your legs are also moving, and you simply pedal
backward to stop.
hammer - Pedaling hard in the big gears, which have the greatest resistance and pack the most
power. A hammerfest is a long, grueling session of hammering or "big ringing it," sometimes
when you're battling a strong headwind.
half wheel - When you’re riding behind someone and you let your front wheel creep up on the
back wheel of their bike. This is a super-dangerous move since the other person can’t see what
you're doing. If they swerve unexpectedly, you could crash.
headset - A ball bearing system (commonly hidden inside the head tube) that allows your
handlebars to move so you can steer the front end.
hub - The center cylinder of a bicycle wheel that allows the wheel to rotate around one point.
JRA - Just riding along—until something goes wrong. Techs and wrenches (bike mechanics)
hear the same old fishy story when a beat-up bike comes in for repairs: “Oh, I was just riding
along… then I hit a pothole and my bike fell apart!” Uh huh.
kit - A cycling outfit that includes shorts or bibs; a jersey; and even socks, shoes, and a cap.
Many athletes like to dress to impress, and cyclists are no exception. The truly committed go
matchy matchy and coordinate with their bikes too.
LBS - Local bike shop. This is where you'll buy a brand new bike and bring it in for maintenance
from time to time. Don't order bike parts online; support your LBS.
lid - Your helmet. Cover your cranium. Mind your mind. Don’t neglect your noggin. However you
want to say it, make sure to wear a helmet. It's a cyclist’s most important piece of gear.
LOOK style - One of the two major clipless pedal styles, inspired by the brand that invented
clipless pedals (LOOk). They require a set of matching shoe cleats, which pop out significantly
from the sole of the cycling shoe. Careful, these are tricky to walk in when you dismount so they
should be used only for road or indoor cycling.
LSD - Long steady/slow distance. LSDs are quite the trip—just not that kind of trip! LSD refers
to a long training ride at a steady distance, which usually means a few hours in the saddle at a
solid aerobic pace.
pinch flat - When you get a flat tire but not from running over a sharp object. Instead, the tube
inside the tire gets stuck between the rubber tire and the metal rim and punctures. The best way
to avoid a pinch flat? Double check the edges of the rim when you change your tire to make
sure you can't see the tube. If you can see it, it'll likely get pinched and go flat.
Presta - A style of valve commonly found on high-pressure tubes, like the ones used on road
bikes. An easy way to remember the difference between Presta and Schrader: You "press" a
Presta to release the air.
PSI - Pounds per square inch, or the amount of air pressure in the tire. How much air you fill
your tires with depends on your weight, tire size, and the type of terrain.
quick release (or QR) - A bolt and cam lever that allows cyclists to manually adjust the saddle
height or remove the wheels from the bike. Unhinge and twist to open the QR when needed.
resistance - Often referred to during indoor cycling classes ("Take your resistance up a full
turn!"), resistance is the amount of opposing force put on the wheel of a stationary bike. The
higher the resistance, the harder it is to pedal. The resistance knob is typically located below the
handlebars. Pro tip: Press it in to stop the wheel of the bike.
rim - The hoop portion of the wheel, which the tire fits onto, supported by the spokes.
Historically made of wood, rims are now made of a variety of metals, alloys, or carbon fiber.
road bike - A bike designed specifically for road riding. Made of carbon fiber, titanium, steel,
aluminum, or an alloy, these bikes come in a range of shapes and sizes to fit the needs and
body of the rider. Unlike your average bicycle, it is often more lightweight; has extra gear
combinations; and features tires that are narrow, inflated at high pressures, and smooth. All
these features make a road bike fit for speed.
roadie - A nickname for a dedicated road cyclist.
road rash - The scrapes and brush burns you get from crashing on the road. To avoid hitting
the pavement, always be mindful of traffic and road conditions, and never ride without your
helmet, duh.
road tires - Not to be confused with wheels, tires are just the rubber portion of the wheel. Road
tires are typically very narrow and smooth for maximum speed, unlike the big, knobby ones you
find on mountain bikes.
RPM - Rotations per minute; see cadence.
run it out - Often heard during indoor cycling classes, this cue prompts you to rise out of the
saddle to position 2, which somewhat simulates running in place.
shifting - Transitioning from one gear to another, allowing the cyclist to maintain a constant
cadence despite changes in resistance or incline on the road or trail. On most bikes, the shifter
on the right moves the chain along the back gears (cassette) for small changes. The shifter on
the left adjusts the front gears, used for more major shifts. Cyclists spend most of their time
shifting the rear gears in search for their cadence sweet spot.
single-speed - A bike that has a single gear ratio (just one cog on the rear wheel) and the
ability to freewheel or coast.
slipstream - The pocket of air behind a cyclist or vehicle that breaks the wind resistance;
see drafting.
SPD style - Short for Shimano Pedaling Dynamics, it's a style of pedal and cleat that are
smaller than LOOK style and easier to walk in, since the cleat doesn't jut out from the shoe as
much. They're often used for mountain biking or cyclocross, where dismounting your bike is
more common, but they also work on road bikes.
spokes - The wire rods that connect the center of the wheel or hub to the outer edge or rim.
steed - Cycling without a steed is like horseback riding without a horse. While this steed, or
bicycle, doesn’t neigh, it does roll from point A to point B with a little push from the legs.
stem - The component on a bicycle that connects the handlebars to the steerer tube.
time trial (or TT) - A road race against the clock. This style of racing can be done alone
(individual) or with a team, and features aerodynamic bikes, helmets, and skinsuits. Some
triathletes use TT bikes to reserve energy during the bike leg of a race.
tubeless tires - A wheel system where a clincher tire is mounted tightly to the rim using a liquid
sealant, eliminating the need for an inner tube and allowing you to run really low tire pressure
without pinch flatting. If something punctures your tire, the liquid sealant quickly seals it so you
never have to change a flat.
tubular - A racing-specific tire where the tire is glued to a V-shaped rim and the tube is sewn
inside. These are usually ultra light and supple, making them very delicate. Since the system is
glued together, it's hard to fix flats, which is why they're typically used in races where you have
a crew to give you a whole new wheel.
watt - The unit of measurement for power, or the rate at which energy is used over time. The
more oomph applied to the pedals, the greater the wattage. A more common cycling unit of
measurement is watts per kilograms (or watts/Kg); it takes the power to weight ratio of a rider
into consideration.
wheelie - A bicycle trick where you lift the front wheel off the ground, find a balance point, and
pedal to keep the wheel up and move forward—kind of like riding a unicycle.
