Jargon Buster
I don’t know about you but being new to this game there are a whole lot of ’words’ describing parts of bikes, race tactics, gear that is totally double-Dutch to me. I have listed below some of the basic bike jargon that might help some of you, and will be adding to it over time.
If you have heard other words bandied around by those of our more knowledgeable/experienced riders that meant nothing let me know and I will print the answers here.
Frame...The triangular bit in the middle that everything else is connected to. If this bit’s bust the best wheels in the world won’t save you. Famous makes include Trek, Colnago, Cannondale, Giant & Orbea (plus many more). Made from various materials such as steel & aluminium (fairly cheap), carbon (pretty expensive), titanium (very expensive).
Forks...The two pronged things at the front and the back that connects the wheels to the frame. Same range of materials and costs as the frames. If you break a fork, just like the frame, you’re knackered.
Groupset...The braking mechanism, gear and brake levers, and rear gear change cogs and mechanism. Two main brands, Shimano (Russell’s favourite) & Campagnolo (Tony Williams’ favourite). Both makes do the same thing in slightly different ways and you will find strong advocates of each brand...take your pick. Each brand offers a range of products all doing the same thing, but gradually increasing in cost and quality (reliability and weight).
Wheels...Pretty obvious really but in cycling its never that simple. Yes they’re the round things that hold the inflated rubber pipe we ride on, but they again come in a variety of different sizes and shapes (and cost). Weight (materials used), size, strength and aerodynamics all being key elements.
Peter.