Cycling is a world filled with unique terms and this bike lingo that can be mystifying for newcomers. Here’s a breakdown of some common bike terms to help you talk the talk as you roll along!
Anatomy and Components Bike Lingo
Fork Suspension Travel: This refers to the amount of movement allowed by the front fork’s suspension, helping absorb impacts from uneven surfaces. More travel means the bike can handle bigger bumps and drops, making it better suited for rougher terrains.
Rear Travel: Similar to fork suspension travel but for the rear of the bike, measuring how much the back suspension can compress. More rear travel allows for a smoother ride over obstacles and is crucial for downhill and aggressive trail riding.
Hardtail: A standard mountain bike frame without a rear shock, offering a direct, responsive riding experience.
Full Suspension: Bikes equipped with a suspension front fork and rear shock, enhancing comfort and control on rough terrains.
Drivetrain: This encompasses all the components that drive the bike forward, including the pedals, cranks, chain, and gears.
Derailleur: The mechanism that moves the chain from one gear to another, playing a critical role in shifting gears on the bike.
Chainring: The toothed rings attached to the crank that pull the chain and drive the bike forward.
Cassette: The cluster of sprockets on the rear wheel that provides a range of gears for different terrains and speeds.
Hubs: The central part of the wheels where the spokes attach, containing the axle and bearings. They allow the wheel to spin smoothly.
Hub Motor: When a motor for the electric bike is used as the hub of the front or rear wheel.
Mid Motor: A mid-mounted motor, connected to the cranks (pedals) of an electric bike.
Headset: The set of components at the front of the bike that allows the fork to turn smoothly within the head tube of the frame.
ICR (Internal Cable Routing): A design feature where cables are routed inside the frame, giving the bike a cleaner look and protecting the cables from dirt and damage.
Stem: The part of the bike that connects the handlebars to the fork, playing a crucial role in controlling the bike’s direction.
Chainstay: The part of the bike frame that runs from the bottom bracket to the rear dropout, playing a significant role in the bike’s handling and stability.
Performance Metrics Bike Lingo
Newton Meters (Nm): A unit of torque measuring force. Both used for tightening bolts and the force that the motor can produce to turn the wheels, crucial for understanding motor performance in e-bikes.
Torque Specs: Specific torque values provided by manufacturers to ensure bolts and components are tightened correctly without causing damage. Usually measured in Newton Meters for bicycles.
Mounts and Attachments Bike Lingo
Trunnion Mount: A specific type of mount used to attach the rear shock to the bike frame, allowing for more compact and responsive suspension setups.
Seating and Comfort Bike Lingo
Saddle: The bike seat, designed to balance comfort and performance depending on the type of riding.
Dropper Post: An adjustable seatpost that can be lowered and raised with a lever. Ideal for adjusting saddle height on-the-fly, enhancing comfort and control during climbs and descents.
Dropper Lever (Remote): A handlebar-mounted lever that allows the rider to easily adjust the height of the dropper post while riding.
Tire and Axle Technology Bike Lingo
Tubeless: A setup where tires are mounted without inner tubes, using sealant to prevent flats and allowing lower tire pressures for better traction and comfort.
Thru-Axle: A solid axle that threads through the fork or frame and the wheel hub, providing a stiffer and more secure connection compared to quick release skewers.
Quick Release: A lever-based system that allows for easy and tool-free removal of the wheels, commonly used on road bikes and older mountain bikes. We don’t use quick release and you should never put it on an electric bike.
Boost: A wider hub standard (110mm front, 148mm rear) that provides better wheel stiffness and improved tire clearance, commonly found on modern mountain bikes.
Types of Riding Bike Lingo
Trail: Casual riding on natural trails or forest paths.
All Mountain (AM): More aggressive than trail riding, involving long climbs and descents on mountainous terrain.
Cross Country (XC): Focuses on speed and endurance over moderate terrains, usually with a mix of climbing and descending.
Enduro: A form of mountain biking with timed downhill sections and untimed uphill stages, emphasizing both technical skills and endurance.
Downhill (DH): Focuses exclusively on fast, steep descents, requiring robust bikes with extensive suspension.
With this guide, you’ll be better equipped to understand the specifics of different bikes and find the right fit for your riding style. Whether you’re in the market for an e-bike or a traditional mountain bike, knowing these terms will help you navigate your choices more effectively. Oh… and if you see something missing from the list – reach out to us and let us know… and be sure to check out all of the components we put on Drip e-Bikes. Happy e-biking!