May 1
Why Can’t Cyclists Just Use The Damn Sidewalk?
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Why Can’t Cyclists Just Use The Damn Sidewalk?
Bike Jargon Primer
Some of the jargon for bikes is weird. Take for instance “clipless pedals”. They are like tiny ski boot bindings and most definitely clip in. In fact that is why we say. “You have to clip in and clip out.” The reason is years ago you would strap yourself into bracket like things which were called “clips”. So getting rid of those things you went Clipless. It should have been strapless but there you are. Maybe it was a guy thing. Lycra and strapless may have been too much.
So the basics:
Bike part names.
Handlebars: No description needed.
Brifters: They are the brake lever and shifter combination controls on the Handlebars.
Top tube: That is the sometimes horizontal frame tube on the top of the basic triangle of the frame.
Down Tube: That is the tube running from the fork in front to the bottom of the frame.
Seat tube: That is the tube that connects the top tube and the down tube and forms the main triangle and attaches to the seat.
Seat Stays: They are the thin frame members running down from the frame top to the rear wheel hub.
Chain Stays: They are the heavier frame members running from the bottom of the frame triangle to the rear wheel hub.
Bottom Bracket: This is the bearing assembly that carries the cranks front cogs and pedals. It is at the frame bottom but it is not a bracket of any kind. In all cases it is a bearing assembly of which there are many different standards.
Front fork: The bit that holds the front wheel and mounts on a bearing in the frame to allow steering.
Steering Tube: This is the top part of the fork that goes through the frame bearing.
Stem: The not obvious name for the bit that clamps to the top of the steering tube and holds the handle bars. It holds the fork on and loads the bearings so adjustment and mounting are rather fussy. Old bikes have a different method called a quill.
Chain Ring(s): This is the front cog usually a pair sometimes a triple attached to the cranks and pedals.
Front Derailleur: This is the thing that moves the chain from one chain ring to another.
Cogset / Cluster / Cassette / cogs / gears: This is the set of cogs at the rear wheel. They are usually a stack of 9 to 11 different sizes to provide different ratios. A 10 speed has ten in the stack. That is different than old “ten speed” bikes that had 5 in the stack and two at the front. 5 times 2 is 10. Now a ten speed stack with a double chain ring gives you 20 speeds. Clear? Ten speed now means 20 speed.
Freewheel: This is the ratchet device that allows the wheel to spin when you stop pedalling instead of ripping your feet off.
Rear Derailleur: This is the thing that moves the chain from one cog to another on the rear. This is a marvelously sophisticated and intricate mechanism that actually works IF you get the beast properly adjusted.
Brakes: These are the little tiny calipers that grab the wheel and prevent you from being killed.
Wheels: can ya guess? The only thing here is to realize that if you are big you will break the rear wheel eventually. The rear takes most of the weight and abuse. Very strong (Stallion build) wheels are sold in the aftermarket.
Tires: This almost deserves an hour of discussion. First is that any tire will go flat if you run over glass shards from bottles thrown from car windows. Cheap brands are crap. Use French, German, or Italian. I like Michelin as they are very good and available everywhere. Many Michelins and other big brands are made in Asia, but the Asian brands themselves are not worth the hassle. You want Clincher type, and foldable. Do not buy race tires as they are really thin and for racing and if you are doing that why are you reading this?
Seat: Also obvious, but an amazingly difficult thing to get right. Or you can just develop a really hard ass.
Clipless Pedals: These are the things you clip your shoes to the pedals with. They give you about15% more power by allowing you to push the pedals in other directions than straight down.
Clipless Shoes / Bike Shoes: Like ski boots for your bike. Small light and with screws on the bottom for attaching the clipless clips.
Bike short Chamois: Yes it is part of an article of clothing, but it is the part that you rest your weight on and is an “intimate” part of fit and comfort. You NEED this.
I think I finally made up my mind on what I would like to do as a career. I've been unsure about what I wanted to do for a long time now. So I chose the one thing that has always, and always will interest me. That's bikes. I am not sure what exactly I want to do. Marketing, journalism, engineering? I don't know. Going to be getting into contact with some people about what the bike industry looks like, the kinds of jobs available and what you really need to accomplish to get there.
There's a reason why there's no room in the Cycleboredom offices. By: @cyclingcartoons
Via: @TenspeedHero
Love this video. So well done!
Just had my first real summa bike ride, was lovely
Cheers emma
That kid walked away with the best story ever. I bet he's been telling it for the last 60 years.
Elvis Presley signs an autograph, c. 1950s photographer unknown