Learn key terms related to bicycles and accessories: discover what a mountain bike and road bike are, how rim brakes differ from disc brakes, what a drivetrain means, and much more. Our glossary breaks down essential concepts and helps you navigate the world of cycling and active recreation.
Choosing a bicycle and gear can be challenging due to the abundance of technical terms and types of equipment. Understanding the differences between types of bicycles, their components, and accessories is key to selecting the perfect two-wheeled friend and equipment for your needs. This glossary provides clear definitions of common terms, helping you shop and communicate with other cyclists more confidently.
Glossary of Terms for “Bicycles and Bicycle Accessories”
Mountain Bike (MTB) — a type of bicycle designed for off-road riding. It features a sturdy frame, wide tires with aggressive tread, a suspension fork, and often a rear shock.
Road Bike — a bicycle built for fast riding on asphalt. It is characterized by a lightweight frame, narrow wheels, and a dropped handlebar for an aerodynamic riding position.
Hybrid Bike — a versatile bicycle that combines features of mountain and road bikes. It has a flat handlebar, like an MTB, and 28-inch wheels, like a road bike, making it comfortable for city riding and light off-roading.
Suspension Fork — a front fork with a built-in spring-oil or air mechanism that absorbs impacts from road irregularities, increasing comfort and control on the trail.
Drivetrain — the set of components that transfer power from the pedals to the rear wheel. It includes cranks, chainrings, a cassette, a chain, shifters, and front and rear derailleurs. The number of chainrings and gears determines the gear range.
Rim Brakes (V-Brake) — a type of brake where brake pads squeeze the side surfaces of the wheel rim. They are simple to maintain and inexpensive but less effective in mud and rain.
Disc Brakes — a braking system where braking occurs by pads clamping a brake disc (rotor) attached to the wheel hub. They can be mechanical (controlled by a cable) or hydraulic (controlled by fluid). They provide powerful and consistent braking in all weather conditions.
Shifters — devices mounted on the handlebar that the cyclist uses to change gears by controlling the derailleurs via cables or electronic signals.
Suspension Seatpost — a seatpost with a built-in spring mechanism. It dampens vibrations and minor impacts, making riding on uneven surfaces more comfortable.
Wheel Diameter — one of the key sizes affecting rolling efficiency and handling. The most common sizes are 26″, 27.5″ (650B), and 29″. Larger wheels roll better over obstacles, while smaller ones are more maneuverable.
Frame — the main load-bearing structure of the bicycle. It is made from various materials: steel (comfort and repairability), aluminum (lightweight and stiff), carbon (low weight and high cost).
Bicycle Computer — an electronic device mounted on the handlebar that measures various ride parameters: speed, distance, time, cadence, and, in advanced models, heart rate and power with connectivity to GPS and a smartphone.
Fat Bike — a bicycle with very wide tires (typically 3.8-5 inches), designed for riding on the most challenging and soft surfaces: snow, sand, mud.
Crankset — a set consisting of the cranks and chainrings to which the pedals are attached. The number and size of the chainrings determine the range of available gears.
Cassette — a set of rear sprockets mounted on the rear wheel hub. Together with the crankset, it forms the total number of the bicycle’s speeds (e.g., 3 chainrings in front and 10 at the back = 30 speeds).
Panniers / Rack Trunk — an accessory for carrying cargo. They come in different types: those attached to the frame, seatpost, or handlebar. Useful for touring or city rides.
Fenders / Mudguards — accessories mounted over the wheels that protect the cyclist from mud and water thrown up from the tires.
Cadence — the pedaling rate, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). An optimal cadence (usually 80-100 RPM) helps distribute effort efficiently and reduce fatigue.
Bicycle Headlight / Taillight — a light source for riding in the dark. The front light (headlight) illuminates the road, and the rear taillight (often flashing) makes the cyclist visible to other road users.
Mounts — special attachments on the frame and handlebar that allow for the installation of additional accessories: bags, lights, water bottle holders, GPS navigators.