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The Lingo of Biking

The Lingo of Biking

Written By Fitness 19

bikeIf you’re new to cycling there are a few terms you need to know. Learn and understand them to get a better workout and stay safe on your ride.

Apex: This is the sharpest point of a turn, where you transition from exiting to entering.

Balaclava: Keep one of these on hand during cold or wet rides. It’s a thin hood that covers your head and neck, protecting you from the elements.

Boot: A piece of material used to patch a hole in the tread from the inside. Without it the tube would push through, causing the tire to blow out.

Cadence: The amount of times a full pedal stroke is completed per minute.

Cassette: Also called freewheel, this is the cluster of gear cogs on the rear of the bike.

Chain Suck: When your chain gets stuck to the chain-ring teeth during a gear transition, causing it jam.

Door zone: The area next to a car door where a cyclist can get hit—or doored—if the driver opens it. This phenomenon is extremely dangerous and has injured and killed many bikers.

Downshift: To shift into a lower gear, similar to in a car.

Elastomer: A rubber-like material that compresses to absorb shock in suspension systems.

Fartlek: Used to increase speed and endurance, this technique allows for unstructured change in speed and intensity. This is similar to interval training, except intervals provide a more structured increase and decrease in intensity.

Fixed Gear:  Also called a fixie, this type of bike has a direct-drive setup, using only one chain-ring and one rear cog.

Idaho Stop: When cyclists treat a stop sign like a yield sign—this has been legal in Idaho since 1982.

Pinch Flat: If you ride too hard, two small holes will puncture the inside the tire from the tube being squeezed too tightly to the rim.

PSI: Unit of measure for air pressure. It stands for pounds per square inch.

Reach: This determines how far you should be from the handlebar—the measure of the bike’s top tube and stem.

Shoaling: When a group of cyclists are stopped at a red light and a cyclist moves in front of you, or another biker, because they believe they’re faster.

Singletrack: A narrow trail that only one bike can ride on at a time; this makes passing or riding side by side difficult.

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At Fitness 19, we offer the highest in quality and convenience at a truly affordable price. We don’t require long-term contracts, instead, we believe you should work out because it’s what you want to do.

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Free Guest Pass

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Guest passes can only be used once in a six month time period. Limit one per person. First time guests only. Must be local resident. No other discounts can be used with this offer. Must be 18 years old or 12 years old with a parent. Personal Training and Kids Club services available for an additional fee. Valid photo I.D. REQUIRED at check in. See club for complete details. Must redeem at a Fitness 19 location within fifteen days.

By providing your email address and phone number above, you authorize Fitness 19 (and/or its service providers) to contact you via email and/or phone call to schedule an appointment for you to visit the club and redeem your free guest pass.

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