Some of the training and cycling terms you may not be familiar with. Hopefully this list will help you make sense of it all.
Aero Bars
Handlebars or bolt-on (often called “clip-on”) bars made for road riding that put you in a streamlined position for more speed with the same effort. These usually include elbow pads, which support your weight. The bars place your hands in front of the body, where they poke a hole in the air, which decreases wind resistance. Using aero bars and finding an aerodynamically optimum riding position are the best ways to reduce your time in time trials, triathlons, even centuries. If you're not competing or training for such events, the use of aero bars is not always the most comfortable option.
Aerobic
Exercise at an intensity that allows the body’s need for oxygen to be continually met. This intensity can be sustained for long periods.
Anaerobic
Exercise above the intensity at which the body’s need for oxygen can be met. This intensity can be sustained only briefly.
Bibs
Also called bib shorts, they are cycling shorts with shoulder straps designed of Lycra or mesh to be lightweight, breathable and easy on your shoulders. They are the choice of professional cyclists because of their exceptional comfort.
BPM
Abbreviation for beats per minute in reference to heart rate.
Cadence / RPM
The number of times during one minute that a pedal stroke is completed. Also called rpm.
Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Cassette
The set of gear cogs on the rear hub. Also called a freewheel, cluster or block.
Chainring
A sprocket on the crankset. There may be one, two or three. Short version is ring.
Chamois
Pronounced like shammy, it's the pad found inside most cycling shorts that cushions, wicks and breathes to ensure comfort and protection. It also reduces friction and is seam-free to eliminate pressure points and chafing.
Cleat
A metal or plastic fitting on the sole of a cycling shoe that engages the pedal.
Climb Categories
Climb categories are used in the Tour de France to rate difficulty. Climbs are ranked on a scale of 1 to 3, with Category 1 being the most severe.
Clipless Pedals
Composed of two parts, the pedal and the cleat, clipless pedals are similar to using ski bindings, which allow you to clip into your pedals for a more efficient pedal stroke. The “clipless” in the name refers to the old technique which required the use of toe clips and straps.
Compact Crankset
A double-chainring crankset designed to provide easier gearing by using smaller chainrings than found on standard cranksets. These typically feature 39 and 53-tooth rings, while compacts usually have 34 and 50-tooth rings.
FTP - Functional Threshold Power
An athletes FTP represents their ability to sustain the highest possible power output over 45 to 60 minutes, depending on whether you're a trained athlete or not. As a result 95% of the 20 minute average power is used to determine FTP.
Glutes
The gluteal muscles of the buttocks. They are key to pedaling power.
Hamstrings
The muscle on the back of the thigh, not well developed by cycling.
Intervals
A structured method of training that alternates brief, hard efforts with short periods of easier riding for partial recovery.
Lactate Threshold (LT)
The exertion level beyond which the body can no longer produce energy aerobically, resulting in the buildup of lactic acid. This is marked by muscle fatigue, pain and shallow, rapid breathing. Also called anaerobic threshold (AT).
MMP
British Cycling developed the 3 minute test, in which Wattbike has adopted to measure MMP. The 3 minute test gives a good estimation of maximal aerobic power that you would achieve at the end of a ramp test. Not to be underestimated, this test should only be completed by highly trained athletes. Other tests may be more suitable for beginners or those new to exercise.
RPM
For Revolutions Per Minute, this is how you calculate your “cadence,” or pedaling speed. Simply count the number of complete pedal revolutions (one side) you do in 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to determine how fast you’re spinning - or running if you count your steps! A good target for fitness riders is to maintain 70 to 90 RPM.
Saddle
Also called a “seat” - this all-important device supports you and has a lot to do with how comfortable you are when riding.
Seat Post
The component that the saddle attaches to.
Sit Bones
Also called the “sitz bones” and “ischial tuberosities,” these are the two bony points of the pelvis that rest on the bicycle seat. For maximum comfort you want a seat that is the right width to support and pad your sit bones.
SPD
Shimano’s brand of clipless pedals. They’re so popular that some cyclists refer to all clipless pedals as “SPDs” or “spuds.” SPD pedals and cleats come in SL for road or MTB for mountain bike/trail (these shoes are usually easier to walk in as the cleat is recessed into the sole).
Stem
The part that holds the handlebars.
Top Tube
The part of the frame that attaches the head tube to the seat tube
VO2 Max
A measurement long used to determine an athlete's maximum potential, VO2 Max measures the maximum amount of oxygen uptake during exercise per kilogram of body weight. An average healthy, untrained male will uptake approximately 3.5 liters/minute or 45 ml/kg/min. An average healthy, untrained female will uptake approximately 2.0 liters/minute or 38 ml/kg/min.
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