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Incomplete Glossary of Incomplete Definitions

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adjustable cup - A bearing cup found on left side of an adjustable bottom bracket. It is used to adjust bearing movement and play.

adjusting race - A bearing race that is moveable in order to adjust movement and play on the bearing.

aero bars - A type of handlebar used to get the position for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.

Ahead set - The proprietary name for a threadless headset.(U.S. patent # 5095770)

air - The stuff that goes in your tires, you breathe it too. It has many other uses.

Allen wrench - See hex wrench.

anchor bolt - A bolt that clamps the cable under or through it. They can be found on most derailleurs and brakes.

articulated housing - Derailleur and brake housing using small metal segments(to gain rigidity) over an inner liner

Ashtabula crank - A common name for a one piece crank. It was named for a manufacturer based in Ashtabula, Ohio.

axle - On a bicycle it is the part of the hub that stays fixed while the wheel spins around it.

axle nut - The nut that threads on a threaded axle to hold the wheel on the bike.

axle vise - A bicycle tool used to securely hold an axle without damaging the axle's threads.

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ball bearing - A bearing using spheres reduce friction.

barrel adjuster - The part that adds or removes slack in the cable by threading in or out of a fixed part in a cable actuated system.

bead - The part of the tire that protrudes to hold the tire to the rim when inflated.

bead seat diameter - The diameter of a rim measured where the bead of the tire seats.

bearing - A part on a bike found in the bottom bracket, headset, and hubs and is used to guide, support, and reduce friction between fixed and moving parts.

bearing press - A tool used to install press fit bearings.

bearing race - The surface the balls or needles of a bearing roll on.

bearing remover - A tool used to aid in removing bearings without damaging them.

binder bolt - A common term for a seat binder, and used to hold the seat post in the frame.

bolt circle diameter - The diameter of the circle made by the chainring bolts in a crank.

bolt on axle - An axle that uses bolt to hold the wheel in the frame.

bottom bracket- A group of moving and non moving parts that the cranks attach to. It is made up of bearings, a spindle, and cups.

bottom bracket shell- The part of the frame in which the bottom bracket threads.

bottom bracket spindle - The shaft in a bottom bracket that spins on bearings.

bottom bracket tool - A bicycle tool used to adjust, remove, or install a bottom bracket.

bottom pull front derailleur- A reference to the direction the derailleur cable is routed to the front derailleur.

brake - The part of the bike that creates enough friction to slow you down when needed.

brake adapter- A part sometimes needed to attach a disc brake caliper to certain frames.

brake arm - The part of brake system that pivots to create leverage for the brakes.

brake bleed - The injection of new brake fluid, cycling out the old, into a hydraulic disc brake system.

brake boss - The part of the frame that a cantilever or linear pull brake mounts to.

brake bridge - The part of a bicycle frame that connects between the seatstays or the chain stays. Some types of brakes are mounted to this.

brake cable - A metal cable made of small strands braided together and run between the brake lever and the brake caliper.

brake housing - The sheathing over the brake cable that allows the cable to be guided around bends.

brake fluid - The fluid used in hydraulic brakes. Bicycles use either D.O.T. fluid or mineral oil.

brake pad - The part of a brake system that presses against the braking surface and creates friction, slowing the bike.

brake quick release - This is the mechanism used to open brakes to allow the tire to pass through. It aids in wheel removal.

braking surface - On a bicycle, the part that comes in contact with the brake pads. This usually refers to either a rotor or a rim.

braze on - A piece permanently fixed to the frame and used to hold something on the frame.

b screw(body screw) - The screw on the rear derailleur used to adjust the position of the upper derailleur pulley's relation to the rear cogs.

bushing - A plastic or metal piece used to reduce friction and play between moving parts.

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cable - On a bicycle, the small metal strands wrapped tightly together to create a wire that can be used in a brake system or shifting system.

cable housing - The casing that goes over a cable. It is used to guide cables around bends and curves.

cable housing cutter - A bicycle tool that is used to cut cable housing. It cuts from 4 sides to avoid pinching of the housing.

cable housing stop - The little nub on a bicycle frame or fork that the cable housing butts up against. It is usually slotted.

cable luber - A bicycle tool used to lube cables inside the housing. It is usually used with pressurized lubes.

caliper - 1. A tool used to precisely measure typically smaller distances. It is good for measuring inside and outside diameters of parts and tubing. 2. On a bicycle, it is the name often give to the parts of a brake that are closest to the wheel.

caliper brake - A brake shaped like a U and usually found on road bikes and old mountain bikes.

cantilever brake - A brake typical on older mountain bikes, cyclocross, and touring bikes. A straddle wire is fixed to both brake arms.

cartridge bearing - A bearing with the races contained inside the sealed unit. The bearing is typically pressed into place.

cassette - A cluster of gears that slides on to the freehub body on the rear hub. The cassette is secured with a lock ring.

cassette body - The part of the hub that the cassette slides on.

cassette tool - A bicycle tool used to tighten/loosen the lock ring to install/remove the cassette.

chain - The thing made up of many links used to transfer energy from the cranks to the rear wheel.

chain cleaner - A bicycle tool used to clean dirt and lube residue from the chain.

chain compressor - A bicycle tool used to hold the chain together while the chain pin is pressed or the master link is installed.

chain pin - The piece that holds a chain link together.

chain pliers - A bicycle tool used to break a chain by pressing the chain pin out.

chain ring - The gears attached to the cranks. There are 1,2, or 3 of them.

chain ring bolt - The bolt that holds the chain rings to cranks. They are typically used in sets of 4 or 5.

chain ring bolt spanner - A type of spanner tool used to hold the female side of the chain ring bolt while tightening or loosening.

chain ring nut wrench - See chain ring bolt spanner.

chain rivet - See chain pin.

chain tool - A bicycle tool used to press chain pin in and out.

chain wear checker - A bicycle tool used to measure stretch of a chain in order to properly time replacement.

chain whip - A bicycle tool used to hold the cassette or freewheel from spinning. It is usually used in conjunction with a cassette tool.

clipless pedal - A pedal that uses a cleat/shoe combo to stay attached while pedaling in order to achieve efficiency.

compression - The rate at which a shock will compress under impact.

compressionless housing - See derailleur housing.

CO2 inflator - A bicycle tool used with a CO2 cartridge to inflate a tire. It is usually used in emergency situations.

cone - The part threaded on an axle that dictates the pressure on the bearing.

cone wrench - A special wrench, designed for bicycles, and made thinner to tighten/loosen cones.

crank - On a bicycle, the rotating arms on each side of the bike. The pedals thread into these.

crank arm - An individual arm of the crank.

crank bolt - The bolt that holds a crank arm to the spindle.

crank extractor - A bicycle tool used to take off the crank arms.

crown race - A bearing race that is part if the headset and pressed on to the fork crown.

crown race remover - A bicycle tool used to remove the crown race.

crown race setter - A bicycle tool used to press the crown race on to the fork.

cutting guide - A tool used to guide a saw in order to get a straight cut

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dampening - The term used with suspension and its ability to reduce small and quick, or high frequency vibrations from the ground.

derailleur - A part of the bicycle's drive train which changes position, in conjunction with the shifter, in order to move the chain to a different gear. There are front and rear derailleurs. The rear is also used to take up the chain slack.

derailleur cable - A metal cable run from the shifter to the derailleur.

derailleur capacity - The ability a derailleur has to take up chain slack throughout the range of gears.

derailleur hanger - The part attached to the bicycle frame that the derailleur bolts to. Some are part of the frame and some are replaceable.

derailleur hanger alignment tool - A bicycle tool used to gauge error in, and straighten a bent derailleur hanger.

derailleur housing - The casing that goes over the derailleur cable. The stiff wires inside the plastic coating run parallel to the derailleur cable. This aids in less compression under loads.

derailleur limit screw - A screw found in pairs used to limit the inner and outer throw of the derailleur.

derailleur pulley - The little pulley gear on the rear derailleur mostly found in pairs but sometimes in threes.

diagonal cutters - A type of cutting plier used on cables and zip ties.

disc brake - A brake system that uses a rotor mounted to the hub as the braking surface.

dish - The offset of a wheel's relation to the hub in order to center it in the frame.

dish tool - A bicycle tool used to determine the dish of a wheel.

doo-dad - A little aluminum cap that crimps over the end of a cable to combat fraying. It is also called an end cap.

downshift - The act of shifting from a harder to an easier, or lower gear.

D.O.T. brake fluid - Brake fluid that has been approved by the US Dept of Transportation, and is used in some types of hydraulic disc brake systems.

drive side - The side of a bike that has the drive train on it.

drive train - The mechanical system used, on a bicycle, to transfer energy from the rider to the rear wheel. Made up of derailleur, chain, cassette, chain rings, and rear hub.

drop handlebar - A handlebar that drops down and usually found on road bikes and cyclocross bikes.

dropout - The slot in frame or fork that the axle slides in when installing a wheel.

dropout alignment tool - A bicycle tool used to gauge and remedy the misalignment of a frame's dropout.

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E-type derailleur - A type of front derailleur that attaches via a plate pressed behind the bottom bracket cup.

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ferrule - A cap for shift/brake housing used to support the ends of the housing against the cable stops and to add rigidity.

fixed cup - The bottom bracket cup that tightens against the right side or drive side of a bicycle frame.

flat handlebar - A handlebar that is flat. A handlebar without rise or drop.

flat pedal - A pedal with two flat sides and no way to secure the foot to the pedal surface.

floor pump - An air pump that sits on the floor while in use. It is usually held down with foot.

foot/pound - A unit used to measure force applied to an object around an axis(torque). 1 ft-lb would be the force of 1 lb against a lever 1 foot from the axis.

fork - The part on a bicycle that the front wheel attaches to. It moves in conjunction with the handlebar.

fork blade - One side, or leg of a fork, extending from the fork crown to the dropout.

fork crown - The part of a fork that connects the fork legs with the steerer tube.

fork lowers - The part of a suspension fork that the stanchions slide into.

frame - The main structure on a bicycle that supports the wheels and components.

freehub - A type of rear hub that contains a ratcheting mechanism and accepts a cassette rather than a freewheel.

freehub body - See cassette body.

freewheel - A cluster of gears with ratcheting mechanism contained within. It threads on to rear hub.

freewheel remover - A bicycle tool used to remove a freewheel.

friction shifting - Shifting with shifters that use friction to maintain derailleur position rather that a ratcheting mechanism.

front derailleur - The derailleur towards the front of a bicycle.

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grip - A padded part that slides on to the handlebar that is used to cushion the hand of the cyclist.

Grip Shift - shifter integrated in the grip, twists to shift

guide pulley(g pulley) - The top pulley on a rear derailleur. It guides the chain from gear to gear.

handlebar - A tube that can be of various materials and shapes and used to aid in steering. You hold on to them.

headset - A group of parts including cups, races, and bearings, that cuts down on friction between the fork and frame.

headset cup remover - A bicycle tool used in conjunction with a hammer to remove headset cups frome the frame.

headset press - A bicycle tool used to press headset cups into the frame.

headset spacer - Spacers used in a threadless headset to get proper stack height.

headset wrench - A bicycle tool used to adjust a threaded headset.

head tube - The tube at the front of a bicycle frame that contains the headset. The steerer of the fork inserts through this part of the frame.

head tube facer - A bicycle tool that removes frame material from the head tube for a more flush fit with the headset.

hex wrench - A type of six sided wrench that fits inside a hexagon shaped hole. They are used in about 90%(very rough guess) of the bolts on your bike.

hollow axle - An axle used with a quick release to hold the wheel in the bicycle frame or fork.

housing - See cable housing.

hub - The center part of wheel containing bearings and the axle.

hub brake - A device used for slowing or stopping found inside the hub.

hub flange - The part of the hub shell that secures one end of the spokes in a wheel.

hub shell - The body of a hub, it holds the moving parts.

hydraulic brake - A brake system that uses fluid to transfer energy from the lever to the caliper.

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inch/pound - A unit used to measure force applied to an object around an axis(torque). 1 in-lb would be the force of 1 lb against a lever 1 inch from the axis.

indexed shifting - Shifting in which one click of the shifter represents one gear.

inner tube - A rubber bladder placed inside a tire to hold air.

internal headset - A headset that uses cups pressed down inside the head tube. It is used to gain minimum extension of the steerer tube. Also called a zero stack headset or a low profile headset.

International Standards Organization(I.S.O.) - A group that sets standards for industries around the world.

integrated headset - A headset that uses cups integrated into the bicycle frame's headtube.

junk - A bike bought a department store.

left hand thread - Threads that slope up to the left when the screw is held vertically. Generally considered non standard. Opposite of righty tighty lefty loosey.

limit screws - See derailleur limit screw.

linear pull brakes - Caliper brakes with long arms for more leverage over cantilever brakes. The linear pull system uses a cable housing stop on one brake arm and an anchor bolt on the other.

low profile headset - See internal headset.

master link - Actually only half a link, used to connect the ends of a chain.

mechanical disc brake - A disc brake system using a cable to actuate the braking.

minimum insertion line - The line found on seatposts and quill stems indicating the point at which the part must be inserted into the frame.

multi-tool - A bicycle tool containing more than one tool used to do emergency fixes. Usually compact to be conveniently carried on rides.

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needle bearing - A type of bearing that uses metal cylinders(needles) to roll on.

nipple - See spoke nipple.

one piece crank - A crank that uses a single piece of metal for the crank arms and the spindle. Also commonly referred to as an "Ashtabula crank".

patch kit - Name given to the group of items needed to patch a tube or tubeless tire. Includes patches, vulcanizing fluid, and sand paper.

pawl - The part in a ratcheting device that moves to catch the teeth on a gear. On a bicycle it can be found in most freehubs and freewheels.

pedal - The part of a bicycle where the foot transfers energy to the drive train.

pedal wrench - 1. Your bicycle repair educator. 2. A bicycle tool used to remove and install pedals. Typically a 15mm or 9/16" wrench.

pick - A sharp tool used for all kinds of applications including poking, prying, and cleaning.

preload - The amount the spring in a shock is compressed when the shock is fully extended.

pressure gauge - A tool used to measure the air pressure in tires or shocks.

presta valve - A bicycle specific valve, skinnier than the one on your car, that uses a threaded nut to achieve an air tight seal.

presta valve adapter - A bicycle tool that threads on to a presta valve to allow compatibility with a Schrader valve pump.

pulley - See derailleur pulley.

quick release skewer - A part on a bicycle that allows you to remove/install wheels, adjust seat height, or make other adjustments. without tools.

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ramp/pins - A manipulation of the chain rings used to aid in shifting.

Rapid Fire - A type of shifter with a trigger lever and a thumb lever mounted under the handlebar.

Rapid Rise - Term given to a rear derailleur in which the return spring has the chain in the largest gear when no tension is on the shift cable.

rear derailleur - On a bicycle, the derailleur on the back.

repair stand - A tool used to secure a bike in a way that's easy to work on.

right hand thread - Threads that slope up to the right when the screw is held vertically. Most common type.

rim - The part of the bike wheel that looks like a hoola hoop.

rim brake - A brake system using friction against the rim to slow down.

rim strip - A part used to keep the sharp end of the spokes away form the tube.

rise handlebar - A handlebar with rise.

rotor - The "disc" in a disc brake that mounts to the hub.

rotor alignment gauge - A bicycle tool used to measure the misalignment of a brake rotor.

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saddle - The part on a bike that supports your bum.

sag - The amount a shock compresses with only rider weight acting on it.

scriber - A fancy word for a pick.

seals - The part used to keep grease in and dirt out of moving parts.

seat - See saddle.

seat post - The part on a bicycle that slides up and down in the bike frame. The seat is attached to the top.

seat post binder - See binder bolt.

seat rail - The bars on underside of a saddle that the seat post attaches to.

shifter - The mechanism that changes cable position, moving the derailleur to change gears.

shift cable - The cable run from the shifter to the derailleur.

shift housing - See derailleur housing.

shift lever - A lever on the shifter used to shift.

shock pump - A low volume, high pressure pump, used on suspension that holds air.

Schrader valve - The fatter style valve that utilizes a spring to maintain an airtight seal.

side pull brake - A type of brake caliper that mounts to the brake bridge and pivots on a single pivot.

side wall - The part of the tire, between bead and tread.

spanner - A name used for many different tools that reach across or "span" a distance.

spindle - The axle of a bottom bracket. The cranks attach to this.

splined bottom bracket - A bottom bracket with a ridged spindle.

spoke - The part used to connect the hub and the rim and maintain a rigid wheel.

spoke nipple - The specially shaped nut that threads on the end of the spoke.

spoke nipple driver - A screwdriver-looking tool used to start threading a spoke nipple on to a spoke.

spoke ruler - A measuring tool used to find the length of a spoke.

spoke tension meter - A tool used to determine the tension of spokes in a wheel.

spoke threader - A bicycle tool used to thread spokes.

spoke wrench - A bicycle tool used to tighten/loosen spoke nipples.

square taper bottom bracket - A bottom bracket with a square spindle.

stack height - The amount a head set protrudes from the head tube of a bike frame. stanchions - The shiny part of suspension that has a low friction surface for sliding in/out.

star fangled nut - A nut pressed in steerer tube used to get proper tightness on a threadless headset.

star fangled nut setter - A bicycle tool used to install the star fangled nut into the steerer tube at a certain depth.

steerer tube - The part of fork that goes up through the frame.

stem - On a bicycle, it is the part that connects handlebars to fork.

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third hand tool - A bicycle tool used to simultaneously hold and pull a cable.

threaded headset - A headset used with a threaded steerer tube.

threadless headset - A headset used with a steerer without threads.

tire - A rubber thing that hopefully contacts the ground.

tire lever - A tool used to aid in tire installation/removal by providing leverage.

toe clip pedal - A pedal with a plastic or metal cage that wraps around the foot.

top cap - The part of threadless headset that aids in proper adjustment of the headset bearings.

torx wrench - A wrench used to fit in "star shaped" hole on various bolts.

tread - The part of tire that contacts the ground.

truing stand - A device used to aid in the truing/straightening of a bicycle wheel by holding the wheel while a gauge measures the misalignment of the wheel.

tube - 1. See inner tube. 2. A hollow cylinder.

tubeless tire - A special kind of tire that does not require a tube.

UST(Universal Standard Tubeless) - A designation given to show compatibility between tubeless tires and rims.

V brake - A proprietary name for a linear pull brake.

valve core remover - A tool used to remove the core of a schrader valve.

valve stem - The part of tire system where air is injected and retained by a mechanism that shuts off the airflow exiting.

wheel - A circular device that turns around an axle. On a bike the wheel is made up of hub, spokes, spoke nipples, and rim.

wheel dish tool - A bicycle tool used to center the rim across the width of the hub while building or truing a wheel.

zero stack headset - See internal headset.

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