Bicycle Parts, Cycling Gear and Accessories

The listings on this page are from another of our favorite bike-parts/accessory vendors. They offer one of the largest parts catalogs on the Internet -- and they have an outstanding return policy to boot.

Bike Glossary

Aero System Rook -- rack designed for recent cars without external rain gutters. The rack is held on by clips that extend down into the door.
Aerobars -- Sometimes referred to as Tri bars. Aerobars popularized by triathletes and Greg LeMond, are attached to handlebars in order to provide a rider with a lower, more aerodynamic position.
air -- space between the tires and the ground. (Both tires must be off the ground or it isn't "air".) Said to be caught or gotten --
Air Spring A high pressure air spring used in a suspension fork. Generally considered to be lighter, but not as plush as coil springs.
Anodized Anodizing is an electroplating process commonly performed on aluminum parts, which forms a thin protective film on the surface of the metal. Anodizing is sometimes accompanied by the use of a colored dye, which gives a lustrous colored finish to the aluminum parts --
ATB Acronym for All Terrian Bicycle. Generally ATB and MTB (mountain bike) are used interchangeably though ATB is considered the more correct acronym.
Bar ends -- Short handlebar extensions which are attached to the ends of a mountain bike handlebar.
Bonk Term used to describe running out of energy when riding.
Boots Rubber covers that protect suspension forks from dirt and grit.
Bottom bracket -- Bicycle component that is inserted into the bottom bracket shell. The bottom bracket consists of the crank axle (bottom bracket spindle), ball bearings, and in older style bottom brackets a fixed cup and an adjustable cup. Crankarms are bolted onto the bottom bracket.
Bottom bracket adjustable -- This is the older type of bottom bracket before sealed cartridge bottom brackets became prevalent. The adjustable bottom bracket requires fixed and adjustable cup tools to properly tension the bearings. The bearings are not sealed, but they're easily accessible for cleaning and lubrication.
Bottom bracket sealed -- This is also known as a cartridge bottom bracket. This bottom bracket has protective seals to keep water and grime from penetrating to the bearings.
Bottom bracket shell -- Circular portion of the frame into which the bottom bracket is inserted. The seat tube, down tube, and chain stays are connected to the bottom bracket shell.
Bottom bracket spindle -- This is the axle to which both of the crankarms are attached. The spindle length is measured in millimeters from one end of the spindle to the other.
Bottom bracket splined -- Shimano's uniquely oversized, splined bottom bracket spindle that is only compatible with newer style Shimano cranksets.
Bottom bracket square tapered -- The industry standard bottom bracket shape until Shimano developed the splined bottom bracket. Square tapered refers to the shape of the ends of the bottom bracket spindle.
Brake booster -- This is an arch (usually built from aluminum or carbon fiber) which attaches to the brake bosses in conjunction with the brake. The powerful braking force of V-Brakes or linear pull brakes can cause frames and forks to flex and waste energy which could have been applied to the rims. The booster acts as a brace to prevent frame flex induced during braking.
Brake Boss brake bosses are the brazed-on pivots attached to frames and forks for cantilever and "V" style brakes. Shift lever bosses are brazed-on pivots for down-tube-mounted shift levers. Most newer "road" bicycles have the shifters mounted on the handlebars, so they use the old-style lever bosses as attachment points for housing stops --
Brake cable -- Generally a wound steel cable running from the brake levers to the brake calipers.
Brake cable -- Generally a wound steel cable running from the brake levers to the brake calipers.
Brake cable housing -- The outer, colored housing into which a brake cable is inserted.
Brake pads -- A rubber like compound attached to the brake calipers. Brake pads contact the sidewall of the rim in order to stop or slow down the bicycle.
Brake pads -- A rubber like compound attached to the brake calipers. Brake pads contact the sidewall of the rim in order to stop or slow down the bicycle.
Brakes cantilever -- A type of ATB brake characterized by having the two brake arms connected by a straddle cable with the brake cable attached to the midpoint of the straddle cable. This type of brake was used on ATB bicycles (as well as tandems, touring , and cyclocross bicycles) before the invention of the V-Brake --
Brakes linear pull -- This is the generic term for a V-Brake. Shimano owns the copyright on V-Brake so any component company which makes a brake similar to Shimano's must use this term to describe it.
Brakes V A type of ATB brake patented by Shimano. This type of brake is characterized by the brake cable coming at the brake arms from the side (usually through a curved piece of aluminum tubing referred to as a noodle ). This type of brake has replaced cantilever brakes on ATB bicycles (as well as tandems and touring bicycles) because the V-Brake has more power and is easier to set up.
Braze ons Parts which are brazed on (attached) to a frame for mounting water bottle cages, shift levers, cable guides or front derailleurs. Other popular braze-ons include pump peg, chain hanger, front and rear eyelets.
Cadence The speed at which the pedals turn, measured in Revolutions Per Minute.
Cassette -- More recent style gear cluster that slides onto, rather than threads onto, a freehub body which is attached to the rear hub.
Cassette cogs -- The individual cogs that make up a cassette.
Cassette size -- The size of a cassette is described by the number of teeth on the smallest cog and the number of teeth on the largest cog. An example of a common size for road racing would be 12 x 21.
Chain -- The drivetrain component encircling the front chainring, the rear cassette and running through the rear derailleur.
Chain stays -- Paired frame tubes running horizontally from the bottom bracket shell to the rear dropouts.
Chainring -- Large sprockets attached to the right crankarm which drive the chain.
Chainring bolt -- 4 or 5 bolts that attach the chairings to the crankarm.
Chainring bolt circle diameter -- This is how chainrings are sized to fit a crankset. To determine this measurement a circle must be drawn through the center of all the bolt holes used to connect the chainring to the crankarm. Next, measure the diameter of the circle (in millimeters). On a road crankset with two chainrings, they will both use the same bolt circle diameter. Typical bolt circle diameters are 130 or 135 mm on road bikes.
Chainring teeth -- Chainrings are sized according to the number of teeth they possess. A typical large road bike chainring has 53 teeth cut into its surface and it is referred to as a size 53.
Coil Spring A coiled metal spring used in a suspension fork. Generally considered to be plusher, but heavier, than air springs.
Columbus -- Italian manufacturer of high quality bicycle frame tubes.
Coolmax -- Constructed of 4 channel polyester fibers this fabric is naturally hydrophobic. Coolmax is designed to regulate body temperature during physical exertion by increasing air flow and transporting moisture through the fibers to the outside of the fabric where moisture evaporates.
CPSC Consumer Products Safety Commission, the certification agency for bicycle helmets.
Crank bolt -- Bolts that run through the end of the crankarm and into the bottom bracket spindle.
Crankarm -- Portion of the crankset onto which the chainrings are attached. The pedals are also threaded into the ends of the crankarms.
Crankset -- Consists of two crankarms and chainrings. Must be used with a compatible bottom bracket --
dab -- to put a foot down in order to catch your balance on a difficult section of trail. "I made it without crashing, but I had to dab once." --
Damping Ability of a suspension product to control the speed of movement through its travel, usually by a piston running through oil. Vastly improves that smoothness of ride offered. Compression Damping refers to controlling the movement as the shock compresses as it hits a bump. Rebound Damping refers to controlling the movement as the shock extends back to its relaxed position.
derailer hanger the part of a rear dropout to which the rear derailer attaches --
Derailleur cable housing -- Cable housing refers to the outer casing into which the inner wire is inserted. Brake cable housing and derailleur cable housing are different sizes and not compatible .
Derailleur cables -- Generally a wound steel cable running from the shift levers to the derailleurs.
Derailleur pulleys -- Rear derailleurs have both upper and lower pulleys which engage and direct the chain. Older Shimano pulleys were designed with 10 teeth while the newer Shimano derailleur pulleys have 11 teeth.
dialed in -- when a bike is set up nicely and everything works just right --
Down tube -- Frame tube running from the head tube to the bottom bracket shell.
Dropouts -- Slots at the rear of the frame into which the rear wheel fits.
Easton -- American developer of high quality aluminum and carbon fiber bicycle products.
Efficiency efficiency: We tested samples of each model of pump, using a calibrated guage and Presta valve. The first number indicates the number of complete strokes to achieve 50 psi in a 26 x 2.0 ATB tire. The second number indicates the number of strokes to achieve 100 psi in a 700 x 23 road tire.
Elastomer An elastic polymer, a springy plastic used commonly as a spring or shock absorber, particularly in suspension forks and similar mechanisms.
endo the maneuver of flying unexpectedly over the handlebars, thus being forcibly ejected from the bike. Short for "end over end". "I hit that rock and went endo like nobody's business.
Eyelets -- A frame attachment that allows one to mount racks or fenders to the bicycle.
Fairing Plastic shield mounted on the front of a roof rack. Designed to reduce wind noise and improve fuel economy.
Fit Kit Set of four clips that hold a roof rack on a car. These are made in many different models, and must be chosen to match the vehicle.
Fork -- Part of the bicycle that holds the front wheel. The fork steerer tube is inserted into the head tube.
Fork blades -- The paired, usually curved tubes that hold the front wheel.
Fork crown -- The upper portion of the fork into which the fork blades are attached, and the steerer tube is attached.
Fork Mount Bike mount for roof racks. The front wheel is removed, and the bike is clamped at the fork where the front wheel was. The rear wheel is held in a tray by a racheting strap.
fred (from road riding) a person who has a mishmash of old gear, does't care at all about technology or fashion, didn't race or follow racing, etc. Often identified by chainring marks on white calf socks. Used by "serious" roadies to disparage utility cyclists and touring riders, especially after these totally unfashionable "freds" drop the "serious" roadies on hills because the "serious" guys were really posers. According to popular myth, "Fred" was a well-known grumpy old touring rider, who really was named Fred.
Freewheel -- Older style gear cluster that threads onto, rather than slides onto, the rear hub body.
Front derailleur -- Bicycle component that moves the chain across the front chainrings thus changing the gear ratio and achieving what is referred to as a gear shift.
Front derailleur braze on -- A braze on front derailleur is bolted directly to a tab which is brazed on to the seat tube of a bicycle frame. A braze on front derailleur does not include a circular front derailleur clamp which is clamped around the seat tube of a bicycle frame.
Front derailleur clamp on -- A clamp on front derailleur consists of a front derailleur and a circular band type clamp that encircles the seat tube of a bicycle frame.
Front Wheel Carrier Used to carry the front wheel of a bike on a roof rack, usually used in conjunction with a fork mount bike rack --
Fusion Fit Adjustable Retention System extending off the back of Bell Helmets. Allows the helmet to grip the users head better.
Gore Tex -- Up to 20 times more waterproof than coated fabrics and almost twice as waterproof as any other fabric/laminate technology. Gore-Tex is unaffected by laundering while most coated fabrics lose up to half of their ability to prevent water entry after very few launderings --
granny gear -- The lowest gear available on a bike, which only a grandmother would need to use; designed for steep uphill climbing, but extremely easy to pedal in on flat ground.
Groupo -- Sometimes also referred to as a group. A groupo generally consists of all the drivetrain components necessary to turn a frame into a complete bicycle (crank, chain, derailleurs, brakes, etc). A groupo also generally consists of components all made by the same company such as Shimano or Campagnolo.
Gutter System Roof rack designed to fit older cars and trucks with external rain gutters.
hammer To ride fast and hard. n. someone who hammers --
Handlebar -- The flat or riser bar that grips, brake levers, and shifters are attached to.
Hardtail A term for a bike which has no rear suspension --
Head tube -- Vertical frame tube onto which the top tube and down tube are attached. The fork steerer tube is inserted into the head tube .
Headset -- Component that secures the fork to the frame. Headsets can be either threaded or threadless.
Headset The bearing assembly that connects the front fork to the frame, and permits the fork to turn for steering and balancing --
Headset sizing The nominal size of a headset is based on the outside diameter of the steerer. This is a source of confusion, because the steerer is not visible on an assembled bicycle. In the case of a bicycle with a traditional expander/wedge type stem, the stem shaft will be 1/8" smaller than the steerer. Sometimes people measure the stem diameter and assume, incorrectly, that this is the size headset they have --
Headset star fangled nut -- The star fangled nut is a part of a threadless headset that is inserted into the fork steerer tube. The top cap bolt of a threadless headset is threaded into the star fangled nut.
Headset threaded -- A threaded headset must be used with a threaded fork. Threaded forks are most commonly found on road bikes. The threaded portion of the fork is located at the top of the steerer tube.
headsets threaded for forks with threaded steerer tube The adjustable race screws on to the steerer, and a locknut screws on after the adjustable race to secure it. There is normally a keyed washer between the adjustable race and the locknut for extra security --
headsets threadless For forks with an un-threaded steerer tube.
Hitch Rack Rack mounted to the hitch on the rear of a car or truck. Available in ball mount, 1 1/4receiver, and 2receiver versions.
Housing The outer sleeve through which a brake or gear cable is pulled. The housing transmits an equal push to counter the pull on the inner cable. Traditional housing consists of a tight spiral of steel wire, usually coated with plastic. Newer versions have synthetic liners to reduce friction. This type of housing is still used for brake cables.
Hub flange -- The portion of the hub into which the spokes are seated.
Hubs -- Bicycle component located in the center of a wheel from which the spokes radiate outward.
Hubs cassette -- More recent type of rear hub designed to accept the cassette type of gear cluster. The cassette hub has the rotating, ratcheting freehub body attached to the hub for the cassette to slide onto and be secured by a lockring.
Hubs freewheel -- Older type of rear hub designed to accept the freewheel type of gear cluster. The freewheel hub is threaded to accept the freewheel cluster.
Hubs spacing -- This refers to the distance from outer cone to outer cone along the axle. Front hubs have a standard width of 100mm. Older road rear hubs set up for freewheels generally have a width of 126mm. More recent rear hubs set up for cassettes have a width of 130mm.
HydraAir RockShox suspension design that uses air springs, negative springs (coil), and an oil bath.
HydraCoil RockShox suspension design that uses coil springs, negative springs (coil), and an oil bath.
Illuminite -- Unlike reflective strips illuminite technology makes the entire garment reflective. The illumiNITe process embeds millions of microscopic satellite dishes into the weave of the fabric. These dishes act like mirrors to reflect back to the original light source. Because the dishes are embedded into the fabric, the garment remains machine washable without losing any of its reflective properties.
In Molded Helmet outer shell is pressed on to the inner shell when the helmet is formed. In Molded helmets are more resistant to wear and tear.
Innova -- Innova's unique properties are not found in combination in any other natural or synthetic fiber. These combined properties make Innova ideal for skin contact fabrics for all season comfort and moisture transfer. Innova's hydrophobic qualities facilitate movement away from the skin. Innova does not retain odor and resists damage from perspiration. Innova has the lowest thermal conductivity of any fiber and possesses the lowest moisture regain of any fiber for shorter drying time.
Kevlar ® A very strong artificial fiber, used in bullet-proof vests and bicycle tires. Kevlar is used in tires two different ways, for two different purposes:Kevlar beads are used on some high performance tires. Replacing the normal wire bead with Kevlar ® saves about 50 grams per tire. Kevlar-bead tires have the additional advantage of being foldable, making them popular as emergency spare tires with touring cyclists. Kevlar-bead tires are somewhat harder to mount on a rim, and are more likely to blow off than wire-bead tires. They work best on "hook edge" rims.Kevlar-belted tires have a layer of kevlar under the tread surface, with the purpose of making the tire more resistant to punctures caused by small sharp objects, such as thorns and glass slivers. Kevlar-belted tires have slightly higher rolling resistance, price and weight than corresponding tires without the belt.
Lead Acid Rechargable Battery used in many light systems. Benefits include low cost and solid long term durability.
LED (Light emitting Diode) Used in taillights in place of bulbs because of their low power usage, durability, and brightness.
Left (Hand) Thread Most threaded fasteners are right threaded, so you turn them clockwise to tighten them. Some parts which are used in conjuction with rotating shafts would tend to unscrew themselves if they threaded normally, so they are threaded in the opposite direction. This is called a "left thread," "left hand thread" or "reverse thread."Left-threaded fasteners are turned counter-clockwise to tighten them. Left threads are found on left pedals, some bottom-bracket parts --
Look compatible -- Refers to the drilling in the sole of a cycling shoe. Look compatible shoes have three holes drilled into the sole of the shoe in a triangular pattern.
Lugs -- A sleeve into which frame tubes are inserted forming a joint --
Lycra Man made fiber developed by Dupont. Able to stretch up to 6 times in length, it is blended with other fibers to create a wide variety of cycling clothing. The fibers that it is blended with will determine whether the garment will be cool or warm, and whether it will wick sweat.
Masher A cyclist who habitually pedals hard in a high gear, at a slow cadence. The opposite of a "spinner." --
Negative Spring A small spring in a suspension fork/shock that works against the main spring. Makes the fork respond better to small bumps, while not hurting large bump performance. Can be coil (non-adjustable) or air (adjustable).
Negative Travel Measurement of the distance that a fork can travel past its maximum travel when rebounding from a bump. The negative travel allows the fork to top out without clunking, and can allow the fork to follow rough terrain better.
Ni-Cad Rechargable Battery used in many high power light systems. Benefits include reasonable weight, good run times, and solid long-term durability.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargable Battery used in many light systems. Benefits include light weight, good run time for its weight, and reasonable long term durability --
Nipples -- Spoke nipples are seated in the holes of the rim and receive the threaded end of the spoke. The nipple ends are square so spoke wrenches can be utilized to tighten or loosen the nipple as necessary to keep the wheel true.
Oil Bath Suspension Fork design that fills the lower part of the fork with oil, allowing the oil to be used for both damping and lubrication.
Open Bath See Oil Bath --
Outlast -- The revolutionary Outlast fabric is guaranteed to absorb, store and release body heat, making this thermal layer critical technical equipment for all your cold weather adventures. Not only does Outlast do a better job at preventing heat loss, it actually stores and redistributes body heat so your extremities stay as warm as your torso. The special bicompartment knit works to enhance moisture management, and the Intera wicking treatment ensures that you'll stay as dry as you are warm.
Pedal cleats -- Cleats are attached to the sole of cycling shoes. The cleat locks into the body of the pedal holding the foot securely. Cleats are supplied by the pedal manufacturer.
Pedals clipless -- Refers to all pedal systems that do not use toe clips to hold the foot securely onto the pedal. SPD, Time, Speedplay, etc. are clipless pedal systems.
Pedals float The amount that the cleat can spin while still clipped into a clipless pedal.
Pedals platform -- Older style pedal that the foot rests on top of and is not locked into.
Pedals toe clips -- Older style method of securely attaching your feet to the pedals through the use of clips and straps.
Pittards leather -- A high quality, natural, supple, and quick drying leather --
Polypropylene -- An extremely hydrophobic, fast drying fabric. Polypropylene does not absorb moisture, is lightweight, strong, and abrasion resistant.
Presta valve -- A specialized valve found on some bicycle tubes. A presta valve has a small knurled end which must be unscrewed in order to inflate the tube.
Rear derailleur -- Bicycle component that moves the chain across the rear cogs thus changing the gear ratio and achieving what is referred to as a gear shift.
Receiver Extension Used with Receiver Hitch Racks when the rack need to clear obstacles on the back of the vehicle (such as a spare tire rack).
Rim strip -- A thin strip of material placed around the outside of a rim (beneath the tube) to cover the sharp edges of the spoke eyelets.
Rims -- The outer hoop of a wheel which seats the spoke nipples, which the tire attaches to, and to which the brake pads are applied. Rims can be either steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber.
Riser bars -- Mountain bike handlebars that feature an upward sweep providing a more upright riding position and greater stability.
road rash -- contact dermatitis; an allergic reaction of skin to moving asphalt.
roadie a rider who prefers riding on paved surfaces --
Roc Loc Adjustable Retention System extending off the back of Giro Helmets. Allows the helmet to grip the users head better.
Saddle -- Cyclist's name for a bicycle seat.
Saddle anatomic -- A bicycle seat that is designed with cut out sections or other anatomic depressions to increase comfort.
Saddle gel -- A bicycle seat that has gel placed in certain areas to increase comfort.
Schrader valve -- The valve of a bicycle tube similar to the valve found on a car tire.
Seat post binder bolt A Bolt or Quick Release at the top of the seat tube used to hold the seatpost in place.
Seat stays -- Paired frame tubes running from the seat tube to the rear dropouts.
Seat tube -- Vertical frame tube running from the bottom bracket shell to the top tube.
Seatpost -- Frame component onto which the saddle is attached. The seatpost is inserted into the seat tube.
Shifter/brake lever Shifter and brake lever are a single unit. Shimano units are available in this layout, or with the shifter and brake lever as separate units.
Shifters bar end -- Shifters that are inserted into the ends of a handlebar. Popular with touring cyclists and cyclocross riders though less common these days.
Shifters down tube -- Gear shift levers that are mounted to the down tube of a bicycle frame.
Shifters Ergopower -- ergopower refers to Campagnolo's integrated brake levers/ shifter levers. ergopower provides the ability to shift gears without taking your hands off of the handlebars.
Shifters STI -- STI refers to Shimano Total Integration. STI combination brake levers/ shift levers provide the ability to shift gears without taking your hands off of the handlebars.
Shifters/brake lever combo -- Referred to by Shimano as STI and Campagnolo as ergo Power. Shifter/Brake Lever combos allow for shifting gears without removing your hands from the handlebars.
singletrack -- trail just wide enough for one person or bike -- the MTBer's holy grail.
Sliders The Lower (moving) Tubes/Assembly on a Suspension Fork. Attached to the Front Hub --
snake bite -- a double puncture of an inner tube, caused when the tire compresses down to the rim from hitting an obstacle too hard or by under-inflation of tires.
SPD compatible -- Refers to Shimano's mountain bike and original road bike bolt pattern. The SPD drilling located on the sole of cycling shoes resembles two parallel, identically sized slots into which an SPD cleat is attached.
SPD-R compatible -- Refers to Shimano's new road pedal bolt pattern. SPD-R compatible shoes are drilled differently than the original SPD system. The drilling for an SPD-R cleat has a long slot on the right side of the sole with three bolt holes. Next to this long slot is a shorter slot to the left with one bolt hole.
Spokes -- Generally stainless steel, the spokes connect the hub to the rim on a wheel and provide structure. Most wheels have the spokes pass through holes in the hubs and then thread into spoke nipples seated in the rim. Tightening the spoke nipples creates tension in the wheel to maintain structural integrity and keep the wheel true.
Stanchion Tubes The Upper (non moving) Tubes on a Suspension Fork. Attached to the Fork Crown --
Steerer Tube Tube that is mounted to the fork crown, used to mount the fork to the bicycle. Usually made of steel, carbon fiber, or aluminum.
Stem -- The component that holds the handlebars and mounts to the steerer tube.
Stem length -- Stem length is measured from the center of the stem bolt to the center of the handlebar clamp. Stem length is usually represented in centimeters (e.g. 12cm.) but sometimes appears in millimeters as well. For example 12cm may also appear as 120mm.
Stem rise -- This refers to the angle of the stem measured in degrees. Most road bicycles have stem rises of either 17 degrees more upright position, or 0 degrees to put the rider in a lower, more aerodynamic position.
Stem threaded -- Handlebar stem sometimes referred to as quill type stem. A threaded stem is inserted into the fork steerer tube.
Stem threadless -- Handlebar bar stem that bolts directly onto the fork steerer tube. Originally developed for use on mountain bikes but becoming more and more common on road bikes.
taco -- to bend a wheel over on itself, in the shape of a taco. "I taco'd my wheel, and it cost me a hundred bucks." --
technical -- a section of trail that is difficult to ride because of rocks, tree roots, steep drops or stunts.
The Zone -- a state of mind experienced while riding. You don't think, you just do. A truly mystical experience that can't be fully explained, but when you get there you'll know it and strive to reach it again.
Therma Fleece -- Insulating, wicking, ultra soft Therma Fleece helps create the perfect medium weight garments for cold weather rides.
Tire mountain -- Mountain bike tires are size 26in. and are generally available in widths from 1 inch to 2.2 inches.
Tire road -- Modern road tires are generally size 700C. Road tires can also be found in the older less common size of 27in. These two sizes are not compatible and it is important to know which size tire is appropriate for your rims.
Tire triathlon Triathlon tires are usually 650c. Although they are sometimes referred to as 26 inch, they are not compatible with tires meant to fit ATB rims.
Top tube -- Horizontal frame tube running from the seat tube to the head tube.
TPC Answer-Manitou suspension design that houses all damping in one stanchion, and a single spring in the other side.
Travel Measurement of the total distance that a shock can travel --
Triflex -- A stretchable laminate of Polartec Fleece and Nylon/Lycra. Windproof, waterproof and breathable. Triflex creates the warmest cold weather cycling gear.
Trunk Rack Rack mounted by straps to the rear of a car or truck. Less expensive than most roof or hitch racks.
Tube Rubber bladder inside the tire that hold air. Come in a variety of sizes, can be either Presta or Schrader.Ultralightrefers to a tube with thin walls.
Tube butyl The typical material for tubes. Inexpensive, easy to repair.
Tube latex Used in tubes for lighter weight. Can be hard to repair, must be reinflated for each ride.
Ultrasensor -- Ultrasensor works to keep you dry and comfortable in two ways: larger yarns next to the skin pull moisture via capillary action to finer yarns on the face of the fabric, and hydrophobic polyester speeds evaporation.
Ultrex A windproof, waterproof, highly breathable fabric that is perfect for foul weather cycling gear. Ultrex fabric lets perspiration vapor out while keeping rain and wind from getting in.
unobtanium describing a bike or accessory made from expensive, high-tech material. A play on "unobtainable" and "titanium." n. a piece (of god knows what) that has come off from the inside of something else and rattles around, impossible to retrieve to stop the rattling. e.g. a piece of weld comes off of the inside of a bike frame.
Upright Mount Bike mount for roof racks. Both wheels remain on the bike. The bike is clamped on the frame, and both wheels are held down by straps.
Visor Small plastic lip that extends of the front of a helmet. Generally found on Mountain Bike Helmets --
Wheels -- A wheel consists of a hub, rim, and spokes.
Wheels mountain -- A wheel consists of a hub, rim, and spokes. Mountain bike wheels are size 26in.
Wheels road -- A wheel consists of a hub, rim, and spokes. Modern road wheels are generally size 700C. Older road bike wheels may be 27in.
Wheels triathlon -- A wheel consists of a hub, rim, and spokes. Triathletes often prefer to use smaller size wheels than road riders. Triathlon specific wheels are size 650C.
Wheelset -- Refers to a pair of wheels, front and rear.
Wicktec -- Wicktec polyester undergoes a special Visa treatment process, which greatly enhances the wicking properties of the fabric. extremely hydrophobic Wicktec keeps you dry and cool.
Windstopper Fleece -- Composite fabric with an ultralite Windstoper membrane laminated between a lightweight performance fleece and a wicking mesh. The membrane creates a windproof barrier, yet freely allows perspiration to escape.
yard sale -- (from skiing) a horrendous crash that leaves all your various "wares" -- water bottles, pump, tool bag, etc. scattered as if on display for sale.
Zephrr -- Pearl Izumi's highly wind resistant, water repellent, lightweight Zephrr fabric keeps the cold wind out and maintains breathability.

Updated: Friday, 2020-03-06 14:46 PST