PST PE-Module 2-Bicycling Basics

Tires

Two basic types. Clinches are durable and inexpensive. Tubulars are not advised for the general bicyclists. They are thinner, lighter, more expensive, and puncture easily.

Hobby Horse Bicycle

Invented in 1817, two wheels of the same size, no pedals, propelled by feet, steered by leaning.

Derailleur

Enables you to select different gears while pedaling (1930)

Frame

Welded from heavy steel. Come in different sizes, shapes, and determine the quality of the bike.

Mountain Bike

26-inch wheels with wide, all-terrain tires, front and/or rear suspensions to absorb bumps, which helps to control the bicycle through very rough terrain.

Cranks

Alloy and cotterless [ ] are used on better quality bikes.

Toe Clips

An accessory that enables the rider to pull up as well as push down with each pedal stroke.

Helmet

An accessory that protects ones head.

Saddle

Another name for the seat

Brakes

Center or side-pull caliper [ ] are good on derailleur bikes. Pedal [ ] brakes are used on one-speed models.

Fit

Most important consideration in choosing a bicycle

Road Bike

Narrow tires, aerodynamic riding position, generally higher gearing. For riding on pavement but can handle ocassional dirt road. Best choice for long distances.

Chain-driven Rear-wheel

One of the most important innovations in the development of the bicycle (1885)

pneumatic tires

Rubber tires filled with air, invented by John Boyd Dunlop. Provide a Smoother ride than the previously used hard-rubber tires.

Pedals

Rubber tread are the cheapest. Metal or thing cage allow the use of toe clips.

Maintenance

Safety check/tune-up on bikes to reduce the number of times the bike breaks down

Tour de France

The Tour is the largest event in the cycling world. The 21 stage race varies its course each year, but always includes super-fast time trials, testing mountain climbs, and finishing in Paris.

Helmet should be approved by ANSI

The first Helmet Guideline

Race Across America

The longest continuous race in the world. This high-endurance test starts in California and ends on the East Coast, usually in Georgia or South Carolina. It covers about 3000 miles. Solo riders ride for over 23 hours a day.

The helmet must fit you well

The second Helmet Guideline

The helmet must have a round, smooth exterior with no snag points

The third Helmet Guideline

City Bike

These bikes feature on/off road tires, an upright riding position, and wide range gearing. These are great all around bikes.

Recreational Bike

These bikes have fat tires with a smoother tread that helps reduce rolling resistance. They are equipped with a shock absorber under the seat and an adjustable handlebar

Handlebars

They come in dropped or raised styles. Upright ones are more comfortable and allow the cyclist to see well. Dropped ones take shock off the rider's spine and weight off the seat.

Wheels

They consist of hubs, spokes, rims, and tires. There are several different versions.

Cruiser Bike

This bike offers the most upright position, laid-back handlebars, and wide, smooth tires. Some models come with a four-speed internal rear hub that allows for a wider range of gearing.

Race Bike

This bike's emphasis is on speed and performance. They are light, fast, strong, and easy to handle.

Vuelta a España

This is also a 21-day 2,00 mile race. It is one of the youngest grand tour races only having been run since 1935. Late in the professional season. It has often been where emerging stars appear to medal.

Amgen Tour of California

This is an 8-day, 750 mile race in the foothills of the Sierra. This race happens at the same time as the Giro, so many of the sprinters choose this race instead. There aren't as many mountain stages in this race as compared to the Giro.

Chin strap

You must fasten your [ ] snugly so that your helmet does not fall off