Your BFF Glossary to Mountain Bike Terms

The Jargon is Real. We Got You.

Our in-depth glossary is here to equip you with the knowledge you need, minus the fluff. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned rider, this guide cuts through the noise, providing insights into bike components, riding styles, and the gear that matters. Let’s rip it, gals! 🤘 

Categories: bike components | types of bikes | riding styles | tricks/technical | nutrition/fitness | gear | tools | cleaning | weird shit you'll hear | miscellaneous |

Bike Components:

• Frame: The main structural component of the bike, typically made of materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, or steel.

• Fork: The front suspension component that absorbs shocks and impacts.

• Shock: The rear suspension component that absorbs shocks and impacts.

• Headset: The bearing system that connects the fork to the frame, allowing for steering.

• Handlebar: The horizontal bar that the rider holds onto for steering.

• Stem: Connects the handlebar to the fork steerer tube.

• Grips: Rubber or foam coverings on the handlebar for a comfortable grip.

• Brakes:

• Disc Brakes: Braking system that uses a disc rotor attached to the wheel hub.

• Rim Brakes: Braking system that uses friction pads against the wheel rims.

• Derailleur: A component that moves the chain between different gears on the cassette.

• Cassette: The cluster of gears on the rear wheel.

• Chainring: The front gear(s) attached to the crankset.

• Crankset: The set of cranks, chainrings, and bottom bracket that connects the pedals to the bike.

• Pedals:

• Flat Pedals: Simple platform pedals.

• Clipless Pedals: Pedals that require special cycling shoes with cleats for attachment.

• Bottom Bracket: The bearing system that connects the crankset to the frame.

• Hub: The center of the wheel containing bearings for rotation.

• Spokes: Connect the hub to the rim, providing support and strength to the wheel.

• Rim: The outer circular part of the wheel that holds the tire.

• Tire:

• Tread: The pattern on the outer surface that contacts the ground.

• Casing: The body of the tire that holds the air.

• Tube: The inflatable inner part of the tire.

• Tubeless: A tire system without an inner tube, with sealant to prevent punctures.

• Dropper Post: A seatpost with adjustable height controlled by a lever on the handlebar.

Types of Bikes:

• Hardtail: A mountain bike with front suspension only, lacking rear suspension.

• Full Suspension (FS): A mountain bike with both front and rear suspension.

• Mountain Bike: A general term for bikes designed for off-road use.

• Dirt Jumping Bike: Specialized bike for performing jumps and tricks on dirt tracks.

• Cross Country (XC) Bike: Designed for covering long distances with varied terrain.

• Enduro Bike: A bike suitable for enduro riding, a blend of downhill and cross-country.

• Trail Bike: A versatile bike designed for general trail riding.

Riding Styles:

• Downhill (DH): Riding focused on descending steep, technical terrain.

• Cross Country (XC): Riding focused on covering long distances with varied terrain.

• Enduro: A style of riding that combines elements of downhill and cross-country.

• Singletrack: Narrow trails designed for one bike at a time.

• Dirt Jumping: Riding bikes on purpose-built jumps, often involving tricks.

• Pump Track: A looped trail with banked turns and rollers for riding without pedaling.

Tricks/Technical Skills:

• Wheelie: Lifting the front wheel off the ground while riding.

• Bunny Hop: A maneuver where both wheels are lifted off the ground simultaneously.

• Manual: Lifting the front wheel and riding on the rear wheel only.

• Drop: A sudden change in elevation, often requiring the rider to jump off the edge.

• Gap Jump: A jump where there's a gap between the takeoff and landing.

• Berms: Banked turns on a trail.

• Technical Riding: Refers to challenging and complex trail features.

Nutrition/Fitness:

• Bonk: The state of hitting the wall due to energy depletion during a ride.

• Electrolytes: Minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium that play a crucial role in maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

• Hydration Pack: A backpack-like system with a built-in water reservoir, often used by mountain bikers to carry water during rides.

• Water Bottle Cage: A holder on the bike frame designed to carry a water bottle.

• Hydration: The process of consuming fluids to maintain optimal body function, especially important during physical activities like mountain biking.

• Hydration Bladder: A flexible, collapsible water reservoir often used in hydration packs.

• Sports Drink: A beverage formulated to replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates lost during physical activity.

• Energy Gel: A concentrated, easily digestible gel containing carbohydrates, electrolytes, and sometimes caffeine for quick energy during rides.

• Energy Bar: A portable snack bar designed to provide a quick source of energy, often containing a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.

• Recovery Drink: A beverage consumed after a ride to replenish glycogen stores and assist in muscle recovery, usually containing protein and carbohydrates.

• Carbohydrates: A primary source of energy for physical activities, including biking. Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy.

• Protein: Essential for muscle repair and recovery after strenuous rides.

• Pre-Ride Nutrition: Consuming a balanced meal or snack before a ride to provide the necessary energy and nutrients.

• Post-Ride Nutrition: Refueling the body with a combination of carbohydrates and protein after a ride to aid recovery.

• Calories: The unit of measurement for energy derived from food and drinks. Proper calorie intake is crucial for sustained energy during mountain biking.

• Caffeine: A stimulant found in some sports drinks, gels, and bars, known for its potential to enhance endurance and reduce perceived exertion.

• Nutrition Plan: A personalized strategy outlining when and what to eat and drink before, during, and after rides.

• Electrolyte Replacement: Replenishing the body's electrolyte levels, which can be depleted through sweat during intense rides.

• Carbohydrate Loading: Increasing carbohydrate intake in the days leading up to a long or intense ride to maximize glycogen stores.

• Bonk: A state of extreme fatigue and exhaustion due to insufficient glycogen stores during prolonged or intense rides.

• Glycogen: The stored form of glucose in muscles and the liver, providing a readily available energy source during exercise.

• Dehydration: The loss of body fluids, often through sweating, without adequate replenishment, leading to performance decline and potential health risks.

• Hypertonic, Hypotonic, Isotonic Drinks: Different types of sports drinks with varying concentrations of electrolytes and carbohydrates, suitable for different hydration needs.

• Thermoregulation: The body's ability to regulate its temperature during physical activity, impacted by hydration and electrolyte balance.

Gear:

• Chamois: Padded cycling shorts for added comfort during rides.

• Chain Guide: A device to prevent the chain from derailing.

• Cleats: Attachments for clipless pedals that connect cycling shoes to the pedals.

• Helmet: Essential for safety, protecting your head in case of falls or accidents.

• Cycling Shorts: Often padded (chamois) for comfort during long rides, with moisture-wicking material.

• Cycling Jersey: Lightweight and breathable, designed to wick away sweat and keep you cool.

• Gloves: Provide grip, protect your hands, and absorb shock during rides.

• Cycling Shoes: Designed for efficiency in pedaling, often compatible with clipless pedal systems.

• Eye Protection: Sunglasses or clear lenses protect your eyes from dirt, debris, and UV rays.

• Knee Pads and Elbow Pads: Provide protection in case of falls or crashes.

• Arm Warmers and Leg Warmers: Can be added or removed depending on the weather.

• Windproof/Waterproof Jacket: Protects against wind and rain, especially during unpredictable weather.

• Hydration Pack or Water Bottles: Essential for staying hydrated during rides. A hydration pack is a backpack with a built-in water reservoir.

• Cycling Socks: Moisture-wicking, breathable socks to keep your feet comfortable.

• Gaiters or Shin Guards: Protect lower legs from trail debris and brush.

• Cycling Glasses: Provide eye protection, reduce glare, and enhance visibility.

• Neck Gaiter or Buff: Offers additional protection for your neck and face.

• Base Layer: Moisture-wicking and breathable layer to regulate body temperature.

• Rain Pants: Waterproof pants to keep you dry during wet conditions.

• Full-Fingered Gloves: Provide additional protection and grip, suitable for cooler weather.

• Mountain Biking Specific Jersey and Shorts: Some riders prefer loose-fitting jerseys and shorts for a more casual feel.

• Body Armor: Additional protection for the chest, back, and spine.

• Hat or Cycling Cap: Provides shade and helps keep sweat out of your eyes.

Tools: 

Essential Tools:

• Multi-Tool: Compact tool with various functions, including Allen wrenches and screwdrivers.

• Allen Wrench Set: Hex keys for adjusting various bike components.

• Screwdrivers: Flathead and Phillips for various screws and adjustments.

• Tire Levers: Helps remove the tire from the rim.

• Chain Breaker: Tool for removing and installing chain links.

• Pump: For inflating tires.

• Tube Patch Kit: For repairing punctured inner tubes.

• Chain Lube: Lubricates the bike chain to reduce friction.

• Torque Wrench: Ensures proper tightening of bolts to recommended specifications.

• Pedal Wrench: Specialized wrench for removing and installing pedals.

Maintenance Tools:

• Bike Stand: Holds the bike off the ground for easier maintenance.

• Cable Cutter: Trims brake and derailleur cables cleanly.

• Chain Whip: Holds the cassette in place for removing the lockring.

• Cassette Lockring Tool: Removes the cassette lockring for cassette removal.

• Bottom Bracket Tool: For installing and removing bottom bracket cups.

• Chain Checker: Measures chain wear to determine if it needs replacement.

• Spoke Wrench: Adjusts tension in the spokes.

• Headset Press: Used for installing and removing headset cups.

• Crown Race Setter: Installs the crown race onto the fork.

• Bearing Press: For installing and removing frame bearings.

Advanced/Specific Tools:

• Suspension Pump: For adjusting air pressure in suspension forks and shocks.

• Chainring Nut Tool: Removes and installs chainring nuts.

• Hydraulic Brake Bleed Kit: For bleeding hydraulic disc brakes.

• Dropper Post Cable/Fluid Kit: For maintenance and bleeding of dropper seatposts.

• Torx Wrench Set: For Torx-head bolts found on some bike components.

Cleaning and Lubrication:

• Brush Set: For cleaning various parts of the bike.

• Degreaser: Removes grease and grime.

• Chain Cleaning Device: Cleans the chain efficiently.

• Grease: Lubricates threaded parts and bearings.

Weird Shit You’ll Hear (or Say 😏) 

• Shred it!

• Send it!

• Trail time!

• Let's rip!

• Gear up and roll out!

• Saddle up!

• Full gas!

• Hit the dirt!

• Dropping in!

• Time to flow!

• Slay the trail!

• Braap 

• Charge the hills!

• Get your stoke on!

• Keep the rubber side down!

• Nice jorts

• Crank it up!

• Trail therapy starts now!

• (inaudible laughing giggles) from high stoke

• High pitched laughter 

• Brahhhh

• Suhhhh

Miscellaneous:

• Zip Ties: For securing cables and various components.

• Rag or Shop Towels: For cleaning and wiping down the bike.

• LBS: local bike shop

This glossary, covering everything from bike components to trail-shredding techniques, empowers riders with the language to navigate the trails confidently. As you gear up and embrace these terms, you're not just riding; you're conquering the terrain, sending it with purpose, and experiencing the sheer joy that comes with understanding the language of the trail.

Ride on, babes. XOX