Cycling involves riding a bicycle and includes various parts that transmit force from the cyclist's pedaling to the rear wheel. The power train includes the chain, cranks, and pedals that connect to the rear gears. Derailleurs allow changing gears to adapt to conditions by moving the chain between sprockets. Competitive cycling includes racing bicycles on roads in stages or sprints and performing acrobatics on bicycles designed for cross-country, downhill, or BMX riding.

1. Cycling<br />Sport practiced on a bicycle.<br />Parts of a bicycle<br />Power train<br />Set of parts (axle, chain wheel, cranks and pedals) transmitting the force exerted by the cyclist on the pedals to the rear wheel.<br />Rear derailleur<br />Mechanism for changing the rear gears by lifting the chain from one gear wheel to another; it allows the cyclist to adapt to road conditions. <br />Front derailleur<br />Mechanism for changing the front gears by lifting the chain from one chain wheel to another; it allows the cyclist to adapt to road conditions. <br />Shifter<br />Lever for changing gears via a cable moving the derailleur. <br />Chain <br />Set of metal links meshing with the sprockets on the chain wheel and gear wheel to transmit the pedaling motion to the rear wheel. <br />Pedal<br />Part attached to a crank that the cyclist rotates to provide the bicycle’s power. <br />Crank <br />Metal part bent at a right angle, supporting a pedal and providing a rotational movement around the pedal’s axle. <br />Chain wheel B <br />Smaller wheel with sprockets that, in combination with the rear gear wheels, decreases the distance of one rotation of the pedal. <br />Bottom bracket axle<br />Tube to which the crank is attached at each end so that one end is up when the other is down. <br />Chain wheel A<br />Larger wheel with sprockets that, in combination with the rear gear wheels, increases the distance of one rotation of the pedal, and therefore the speed of the bicycle. <br />Control cable<br />Wire made of steel strands transmitting the action exerted on the shifter to each derailleur. <br />Freewheel<br />Mechanism attached to the rear-wheel hub allowing it to continue turning when the cyclist stops pedaling. <br />Chain guide<br />Part of the derailleur moving the chain from one chain wheel to the other. <br />Toe clip<br />Metal device attached to the pedals that covers the front of the feet, keeping the feet in the proper position and increasing pedaling power. <br />Jockey rollers<br />Small wheels guiding the chain and keeping it taut while changing gears.<br />Road cycling competition<br />Sport that consists of racing a bicycle on a road for one day or in stages.<br />Event that consists of riding a bicycle a given distance on a road as quickly as possible.<br />Road-racing bicycle and cyclist<br />Road-racing bicycle: bicycle that is designed for speed; it has narrow tires, a lightweight frame and handlebars conducive to an aerodynamic position for the cyclist.<br />Cross-country bicycle and cyclist<br />Cross-country bicycle: relatively small, sturdy bicycle designed for performing acrobatics and competing in competitions on rough terrain.<br />Back suspension <br />Device that dampens vibrations from the wheels; this increases the bicycle’s stability and its grip on the trail. <br />Clipless pedal<br />Pedal with a safety system so that the foot can be attached or detached quickly. <br />Front fork<br />Fork whose air/oil or elastomer suspension provides a controlled ride over rough terrain. <br />Goggles<br />Eyewear with plastic lenses fitted in a frame with arms; it protects the eyes from flying mud, stones and insects<br />Downhill bicycle and cyclist<br />Downhill bicycle: small, very sturdy bicycle for racing on rough ground with steep hills and strewn with obstacles.<br />Pursuit bicycle and racer<br />Pursuit bicycle: bicycle with limited equipment, that is, no brakes, no derailleur (no gears) and no freewheel.<br />BMX<br />Sport that consists of performing freestyle acrobatics using a small, one-speed bicycle.<br />half-pipe<br />Wooden U-shaped track that is set up for performing various acrobatic stunts (such as jumps and slides).<br />