Axle:
The shaft on which the wheel revolves.
 
 
Bead:
The outside edge of a tire, which is stiffened by a wire.
 
 
Berm:
An embankment on a track built up on the outside of a turn to create curve.
 
 
BMX:
Abbreviation for bicycle motocross. BMX indicates a style of bike and a kind of race or competition.
 
 
Bottom Bracket:
The mechanism at the bottom of the bicycle frame which holds the spindle and crank.
 
 
Brake Shoe:
A rubber pad which stops the brake by pressing the tire's rim, creating friction.
 
 
Brakes:
Any bicycle braking system which works by opening and closing two brake shoes on the tire's rim in a clamping motion, like jaws.
 
 
Brake Lever:
A lever mounted to the handlebar used for activating the brake by pulling the cable.
 
 
Cables:
Steel wires braided into cables and sometimes covered with a plastic coating. Cables are used to connect the brake levers to the brakes.
 
 
Calliper Brakes:
A braking system that is centrally mounted to the frame. Two arms with spring mechanisms to provide the movement at the brake pads to the rim.
 
 
Cantilever Brakes:
A dual post mounted brake where the brake spring is connected to the post.
 
 
Chain Stays:
The part of the bicycle frame that runs parallel to the chain. It connects the bottom bracket to the rear dropouts.
 
 
Chain Wheel:
A one piece front gear. The chain wheel is attached to the bottom bracket and crank.
 
 
Crank:
The L-shaped metal arm to which the pedals are attached.
 
 
Down Tube:
Part of the bicycle frame which slants downward at an angle. It runs from the head tube to the bottom bracket.
 
 
Dropouts:
Small, slotted openings which hold the front and rear wheel axels. On many bikes the dropouts do not appear to be separate parts. They are merely the openings at the ends of two other frame sections; the seat stays and the front fork.
 
 
Endo:
When the front wheel of a bike is stopped and the rider falls over the front of the handlebars.
 
 
Fork:
The double-pronged section of the frame which holds the front wheel.
 
 
Freewheel:
A one piece rear gear that allows the rider to back-pedal. Bearings are built in.
 
 
Gear Ratio:
A number which indicate the relationship between two gears and tells you how much work a particular combination of gears will do.
 
 
Gusset:
A triangle o reinforcing steel located between the top and down tubes on your bike. A brace that reinforces frame tubing junctions.
 
 
Gyro:
A device that enables you to spin the handlebars a full 360 degrees without cable interference.
 
 
Head Tube:
Short vertical tube at the very front or "head" of the bike. The front fork fits inside the head tube.
 
 
Hole Shot:
Taking the lead position out of the starting gate and going into the first turn.
 
 
Hub:
Cylinder which holds the axle of each wheel.
 
 
Linear Brakes:
A particular type of brake that utilizes a side or linear pull system in which it requires a v-type or linear lever. This system offers the most braking force available. Generally used by racers.
 
 
Manual:
The act of riding a wheelie without pedaling.
 
 
Moto:
A single racing heat.
 
 
Motocross:
Originally a cross-country motorcycle race, the term is now also used to describe BMX bike races held on dirt tracks.
 
 
Rhythm Section:
A series of jumps or rollers back to back on a track that pose as an obstacle.
 
 
Roller:
An obstacle on a track that is rolled over as opposed to being jumped.
 
 
Saddle:
Another name for the bicycle seat.
 
 
Seat Stays:
Section of the frame which runs from the seat tube to the rear wheel dropouts.
 
 
Sew-ups:
A type of tire which is actually sewn around the tube. Also called tubular tires. These are mostly used for youth racers.
 
 
Seat Post:
The tube which holds the seat and goes into the frame.
 
 
Stem:
The part connected to the forks that holds the handlebars. Sometimes referred to as a Gooseneck.
 
 
Step-up:
A jump in which the landing is elevated above the launch.
 
 
Sprocket:
Same as a chain wheel. OR Either the front or rear gear assembly.
 
 
Tabletop:
A jump on the track that is completely level or flat all the way across it from the lip to the landing.
 
 
Top Tube:
The top horizontal tube on a bicycle frame, between your head tube and seat tube.
 
 
U-Brake:
A U-shaped center pull brake that uses a ratcheting spring tension system. Generally more of a freestyle brake.