Barnstormer

A cyclist who travels from town to town competing in races

From the 19th century term "barnstorming", which referred to traveling performers who would put on shows in barns and other rural venues.

Bib

A sleeveless, collarless garment that is worn over a cycling jersey

From the French word "biberon", which means "feeding bottle". The bib was originally designed to keep the jersey from flapping in the wind, and it was named after the bib on a feeding bottle, which keeps the milk from spilling.

Cadence

The rate at which a cyclist pedals (in revolutions per minute)

From the Latin word "cadere", which means "to fall". Cadence is the rate at which the pedals fall, or cycle, around.

Derailleurs

The mechanisms on a bicycle that change the gears

From the French word "dérailleur", which means "to derail". Derailleurs work by derailing the chain from one gear to another.

Fixie

A bicycle with a fixed gear, meaning that the pedals are always turning, even when the bike is coasting

From the Latin word "fixus", which means "fixed". A fixie is a fixed-gear bicycle, meaning that the gears are fixed and cannot be changed.

Peloton

The main group of riders in a road race

From the French word "peloton", which means "bunch" or "cluster". The peloton is the main group of riders in a road race, and it is typically led by the race favorites.

Sprint

A short, fast race

From the Old English word "springan", which means "to leap". A sprint is a short, fast race, and it typically involves riders sprinting for the finish line.

Trek

A long journey by bicycle

From the Dutch word "trek", which means "pull" or "drag". A trek is a long journey by bicycle, and it typically involves riding over long distances and through challenging terrain.