Cycling encyclopedia?

[westtexas]

Is there such a thing as a cycling encyclopedia?

I'm looking into getting a new bike when I have saved up enough money since the frame of my Specialized Dolce Elite is actually too small (bike fitter said I need a 56 and I have a 51). But what I am finding is a lot of words that mean nothing to me but something to people who are "in the know". I would like to be "in the know".

What I am looking for is a breakdown of terms like "triple" or "comp" in reference to bike specs as well as other commonly used cycling terms.

Thanks!

[Bike Writer]

You could start here http://www.sheldonbrown.com/glossary.html. When ever I get in a situation with any kind of specalized lingo for a subject I always ask what the terms mean. Very often sales clerks and people in a specific trade "talk the lingo" and it's not amusing for those who are not on the inside. If you ask often enough they may start to talk to you in laymans terms or explain as they go. It always seems a bit imperious when people do that to inexperienced persons. It certainly isn't customer friendly.

Of course on the other hand when a person comes in to a shop and starts to talk the lingo then it's perfectly fine to get real technical with them. But sales people should recognize the difference. Computer and electronics persons often do this, they forget about the rest of us mere mortals and the uninitiated :p

[HillSlugger]

Sheldon Brown is a great resource but feel free to asking questions here, too. This is exactly what the New Riders forum is for.