Vocabulary question

[SnappyPix]

Originally Posted by Lise
I know how to shift. I just don't know which is called "down" and which is "up" shifting. Is it "down" shifting to make it easier for the wheels to go around, and "up" shifting when you have to work harder? This maybe the dumbest question yet in this thread!

I always remember it by the expression "top gear". When I'm in my top gear, I'm flying on the flat and in my biggest chainring at the front - changing up to top gear means it's getting harder, changing down means it's getting easier.
Works for me, but has probably confused everyone else!

[SnappyPix]

I think that 'bidon' (water bottle) is used in English (as opposed to American).

Unless this is used in pure racing circles, I must admit that I've never heard water bottles referred to as bidons in general conversation in the UK.

Incidentally, found this very good site with a glossary of terms:
http://www.torelli.com/raceinfo/glossary.html

[DirtDiva]

Yea, Fred can be said insultingly... but the recipient gets to choose whether or not to be insulted. I have great respect for Freds. I'd like to become a Frieda...

I believe it was etablished in a previous thread that the correct feminine derivative of "Fred" is "Fredwina."

[arnaew]

[QUOTE=SnappyPix]Unless this is used in pure racing circles, I must admit that I've never heard water bottles referred to as bidons in general conversation in the UK.

Bidon is very commonly used in Australia. And here, we also tend to bonk in private. If you know what I mean.
A

[profàvélo]

Unless this is used in pure racing circles, I must admit that I've never heard water bottles referred to as bidons in general conversation in the UK.

Incidentally, found this very good site with a glossary of terms:
http://www.torelli.com/raceinfo/glossary.html

It was used in a book (_French Revolutions_) written by a British guy, definitely not a racer, so that's what made me think it might be generally used there. Oh, well...

[profàvélo]

[QUOTE=arnaew]

Unless this is used in pure racing circles, I must admit that I've never heard water bottles referred to as bidons in general conversation in the UK.

Bidon is very commonly used in Australia. And here, we also tend to bonk in private. If you know what I mean.
A

I almost died laughing when one of my riding buddies claimed, in all seriousness, that she had boinked on a long ride. I wanted to ask how she had managed such a feat, but instead, I just said, "Um, I think you mean 'bonk'..."

[Quillfred]

[QUOTE=Eden

So a "Fred" became a derogatory term for people who aren't cool - they don't have all the latest gear, fanciest bike, hairy legs, whatever, but watch out for Fred, cause he just might dust you.....[/QUOTE]


Well, as a QuillFRED, I can relate to most of that--still waiting to dust the "A"s

I actually find it kind of cool when I get dusted my a nerdy-looking guy with jeans on, a beater bike, etc. Reminds me of a good pool hustler. I might add that I've still plenty of momentum to gain. I did have a younger patient set me straight re: not wearing team jerseys if you're not a member, or nowhere near being a member.

[RoadRaven]

I have never heard of "bidon" before - but my partner has - says it is used all the time in tour de France coverage (shows how closely I listen to the commentators, huh?) - apparently its a French word??

[Duck on Wheels]

I did have a younger patient set me straight re: not wearing team jerseys if you're not a member, or nowhere near being a member.

Well then why do they friggin' sell them if we're not supposed to wear them?!?!?! Just to separate out us dummies who don't know enough not to break the "rules"?

I think my unobtainable but worth-striving-for goal will be to become a Fredwina the Athena.

[DirtDiva]

Rotflmao!!!

[KnottedYet]

Oh! Oh! We need team jerseys that say that!

(if it's an imaginary team, are we allowed to wear the jerseys? What would Style Man say?)

[Duck on Wheels]

Oh! Oh! We need team jerseys that say that!

(if it's an imaginary team, are we allowed to wear the jerseys? What would Style Man say?)

That say what? The Fredwina Athena Phantasy Bike Club? I'd buy one. Hey, Trek420 -- you following this thread? And if so, any ideas for the graphics?