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Aerodynamic drag: the force exerted on an object in motion relative to the air it is moving through.

Caliper brakes:
a brake consisting of two brake blocks which are drawn towards each other through a central pivot and which grip the rim of the wheel.

Chainring:
a large toothed ring (part of the chainset) that drives the chain via the pedals and cranks.

Chainset:
the setup comprising the chainwheels, chainring, chain and rear sprocket.

Cogwheel:
a less commonly used term for a sprocket.

Cranks:
arms which drive the chainwheels. Cranks are bolted to the crankshaft.

Crankshaft:
axle to which the cranks are attached.

Derailleur:
mechanism which moves the chain from one chainring or sprocket to another.

Fatigue life:
time taken to weaken a material subjected to stress

Finite elemental modelling (FEM):
data used to model a particular property using computer software, for example, analysing load throughout the monocoque structure.

Flush mounted instrumentation:
instrumentation is positioned evenly or level with the surface to avoid aerodynamic drag.

Frps: Fibre reinforced plastics. Thermosetting plastic composite usually combining a resin with a fibre reinforcement such as glass filament or carbon fibre.

Gear:
mechanism on a bike that changes its rate of motion; low gears make it harder to pedal, while high gears make it easier.

Modal analysis:
a tool for non-destructive inspection and quality control.

Monocoque:
a hollow shell frame with no additional core material.
(mono: one; coque: shell)

Optimisation:
process of enhancing or capitalising on the best features or qualities.

Spokes:
arms inside a wheel rim that link the hub to the wheel rim.

Sprocket:
rear cog, normally a smaller toothed ring, which fits onto the rear wheel; also called a cog or cogwheel.

Tooling:
the equipment for a particular job.

Track bike:
bike with a 'fixed' single-speed gear and no brakes.

Validated:
confirmed or substantiated.

Velodrome:
banked bicycle racing track.


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