A style of off road riding that incorporates many different types of terrain. This style of riding focuses on being able handle very rough riding, while still being able to climb efficiently.

When the chain jams and bunches up while riding. Usually caused by muddy conditions or worn chain rings.

A pedal that clips into the sole of a rider’s shoe. Rotating the foot unclips the shoe from the pedal. Using clipless pedals allows the rider to pull up with his/her legs as well as push down. This creates a more efficient pedal stroke.

A component on the bike that the pedal is attached to. This transfers your pedal power to the chain.

A style of off road riding that incorporates many different types of terrain with a focus on endurance and climbing. The lightest bikes are the best for this style.

The rate at which suspension will compress. Could be expressed in terms such as ‘soft’ or ‘hard’.

The component that changes the gears on your bike, front and back.

A replaceable component that attaches the rear derailleur to the frame.

Can be hydraulic or mechanical. These brakes are mounted near the center of each wheel. The disc is on the hub of the wheel and the brake is secured to the frame.

A style of riding that focuses on getting from the top of a hill to the bottom as quickly as possible and usually involves jumps and drops. A long travel, dual-suspension bike is required for this style of riding.

aka Full Suspension, Soft-tail or Dually: A bike with both front and rear suspension.

A ledge that can be ridden off. A drop to flat ground isn’t considered to be very good for your bike.

This type of riding is generally associated with long distance riding, 50 – 100km of off road track.

A style that incorporates jumps and drops when riding. It is considered a more extreme style of riding that usually requires a full suspension bike with lots of travel and a very strong frame.

The component on the front of a mountain bike that attaches and steers the front wheel. Most forks have suspension built into them. A rigid fork has no suspension.

A component of the bike that connects the front fork to the frame and allows it to steer.

A bike without rear suspension.

The center of the wheel. This component connects the wheel with the frame.

The ability to lock the suspension on a mountain bike. Locking the suspension means that it will not compress.

A small tool to be carried with the rider during a ride. A multi-tool will usually be able to perform basic mountain bike adjustments.

This is when the tube pinches against the rim and results in a puncture.

The compression of the suspension that results when the rider sits on the bike. It is important to have the right amount of preload for the suspension to function efficiently.

Tyre inflation measurement. The tyre inflation amount will be printed on each tyre.

The component that controls the rear suspension of a bike.

The rate at which suspension will return to its normal position after being compressed. Fast rebound can result in a pogo like effect where as slow rebound can cause you to wallow in the suspension. Tune it to suit you.

The ability to lock the front or rear suspension using a leaver on the handlebar.

The part of the wheel that the tyre attaches to.

A component on a bike located near the grips on the handlebar of the bike. The shifter is what you use to change the gears on a bike.

The part of the frame that runs from the seat post down to the cranks. The seat tube, with adjustments from the seat post, will determine the height of the bike.

A narrow trail with room to ride single file.

The clearance between the top of the frame and the rider’s crotch while standing on the ground.

The rear part of a dual suspension frame that moves when the suspension is compressed.

The part of the frame that runs from the headset to the seat post. This part determines how long the bike will be and how far you will have to reach for the handlebars. It is important to get this size right. Make sure you talk to your bike shop and test the bike.

The amount of suspension front forks or rear shocks have. E.g. 130mm of travel.