Want to sound like a cycling pro, as opposed to a Fred and Doris? (See below!) Then it’s time to brush up on your cycle slang. Here are a few terms to get you started…

Granny gear
Your lowest gear. If granny were riding, this is what she’d be using!

Crank
To pedal like crazy.

Fred and Doris
Newbie cyclists. Brush up on your lingo and you won’t get called this!

Brain bucket
A cycle helmet – your most important piece of gear. It’s a legal requirement to wear a helmet when cycling in New Zealand.

Bonk
Runners hit the wall…cyclists bonk! Complete and utter exhaustion, usually caused by inadequate food and hydration.

Mountain biking terms:

Biff
To crash or take a hard tumble while riding the trail.

Bomb
To ride hard, with little regard for your personal safety.

Chainsuck
When your chain gets snarled between either the chainrings or the crank and the frame.

Pogo
A full suspension bike with plenty of bounce.

Snake bite
A double puncture on a inner tube.

And since a visit to New Zealand might be on the cards, we’d better bring you up to speed with a few choice Kiwi phrases, too:

Jandals
Flipflops or thongs.

Hot chips
French fries

Chips
Crisps

Dairy
Corner shop or store.

Wop-Wops
Middle of nowhere

Bach (pronounced batch)
Holiday home

Long drop
Pit toilet/outhouse. Commonly found when out tramping (walking), and on DoC sites.

Munted
Broken/not working

Togs
Swimwear

Stoked
To be very pleased or excited.

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