Biking - English

Describing Bike Rides and Routes

When talking about bike rides, you might mention your favorite route, joining a biking community, or experiencing a unique biking culture. Urban environments often feature a cycling lane, cycling path, or even a whole cycling map to help you plan. You might commute to work by bike or simply go for a bike ride to burn calories and get a workout. For more adventure, mountain biking offers scenic views and trails, sometimes with obstacles. Following the helmet law and respecting traffic laws avoids breaking the law and reduces risk of injury.

Examples:

• I usually take the scenic route through the park.
• Urban cycling is great for my daily commute.
• The biking community in this city is very active.
• My favorite route includes a long cycling path by the river.
• Good signage helps cyclists navigate public roads safely.

Describing Bike Paths and Trails

Bike trails can be made of asphalt, concrete, or gravel. A winding path in a wooded area can be more scenic. You’ll often encounter a crosswalk at an intersection, with railings, signage, and sometimes a signal to improve safety. On a ride, you might need to coast, pedal, stop, push off, or even slide if the path is slippery.

Examples:

• The trail through the forest has gravel and is sometimes slippery after rain.
• Always watch for signals and signage at crossings and intersections.
• There is a concrete cycling path running next to the river.
• Bike trails often have railings near steeper areas.
• Boardwalk sections can be slippery if you try to stop too quickly.

Naming Types of Bicycles

There are many kinds of bikes: a standard bicycle, a lightweight road bike, a rugged mountain bike, a versatile hybrid bike, and a fast street bike.

Examples:

• I use a mountain bike for trail rides.
• A road bike is best for riding fast on pavement.
• Hybrid bikes are great for a mix of city and trail riding.

Describing Bicycle Parts

Key parts of a bike include the frame, handlebars, saddle or seat, pedals, and wheels. For shifting, you use gears, a derailleur, shifters, and a chainring. Braking involves the brake, brake pads, and cables. Other components are the bell, reflectors, and tires.

Examples:

• My bike’s chain keeps slipping off the chainring.
• The handlebars need to be aligned with the front wheel.
• Brake pads should be checked and replaced if worn down.

Describing Bicycle Maintenance and Repairs

Basic bike maintenance means you clean, check, and adjust the bike. Tools include an air pump, wrenches, multitool, needle nose pliers, hex wrenches, screwdrivers, and a torque wrench. Fixing a puncture requires a puncture repair kit. To maintain your drivetrain, you might need grease, oil, and a chain tool.

Examples:

• I use a hex wrench to adjust the saddle height.
• Always carry a multitool and spare tube on long rides.
• Use a pump to inflate tires before every ride.

Describing the Act of Biking

When biking, you mount the bike, start pedaling, balance, and sometimes accelerate or decelerate. You might coast, glide, do a wheelie, or turn corners. It's also possible to crash, fall, or skid on sharp turns. To go faster or slower, you can increase or slow down your speed.

Examples:

• Don’t forget to slow down before sharp turns.
• I like to spin up to top speed on straight sections of the road.
• Learning to balance is essential before you start biking on public roads.

Describing Bicycle Accessories

Common bike accessories include a helmet, lights, tail light, backlight, speedometer, lock, pump, kickstand, saddle bag, basket, water bottle, bottle cage, and reflector tape. For storage, you might use a back rack or a bag.

Examples:

• Always use front and tail lights for visibility after dark.
• Attach a bottle holder to keep water handy.
• I keep my repair kit in the saddle bag.

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