AY Honors/Cycling - Advanced/Answer Key
1. Have the Cycling Honor.
2. Describe how to select the correct frame size, handlebar, assemblying, and saddle height to fit one's body size.
3. Describe briefly all the desirable features of a bicycle used for long distance touring.
4. Take apart, clean, and reassemble the bearings in the front and rear wheels, head set, and bottom brackets.
5. True a rear wheel, making sure it is properly dished.
6. Select the front and rear sprockets combination that would give the best results under the following conditions:
a. Riding in hilly terrain
b. Touring with packs on the bicycle
c. Riding in level country
7. Explain how the riding characteristics of a bicycle are affected by:
a. The geometry of the bicycle frame including:
(1) Head and seat tube angles
(2) Fork rate
(3) Chain stay length
(4) Bottom bracket height
(5) Wheel base length
b. The kind of wheels used including:
(1) Clincher or tubular tires
(2) Small or large frame hubs
(3) Number of spokes used on each wheel
(4) Number of spokes each spoke crosses
8. Make a list of desirable equipment items to be taken on a multi-day bicycle tour, including shelter and cooking equipment.
9. Know safety precautions to observe while bicycling.
10. What are the advantages of drafting? Know how to safely and properly draft.
Drafting (or slipstreaming) is a technique where two vehicles or objects align in a close group to reduce the overall effect of drag by using the lead object's slipstream. When high speeds are involved, drafting can significantly reduce the group's average energy expenditure needed to keep a certain speed and can slightly reduce the energy used by the lead vehicle or object.
Drafting is used to reduce wind resistance and is seen most commonly in bicycle racing, car racing, and speed skating, though drafting is occasionally used even in cross-country skiing and running. Some forms of triathlon allow drafting. Drafting occurs in swimming as well, both in open-water races (occurring in natural bodies of water) and in traditional races in competition pools. In a competition pool, a swimmer may hug the lane line that separates him/her from a swimmer of whom s/he is abaft, thereby taking advantage of the liquid slipstream in the other swimmer's wake.
In cycling, the main (largest) group of tightly packed cyclists in a race is called a peloton, while cyclists riding in straight-line formation, each (but the first) drafting behind the one in front of him, is called a pace line.
Drafting can be cooperative, in which several competitors take turns in the lead position (which requires the most effort and energy consumption). Or, it can be competitive or tactical, where one competitor will try to stay closely behind another leaving him or her more energy for a break-away push to the finish line.
Cyclists drafting
Canadian Geese drafting in V formation
Stock cars drafting
