AY-uhr
Noun
A jump where the wheels leave the ground.
Example usage: Let's see who can do the biggest air off this jump!
Most used in: Mountain biking and BMX.
Most used by: Experienced cyclists looking for a thrill.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 6/10
Also see: in your responseAerodynamics, Wind Resistance, Drag, Headwind,
What is Air in Cycling?
Air is a term used in cycling to describe the suspension of a bicycle. Suspension is a system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connect a bicycle frame to its wheels. It is designed to absorb the shocks and vibrations from the terrain and make the ride more comfortable for the rider.
Suspension is a key factor in the performance of a bicycle. It allows for greater control over the terrain and helps to reduce fatigue for the rider by absorbing the impact of the road. Suspension can also help to improve the traction and stability of a bicycle, allowing it to maintain a better grip on the ground.
In modern mountain bikes, air is the most commonly used suspension system. Air suspension is lighter and more adjustable than other suspension systems, making it ideal for mountain biking. Air suspension can be adjusted to suit the terrain and rider preference, allowing for a more personalized riding experience.
Air suspension is becoming increasingly popular in the cycling world and is now used on a wide range of bicycles, from mountain bikes to road bikes. According to the National Bicycle Dealer Association, air suspension is the most popular suspension system in the U.S. with an estimated 70 percent of all bicycles using air suspension.
.The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Air'
The term 'Air' has been used in the cycling industry since the early 2000s. It is believed to have originated in the United States, specifically in the mountain bike scene. The term is used to describe the amount of suspension travel available in a mountain bike.
The term is believed to have been first used in the early 2000s by the mountain bike manufacturer, Specialized, when they introduced their first full suspension mountain bike, the Stumpjumper FSR. The Stumpjumper FSR was the first mountain bike to feature adjustable suspension travel, and Specialized referred to the travel as 'Air'.
Since then, the term 'Air' has been used to describe the adjustable suspension travel in mountain bikes and other cycling products. It is a widely used term in the cycling industry, and is now recognized as a standard term for describing the adjustable suspension travel in a bike.
