bend-ing
Verb
The act of turning the bike in a corner or curve.
Example usage: I love the feeling of bending around the corners of the track.
Most used in: Cycling circles around the world.
Most used by: Cyclists of all levels and disciplines.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Camber, Lean, Cornering, Banked Turn,
What is Bending in Cycling?
Bending is a term used in the cycling world to describe a technique used to reduce the rider’s surface area to the wind while cycling. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as tucking the elbows and shoulders in towards the body, or leaning forward and down while riding. The goal of bending is to reduce the amount of drag the rider experiences while cycling, as drag increases with the surface area of the body exposed to the wind.
Bending can be seen in professional cycling races, where riders often “bunch up” in order to benefit from the slipstream of the rider in front. This can result in a decrease in drag of up to 40%, allowing the riders to conserve energy and maintain a higher speed. This technique is often used in mass start races, such as criteriums, and is also employed by time trialists in order to maximize their speed and performance.
The benefits of bending can be seen in the sport of cycling, as riders are able to conserve energy and maintain a higher speed. This technique can be employed by both recreational and professional cyclists, and is an essential skill for anyone looking to improve their performance on the bike.
The History of “Bending” in Cycling
The term “bending” in the context of cycling is thought to have originated in the early 1900s in the United Kingdom. It was used to refer to the act of riding a bicycle with one’s feet off the pedals, either to gain more speed or to show off. This was usually done on a tandem bicycle, with the rider in front balancing on the handlebars and the rider in back pedaling.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the term “bending” gained popularity in the United States. It was used to describe a stunt in which one cyclist would ride a bicycle with their feet off the pedals and another cyclist would ride behind them, holding onto the back of the bike. This stunt was often done in front of large crowds, and it was considered a daring and risky maneuver.
Today, the term “bending” is still used to describe the act of riding a bicycle with one’s feet off the pedals. However, it is no longer considered a stunt or a risky maneuver. Instead, it is seen as a skill that can be mastered and used to gain an edge in competitive cycling. It is also a popular form of recreation for many cyclists.