Chain-stays
Noun, Plural
The two tubes that connect the bottom bracket to the rear dropouts of a bicycle frame.
Example usage: 'The chainstays of my bike are too long for my style of riding.'
Most used in: Mountain biking and cyclocross.
Most used by: Mountain bikers and cyclocross racers.
Popularity: 8
Comedy Value: 4
Also see: Chainstay, Rear Triangle, Drivestay, Seatstay,
What are Chainstays?
Chainstays are the two tubes that run from the bottom of the bike frame to the rear wheel axle. They play an important role in the design of a bicycle frame, as they are responsible for transferring the pedaling forces from the rider to the rear wheel. The chainstays are usually positioned close to the bottom bracket, and they help keep the chain tensioned between the front and rear sprockets.
The length of the chainstays affects the handling of the bike, as a longer chainstay will make it more stable and a shorter chainstay will make it more agile. On average, road bikes usually have chainstays between 410 and 420 millimeters long, while mountain bikes usually have chainstays between 420 and 440 millimeters long. A longer chainstay will provide more traction, but at the expense of maneuverability.
The material the chainstays are made of also affects the bike’s performance. Steel chainstays are heavier and provide greater stiffness and durability, while aluminum chainstays are lighter and provide more flexibility. Carbon fiber chainstays are the lightest and most rigid of the three materials, but they are also the most expensive.
Chainstays are an essential component of a bicycle frame, and they play a major role in the performance of the bike. They affect the handling and traction of the bike, as well as the overall weight. The material the chainstays are made of can also have an impact on the bike’s performance. Therefore, it is important to choose the right chainstay for your bike to ensure the best possible performance.
.The Origin of the Term 'Chainstays' in Cycling
The term 'chainstays' was first used in the bicycle industry during the late 1800s in Europe. It was used to describe the two parallel tubes that connect the bottom bracket to the rear wheel dropouts. The chainstays are also referred to as 'chainstay tubes' or 'stays' for short.
The chainstays are important components of the bicycle frame, as they provide stability and support to the rear wheel. Additionally, they house the rear derailleur and the chain, which is responsible for transferring power from the pedals to the rear wheel.
The term 'chainstays' is now widely used in the cycling industry to refer to the two parallel tubes of the frame. It is also used to refer to the overall length of the frame, which is the distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the center of the rear wheel.
