KLAS-tər
Noun
A group of cyclists riding close together.
Example usage: Let's form a cluster and draft off each other for a while.
Most used in: Road cycling.
Most used by: Road cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10.
Comedy Value: 5/10.
What is a Cluster in Cycling?
A cluster in cycling is a collection of sprockets that are all connected to one another on the back wheel of a bicycle. The cluster is typically made up of four to eight sprockets, with the most common number being eight. These sprockets are connected to a single chain, which allows the cyclist to shift gears more easily and quickly.
A cluster is an important part of a bicycle’s gearing system. The number of sprockets in the cluster determines the range of gears that a bicycle has, with more sprockets providing a wider range of gears. For example, a bicycle with a six-sprocket cluster will have a gear range of 12-30 teeth, while a bicycle with an eight-sprocket cluster will have a gear range of 11-32 teeth.
The number of sprockets in a cluster also affects the overall weight of the bicycle. A bicycle with an eight-sprocket cluster will typically weigh more than a bicycle with a six-sprocket cluster. However, the additional weight of an eight-sprocket cluster is often worth it for the increased gear range that it provides.
Clusters are a key component of any cyclist’s gear system, and they play an important role in helping cyclists to optimize their performance. The right cluster can help cyclists to find the perfect gear for any situation, allowing them to ride faster and more efficiently.
.The Origin of the Term 'Cluster' in Cycling
The term 'cluster' first entered the cycling world in the late 1800s. It was used to describe the group of cyclists who would ride together in a race. The term was likely derived from the French term 'en cluister', which means 'in a group'.
The term was used in the Tour de France in 1903, when the race was still in its infancy. At the time, the race was divided into stages, and each stage had a group of riders who would ride together in a pack. This group of riders became known as a 'cluster'.
Since then, the term has become a part of cycling culture, and is used to describe the group of riders who ride together in a race. The term is still used in the Tour de France, and is also used in other cycling events around the world.
