doun tuuub
noun
The tube of a bicycle frame that connects the head tube to the bottom bracket.
Example usage: The down tube of my bike is scratched up.
Most used in: Mountain biking and road cycling.
Most used by: Cyclists who ride on trails or roads.
Popularity: 8 out of 10
Comedy Value: 4 out of 10
Also see: Head Tube, Seat Tube, Chainstay, Bottom Bracket,
The Cycling Term 'Down Tube'
The down tube is one of the most important components of a bicycle frame. It connects the head tube to the bottom bracket and is the main structural component of the frame that supports the rider’s weight. The down tube is usually the longest tube on the frame.
The down tube is designed to provide strength and rigidity to the frame while also allowing it to be lightweight. The shape of the down tube can vary depending on the type of bicycle. Road bikes tend to have a more aerodynamic shape while mountain bikes usually have more of a boxy shape. The down tube is also usually thicker and stiffer than the other tubes on the bike.
The down tube is an essential part of the bicycle frame and is responsible for much of the bike’s performance. Studies have shown that a stiffer down tube can improve the bike’s handling and power transfer. Additionally, a lighter down tube can reduce the overall weight of the bike, allowing for improved acceleration and climbing performance.
In summary, the down tube is an important part of the bicycle frame that connects the head tube to the bottom bracket. It provides strength and rigidity to the frame while also allowing it to be lightweight. Studies have shown that a stiffer down tube can improve the bike’s handling and power transfer, and a lighter down tube can reduce the overall weight of the bike.
The Origins of the Term 'Down Tube' in Cycling
The term “down tube” has been used to describe the frame tube of a bicycle that connects the head tube to the bottom bracket since the late 19th century. It was first used in the United States in 1895, and was popularized in England in the early 20th century.
The down tube gets its name from its position on the bicycle. The frame tube is oriented in a downward fashion, running from the head tube to the bottom bracket. As such, it is the tube that is most often seen from the side of the bike.
Today, the term “down tube” is used to refer to any frame tube that connects the head tube to the bottom bracket. It can be found on many different types of bicycles, from road bikes to mountain bikes.
