feyd
verb
When a cyclist slows down gradually because of fatigue or exhaustion.
Example usage: John was fading on the last hill, so he had to pull over and take a break.
Most used in: Long distance cycling events.
Most used by: Endurance cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Cadence drop, Gear drop, Spin out, Overgeared,
What is Cycling Fade?
Cycling fade is a term used to describe the decrease in power output that occurs during a long, intense ride. It typically happens when a rider has been going hard for an extended period of time and their muscles become fatigued. This usually leads to a decrease in speed and cadence, as well as a decrease in power output.
Statistics show that cyclists can expect to see a decrease in their power output of up to 20% after about an hour of hard riding. This can be a significant decrease in performance, and can be the difference between a successful ride and an unsuccessful one.
Fade is an important concept for any cyclist to understand, as it can help them plan their rides more effectively. By knowing when fade is likely to occur, a rider can plan their rides to ensure they finish strong, rather than fading in the final few miles.
.The Origin of the Term 'Fade' in Cycling
The term 'fade' originated in the early 1980s in the United Kingdom. It is used to describe the act of riding a bicycle downhill while gradually losing speed, eventually ending up at a complete stop. The term is believed to have been popularized by the British cycling magazine, Cycling Weekly, which mentioned the term in its July 1981 issue.
Fading is typically used to describe a cyclist's descent down a steep hill or mountain, where the cyclist is unable to maintain a steady speed and must continually slow down or stop. The term is often used in mountain biking, where the terrain can be quite steep and unforgiving.
The term 'fade' is now used in the cycling community worldwide, and continues to be a popular way to describe the act of slowing down while riding downhill. It is also used to describe the act of gradually losing speed while riding flat terrain, such as when a cyclist is tired and can no longer keep up with the group.
