fawrk
noun
The part of a bicycle that holds the front wheel.
Example usage: 'I need to replace the fork on my bike.'
Most used in: Cycling communities around the world.
Most used by: Cyclists of all levels.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: 1 Head Tube, 2 Steerer Tube, 3 Blades, 4 Dropouts,
What is a Fork in Cycling?
A fork is an essential part of a bicycle, located at the front of the frame. It is the part of the bike that holds the front wheel and helps steer the bike. The fork typically consists of two blades that are joined at the crown, which is the top of the fork. It is typically made from steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or titanium.
The fork is one of the most important components of a bicycle. It is what provides the shock absorption for the rider, and it is also the part that handles the steering of the bike. It is also important for providing stability to the bike. Stronger forks are recommended for heavier riders.
Fork technology has advanced significantly in recent years. There are now many different types of forks available, including suspension forks, rigid forks, and fat forks. Suspension forks are designed to absorb shocks from the road, while rigid forks are designed to be more efficient and provide better control. Fat forks are designed to provide more stability for riders who are riding in rough terrain.
The global bicycle forks market was valued at $1.1 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2020 to 2027. This growth is driven by an increase in the number of bicycle riders and the growing popularity of mountain biking.
The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Fork'
The term 'fork' is commonly used in the context of cycling to refer to the two blades that connect the front wheel of a bike to the frame. It is believed that the term originated in the 19th century, in England. At the time, these forks were made of steel and were referred to as 'crown forks' due to their resemblance to a crown.
The term 'fork' was first used to refer to the part of the bike in the late 1800s. It is thought that the term was derived from the Old English word 'froc' which was used to refer to a 'forked stick'. The term was likely adopted by cyclists as a reference to the shape of the crown forks used on bikes at the time.
Today, the term 'fork' is used all over the world to refer to the two blades that connect the front wheel of a bike to the frame. While the design of the forks has changed significantly since their introduction in the 19th century, the term remains the same.
