SHIM-ee
verb, noun
A rapid side-to-side movement of the bike frame while cycling.
Example usage: I had to really concentrate to avoid a shimmy when I hit the bumpy road.
Most used in: Mountain biking trails and roads with rougher terrain.
Most used by: Experienced cyclists who are familiar with the instability of the terrain.
Popularity: 8
Comedy Value: 5
Also see: Cadence Wobble, Speed Wobble, Pedal Weave, Wheel Shudder,
What is Shimmy?
Shimmy is a cycling term used to describe an unstable side-to-side movement of the front wheel of a bike. It usually occurs when the rider is traveling at a high speed, and can be a dangerous situation if not corrected. Shimmy can occur in any type of bike, but is more common in road bikes.
The cause of shimmy is not completely understood, but it is believed to be a combination of the frame geometry of the bike, the rider's weight distribution, and the amount of pressure applied to the handlebars. Shimmy can also be caused by a road surface that is uneven or has bumps, or a tire that is not correctly inflated.
Shimmy is a common problem among cyclists, and according to statistics, it affects up to 10% of all cyclists at one point or another. To prevent shimmy, it is important to make sure that the bike is well maintained and that the tire pressure is correct. Additionally, the rider should be aware of the road surface and take extra caution when riding over bumps or uneven surfaces.
Shimmy can be dangerous for a cyclist, so it is important to recognize the symptoms and take steps to prevent it. By understanding the causes and maintaining the bike properly, riders can reduce their chances of experiencing shimmy.
.The Origin of the Cycling Term “Shimmy”
The term “shimmy” in cycling dates back to the late 19th century, when it was first used to describe a phenomenon of cycling. It was first used to describe a wobbling or shaking of the front wheel of a bicycle when travelling at speed.
The origin of the word is thought to be related to the German word “schimmeln”, which means to tremble or shake. The term was first used in the United States in the late 1800s and quickly spread to other English speaking countries. It has also been suggested that the term was derived from the French word “chimay”, which means to shake.
The term “shimmy” is now commonly used to describe the wobbling or shaking of a bicycle’s front wheel, which can be caused by a number of factors, such as the rider’s weight distribution or an uneven surface. It is also used to describe a cycling technique, in which the rider shifts their weight from side to side in order to increase speed.
