wēl sŭkər
Noun, Slang
A cyclist who rides in the slipstream of another cyclist, expending less energy and effort.
Example usage: The lead cyclist was frustrated with the number of wheel suckers he had to pull along.
Most used in: Road cycling and mountain biking communities.
Most used by: Cyclists who race or ride in groups.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Draft, Domestique, Wheelman, Pacer,
What is a Wheel Sucker?
In cycling, a wheel sucker is a cyclist who drafts behind another cyclist, using the other cyclist's slipstream to conserve energy. This is a common tactic used in competitive cycling, as it can allow the wheel sucker to conserve energy and increase their speed. The wheel sucker will stay close behind the lead cyclist, using their slipstream to reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain the same speed.
Wheel sucking is also referred to as drafting. It is estimated that drafting can reduce the amount of energy used by up to 40%, making it a very effective tactic for competitive cyclists. Additionally, drafting can also increase the speed of the wheel sucker, as the slipstream created by the lead cyclist can act as a boost.
Wheel sucking is a key tactic in competitive cycling, as it can give cyclists a competitive edge. It is important for cyclists to understand how to effectively wheel suck in order to gain a competitive advantage. Additionally, cyclists should be aware of the dangers of wheel sucking, as it can cause riders to crash if they are not careful.
The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Wheel Sucker'
The term 'Wheel Sucker' has been used in cycling since the late 1800s. It was first used in France, where cyclists would ride behind another cyclist in an attempt to conserve energy. This practice is also known as drafting, or slipstreaming.
The first use of the term 'Wheel Sucker' was in the 1895 Paris-Bordeaux-Paris race. It was used to describe cyclists who would ride in the slipstream of another cyclist, taking advantage of their draft. This practice was seen as a sign of weakness and cowardice, and so the term was used as an insult.
Today, the term is still used to describe cyclists who take advantage of another cyclist's draft, but it is no longer seen as a sign of weakness. Instead, it is seen as a smart and efficient way to conserve energy. Riders who take advantage of another rider's draft are often referred to as 'smart wheel suckers' or 'smart draft riders'.
In recent years, the term 'Wheel Sucker' has become more widely used in cycling circles. It is used to describe a cyclist who is skilled at taking advantage of another rider's draft. It is also used to describe riders who are always following another rider closely, instead of pushing themselves to the front of the pack.
