Glossary of Bicycling - F

F

false flat

A low-gradient climb, usually occurring partway up a steeper climb. So-called because while it may look deceptively flat and easy (especially after the steep climb preceding it), it is still a climb.

fast finisher

A rider who has superior sprinting speed and skills over the last few hundred meters than others in the same group, which may include uphill finishes. Similar to a sprinter, but a fast finisher need not be a true sprinter; just one who possesses above average sprinting ability.

feed zone

In road bicycle racing, a location along the course of a long race where team personnel hand musettes containing food and beverages to passing riders. In mountain bicycle racing, a limited section of the course in which riders may accept food from non-racing assistants. Sometimes this is combined with the technical assistance zone if one exists.

Ideally, a feed zone should be along a long, uncongested straight section of road, with a wide shoulder for team personnel and vehicles. A slight uphill is desirable, as it will slow the passing riders and make grabbing the musettes easier; the grade should not be so steep as to cause the riders to struggle. The roadway approaching the feed zone should be straight with a long unobstructed sightline, so riders may easily identify the personnel from their teams and position themselves for a smooth pickup.

field

A group of rider, also known as a peloton.

fixed

Slang for a fixed-gear bicycle.

fixie

Slang for a fixed-gear bicycle.

flamme rouge

A red flag displayed with one kilometre remaining from the finish line of a race. Usually suspended over the road.

follow a wheel

The ability to follow a wheel is the ability to match the pace of riders who are setting the tempo. Following is easier than pulling or setting the tempo and the term can be used in a derogatory manner, e.g. "He only ever followed".

food stop

A location on the course of a long, supported recreational ride from which volunteers dispense foods such as bananas, oranges, bread, and food bars, and beverages such as water and sports drinks, to riders who stop for refreshment. Most cyclists must eat and drink to replenish calories, fluids, and electrolytes lost while completing a long ride. Thus the food stops are important to the success of most participants. On recreational rides, riders typically stop and dismount to obtain refreshment (hence the term food stop). In contrast, long road bicycle races do not typically involve stopping for refreshment; instead, riders grab musettes containing food and beverages from team personnel who stand along the road at designated feed zones. In some events, riders obtain food handups directly from support vehicles. *See also: SAG station and SAG wagon.

fork

Part of the frame set that holds the front wheel. Can be equipped with a suspension on mountain bikes.

Fred

An unskilled racer with aspirations to appear more capable than they in fact are, usually through expensive/high-end gear. The female counterpart is a Wilma. Another commonly used definition is a person who has outdated or mis-matched gear, doesn't care about technology, fashion or racing, etc.

frame set

The main frame of the bicycle plus the front fork.