New to cycling? Looking to buy a road bike? It is helpful to know a few basics. For instance, if you have a flat, you do not need a new wheel ($200). You need a tube ($5). When the seat post and fork are made of carbon fiber, what does that mean? A seat is not a seat. It is called a saddle (giddy-up!). And on and on.

Armed with this knowledge you can head into any bike shop prepared to understand the jargon used to explain the varying array of components used to make up the different levels of bikes. Then you can make an educated decision on which bike is best for you or what parts you need fixed and/or adjusted.

Download printable PDF - "Anatomy of a Road Bike"