Cycling is a popular activity and way of transportation around the world, and knowing Cycling Vocabulary in Spanish might help you have a better experience, especially if you’re in a Spanish-speaking nation. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned biker, learning the proper terminology will help you navigate conversations, read signage, and enjoy your rides more.
In this blog post, we’ll go over basic cycling vocabulary in many categories and present example phrases to assist you understand the terminology.
Are you ready to learn? Let’s get started!
Basic Cycling Terms
Understanding the basic terms is fundamental for any cyclist. This category covers essential vocabulary related to the bicycle itself, including parts and basic actions.
English | Spanish |
Bicycle | Bicicleta |
Cyclist | Ciclista |
To pedal | Pedalear |
Chain | Cadena |
Wheel | Rueda |
Brakes | Frenos |
Saddle | Sillín |
Handlebar | Manillar |
Helmet | Casco |
Light | Luz |
Reflector | Reflector |
Tube | Tubo |
Tire | Llanta |
Pump | Bomba |
Bike Parts and Accessories
Knowing how to maintain and modify a bike requires knowledge of its components and accessories. This category offers jargon for particular bicycle components.
English | Spanish |
Frame | Marco |
Fork | Horquilla |
Gear shift | Cambio de marchas |
Derailleur | Desviador |
Chainring | Plato |
Cog | Piñón |
Spokes | Radios |
Pedals | Pedales |
Axle | Eje |
Handlebar tape | Cinta del manillar |
Bottle cage | Portabidón |
Lock | Candado |
Cyclometer | Cuentakilómetros |
Mudguard | Guardabarros |
Cycling Clothing and Gear
Comfort and safety depend on proper clothing and gear. This category covers vocabulary related to apparel and accessories worn by cyclists.
English | Spanish |
Jersey | Maillot |
Bib shorts | Culote |
Gloves | Guantes |
Cycling shoes | Zapatillas |
Sunglasses | Gafas de sol |
Cycling jacket | Chaqueta de ciclismo |
Arm warmers | Manguitos |
Leg warmers | Perneras |
Socks | Calcetines |
Water bottle | Bidón/Botella de agua |
Rain pants | Pantalones de lluvia |
Types of Bikes
Different models of motorcycles are better suited to specific terrains and uses. This category provides language for numerous bicycle models and types.
English | Spanish |
Road bike | Bicicleta de carretera |
Mountain bike | Bicicleta de montaña |
Hybrid bike | Bicicleta híbrida |
Triathlon bike | Bicicleta de triatlón |
Track bike | Bicicleta de pista |
BMX bike | Bicicleta de BMX |
Folding bike | Bicicleta plegable |
Electric bike | Bicicleta eléctrica |
Cycling Actions and Techniques
Mastering cycling techniques and actions can improve your performance. This category includes vocabulary related to movements and skills used in cycling.
English | Spanish |
To shift gears | Cambiar de marcha |
To brake | Frenar |
To climb | Subir |
To descend | Bajar |
To roll | Rodar |
To maintain balance | Mantener el equilibrio |
Smooth pedaling | Pedaleo redondo |
Drafting | Rodar a la estela |
Cycling Routes and Terrain
Understanding different routes and terrains is essential for planning rides. This category includes vocabulary related to various types of paths, roads, and landscapes encountered while cycling.
English | Spanish |
Route | Ruta |
Trail | Sendero |
Path | Camino |
Road | Carretera |
Bike lane | Ciclovía |
Hill | Cuesta |
Descent | Descenso |
Plain | Llanura |
Mountain | Montaña |
Gravel | Grava |
Mud | Barro/Lodo |
Common Phrases and Example Sentences
Applying the vocabulary in context helps solidify your learning. Here are some example sentences demonstrating the use of the vocabulary taught throughout the article:
- Mi bicicleta necesita una nueva cadena. (My bicycle needs a new chain.
- El ciclista llevaba un casco rojo. (The cyclist was wearing a red helmet.)
- Es importante cambiar de marcha en las subidas. (It’s important to shift gears on climbs.)
- Tengo que inflar las llantas antes de salir. (I need to inflate the tires before going out.)
- La ruta de hoy incluye muchas cuestas y descensos. (Today’s route includes many hills and descents.)
- Compré un nuevo maillot para la carrera. (I bought a new jersey for the race.)
- La bicicleta de montaña es perfecta para senderos. (The mountain bike is perfect for trails.)
- Siempre llevo una bomba y un tubo de repuesto. (I always carry a pump and a spare tube.)
- La ciclovía en esta ciudad es muy segura. (The bike lane in this city is very safe.)
- Voy a participar en una carrera de triatlón con mi bicicleta de triatlón. (I’m going to participate in a triathlon race with my triathlon bike.)
Final Thoughts
Learning cycling vocabulary in Spanish not only improves your ability to speak successfully, but it also broadens your cycling experience.
Whether you’re visiting a Spanish-speaking country or talking with other Spanish-speaking cyclists, these terms will make you feel more confident and connected. Continue to practice, and you’ll soon be fluent in both cycling and Spanish terms, allowing you to fully enjoy your rides.
Happy cycling!
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