twelve-speed

Multi-gear bicycle

Twelve-speed describes a bicycle or other vehicle with twelve gear combinations, typically achieved through multiple chainrings and rear cogs: She upgraded to a twelve-speed for the mountain trails.

The term functions as both adjective and noun: a twelve-speed bike, I ride a twelve-speed.

bicycle

derailleur

Bike gear changer

cassetteMagnetic audio cartridge
chainringBicycle's front sprocket
shiftersThings that reposition

crankset · freewheel · handlebars · saddle · pedals · wheelset · headset · spokes · tire-pressure

drivetrain

derailleur

Bike gear changer

cassetteMagnetic audio cartridge
chainringBicycle's front sprocket
cranksetPedal-to-chain transfer component

freewheel · shifter · chain · hub · sprocket · trim

racing

criterium

Multi-lap cycling race

pelotonMain cycling group
breakawaySudden separation from group
draftingCreating technical blueprints

sprint · tour · attack · cadence · paceline

climbing

gradient

Rate of change across space

cadenceRhythmic pulse or pattern
torqueRotational force measurement
switchbackReversing mountain path

alpine · spinning · grinding · incline · ascent

Opposites

gear complexity

twelve-speedsingle-speed

One gear ratio only

fixed-gear · fixie · coaster brake · track bike · three-speed

technological era

twelve-speedpenny-farthing

Antique bicycle, giant front wheel

high-wheeler · velocipede · boneshaker

Family

speed, speedy, twelve, twelfth, speedometer, twelfths, tercentenary, twelvefold, twelvemonth

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G