A Bicycle Terminology Task Group is developing standard terminology for bicycle components and accessories to establish uniformity within bicycle industry groups that write performance standards. Input from industry stakeholders, consumers, and government representatives is sought to complete this effort.

The task group is part of the Bicycles Subcommittee F08.10 within Committee F08 on Sports Equipment and Facilities. According to task group member, David Mitchell, engineering consultant, Met Ltd., Stone Mountain, Ga., a bicycle “handlebar stem,” the component that supports the handlebar, is also referred to as a “gooseneck.” The portion of the bicycle frame called the “bottom bracket” is sometimes called the “crank hanger.”

“Once widely adopted,” he said, “the work of this group may render more understandable the reports of bicycle accidents prepared by police and other entities. The efforts of this group will also aid manufacturers in utilizing common terminology in writing bicycle owner’s manuals. The task group hopes their efforts may also be applied to United States input to the ISO [International Organization for Standardization] such that there may be commonality in the terminology utilized worldwide.”

For further technical information, contact David A. Mitchell, Met Ltd., 2169 West Park Ct. SW, #C, PO Box 870149, Stone Mountain, GA 30087-0004 (770/498-2212; fax: 770/498-7877). Committee F08 meets May 9-12, 2001, in Phoenix, Ariz. For meeting or membership details, contact Staff Manager Jim Olshefsky, ASTM (610/832-9714). //

Copyright 2000, ASTM