But why don't ya'all just say "single speed?"
Seems like an apt description, since no mobile changing of gears is going on here, with or without brakes or freewheeling single cog or whatever. Then you can get down to the nitty gritty to the INTERESTED observer or listener and point out that you are brave to ride around with no brakes or just merely very strong and like to pedal very fast or out of the saddle for the steep bits.
There are some modern things that aren't all evil, like heat and air conditioning and those new compact fluorescent lightbulbs that don't burn out as quickly. I think some modern expressions are useful too, got that Shorty?
As for the King's English, or Queen's, in this case - and the version we speak on this continent, they sure ain't the same thing, which can lead to interesting misunderstandings.
Recently I mentioned to someone in the UK in an email that my boyfriend, Ray, was my favorite person to draft. The email recipient responded expressing humor, because he and his cycling buddies use the word "slipstream," instead. He was thinking that I wanted to force Ray into military service.
Now what is the English, English expression for someone "taking a pull?" And I don't mean on a pint, I mean the cyclist who takes a turn in the front when ya'all are slipstreaming (thats a mouthful) each other (that sounds vaguely risque)?
Ann Phillips, Decatur GA going in early to have a session with the parts washer and some dirty Sun Tour Blueline goodies