chainstay

1 7.7

Part of a bike frame that runs from under the pedals to the back wheel

noun
/ˈtʃeɪnˌsteɪ/

Specialized

: viga de cadena

The chainstay is crucial for bike stability.
carbon chainstays
chainstay protector
chainstay clearance

Examples

I replaced my bike's chainstay last week.
A well-designed chainstay can greatly enhance the performance of a bicycle.
The chainstay must be strong enough to handle the force from the pedals.
He cleaned the chainstay to remove mud after the mountain bike race.
A cracked chainstay can make a bicycle unsafe to ride.
The long chainstay provides better stability when climbing steep hills.
Make sure to inspect the chainstay for any signs of wear or damage after your ride.

Surface Forms

chainstay singular

chainstays plural

Morphology

chainstay = chain + stay (semi-transparent) = chain + stay

Structurally a straightforward compound of 'chain' + 'stay', but it is a domain-specific bicycle term and relies on knowledge of 'stay' as a frame member.

Etymology

Chainstay combines chain ('the chain on a bike') and stay ('support' or 'bar'), so think of it as the short support bar that keeps the chain in place. That's why a chainstay is the part of the bike frame that connects the pedal area to the rear wheel and helps hold the chain steady.