JRA is short for “Just Riding Along,” which is an ironic expression in the bicycle business to employ when the customer says the bike has broken under low-stress operation. It is actually pointing to the inconsistency between so-called light use and mechanical stress.
The mechanics and manufacturers are often greeted with “I was JRA when it broke” to say the rider is resisting hard riding or tough conditions. While there are certainly failures which are legitimate, the acronym reminds the customer that maintenance and reasonable expectations on the capability of the components are the most important things. To be JRA specifies an examination of wear components—chains, cables, and bolts—before “easy” rides.
