Posts Tagged ‘cycling’
Choosing the right bike for you
August 30, 2011
Choosing a new bike can be an exciting time. There are literally hundreds of bikes to choose from out there for all purposes and covering all price ranges; from the very basic, budget cycle to the expert machine that can cost thousands of pounds. So, when it comes to choosing your new bike, you’ll need to consider several things.
It is extremely important to determine what you will be using your bike for. What will be its primary purpose? You should decide whether you’ll be using it mainly for commuting, mountain trails or for leisurely strolls at the weekend. Bikes are often designed with a specific purpose in mind, therefor it is extremely important to decide this beforehand. For a daily commute you might want to consider a road bike whereas for the hardcore off roader, a mountain bike would be better suited.
Mountain bikes come in various forms and, again, you should determine which is the best option for your specific needs. Generally, bikes are built to tackle harsh terrains and as such they are tough and durable. Some mountain bikes are designed specifically for downhill, whereas others are designed for flat terrain. If you make the mistake of choosing the wrong type of bike for the job, you could find it harder to cycle on your chosen terrain than it would with the correct type of bike.
Cross-country bikes are designed to tackle most off-road terrains and usually come as hardtail, which means there is no rear suspension as with some other types of mountain bike. A popular option is to have 29inch wheels rather than the standard 26inch. The reason for their poularity is quite simple; the large wheel allows the rider to ride over obstacles with greater ease and allows an altogether smoother ride.
Most mountain bikes use a sturdy, lightweight frame that is capable of dealing with any terrain you throw at it. However, it really is worth shopping around for the best deals. There are some cheaper bikes out there that just won’t be up to the task of hardcore off roading, so make sure you check the specifications in great detail.
For a good all round mountain bike, you might want to consider the Giant Anthem x4.
Handy things to know before you buy your new mountain bike
August 26, 2011
Buying a new mountain bike, to the inexperienced cyclist, can be an experience that is more daunting that you might expect. With so many models to choose from, it can be difficult to make sure you choose the right one. It might be tempting to go for a bike purely on aesthetic appeal. Remember, a fancy paint job might look cool but it sure as heck won’t make you go any faster! Before you buy your bike, it’s worth arming yourself with some background knowledge about what really makes a good bike.
The first thing you need to do is consider exactly how you plan to use your mountain bike. If you plan to mainly use it for downhill trails, a special downhill bike would be recommended. Their frames re designed in a way that makes downhill cycling easier and more comfortable. If you aren’t entirely sure what type of cycling you’ll be doing most, it is recommended that you choose a good, all-round trails bike, designed to tackle most types of terrain.
When you’re deciding between bikes, you’ll be given a list of the components included on the bikes. You might not know what some of the components even are, so it’s worth doing some background research and reading reviews would be worthwhile, so you can assess whether the components are up to the job.
When choosing your mountain bike, sizing is extremely important. If you don’t choose the correct size for you, you won’t have full control of your bike and riding can be more dangerous than it would with the correct sized bike. There really is only one way to figure out what size is right for you and that is to try one out for size. Head over to cycle shop and ask to try a few out. Although the model you try might not be the same as the one you intend to buy, yet most frames have the same dimensions so you should be able to get the feel for it.
Wheels and tyres are obviously extremely important components of your new bike. Look for a light but strong wheel, as this will provide you with more manoeuvrability and a smoother ride. Most modern mountain bikes will come with disc brakes as standard as they are better at dealing with the extreme forces encountered on the trail.
For a great value helmet, take a look at the Giro Atmos helmet.
Dedicated Mountain Bikers Bring Along the Proper Supplies On Their Weekend Rides
August 17, 2011
Mountain biking is generally totally fun. If you are in fine cycling condition, possess a well-built bicycle and possess a sense of backwoods adventure, you can do it. If perhaps you are considering having a mountain bike weekend trip, you need to think about taking a variety of supplies.
To start with, a rugged backpack is needed. A bag with plenty of sturdy storage compartments and pockets is ideal. Biking in the hills involves lots of rapid speeds and extreme hills, so you’re going to want one that your numerous supplies will be safe in.
Water will be a much required basic need as well. Whenever you are participating in any intense physical activity, it is quite essential to stay sufficiently hydrated. Pack water bottles or canteens full of fresh drinking water. If there is a possibility you will be refilling your bottle throughout your trip from a stream or other water source, carry some purifier capsules to make sure the water you drink is suitable.
Some healthy and satisfying snacks will be expected too. Decide on foods that will stimulate you in the course of the grueling bike ride. Lightweight items such as dried fruit, energy bars, and small sandwiches will keep your power up without weighing you down. A tiny cooler that can fit in your bag might be of good use also.
Because off road cycling might be such a challenging and strenuous activity, wearing gear that will take a beating can be critical. Off-road footwear with shock absorbing and sturdy bottoms might cost a little more but they are worth it. These heavy duty shoes can assist you go the distance and protect against accidental injuries during the trip.
Tree branches and sharp rocks sometimes can lead to issues and break downs with bicycles. Bring spare resources like bike tubes with you so you will be ready to cope with cycle repair problems. Busted chains, brake issues, and flat bike tires are all issues bikers eventually have to handle. Also, getting your bicycle checked out before the trip is a prudent idea as well.
Finally, you should bring a first aid kit. Mishaps, while always a possibility, are more probable to happen when you participate in things like mountain biking. In your pack should be a kit that’s well stocked with things that would be invaluable when you have mishaps such as sprains, bruises, and cuts. The kit should contain items like antiseptic, gauze, and bandages among other medical items. Contemplate packing bug spray or a snake bite system if the area you are cycling in is noted for its substantial insect and wildlife population.
Check out a comprehensive selection of mountain bikes for sale from a number of the leading online bike stores. And if you need to have specific bicycle parts, you will be able to get them right online as well.
Top-End Cycling: Carbon Road Bikes
July 29, 2011
Professional cyclists like racers or bicycle couriers very often choose carbon road bikes as ‘tools of the trade’. Manufacturers also prefer this material as it has several advantages compared to metals traditionally used to build bike frames. These bicycles provide a different riding experience.
Weight – The most important and obvious advantage is the material’s lighter weight. Some manufacturers achieved a weight that is three times lighter than any other, similarly strong material. Thus, bikes can not only be carried easier, but their speed also significantly increases. This is an extremely important feature in bicycle racing, where even the slightest speed differences can alter the outcome of the race.
Strength – A lightweight frame is worthless when it is broken. Structural parts are exposed to extreme pressures which they need to resist. This material is extremely rigid and withstands the extreme forces bicycles face in professional use.
The material’s ability to absorb vibrations protects cyclist’s joints. Wrists and spinal cords are constantly exposed to stress coming from the shaking of the bike on uneven road surfaces. For professionals this extra protection is essential.
This material is very malleable. It allows the designer’s imagination soar, but, as a more useful feature, these frames can be built so that they are strong where necessary, while other areas are flexible. Currently there is no other frame material which is rigid and strong in one direction while in another direction it stays flexible. It also allows for aerodynamic frame designs impossible to achieve using metal tubes.
Corrosion resistance – As it is a non-metallic composite material, it does not corrode as metals do. This makes the bicycle and its parts last longer and resist weather conditions.
For the ones who cycle on roads with hard surface very often, such as cycle couriers or racers, carbon road bikes are an excellent choice. Even though a much higher price needs to be paid for them, they make an great investment as they have many advantages.
Check out our site to learn everything there is to know about Carbon road bikes. You can also find the latest LOOK 566 Review and get direct access to Merlin Cycles voucher codes, today.
Be a Tour de France Hero – Get into Road Biking
July 28, 2011
The design of the road bike jumped to the front of the line in popularity during the 70′s bike boom. Its lightweight frame, low curved handlebars, narrow seat and tires define the style Europeans originally conceptualized. The low handlebars and narrow seat positions the rider with the back nearly parallel to the street allowing an aerodynamic advantage not conducive to novice rider comfort. Today’s popular road bikes offer high performance and durability without the compromises seen in the past.
Cutting edge technology has revolutionized the engineering, materials and bio-mechanics of bicycling for sport, touring, commuting and fun. The industry, however, continues to raise the bar in maximizing the performance edge through new ideas in detailing.
bicycle riding is a balancing act. Engineering employs the basics of body weight and its distribution and colludes the principles of aerodynamics with state-of-the-art materials and design for the superior performance that street bikes provide today.
Day trips, cross-country and long commutes are best served with touring cyclery. These street cycles have wide tires, stiffer frames and stronger wheels and brakes that perform well over the long haul, but are not the performance design choice for racing exemplified in road bikes.
Economically, environmentally and physically, biking is a champion for the cause. Less pollution, fuel consumption, and obesity creates a trickle down positive impact on the planet and its populace. Bicycling is hitting its stride with new attitudes regarding modes of transportation that better serve the environment, health and wallets.
Bicycle engineering today tricks out your trip in lightweight, efficient, versatile and responsive fashion. Continuing evolution in cycling ensures great performances with easy to shift and easy to maintain transportation. Revolutionary chainless technology, new high-quality components and advanced, compact, internal gearing, introduce new levels of performance that eliminate maintenance and repairs.
The wide open spaces are yours to conquer on today’s road bikes. No terrain, no weather is too tough for the excellence in performance built into cyclery. The long and winding road, strawberry fields or over hill and dale, travel safe is the gold-standard of superior performance along for the ride.
Fancy joining in the fun? Road bikes are available to buy from your Local Bike Shop. Fancy something really special? Check out the Cervelo R5ca 2011 review, a carbon bike costing more than a car!
All About Biking Safely Through The Help Of Mountain Bike Helmets
July 26, 2011
Regardless of any cycler’s skill level in the sport of cycling, it is a must that every rider wears a mountain bike helmet. From neophytes to professionals, bike helmets are fundamental accessories that provide protection against inevitable accidents. These gears can also be considered the most important protective accessory of a cycler as it is the only thing that comes between the cycler’s skull and hard concrete.
Every year, recorded head injuries related to biking reaches over 15,000. With this amount of head injuries, the type of injury incurred is either a mild headache or a more serious injury depending on the type of helmet the cycler is wearing during the accident. As such, experts agree that severe head traumas and injuries can be prevented, or reduced, if bikers are to wear the right kind of mountain bike helmets. Hence, it is a must that every biker selects the most appropriate type of helmet for their biking needs, so as to minimize injuries related to cycling.
Careful scrutiny and keen observation of the various factors that differentiate helmets from one another is a must for every biker. A very important consideration when selecting a bike helmet is the type of mountain biking a cycler practices. Cross-country, single track, and recreational biking requires an open face mountain bike helmet. These helmets can either be Cross-country MTB helmets that feature a streamlined, technical, and classic bike helmet look, or Skate-style MTB helmets that have a classic but cool bucket shaped look. Open face helmets are manufactured with impact absorbing EPS liner and tough ABS fiber glass composite that help protect the head during accidents. These helmets come in various shell sizes and adjustable dials to fit properly on the head.
On the other hand, the additional protection provided by full face mountain biking helmet is the best option for bikers who are into downhill, dirt jumping, high speed riding, and other higher rick mountain biking stunts. The full face mountain bike helmet is naturally a bit heavier than the open face mountain bike helmets and provides full face protection for the head, chin, jaw, cheeks and parts of ones face. Also, do not forget to ensure that the helmet you will choose meets the requirements of the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)
After choosing the type of helmet that you will need, the next thing that needs to be considered is the fit of the mountain bike helmet. The helmet should fit your head properly in order to offer the best protection. Put the helmet on to test it for fit, if buying a helmet in a store. Features like the size of the helmet, the strap, an inner ring and paddings can all contribute to a well fitting helmet. The weight of the helmet is also important to consider as bikers would want to be light and streamlined when racing and the weight of the helmet affects this factors. Moreover, do not forget to check the ventilation of the helmet – more vents means better ventilation. The lining of the helmet should also be properly scrutinized to make sure that they can effectively soak up sweat and they can be removed and replaced easily for cleaning purposes. Finally, make sure that you are always buying the top of the line mountain bike helmets which can offer you the best protection.
Mountain bike helmets can save a bikers life in the event of an accident. As such, cyclers should be very keen in the selection of the helmet that can provide them the best protection that would make a difference between life and death during cycling accidents.
The author is a mountain bike aficionado from Switzerland. Being frequently on the go with his mountain bike, McFerry ensures that he always puts on his mountain bike helmet to safeguard himself from collisions that can possibly take place during his bike sessions.
Kona, New Strong range for 2011! Yet Again!
July 9, 2011
Kona is planning to have a very strong range again for 2011. They appear to be going from strength to strength. Models like the brand new 2011 Fire Mountain at 500 are really hitting the mark. The price point is excellent along with the groupset and running gear. It has been a model name that Kona used for a long time.
Many would recall the seat tube extending over 3 inches above the cross bar creating an exclusive look when it became available from the 1990′s. These days almost all the old retro kona bikes are generally entirely on Ebay, or being used as a single speed commuter bike. The paint job was superb on these bikes (yet still is) so that they still look good besides just the 1 gear and skinny slick tyres that searchers put them under.
The emerald green Cindercone also fell into this camp and was probably the more popular bike in the 90′s. With these bikes remaining so popular, Kona decided to revive the image after a few years of Aluminium frames and brought out the Explosive. This bike and frameset re-lit the fire.
Sales on the new Steel frame cross-country bike experienced the rooftop. Again many were convering these into commuter bikes aswell as running them since the mountain bike they were created to be. This model ran for several years throughout the world then began a Uk model only in a very deep purple. Sadly the Purple model was never as fashionable as an original blue Explosive.
Over the years Kona has gone back to aluminium and carbon frames. The only steel offering are on the new Kahuna 29er models and the single speed/fixie road bikes like the Paddy Wagon. The Kahuna range is something that they have done for a number of years, so the 29er market growing in the Uk has certainly been welcomed by them. This has been helped by the massive growth of the commuter market where the Paddy Wagon ticks all the boxes.
Find a selection of Kona at Rutland Cycling. Rutland Cycling specialized in all types of road, MTB and hybrid accessories.
Guide to Choosing the Right Bike For You
June 11, 2011
Modern society is becoming more and more conscious of health and the environment, and with good reason. One way that many people are taking a positive approach to this is by turning to bicycles as a method of transport, a form of exercise and for recreation. In recent years the cycle market has boomed; with so many shapes, sizes and models out there, how do you know what to go for?
A bike that has been consistently popular in more recent years is the mountain bike. Compared to the amount of people that own a mountain bike, very few actually take to the mountains on two wheels on a regular basis. However, the appeal lies with their sturdy structure and ability to tackle most terrains. This sounds great in practice, as you can tackle most terrains with ease. However, this may not be practical for every day use.
Of course, big chunky tyres provide lots of grip and help to prevent against dastardly punctures. However, the grip may well be excessive for the concrete city and could actually make cycling more difficult.
Road bikes and single speed bikes have become somewhat a fashion accessory for city dwellers in recent years. Retro bikes are back in fashion with vintage models selling for big bucks. Not only are they stylish, they’re practical. Slick road tyres and a single speed that is suitable for getting around the concrete city quickly and with ease.
Born in the 1970s, the BMX was designed for Bicycle Moto Cross, which is racing on dirt tracks with jumps and sharp corners. Today, these bikes are commonly used as a quick way to get around town. They are not the most comfortable bikes in the world but they are quick and easily manoeuvrable. Before you choose which bike is right for you, should take careful consideration and determine exactly how you plan to use your bike.
When you’ve chosen the right bike for the job, keep your machine in pristine working condition with Park Tools.
Great UK Cycling Trails
June 5, 2011
Cycling is a great way of seeing new places. Not only do you get the satisfaction of being active, but you also get to see things at a better pace for taking everything in, as well as having a better chance of seeing wildlife than in a car. But it helps to know some good routes for cycling to get things started. If you’re lucky enough to live near to one of these locations then they’re definitely worth a look.
Grizdale Forest is a gem in the already lush Lake District. The Forest is dotting with interesting things such as woodland sculptures, adventure trails and refreshments areas too. Once there you’ll find that the routes can be pleasantly challenging, but they’re all designed for bikes, so you won’t find yourself competing with traffic of getting lost too easily. It’s a good adventuring area of cyclists and families.
The Bath to Stratford upon Avon trail is a joy for any level of cyclist. It’s a route that really takes you away from it all, with serene roads, and some great views too. The countryside here is very much an idyllic slice of England, and there are a number of Georgian buildings along the way too, making it a cultural treat even before you reach Shakespeare’s birthplace. Of course once you’re there you can chill out by the beautiful river and perhaps take in a play.
The Forest of Dean route is a great way to see some interesting wildlife, and some varied scenery, without things being too strenuous. The fact that there are few uphill sections to the suggested course means it’s ideal even for young children. The trails have been built especially for cyclists and are well marked, so you’ve got no excuse for getting lost, but that doesn’t means it’s a boring ride; expect tracks that run alongside old railway lines and many a pretty picnic site too.
This is just a small demonstration of the trails out there. Everyone has their own personal favourite if they’ve been cycling for a while, and the best way to get into them is to go to as many as possible, but these few are a really good start.
Make sure you have all the safety equipment you need before you set out on your trail. We recommend you wear a Giro Xen helmet.
Alien Abduction Report – Specialized Low-cost BMX Bike Stolen
May 16, 2011
I’ll tell you somewhat tale about me once i was a lad! I was abducted by aliens in my house town of Newcastle! Think me this was essentially the most crazy days of my life. It occurred in 1942 inside a small suburb of Newcastle. It started one particular sunny day, me and my best buddy Tommy were sitting on a wall watching the soldiers march. The soldiers had been marching for hours so me and Tommy got a little chilly and hungry so we decided we really need to go residence and grab some dripping and bread.
We grabbed our inexpensive specialized bmx bikes from the local bike shop and began to ride down southwall street. This can be going to sound weird but we passed by means of some sort of barrier. You understand if you search by way of fire and it looks wavy, that’s what this barrier resembled. When we passed through the barrier what I saw can only be described as many different “horrible creatures”.
Their had been 3 to 4 unique types of creatures, a single was incredibly hair and looked like major foot,one was a tall grey humanoid and one particular was a massive fat bulbous creature with two tentacles obtruding from his head. The 4th type was quite shocking. He appeared to be a very handsome man with stunning features,blonde hair with blue eyes. It was wearing a red robe with gold trimming. He mentioned to each me and tommy that he need to come with us or threat or will both might be exterminated.
We duly followed, to where this blonde alien proceeded to take blood from the back of my neck. He warned me if I moved, I would die immediately. He carried out many different other tests and then he left me to wait in a totally white room using a blue light within the middle. The bulbous alien appeared following about ten minutes and escorted me out from the ship. Tommy was outside waiting for me.
The ship lifted off and was gone within seconds. Each me and Tommy agreed that we would not tell anyone regarding the incident. It also seems that the aliens stole my bike as we could not uncover it on inspection. So their you might have it,an incredible tale. I have never told anyone to this day, so take my story and pass it on. Thank you for reading.
Rutland Cycling are one of Specialized bikes main shops. Specialized sell alot of stuff from pumps to bikes also protection items. They are one of the best brands in the cycling world.