Posts Tagged ‘sport’
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.
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.
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.
Ride Together with Mankini. All Eyes With You….Oh Dear
March 23, 2011
Sounds crazy? It is. The Mankini is the most ridiculous item of clothing I’ve ever heard of, but still charity is charity. Don’t read on if your screamish (Don’t worry theres no pictures! 
).Changing from my traditional padded cycling clothes was a massive choice, especially as I ride a hardtail mountain bike, so I decided to wear the mankini under my jersey & bike shorts and strip when the time came, the chicken’s approach but a smart one.
The day arrived as I was travelling to the event (in my normal mountain bike clothes) I started to feel the pressure, I’m no hot totty as it is, but stripping down to a mankini then riding around on a hardtail mountain bikes seamed a stupid idea.Anyway I pressed on, it was too late to stop now. Standing at the starting line I looked normal (hand’t stripped my mountain bike clothing off yet!). 5 minutes to go! I suddenly realised looking around, 100s of people might see more than my mankini if I get shaken too much. 4 minutes to go!
3, 2, the end minute approached and i also thought “it’s time” I whipped off my mountain bike clothing in seconds, hopefully making certain no-one noticed till I started moving, it failed, possibly due to the fact I was so nervous getting my mountain bike kit off was hardly smooth.Feeling the stares a final minute went exceptionally slow, mtb clothing thrown aside it absolutely was just me, mankini & my mtb, finally the klaxon went and I shot off, the faster this was done, the a shorter time I had been practically naked.
About a minute in I realised how good mountain bike clothing is at padding your “sensitives”, with nothing between them and the saddle and with a hardtail mountain bike my ass was getting more beatings than a 1890′s school child. I carried on a came 4th overall, although it wasn’t really a race, I quickly darted back for my mountain bike clothing, whipped it on super fast then pretended I wasn’t “that guy” as I was referred to mostly in “what is that guy wearing?!”
All for that good cause and all sorts of but I won’t ever ride my bike inside of a mankini again, the key reason…my ass, and everything took this kind of beating devoid of the padding of mtb clothing or hell normal clothing! And I seemed to be told by my special someone that “ur fat was hypnotic”. Certainly not again, fun but never once more.
Kona mountain bikes are for sale across the Web. Kona are one of my fave bike brands and they offer a stunning collection of mountain and rock bikes.
Mountain Biking around Rutland Water A Good Day Out
March 18, 2011
Rutland Water is Britain’s largest manmade lake. Created within the 1970′s to deliver water to be a reservoir to surrounding areas there is since turn into a mecca for birding, walkers and cycling. A smart man from Rutland Cycling saw the potential several years ago being a place to go for cyclists and set up a small cycle hire business which includes now grown into a trendy destination for things cycling.
Arrive at the Whitwell shop situated on the North Shore you can rent any kind of bicycle you want from a standard comfort bike , an electric bike for those who want to take it easy to a top of the range full suspension mountain bikeswith a retail price on it of over 5000! Now being in the East Midlands the call for a full suspension mountain bike is little to none – but they look cool and fork technology today allows for proper lockout so you are not wasting your energy.
That’s not saying that rutland water ‘s all flat concrete footpaths. Head during an anticlockwise direction from Whitwell and you’ll soon have the famous bluebell forest allowing you for some low level off roading as well as the odd jump – not forgetting the spectacular carpet of bluebells that you could view (though only for a couple weeks of the season!).
A complete course, like the peninsula can be a respectable 26 miles using a nice mix of hills, flat and therefore the odd obstacle to maintain things interesting – this means there’s two main pubs along the way round – it’s intended for families after all!
Obtain a good day and you may take in a bike ride, stop for any pub lunch and perhaps kick a ball around . There’s a golf course, sailing club and plenty of places to dangle your rod. It’s very visible why lots of people and events is seen here practically anytime. The year of 2010 has so far seen the British Cycling National Trophy race for individuals who compete in cyclocross. If you should see the most effective cycling shops in great britain you wont be disappointed in doing what you should purchase at Rutland Cycling – I didn’t know you can actually buy a bike for 1000! Without recieve an engine in it!
Kona have an awesome selection of mountain bikes and they are all for sale at this Whitwell store. Clothing, parts and accessories can all be bought online and through Rutland Cycling’s four physical stores.
My BMX Day Which includes All Star Champs
March 17, 2011
We the people bmx are certainly the most beneficial, I went down the skatepark yesterday on my we the people bmx to ride with my pals who also have we the people bmx’s. To our surprise Pro bmxer Andrew Jackson who rides on we the people’s pro bmx organization.
I’d been hoping the opposite we the people bmx riders would be there too like Jason Phelan who’s the top we the people bmxer. I made a decision to session the vert ramp on my we the people bmx. This may be a lot more fun than my Kona road bike! Dropping in on my we the people bmx I realized I never ridden this ramp on my we the people bmx, but considered as we the people bmx turn you into ride much like the pro we the people bmxers I managed to air the opposite side 5 foot in the air, I flew via the air on my we the people bmx and that i swear time stood still, felt like I was up there on my we the people bmx all night.
After moving away smooth on my we the people bmx I rode the vert for 20 more minutes and then took my we the people bmxx up to the jump box. That they had a a 10 feet jump box during this skateboarding park especially especially for bmx’s, accompanied by a 25 foot high roll in before it to find speed. Sat on top of the roll in on my we the people bmx I managed to get a little nervous looking and seeing all of those other bmxer’s doing big tricks over the jump box.
But then I saw someone riding the same we the people bmx as me so I thought if he can do it on his we the people bmx I can do it too! I rolled in over the edge and zoomed down towards the jump box, it’s a good job I had serviced my we the people bmx before this , would be a disater if something broke rolling in. I hit the jump box and im not sure what happened next as had my eyes closed with fear, all I could hear was my we the people hub spinning.
Somehow I was able to land smooth on my we the people bmx and air the quarter pipe on the other side then back once again up to the rollin for round 2.
See Specialized, cycle parts and road bikes at www.rutlandcycling.com. A amazing website full of wonderful biking stuff. Its amazing! You’ll love it! Believe me!
Kona Big Kahuna 2011 Review – Please Comment and offer Me Your notions
March 16, 2011
For 2011 Kona expanded their exposure inside the big wheel market using the 2011 Big Kahuna. Featuring unique features this new breed of bike is represented well written by this bike although less powerful riders may have a problem with the greater wheels.
Kona decided to roll out with backswept bars regarding their new 29er which in addition to the steep seat angle use a strange riding position which are often slightly uncomfortable every so often, although the natural off-road riding feel an excellent is normally value the slight discomfort.
When operating the rough stuff, the forks in addition to the stiff frame takes it’s toll within your wrist & feet making long rides somewhat not possible, although the selling point of this is a nimble frame which is certainly highly responsive, but hardly the best of all possible worlds.
Despite the presence of the particularly smooth easton wheelset the quality of ride usually is poor, something you can’t really cope with with any 1500 bike. The main upset of this Kona could possibly be the weight, featuring steel all around the frame to include strength the bike feels heavy when riding then when as well as the 29″ wheels it may be a real struggle to have the bike up anything in addition to the short grunt climbs.
One main good thing about the Kona Big Kahuna 29 is the fact each one of these problems, bar the load may be upgraded as required, although expensive compared to buying a more complex 29er for example the Giant XTC. Along with a big frame & wheel combination combined with perfect geometry the Kona Big Kahuna can be an obvious option for powerful riders and although it isn’t perfect, one of our advised bicycles for 2011.
Kona are one of the top cycling brands across the UK. Please click throughon the phrase Kona to go through to an amazing selection of bikes and accessories at very good prices.
The Fulcrum Red Metallic 10 A wonderful Pair of Wheels Which Look Very Cool
March 13, 2011
The Fulcrum Red Metal 10 Mtb wheels might not be the first thing in your radar when looking for wheels because of its low cost point, but there is a great deal to be said and found using the Fulcrum wheel set that starts their illustrious mountain bike wheel set range.
While looking for a low cost fulcrum wheels set it is always en stills a tad bit more confidence when acquiring some wheels collected from one of with the bigger names. It simply ensures that the technology which they utilization in their more expensive models does reflect down into the stove. You realize gradually they have got used technology which is used on their own better wheels, but in a cheaper way to enable them to give you the exact same technology and knowledge, but within a cheaper cost.
The Fulcrum Red Metal 10 absolutely are a new addition towards Fulcrum MTB range for 2011 therefore far many experts have received very well. Its RRP of 152.99 is definitely attractive for an MTB wheel set that is certainly disc ready and uses cartridge bearings is actually unbelievable! Minimal maintenance is essential mainly because of the double sealed, industrial bearings and the things they call 2:1 spoke ratio increases torque transmission together with offers better, more even spoke tension during the entire wheel.
2Mm stainless spokes and oversized axles increase the stiffness and robustness of this, something that with any wheel set is essential. This particular you added acceleration and increased stiffness with one of the wheels set that weighs in at sub 2000g and charges just over 150, ultimately is fantastic valuable. They can add in the wheel skewers and a couple year warranty, merely to around the whole package off nicely!
Anybody searching for to order an upgrade list of wheels for the relatively standard bike or maybe even for thrashing around on and training, I’m able to honestly declare that for the money, absolutely nothing is else available on the market than generally offer quality and also gratifaction, sub 200.
Speed up your power bike with fulcrum wheels. Fulcrum Wheels are stylish,lite weightand fast made of only the best materials to make your bike move alot quicker.
Biking! Cya Cya Insurance, Taxes and Petrol Charges
March 7, 2011
After years of car insurance, tax and petrol prices rising and my wages not rising with them I decided that enough was enough, that I would sell my car and find an alternative method of transport. One option would be to catch the bus, which I would have to walk nearly a mile to get to the bus stop, or I could treat myself to a bike.
Having not ridden any kind bike for decades and not actually running a bike since I would have been a teenager, I browsed the internet to get ideas of what bike was far better to get. Looking at the the various models of bikes around, I decided a hybrid bike was probably suitable for daily commuting, I’d have looked pretty ridiculous on a BMX bike or dressed in lycra and riding an expensive Road Bike. Hybrid Bikes seemed to be the best of both Mountain Bikes in addition to a Road Bikes: powerful, tough, comfy and quick.
A Hybrid Bike sounded perfect, not just mainly because it was the many points that I’ve just mentioned, but additionally because I was thinking the language “Hybrid Bike” sounded pretty futuristic. Anyway, I browsed across the internet in search of my ideal Hybrid Bike, found a handful of I liked the look of and then realised that I’d not merely need to use each of the money from your sale of my car but I’d also have to re-mortgage my house to cover the those Hybrid Bikes.
Finally, I ran across a Hybrid Bike that has been both affordable and sort of looked alright, nothing special however is not too embarrassing. Used to do a small amount of work with my Hybrid Bike, I “souped it up” as you might say, got some bike pannier bags, a bike basket, a bell along with a nice rack. Also treated myself towards the best looking bike helmet I possibly could afford, the one that I needed seen riders wearing in the Tour De France.
Now I am so glad I chose a Hybrid Bike. I’m much better off and a lot fitter, so is my dog who I take for a run while I’m using the cycle. I always get moving in timely manner, while avoiding the traffic and I always find the stares and attention of passers by, you possibly can hear them speaking to each other saying “Ooh check out him as well as their very beautiful looking hybrid bike”.
hybrid bike accessories and parts can be found on the internet! Simply select the hybrid bike link and it should direct you through to a website.
Hybrid Bikes, Essential Features To Consider When scouting for Your Bike!
March 6, 2011
Combining the aspects of both road and mountain bikes, hybrid bikes stand at the top of the pile in terms of blending performance with comfort.
Hybrid bike generally offer a selection of features from their mountain bike cousins to help boost on and off road comfort including:
Disc Brakes – Offering more reliable stopping power than traditional V-brakes at a lower price most middle priced hybrid bikes feature disc brakes to provide the stopping power needed for the city & the ride home.
Suspension Forks – Some hybrid bikes include general performance forks, usually of lower quality than mountain bikes however offering superb ride comfort in a fraction of the price. Often hybrid bikes are fitted with rigid forks which will offer more speed as suspension is rarely needed in the common hybrid environment.
Gears – However, there are a wide variety of hybrids designed to use road bike gears most hybrids take advantage of the tougher mtb gears for their increased resistancy to long-distance riding coupled with smaller gear ratios to tackle acceleration and hills, the two most typical encountered riding conditions.
Handlebars – All hybrid bikes feature flat mtb handlebars for any more enjoyable, up riding position for long distance comfort usually forgotten for pure speed on road bikes.
The rest of the bike is made up of traditional road bike features including some of the best high performance components including:
Wheels – Road wheels are often lighter with a more effective power to weight ratio allowing the hybrid bikes to move through traffic with ease, although offering less durability on off road conditions road wheels are the perfect choice for commuting.
Tyres – All hybrid bikes feature skinny road ready tyres blended with a grippy tread which offers amazing variety of speed without hampering grip in wet or slighlty muddy conditions to give the better of all possible worlds.
Geometry – Hybrid bike’s geometries are often road focus combined with mountain bike comfort features to create a unique level of frame comfort & control in urban riding conditions.
In general hybrid bikes offer everyday materials comfortable and fastest features from all kinds of bikes to have a unique riding expereince ideal for commuting both sport and long distances from the shortest possible times inside the most comfortable riding position and that’s why they may be love all over the world.
Hybrid Bike for the new year, are now available at Rutland Cycling. Simply selecton Hybrid Bike and you will be taken through to a great selections of bikes.