Riding Your Bike and Looking Back Techniques

Posted on 04/04/2012 by Cheryl Hanson

Riding your bike can be the most enjoyable activity, and keeping it enjoyable means you have to learn looking back techniques to incorporate into your ride.  The most adventurous rider will learn looking back techniques early, as it really will ensure safety and a secure ride.  Without good quick looking back techniques, your bike ride will be somewhat limited, as it will only be a matter of time before biking to work or school, or to your fun weekend rest spot, becomes a dangerous adventure.

Learn Looking Back Techniques on Your Own Terms

CoulonPark

Image by ebis50 via Flickr

Why it is important to learn looking back techniques is because you are a moving and fast cyclist, and you are not alone on the road.  Anytime you are with traffic, and chances are you are riding with traffic most of the time, you need to have your eyes on all areas of traffic, pedestrians and your road in front and to the back.  Think about it this way, if you can locate a fast moving driver coming toward you, you can react better with looking back techniques in ways that most bikers use on a daily basis.  The best cyclist is always ahead of most traffic, envisioning an open door ahead, a wayward pedestrian stepping out into the road with a mobile phone, or a lost running dog.  However, when you need to maneuver around these obstacles ahead, you need to envision your back a well, as changing a lane, will require full visibility.

Looking Back Techniques Begin in Safety

Begin with a soft but trimmed grassy area, and try to ride in a straight line, with your weight on the pedals, moving slowly, and envision where you want to be ahead.  Use a traffic situation in your mind, that you run into often, and think about an obstacle that you may run into ahead, and how you would avoid it.  You can injure yourself and others, without a quick turn of the head, so think about how you can clear your move into the left or the right.   Then, envision in this pretend safe area, a moving obstacle coming at you, say another biker, and you are in traffic.  Then, quickly turn only your head, to see if the next lane is clear.  Do this with all weight on the pedals, and again with all weight on the seat, in fast motion.  Continue to play this out, until you feel that you can get a good view with looking back techniques either on your right or your left.  If you can’t do it without wobbling your front tire, keep practicing.  Then, move your practice to a parking lot, and envision you look back, and find it is not open, and then envision a quick slow down, and how you would bounce out of this potential crash.  The practice by yourself will make you look like a crazy person to your neighbors, but what do you mind?  The most adventureous hobby of biking needs some open minded thinking, and practicing your safety looking back techniques is only one more open minded way to stay on your bike.

Looking back techniques are Important for Trailers and Campers

Many bikers and cyclists are looking for ways to visit their favorite fun spots, and use the tents and maybe even a camper trailer.  The most adventurous bikers and cyclists use their looking back techniques, and everyone has a good way to use a quick head turn, to a safe advantage.  The best way to pull a single camper, is to have a friend ride behind you, and ensure you are pulling your trailer safely.  It is really nice to have a quick look at your trailer, and ensure that your tent and cooler are all set and snug.  As well, many bikers now are pulling a little one in a sitting trailer, with another biker to watch the caravan move along.  Many people have their pets in these same sitting trailers, and find these less than safe, as pets and kids can be quick to decide they want out!  Ensure you have looking back techniques safely in hand before you move into a trailer on your bike.  Here is a great article on campers for you to consider!

You Can Pull the World’s Smallest Pop-Up Camper With Your Bike

If you’re heading out on a long distance biking adventure, you’ll need to bring a place to sleep. But why squeeze into an awkward one-person tent when you can haul your own miniature pop-up camper?

Kamp-Rite’s Midget Bushtrekka not only transforms into a luxurious tent and cot that keeps you off the ground when sleeping, but it also has over 41 gallons of storage space so you don’t need to load your bike up with saddle bags. Its four wheels all operate independently so it can handle most bumpy terrain, but you’re probably going to want to avoid extreme mountain trails with this in tow.

Before you pack it with food and clothes the Midget Bushtrekka weighs in at around 56 pounds. So if you’re smart, you’ll ride with someone else and convince them to do the towing duties. But with a price tag of $900, it might be even smarter to just save that cash for crashing in cheap motels along the way. [Kamp-Rite via The Red Ferret Journal]…More at You Can Pull the World’s Smallest Pop-Up Camper With Your Bike [Camping]

 

 

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Bike Tire Flats : Flat Repair Equipment and Preparation

Posted on 03/31/2012 by Cheryl Hanson

Bike tires are a balloon covered by a rubber surface that interacts with the road, like any tire out there, and you need to have flat repair preparation ready when it does happen to you.  Glass, nails, and other sharp objects from trees and bushes can puncture your tire, and then flatten your tube that resides inside.  How do you fix a flat?  Have a pump and a repair tube kit, and with a little knowledge your disaster in the middle of no where, will be less than eventful.

Cyclists Should Have Tire Flat Repair Knowledge

Biking Requires Flat Repair Knowledge

With all of the bumps and cracks on the road, your tires get a real beating.   If you ride often, you should be inspecting your tires often, and have the following items ready on your person, just in case you experience a flat.

  • Bicycle Tire Pump
  • Traditional Style Patch Kit with Glue
  • Two Tire Levers

You may want to have an extra valve stem for your kind of tire, and an extra tube for really bad blow outs, but this is just if you don’t mind the extra room.  Many cyclists who go on long rides, bring these two items, so they can quickly change the tube, and have the time spent repairing on the road to a minimum.  This just depends on how far you are from any civilized service support, or a hardware store.  If you are biking out in the farmland areas of America, and you don’t have an extra tube, that might be just an act of karma waiting to bite you.

How to Change a Flat Tire : Flat Repair 101

If you have never changed a flat, or even seen the inside of your tire, you should spend some time at home getting used to this.  You need a wrench to remove your tire from the bike, an event in of itself sometimes, as you can’t do it with the wheel attached to the frame.  This is step one, and all bikes are different.  Have some patience, and learn how to remove the wheel from the frame, both front and back.

Inspect your tire, for the puncture, and flat repair will begin with a visual analysis, and if you can’t locate the place to perform your flat repair, use a kids swimming pool, to locate where the bubbles are coming from.  Any car repair shop has a tire sink that you can often times use from a kind helping hand. If your tire is still holding some air, remove it by pressing on the valve stem, as this will make it easier to remove the rubber from the rim.

Now use your tire levers to remove the rim from the rubber, and practice in this area makes perfect.  It can be a bit tricky, but don’t give up!  Using two, you can usually find a sweet spot that will set the rubber free. Gentle action on your flat repair, as you don’t want to increase your hole count on the balloon inside the tire.

Take the rubber off the rim, but keep the valve stem where it is, as who needs extra work in flat repair?  Find and locate your hole, and make sure you inspect and reinspect your tube and inside of the rubber.  Try to resist tossing your glass or nail into the road, as it could get you or another cyclist again.  Keep searching for holes, and sticky items stuck in your tire and your tube.  Remove everything, being careful about disposal of those items that created a need for flat repair.

This is where if you are in the middle of flat repair, you may decide that the extra tube you carry could be used.  If this is the case, remove the tube, and replace, moving the stem through the rubber.  This transition can be a little tricky, so it is always a good idea to take your time.  Don’t lose the strip, that runs along the rim, that protects the tube from the rim.  The rim strip is usually thin rubber or plastic, and if you get new rims, you can always use a new strip.  Ask for it when you get the rim.

Find all the Hole and Shards in Flat Repair

If you find the offensive hole or holes, make sure you remove all the puncture items, and then sandpaper around each of the holes, taking off that shiny slippery surface about an inch around your break in your tube.  The glue won’t stick to the shiny tube surface, so get it outta there.  Flat tire repair needs this crucial step for removing the shiny surface, and then placing glue on this sandpapered area.  Apply the glue, letting it dry around the hole.  It should be no longer sticky or it isn’t dry.  Let it dry!

Once it is dry, and it must be free of stickiness, find your patch, and peel it like a bandaid from the foil it is stuck to.  Stick it over the hole, and the glue pressing hard.  Your flat repair is almost done, but make sure you got all the holes, and that there are no bubbles around your hole.  Now, you can place the tube back into the rubber, making sure the rim strip is safely surrounding the rim.   Don’t force your tube in, but gently press it into place.  Tire rubber can be tricky to get back onto the rim, but guide it gently and don’t use the tire levers to get all back into place.   Add some air, to the tube if you must.

Once the rubber is back on the rim, pump in some air, and doing this slowly will prevent valve stem damage.  Does the tube feel like it is holding air?  If so, your flat repair is complete.  Otherwise, you may need to remove the rubber, and find that blasted hole you missed.

 

If you skip any steps, you just delay your fun.  Don’t be a ninny and skip looking for shards or prickly stuff that gave  you the hole in the first place, and make sure the glue is dry before you place the patch on the hole. Flat repair is not that time consuming, and it will make you more confident as a cyclist if you can repair your own flat.

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Mountain Biking Safety Tips for Great Biking Trips Ahead

Posted on 03/22/2012 by Cheryl Hanson

Mountain biking safety begins with knowledge, and biking knowledge is power, but downhill mountain biking knowledge is super power!  Being prepared will help you and your bike mates have the best trip you can have, with little expense, but a whole lot of great memories on the trails.

Mountain Biking Safety Tips are Everyday Safety Survival Skills on a Bike

Mountain Biking Safety Begins with Great Preparation

The number one mountain biking safety tip begins with your brain; not the fact that you wear a safety helmet, and you should by the way, but that you use the right knowledge to get you along on on the trail and not down the trail.  Riding within trails that are often steep navigation requires keen appreciation that the trail can be very dangerous.  So here are some simple safety tips that will keep your mountain biking safety top notch!

Mountain Biking Safety Runs with Protection Gear

Using a helmet, good bike shoes, having great brakes, cushioned but effective gloves, and a ample supply of water will ensure your mountain ride is free of unpredictable forces that could ruin your run.  Don’t head out without a tuned bike, and keep your tires new and fresh.  If you run every week, and even if you don’t an annual tune up will ensure a great experience.  New tires are not always the answer, but a close review on the cracks, and the tube pressure, will ensure you don’t go into a flat on a sharp rock.

Mountain Biking Safety Runs with Ettiquette

Your attitude on the trail is your best tool to finding a great time on the trail, and running along others safely.  If you are a cowboy, you are going to find another on the trail, and this could result in a less than peaceful run.  If you are just about at your wits end, and take all your frustrations out on the trail, your mountain biking safety goal is out the window.  Being kind, polite, running with your senses open will create a great experience on the trail.

If you decide to go on a trip with your bike friends, and end up in the trails, a great piece of mountain bike advice is to of course bring your mountain bike protective gear, but as well bring your trail map.  A dream mountain bike trip, like the trails in moab, should have a great guide trail book that offers good runs for the first day, the second and the third.  It is always a good idea to start with the simple trail first, and often that is the trail that is the longest and intersects the others.  The Moab trails in Utah, are trails that offer great exploration and excitement, lots of variable conditions, but as well, are super dangerous if you do not know where you are.  Keep your preparation skills tight, and be sure to bring your tourist safety skills along, by being prepared.

The key to the best mountain bike safety tip is to have preparation, both in your equipment, understanding your trail location, and as well, with your emotions.  If you go on a trail, it is a good idea to be very aware of your buddies, and how emotions are heightened or mellow for them.  Pair your friends with each other based on the drama factor of high emotional stability vs a calm manner.  If you are experiencing a difficult situation in life, be sure to run it off a bit before you attempt any of the harder or more arduous mountain bike trails.  Mountain biking safety tips should always involve some simple introspection, careful preparation, and gear that matches your ambition.

 

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Road Bike Lane Ownership : The Road We Don’t Own

Posted on 03/15/2012 by Cheryl Hanson

When thinking about sharing the road, and how cars and a road bike cyclist interact, the fact is bikers and cyclists do not really own the road like a larger vehicle.  The difference really is in philosophy, realistic reasons, and safety for any road bike rider.  The native Indian People of North America are amazing people, and realize something that immigrant European populations often forget; we do not own the resources we borrow and use each day.  If we were to appreciate the gifts of nature more effectively, and one is our clear transport path to our end destination, we would be calmer, and better off in our lives in general.

Road Bike Lanes are Owned By No One

Even the bike lanes, and the road bike lanes are not owned completely by bikers and cyclists.  The most you can learn from this way of thinking, is that a car, truck or any kind of motorized vehicle, can and will impede on bike lanes anywhere they exist.  If you are lacking attention in your bike lane, someday this relaxed mode of attention will bring you safety risk, and offer you little in terms of simple safe travel.  Take no bike lane for granted, and offer only respect to any and all vehicles that travel around you.

In terms of road bike traffic, you as well, do not have the same legal rights as vehicles.  The very fact that a car, truck or other mass transit vehicle is larger, heavier and moves faster, creates more of a risk on this type of driver.  They often carry more insurance than a road bike cyclist.  They are often commercial, or use the road with permits and other tags and state registration.  Cyclists and road bike riders often do not register their bikes.

Keeping this reality in mind, you do have the ability to ride on the road with these vehicles.  The faster and heavier vehicles are definitely able to share the road with you, but they will be going at a different rate, are not as open and exposed as you, and offer better safety features than your road bike.  You as a road bike rider, must always be more aware, more cognoscente, have better skills, and bring a kinder mindset to the road.

Road Bike Riders Are Classified as Vehicles

Vehicles are classified as any mode of transportation that uses the roads that the state or federal governments manage and police in your local area.  The little old lady who pushes a wheeled grocery cart, is a vehicle when she enters the road way.  Technically, this slow vehicle must be allowed to enter the road way when needed, but as well, the pedestrian behind the cart, must be very aware of her place in the road.  In this example, a fast moving road bike cyclist, with experience and care, can ride with the faster cars and trucks, but never, ever, should the cyclist forget the differences between the heavier vehicles.

Road Bike Cyclists are Not Allowed to Occupy an Entire Road Lane

For safety reasons, in many local areas, road bike riders are often not permitted to control an entire road lane.  The reason that this law exists, is simple and is built to keep road bike rides safe, by allowing them to enter the road way, but not control an entire section of road.  The road bike cyclist is always required to move as far to the right of motorized traffic as possible.  The best a road bike rider can hope to find is a respect and a form of dignity from car drivers and truck drivers, by being seen, and being kept safe on the road bike.

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Feminine Influence on Biking: Be Fashionable and Still Bike Your Way Through Life

Posted on 02/09/2012 by Cheryl Hanson

The feminine influence in cycling has always been a bit on the edge of revolution, and finding time to bike your way, and still be a fashionable young lady, can be a bit of a challenge.  But as every fashionable lady knows, it must be a challenge that is overcome!  The elements present the largest challenge, but if you can evolve your thinking from cycling racing, and fast effective wind resistant clothing, you can bike your way, and get around with a strong sense of style.

Bike Your Way with Dry Weather Strategies

Missing a Skull Cap is Not Fashionable

Finding a bike path to work, you imagine saving some money to buy the next great bag you were searching for, and you decide the extra time in the morning, will be well worth your effort.  Bike your way when the weather is dry, and find a bike that doesn’t require much gear shifting, as the oil and chain changes can be a real no no for your expensive cashmere wool leggings, and your soft shoes.  If you are going only a short distance, a simple casual day ensemble can be easy to manage on your bike, and find the ride worth the extra outlay of calories.  Bike your way, and exercise gently to your next coffee shop visit!

A great way to envision your ride, is to always consider the wind that you will face, and your day at hand.  If you need to go further than 5 miles, you may want to ride the transit to your location, and ride your bike to or from the transit depot.  The offerings of bikes that fold are growing each year, because people are realizing that storing your bike at home or the office, is often a better solution.  As well, if you are improving your energy use by using less gas and fuel, you may want a bike that can fit in your new electric car in the days ahead.  Any fashionable girl will find a solution to get around a bit on a bike, because allowing time to bike your way will only make you happier in the end!

Bike your Way in the Rain

Despite the more dramatic changes in a bike ridership, female riders are more prepared than their male counterparts, and can offer the guys some foul weather advice.  The best solution for rain, and soaking rain, is to have the best coverup, or poncho that allows for a dry ride on the top, and for the majority of your working legs.  The Brooks Oxford Roll-Up Cape works very nicely, and is a quality cape that will keep your entire head, and upper body dry.  Add another simple addition of some rain pants, and change your shoes, and you are dry at the office!  The weather is so unpredictable, having a rain plan will ensure you can bike your way, and ride anytime the weather seems like rain.

Bike your way and always wear your helmet

Despite all past fashionable efforts, the helmet is getting some good press these days for adding great designs to the outside of the helmet, and making the buckles magnetic and quick for any fashionista to approve of.  Bike your way, but always cover you head!

 

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To Ride the Bike Lane or To Become A Vehicular Cyclist

Posted on 01/08/2012 by Cheryl Hanson

The majority of biking cities are popping with bike lanes and adding a bike lane every week as they improve their initiatives to get more Americans on bikes, but is this really the right way to bike, or is a a vehicular cyclist initiative the correct motivation for city planners?  The choice for many successful cities is a mix of both vehicular cyclist training and adding a bike lane here and there.  The reason is, you can’t come up with the secret sauce that will match every biker or cyclist.  Some bike for easy transport, and some bike for exercise, and others are using the stress management of the sport to their best obsession advantages.  Bike lanes or not, you always end up without a lane, so everyone needs to learn vehicular cyclist skills, as the bike lanes always end somewhere.

Vehicular Cyclist Skills are Necessary For Every

Biker

Vehicular Cyclist Awareness

Where you ride, matters, but all bike lanes will eventually end you up in a traffic snafu here and there.  Imagine a perfect world, where a bike lane is present at your front door, and then continues to your end destination.  The mere idea is ridiculous!  So, when you are biking, be sure to always consider the road, and the majority of users are in motor vehicles.  For this reason, use the bike lanes when you can, but, always prepare for your ride with a vehicular cyclist skill upgrade.

For one, you are permitted and legal in the road, biking with cars and trucks.  They do not entirely own the road.  I repeat, they do not own the road completely.  The majority of vehicular motor drivers are mean and angry folks, who have stress built up for their commute.  Add to the mix the new mobile communication networks, and you have distracted driving that may create a instant disaster.  The fact is, each year, many cyclists are killed by motorists, and it is not a statistic that is going to drop anytime soon.  In fact, as we become more and more a realistic society, and more cyclists are added to the mix, you are going to see this number jump.  The next few years are going to be a boost to cycling, as Americans take the image of Lance Armstrong, and change it to everyday road riding.  And, as we add these new inexperienced riders to our roads, we need to improve cycling by enforcing vehicular cyclist training in every bike purchase.

Buy your road bike and Get Vehicular Cyclist Training

What I propose is that every road bike purchased, be followed with a safety lecture from every bike shop.  The best shops are a huge resource for any cyclist, and bring good training with stern eye stares at new riders.  Your life is really in your hands, so a little preparation will be good for us all.

To start, a great book that will really scare the pants off you, but bring you forward to more preparedness so you are ready when you get your first adrenaline pumping experience of the car vs. bike is Effective Cycling by John Forester.  The book is a good one to prep you as a new cyclist that yes, you can ride with cars, but yes, you are the smaller force in the midst of the speed and mass.  John Forester is quoted as saying, “Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.”

The reason this is true, is that you are not lolly lazily riding along when you are mixed in with traffic.  Often being in the bike lane creates a mixed message to all that you are protected and safe.  This could not be further from the truth, as you need to always be aware of the surrounding motor traffic, and other cyclists, as they may not be as prepared as you.

Constant Improvement Involves Vehicular Cyclist Training

When riding to work, school or for fun, here are some must have tips for you to always remember:

  • Use your skull cap as it is the only protection of your brain!
  • Mirrors, lights, safety tape and all kinds of reflective accessories increase visibility
  • A mirror on your helmet is a good idea
  • As is biker insurance, and a video camera for your protection
  • Watch bike lanes when they end, as it can be the most dangerous area of any bike lane
  • Cars turn into bike lanes to turn left or right, expect them to be there
  • When you ride within traffic, expect angry motorist to want you to move; remember Gandhi at these moments-violence is never the answer.

So, are you ready to ride as a vehicular cyclist?

 

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Road Bike Wheels

Posted on 11/01/2011 by Cheryl Hanson

Firstly it is important that you have all the right gear before you begin the process so check you have the following:

Spoke Wrench 
Plastic Mallet (rubber mallet) 
Nipple tool 
Small regular screwdriver 
Grease 
Truing tool

A truing tool is an extra cost, but it ill make life a lot easier in regards to seeing where you need to apply tension on the nipples. An alternative is to turn the bike upside down and use the forks as the tool and the brake pads as indicators to the wheels straightness.

The right components

Weight is an important part of road biking and the choice of parts and frame etc. With a wheel the starting part is the hub in the centre of the wheel. The general rule of thumb is to have a 32 spoke hub, but some heavier riders will need more than this. Conversely lighter riders may want less spokes to save weight, there are a number of spoke designs that keep rigidity but have less spoke, which means less weight and therefore less drag.

The rim that you choose is critical as it is the main part of the wheel and its important to buy the right one for your weight and type of riding. Mavic as a brand are good in regards to making rims. DT stainless steel spokes and nipples are the best for beginners and in regards to length there are a number of tools of the web for calculating spoke length. Remember that front and rear wheels require slightly different length spokes as the hubs are different, taking into consideration the cassette.

Lacing the spokes

Place rim flat and insert spoke into hub flange, insert other end into rim and tighten nipple with 4 turns. (Remember to grease the nipples) Install in exactly same way on every other hole the next 7 spokes. Place them in every 5th rim hole. Twist the hub until all spoke are tight. Then place the next 8 spokes through the hub going from the inside out. Make sure you get the same twist on each spoke so everything is perfectly aligned. This should mean you have completed one side. Then turn it over and tap gently in the middle to bend the spokes outwards and find the new resting position. Do the same process as you did on the first side. Start opposite the first spoke you did last time, mark it so you know which one it is.

Tightening and Truing

Sit the wheel into the truing tool. It should be loose but in the effect final shape. The next stage takes a keen eye and patience. Only tighten in less that half rotations as that can make a big difference to the tension. Keep spinning the wheel and applying pressure on either side to get everything to sit in the right place as you tighten it all up.

4 Tips That Will Help

1. Lubricate the spoke nipples, when dry you can tighten them and they feel tight but actually they aren’t and will come loose in time and make truing very difficult in the future.

2. Seating the spokes will eliminate any slack, so lie them as flat as you can. If this isn’t completed you will find as you ride that the spokes will straighten and loosen, eventually leading to total collapse.

3. Slowly true round and centre the rim, do not do any section up to tightly. It’s better to slowly go round and tighten with half a twist. Once you feel the rim is true and semi tight, begin the final tightening process.

4. Apply some pressure to both sides of the rim and in turn the spokes, this will help seat the nipples in the right place before the final tighten.

Author of this post is associated with Road Bike Wheel UK . You can buy Pro-lite Merano wheelsets  from his website

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Buying a Road Bike Frame

Posted on 10/29/2011 by Cheryl Hanson

Choosing the Correct Road Bike Frame Review is Crucial

If you are looking at purchasing a frame for your bike, then you need to consider the type of frame you require. Road bike frames are frames that are designed for bikes that are going to be used on the road, and therefore an off-road bike frame will not do.

Road bike frames are a lot lighter and thinner than off-road frames such as mountain bikes. This is to help the bike move a lot quicker on road surfaces.

Road Bike Frame And Size

The size of your bike frame is another very important factor to consider. Your bike frame needs to be the correct size for you, so you will need to take some measurements before you go to any bicycle shop. You need to measure your inside leg measurements first. Once you have this number, you will need to subtract 9″ to have the correct measurement for road bike frames. When you stand over your bike frame, you should be able to rest your feet comfortably on the ground, and you should also have plenty of clearance from the crossbar too.

Standard clearance distances are 7 to 13cm for mountain bikes, 5 to 10cm for racing bikes, and 1 to 8 cm for hybrid bikes.

If you need more detail on sizing, be sure to see our information on Road Bike Frame Sizing.

Is Your Bike For Sport Or Fun?

The next thing that you need to decide on is whether your bike is going to be used for racing or just for fun. If you are looking for road bike frames for racing bikes, then these frames will be designed for speed, and in many cases, they are lighter and less stable than other road bike frames.

Road Bike Frame Types

The last thing you need to decide on is the material used for your road bike frame. There are a number of choices available with steel being the least expensive. Steel frames are the heaviest, even though they have been made lighter over the years.

Titanium frames are great if you have the money to spend on them. They are very light, but their ride can be hard, and it is suggested that the main tubes should be mixed with carbon forks to give you great handling and better comfort. The great thing about these frames though is that made properly, they will last you forever.

Carbon fibre bike frames are what most people want. These are very popular and less expensive than titanium frames. These frames are very strong, and they give you a comfortable ride too. These are perfect if you don’t have enough to spend on titanium frames, but still want a frame that is built to last.

Personal preference is always going to play a part when it comes to choosing the right bike, and there are a number of questions you will need to ask yourself, such as what type of performance you want from your bike. Is comfort important? If you want to sit more upright on your bike, then you will need a slightly larger frame, but you still need to ensure that you have road bike frames with correct crossbar clearance.

Article Source: http://ezineseeker.com/?expert=Nigel_Cooke

 

Ride for fun, for life, and for your daily transportation needs, and do this by sourcing the right road bike frame for you and you alone!

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Choosing A Road Bike

Posted on 10/28/2011 by Cheryl Hanson

Article by Radley Beale

Ultimate Guide to Adventure Cycling and Which Road bike To Buy

 

Getting a road bike can be a large commitment especially due to the fact you’re embarking onto a new hobby and passion. You never know where it could take you, in a few years time you could be cycling everyday and competing. However for now we’ll just assume you’re gearing and really excited to start your new hobby.

Everyone needs to start somewhere and hopefully this guide is a good place to start. There are many different questions that beginners ask and this guide should cover the main ones.

Below are some things to think about when looking to choose your road bike –

Your Road Bike Compared To Your Skill Level

A road bike should always be chosen with heavy regard to your skill level. Obviously if you’re a beginner you’re going to want a road bike that’s reliable, is comfortable, is the right price and has enough gears to help you get over challenging hills.

You may be new to road bikes but not new to biking overall. Road biking is slightly different to standard biking but there are principles that apply. Look below and try and decipher what level you’re currently at when you bike or what level of commitment you’re trying to obtain.

Low Level Road Bike

Choosing a low level road bike can be tricky due to the fact many road bikes these days are very expensive. However all is not lost as you can get some great road bikes for decent prices if you look around. You may not get all of the features but you can be sure to get a road bike that does the job. If you’re just starting out and not sure how much you’re going to be using it then you should consider the pricing.

Medium Level Road Biker

A medium level biker is someone who has had a good amount of experience with bikes and many other different types including mountain and triathlon. A medium level biker should be looking at road bikes within the medium range which is anything up to 500. If you’re going to be taking it seriously then this is necessary. The best road bikes aren’t necessarily the most expensive so it’s best if you do some research beforehand.

High Level Road Biker

If you’re enthusiastic about biking and it’s a big part of your life but you’re looking for a road bike then you should make sure you’re getting the best possible. It’s known that road bikes can be expensive but if you’re dedicated and sure that you’re going to be using it often then it’s wise to invest a good deal. Most of the high level road bikes are over 500 with most being over the 1000 range. Anything over that and you’re looking at top competition standard. A high level road biker would need as many gears as possible especially to take advantage of certain conditions, make sure you don’t sell yourself short.

Gears

The standard amount of road bike gears you’re likely to find in most online and local stores are 14-33 gears. A higher amount of gears will give you the most flexibility when you’re going to tackle hills or bumpy roads with different environments. In most cases it may not be necessary to have a lot of gears, especially if the roads you travel on are mostly flat and have a similar surface. Before you consider how many gears you need look at the environments you’re going to be traveling and use that to make a decision.

Sizing Considerations

As with everything in cycling, the most important factor when it comes to buying a road bike is size. Ideally you’re going to want a bike that fits your dimensions uniquely and gives you a comfortable fit. There are three main benefits to purchasing a road bike that fits.

Comfort

With a bike that fits well and suits your physique you’ll be riding for longer without any discomfort. This is important for any journey but especially so for those long rides which can drain you. A good indicator of whether a bike will fit you is if the seat is in a comfortable position.

Efficiency

How fit and strong you are will dictate how much energy you can exert and also how much the pedals will help you to move forward. However every human body is limited in how much energy it can exert no matter how fit or strong you are. You should try and find a bike that makes it easy to peddle and also make good use of your natural body physique.

Speed

The biggest thing to slow any biker down will be his own weight and also the wind resistance that is pushed against him. That’s why you should find a bike that feels great when you sit and peddle but also when you get into full throttle.

Road Bike Accessories

Road Bike accessories will give you that edge when it comes to comfort, efficiency and most of all safety.

Reflective Clothing

Visible or reflective gear is important for anyone who is going to be taking their riding seriously, especially if you’re going to be riding at night or in any low light conditions. Many of the materials will help with comfort as well such as preventing chafing and wear.

Mirrors

Mirrors are important for road safety if you’re going to be travelling for long periods of time on the road. They will give you an indication as to how the traffic is responding behind you and are obviously important in places like roundabouts.

Helmet

If you’re going to get any accessory at all make sure you get a helmet. If you have ever seen an injury to a bike helmet after a collision then I’m sure you’ll understand why you’d rather it be your helmet than your head. Make sure you buy one of these that fit and get it with your bike as a required purchase.

How Much Should I Spend?

How much you spend is entirely up to you and it will be based on your disposable income, how much you think you’re going to ride and how experienced you already are. For a decent Road Bike that will last you a good few years you may be looking at around the 400 to 600 mark. Just be sure you look around before you buy as bike prices have been known to be slashed, especially around Christmas.

Where Should I Buy?

The question of where you should buy will always pop up. You more or less have two options, to buy from a trusted online store or to go to your local store. With either choice just make sure you’ve researched the bike before you make the final decision. A good place to look online is Amazon or eBay. Local stores tend to be slightly more expensive but for this cost you’ll be given expert advice and an opportunity to test ride them.

Online Cycling Resources

Pros• Cheaper Products• More Range• Money Off Vouchers• Quicker• Can Buy Whenever You Want• Look at reviews before purchase

Cons• No expert assistance when choosing• Harder to return items• No test rides

Local Store Biking Resources

Pros• Bikes are very visible within the store• Returns are easy• Advice is given

Cons• Entry level bikes mainly stocked• Can be expensive • Not open all the time

There are always going to be positives and negatives when it comes buying road bikes in different environments whether that’s online or offline. To really find the best road bikes you should be willing to be do a little research. One of the best ways to do this is through road bike reviews.

Do not forget to Choose a Road Bike that feels great to you, with patient review and expert advice by contacting us here, at Biking Frontiers.

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Road Biking for Life

Posted on 02/26/2011 by Cheryl Hanson

Are you always searching for a great new way to change your life, be happier, and save some money at the same time?  Try biking to work, and you may have found all three!  Researchers are always coming up with great information that our brains do so much better when we exercise.  It is being slowly proven that late stage Alzheimer’s can be slowed by regular exercise.  So, you have to get to work, so why not use that time to exercise?

Even if you live far away from your work, and it is not feasible to bike the entire way, can you think about these options?

Ride a bus for part of the way, bike the rest

I know this seems a bit counter intuitive, but think about this a little bit.  If you are driving to work say, 20 miles each way, can you catch a bus, close to home?  What about biking to a bus stop, that takes you all the way there, at that point?

Or, can you drive your car for a couple of miles, park at a park and ride, and then bike to work?  I want you to think about this seriously.  Why not?

Riding to work is going to give you that brief exercise you will need to perform better at work.  Often, it will be cooler in the morning, so you will not arrive too hot and sweaty.  But, do not let that stop you!  Can you join a club close to work, that will allow you to shower and store your bike?  What about work, do they offer some benefit of storing your bike there, and maybe some showers?

What about the time spent, you think.  Will I be able to manage adding another hour onto my drive in and my drive home?  Are you at the gym, for an hour or more each day?  Why?  Stop staying inside, and mix up your exercise routine.  Being outside is not always easy, but it is a way to stay connected to the parts of our community and nature that you do not get in a gym.

What about the fact that you are actually being productive in moving your body in a real way, and making an impact to save money, and use your car less?  Everyone is searching for new and innovative ways to get around, and we can start with thinking about mass transit in a new way, and include a bike to help!

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