Bike Reviews

December 31, 2009

About Mini Bikes

Filed under: Bike Reviews — jennifer8163 @ 9:10 pm

Mini bikes have developed greatly throughout the years, they were first built with 4 stroke engines which usually came out of yard equipment such as lawn mowers. However today you are more likely to see a two stroke bike which has been designed to look the same as the larger motorcycles available today.

Mini bikes were first created by enthusiasts using spare parts which were found in their garage. These started to become popular in the 50’s with many people using them as ‘pit bikes‘ for drag racers. They were useful as they took up roughly around the same amount of room as a bicycle would in the trailer and were easy to manouvre and were a lot quicker than bicycles when used around the pit lanes.

The racers that created these would then often use these motorcycles at home and around their neighborhood where children would see them and want them as they liked the idea of a ‘mini motorcycle’. The popularity of these motos quickly grew and companies started to produce these bikes in order to sell to a growing market. The first mini bike companies which were set up to sell these mini bikes were companies such as Rupp, Arctic cat and Fox.

It is from these early designs that all other forms of mini bikes were developed. Firstly the pocketbike/mini moto was created, these are miniature racing replicas of GP bikes.

Pit bikes have also been created from the original designs, these now look like motocross bikes and are more commonly being used in competitions.

Also chopper mini bikes have been created, these are scaled down versions of larger chopper bikes including replicas of Harley Davidson choppers.

Mini bikes are now more popular then ever, with hundreds of thousands of new models being purchased each year. Why not take a look at what mini bikes are on offer at Minimotosgo.com. We have an extensive list of mini bikes for sale including Rupp minibikes for sale and mini dirt bikes for sale.

Also if any more information is required on mini bikes then there is all the information needed on the site.

Marc Wilton, I have been riding mini motos for around two years now and am currently an editor for the website mini motos go.

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Crossing the Texas Plains by Bicycle

Filed under: Bike Reviews — jennifer8163 @ 6:07 pm

Crossing Texas by bicycle is not an easy feat at all and certainly I am not suggesting that anyone try to cross from El Paso to Beaumont; that would indeed be a nightmare. As big as Texas is there are only a few really good routes to take which go fairly straight thru. And we need to start where it makes sense, so lets start in Hobbs, NM. You see Hobbs, NM is only 3 miles from the border and Hwy 180 is straight shot into Texas.

We will ride from Hobbs on Hwy 180 thru; Seminole, Lamesa and into Snyder about 115 miles, where we will take a short break and then go to Roby and Anason also on the Hwy 180 about another 46 miles. At Anason we will go South East on the 277/83 thru Abilene, TX then South to Hwy 84 another 20 miles. Once on Hwy 84 we will Lawn, Novice, Coleman, Santa Ana, Bangs, Brownwood, Mullin, Goldthwaite to round out another 80 miles or total of 260 miles in an ultra-long distance ride.

The next day we will take it a little easier Starting from Goldthwaite we will set our sites on Waco, TX and travel thru the towns of Evant, Gateville, South Mountain, McGregor and Woodway; about 80 miles in the first leg. After a good rest and eat, we will head off to Mexia and Teague a little over 45 miles. Then up to Fairfield on the I-45, which is only about 10 more miles yet. At 135 miles for the day we will take another quick rest and then trek off to Palestine about 30 more miles bringing us to 165 for the day.

Then we move off the Hwy 84 to the Hwy 79 and ride up to Jacksonville and Henderson, TX another fifty miles or 215 for the day. Next we rest for 4.5 hours and finish crossing Texas by riding into Carthage and Panola another 45 miles and Texas ends five miles from their on our way to Shreveport, LA. A job well done indeed, and every one can rest. As the soon we being our trek through00000DB7 Louisiana on our Journey Across America.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

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Save on Gas and Get Valuable Exercise by Cycling to Work

Filed under: Bike Reviews — jennifer8163 @ 3:05 pm

Saving money and staying in shape rarely go hand-in-hand. Health clubs often charge exorbitant rates, and eating healthy has never been more expensive. Fortunately, there’s a cheap and fun way to get exercise; cycling. Even if you haven’t been on a bike in ages, it’s as easy as, well, riding a bike.

Bikes aren’t just for kids, either. A 2004 study by the CMI found that the most reliable way to get to work was by riding a bicycle. How often do you see bike back-ups on the local sidewalk? Probably not as often as you see yourself stuck in traffic, stressing whether you’ll make it to work on time or not. Speaking of stress, exercise is one of the most efficient ways to relieve stress. Cycling allows you to pump blood through your body while getting fresh air, which relaxes your body and makes you a less-stressed individual.

Not only is cycling great for your body, it’s great for your wallet as well. The maintenance for a bicycle pales in comparison to that of a bicycle. The average cost per mile to drive a car is up to 54.1 cents, while the average cost of a bicycle in the U.S. is $385. If you drive just ten miles to work each day, you spend an average of $235 to get to-and-from work each month. If you had bought bicycle instead, it would have paid for itself in about a month and a half. Of course, it would probably be wise to invest in a helmet (~$50) and a nice backpack (~$50), but all of the equipment you need to start biking would pay for itself within two months. What if you live in an area where the climate only allows you to bike 5 months out of the year? Well, during those five months you would save over $1000 dollars, and burn about 500 calories a day on your way to work!

If you’re interested in purchasing a new bike, bike helmet or other cycling accessories, please visit Shop at Home Sport’s Cycling Deals to find cycling coupons, free shipping offers, cycling sales and other cycling promotional offers. You’ll also find hundreds of other sports coupons and codes which will help you save even more money.

Shop at Home Sports

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Eight Good Reasons to Ride a Folding Bike!

Filed under: Bike Reviews — jennifer8163 @ 10:08 am

Folding bikes have been around for many years but always seemed to be the poor relation of the full-size bicycle. Probably because they were as heavy and clunky as ordinary bikes used to be, plus the added task of the folding process.

These days it’s a different story. Bicycle technology has advanced so the folding bike today is light, strong and agile. Patent hinges and custom fittings make them safe and fun to ride, and the folding process is quick and easy.

Here are eight good reasons why a folding bike makes sense today:

1: They’re easy to use - everyone can ride a bike. No license is necessary and there’s usually a minimum of regulations. But even if you don’t have to, ALWAYS wear a helmet. Most cyclist fatalities are the result of head injuries.

2: They’re convenient - you can put a folding bike in the trunk of your car or take it on public transport with you. If you use your folder to commute to work, you can store it under your desk or tuck it in a corner. No more having to lock it up on the street and hope it’s still there when you get back.

3: They’re economical - no expensive fuel to buy and no special parking or garaging needed. You don’t need to pay license fees or vehicle registration - they’re great in traffic and you don’t have to pay for parking space or garaging.

4: They’re good for the environment - no fossil fuels are burned to pollute the atmosphere, they’re good for relieving traffic and parking congestion - one person on a bike takes up a lot less space on the road, and parking, than one person in a car.

5: They’re good for commuting - public transport is okay but there’s usually a lot of waiting involved and you’ve often got a walk at either end. With a folding bike you can be on your way, and if the weather turns bad you can take your folder on public transport.

6: They’re good for short trips, too - no need to fire up the SUV just to go to the library or the corner store. Plus it’s amazing what you can carry on a bike!

7: They’re good for your health - riding a bike is a gentle workout, unlike jogging, but still good cardio-vascular exercise. And you get to breathe some fresh air.

8: They’re low maintenance - keep the tires pumped up and make sure the0000065C batteries in your lights are charged and that’s about it. A regular service by a bike mechanic costs a lot less than the same thing for a car.

And if you need yet another reason - they’re fun!

There’s a range of folding bikes to choose from, from the standard steel folder with a modest range of gears to some very sophisticated folding bikes made of ultra-light alloys and with remarkable gearing specs.

Which folding bike’s right for you? It depends on the level of your interest in cycling, and the depth of your pocket. The enthusiast who can afford it will go for the top of the range. If you’re new to the idea of riding a bike regularly, buy an entry-level folder and see how you like it. If the bike bug bites, you can upgrade to something more exotic; if it doesn’t, you’re not a lot out of pocket.

So, with eight good reasons to buy, what are you waiting for? On your bike!

Peter Strudwick rides a folding bike and also writes for FoldingBikeSale.com where you’ll find good cheap folding bikes. If you’re in the market for a cheap folding bike visit FoldingBikeSale.com today

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Second Hand Quad Bikes

Filed under: Bike Reviews — jennifer8163 @ 7:05 am

With the Quad Bike market now starting to show signs of overtaking the motorcycle market just on growth year on year, there will inevitably be more and more Quad Bikes for sale as time goes on.

What we have prepared below is some basic guidelines for the buyer and hope that this makes enough logical sense that it gives you some idea on what to look for and how to find it.

Pre-Owned Quads & ATV’s

Even though someone advertises their Quad Bike or ATV as “GOOD CONDITION,” it is always a good move to make sure it is “AS DESCRIBED” before you part with your cash. Most advertised machines are usually out of area, so if you decided to buy it based on pictures and description then you should need to be sure your happy with the seller.

Over the last few years there has been an increase in the sales of NEW & USED Quad Bikes, far greater than Motorcycles, so it is always good practice to make sure you either see the goods before you part with your money, or that you have an independent holding facility retain the funds until the vehicle has been viewed if it is being delivered by courier.

Pre-Owned or Pre-Loved?
There is a massive difference between these two statements, and one of them does get used out of context all too often. The one thing you should always consider is a Quad Bike or ATV will be used for one of three reasons:

  • Work Horse - That has got to be one of the best ways of describing the fact that it was purchased for a purpose. No matter whether it is a Farm/Utility Vehicle or for getting round a large estate, both use the same description yet, can be completely different in the way they are used.
  • Just For Fun - Again, yet another open ended answer that can be completely flattering in one respect, yet the other side of the coin could spell complete abuse. It may have been a fun machine for one person, or the whole of the local town or village, so make sure you define the terminology with the seller.
  • Used to get from A to B! - This one is a complete mine field. Was he just commuting backwards and forward to work on the road, or did he work on a Quarry? The reason you ask is that with some of the Chinese imported Quad Bikes, the moving parts are not as reliable as their Japanese blood lines. For example, the shock absorber on a Yamaha would be completely different to a Kinroad and would last probably 10 times longer if used off road.

The trouble is, no matter what it says in the listing when someone is selling a quad bike, it is there for one reason - to sell the bike. Most of the time people can be honest, but then you will always get the ones who wish to try and sell something that isn’t anything like what they described in the advert.

Did you find 00004000this article helpful?

For anything related to the Quad Bike Industry there is only going to be one place to go - http://www.myquadbike.com

No matter what it is you are trying to find, a New Quad Bike to a Fuel Filler Cap - all will be available on a site you can trust. With information spanning all sections of the industry from Insurance, Finance, Where to Ride, Safety, Security and A List Of Dealers that are recognised as Industry Specialists, you’ll always find something interesting.

Also we have a comprehensive blog so, if you want to make your point known or ask a question then you have a point where you can do it. Visitors to the blog is increasing every day, so make sure that you pop by and leave us a comment.

It would be much appreciated if you could rate this article, so that other who come along can, at a glance, make sure that what we write is worth reading. Should this not be the case, then please feel frr to contact us regarding the article that you have shown interest in.

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December 30, 2009

Incorporating Bicycling Into Your Day

Filed under: Bike Reviews — jennifer8163 @ 8:55 pm

Biking can be a great way to lose weight and stay in shape. The best part of it is that every little bit helps, and its actually fun! There are tons of easy ways to incorporate bike riding into your everyday habits. Don’t worry if you haven’t ridden one in years. There’s a good reason why they say “it’s like riding a bike”. Start out slow and you will get back into the groove in no time.

Bicycling is a great form of exercise for several reasons. It is challenging, but more importantly it can be used as a mode of transportation as well. You can exercise on your way to work or the store, no need to carve out special time in your day (and no need for trips to a stinky gym). You may even decide that you like it better than driving. It should be less stressful (though still requires attention to safety) and it will give you some time to relax and clear your head before and after work. By starting out small, maybe replacing one or two car trips a week with bicycling, you can work your way up. It will be less of a shock to your body and your lifestyle.

Another great benefit of bicycling is the contribution to the environment. You will be using less gas and thus emitting less harmful chemicals into the air, and it will decrease dependence on oil. It will be less taxing for the earth, which should make you feel like you are doing something great!

While tooling around town is fabulous on a bike, don’t forget to bring it on vacation as well. You can rent bikes almost anywhere you go or if you are driving, just purchase a bike rack and you can bring your own equipment wherever you go. Vacations will take on a new air of adventure when you sight see on a bike. You can see places and things that you never would have seen just driving around. Some places even have organized tours that bicyclists can join.

Finally, biking is a great activity for families and friends to do together. Again, you will have the health benefits and you can have a great deal of fun while you are at it. Local and federal governments are putting large sums of money into improving this country’s bike paths and ski resorts for our bicyclists. Why not take advantage!

Sydney Garrison is 00000E93an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. She is also a partner in an online bike carrier store.

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About Aluminum Made Folding Bikes

Filed under: Bike Reviews — jennifer8163 @ 5:52 pm

The birth of the aluminum made folding bikes was quite a good new for those who commute everyday. These bicycles can easily be folded and packed and can stored neatly anywhere that would not be a hindrance along the way. These bikes are so light and you can carry them with you without exerting much effort. There is no wonder why many people these days choose to travel on their lightweight folding bicycles instead of using their motorbikes and cars. These bikes do have certain features that are very convenient for everyone.

The folding bike is a lightweight Aluminum. The different models of the folding bike are not inferior to regular bikes when it comes to performance and durability. The Lightweight folding bike model comes in different sizes and styles available in the market. You have to carefully select one that would fit for your style of riding. The prices of these bikes are also quite good and they may come in cheap deals when you shop around and do a little bargain on the product. The online shop also provides you the opportunity of checking the prices being offered by different dealers in just a matter of moment. With this, you can identify which brand offers the best deals. There are various folding bike models that you could choose from.

The airframe folding bike model is constructed from tubular aluminum. The Airframe model is light weight and can fold down into a more upright form that is similar in shape and size like that of a collapsible child’s push chair. It has an 8 speed Shimano Nexus h00000613ub gear that offers a reliable performance in combination with the twist grip shifter for easier use. This bike is an all aluminum tubular construction that produces a light weight bike of 10.5 kilos. It has also a good resistance to certain atmospheric corrosion, which is always a consideration for those who sues folding bicycles on boats when at sea. Although it is not well suited for a daily commuter due to the large size in its folded state as compared to other models, the design of the Airframe is a probably a true departure from the status quo thus creating an appeal to bicycle collectors.

The Dawes King Pin is yet another aluminum made folding bike. It provides a great number of alloy components as compared to the more basic Dawes Jack. It is also lighter and easier to carry. The Alloy 7 speed wheel set and a very neat bicycle pump that stores inside the seat post are two of the most notable features that are present on this very popular bike. The Kingpin has all the components as the Dahon Vitesse D7 plus an extra seat post pump, but with an alternative frame design. This model is suited to the young and the older riders. It has an aluminum finished frame that has a great appeal to so many bikers.

The two models are just among the many aluminum made folding bike you could choose from. There sure is one model that would suit your riding style.

Article Folding Bikes is written by Cassaundra Flores, owner of skyfireproducts.com

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All Bikes Are Not Created Equal - What Makes BMX Bikes Different?

Filed under: Bike Reviews — jennifer8163 @ 2:50 pm

Everyone knows what a bicycle is and how to use it, but you know that a BMX bicycle is not just your run of the mill bike. What makes a BMX bike different and special when compared to any other bike in the neighborhood?

The BMX bike is one of the fastest growing bikes on the market. In the 1960

Hybrid Bicycle Review

Filed under: Bike Reviews — jennifer8163 @ 11:47 am

If you’re shopping for a new bike, it is likely that you have heard or read about hybrid bikes. Hybrid bikes are designed to incorporate the best features from road bikes and mountain bikes, thus resulting in a bike that is capable of achieving high speeds on asphalt and handling packed dirt paths.

Hybrid bikes tend to have an upright frame allowing the rider to achieve a more comfortable riding position. A short, low frame can handle more weight and absorb the average amount punishment from, potholes, curbs, etc., that you might encounter during a ride to work or the grocery store. Hybrid bikes also have slightly wider tires that road bikes for better traction and stability on dirt bike paths or grass. However, like a road bike, hybrids tend to have lighter rims and taller gearing for faster riding on pavement.

Most reviews of hybrid bikes reveal that the wheels on a hybrid are a marriage of the heavy duty mountain bike wheel and the lightweight high-speed road bike wheel. Wider tires are good for stability and durability during a ride on a slightly rocky packed dirt bike path, but a higher recommended air pressure, similar to a road bike wheel, allows for speed on roads and asphalt paths by reducing rolling resistance. The rims and spokes on hybrids are lighter, also like a road bike. Because of this feature it is important that you not purchase a hybrid if you plan on doing a lot of rough off-road riding. Reviews of hybrid bikes have shown that the lightweight rims and spokes cannot handle large rocks and big drops like a true mountain bike.

Frames on most hybrid bike frames are made of lightweight aluminum or steel (also called “cro-moly”). These materials allow for both speed and durability while still be very affordable. The handlebars on a hybrid are typically flat like a mountain bike, and go straight out from the stem. They also have a wider grip, allowing riders to sit upright and offer a better position for vision and control, and perhaps most importantly, comfort. In this position the rider has an ideal center of gravity and the least amo0000383Dunt of neck and back strain possible.

Hybrids take gearing design cues from both mountain and road bikes. Most reviews of hybrid bikes claim that they not only allow the rider to both climb hills easily, but also go fast on flat or downhill sections. However, a lack of very low gears does not allow for the power that many mountain bikes offer for powering through loose or rocky terrain. Typically a hybrid bike will have either two or three chain rings in the front, much like the crank assembly on a road bike. In the back there are eight or nine gears in the cassette. The combination of the two sets of gears allows for 16 all the way up to 27 possible gear combinations. You will find that these gears are more than sufficient for conquering almost any challenge you will find commuting to work or enjoying a weekend ride on a countryside bike path.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about hybrid bicycles, please visit Bicycle Guide Online for current articles and discussions.

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A Look At Some Of The More Common Mountain Bike Designs

Filed under: Bike Reviews — jennifer8163 @ 8:45 am

Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding. Whether made for racing or the more leisurely rider, there are four basic frame designs for mountain bikes: rigid, hard-tail, soft-tail, and full suspension.

The rigid (also commonly known as fully rigid) mountain bikes resemble a conventional sort of bike as you would imagine it. A rigid mountain bike has neither a rear suspension nor a front suspension. These used to be the most common kind of mountain bike but they are rapidly being replaced by the more comfortable models which feature some sort of suspension system. Fully rigid bikes tend to be lower-priced than models with a suspension. Many riders still prefer rigid bikes because it’s what they’re accustomed to, and the feel that the rigid design allows them greater control.

Another common mountain bike design is the hard-tail. Hard-tail mountain bikes are so named because they have a conventional rear end without a suspension. Hard-tails differ from fully rigid bikes i000009D4n that they have a front suspension. The hard-tail is perhaps the most popular mountain bike design. Many professional riders prefer the feel of a hard-tail and the comfort of a front suspension.

The next kind of mountain bike design is the soft-tail. As you probably guessed, soft-tails employ a rear suspension. Rear suspensions are a more recent innovation than front suspension due to the complexities of the design. Soft-tails are often more expensive than hard-tails, but they also tend to be more forgiving.

Finally there’s the full suspension mountain bike. Bikes with this design feature both front and rear suspensions. These bikes are the latest mountain bike design. For a long time riders avoided full suspension bikes because they were heavy and they tended to sag in the middle like an old swayback horse. It took years for engineers and riders to perfect a viable, functional full suspension mountain bike. It was in the 1990’s when these bikes finally reached a point where they were marketable.

In addition to the frame and suspension, there are other differences in mountain bike designs. One key area where bikes differ is the brakes. Mountain bikes either have some form of caliper brakes, which are the kind of brakes typically associated with bikes. This kind of brake squeezes the rims to slow and stop the bike. The other type of brake is the drum brake. Drum brakes on bikes are similar to the braking system on automobiles. Drum brakes are more expensive than caliper brakes but they’re also easier to maintain. Mountain bike braking systems have even been made which utilize hydraulic power.

Another area where you have some choice in mountain bike design is tire size. Mountain bike tires typically range in size from 24″ to 29″. Smaller tires are used when greater maneuverability is required as in stunt-riding and jumping. Larger tires are used when speed is the key.

As with any other important purchase, do your homework before buying a new mountain bike. Think about your needs and your budget. Mountain biking is a terrific past-time. It’s a fun way to get some fresh air, enjoy the outdo00004000ors, and improve your health.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as cycling fitness at http://www.cyclinggearplus.com

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