Bike Reviews

Unless you’re lucky enough to live in an area with year-round sunshine, you’re going to need clothes to keep you warm and dry when riding your bike. Clothing is of course not just about keeping warm - if you’re actually going somewhere on your bike, you’ll want to wear something that you aren’t embarrassed about wearing once you get to your destination.

In terms of clothing to wear when cycling, your jacket is one of the most important items. It serves to keep you warm and dry, and may also include reflective markings, which are an important safety measure as they make you more easily visible, especially in bad weather conditions or at night, to other road users. On the whole, if you can, it’s best to get a jacket that is specifically designed to cycling - you won’t regret it.

If you choose a jacket that has been specifically designed for cycling, you’ll notice some unusual things about it as compared to “normal” jackets. One of the main features of cycling jackets is they are generally longer at the back so that they cover your kidneys from the wind, and your bottom from road spray - the latter being something that you’ll sure appreciate if you ride a road bike without mudguards. You’ll also notice that cycling jackets are generally shorter at the front (to facilitate movement of your legs), but have long sleeves (so that your wrists are covered when reaching forward to the handlebars).

Cycle jackets are generally designed to be draught-proof, and most feature toggles so that you can adjust the balance between ventilation and warmth depending on the weather and your personal preferences. Of course, draught-proofing is very important, as whenever you cycle you’re moving through air, and so can get cold very quickly.

Another thing to think about is the features of the jacket and how they tie into your convenience. For example, it’s great to have pockets, but pockets at the front weigh you down, and can even create a big draughty inside your jacket when riding - for this reason pockets at the back may be preferable. Likewise little extras like extra zips and optional hoods may seem like a good idea, but they also made your jacket a lot more bulky and a lot more awkward to deal with on those days when you’re not too sure what the weather will be like.

Fabric should also play a part in your choice of fabric. Ideally you want something breathable so that yo00004000u never get too hot and sweaty. Additionally, you will need to choose between a water-proof fabric (such as Gore-Tex which can keep you dry for a full day) or water-resistant (which will keep you dry for about 20 minutes in heavy rain or 40 minutes in a shower). If all other things are equally between two jackets, you’d probably simply choose water-proof, but given that they’re not, and that a water-resistant jacket may be cheaper, less bulky, better styled, etc., the choice is more difficult. One thing to bear in mind is that most commutes are 20 minutes or less, so water-resistant may in fact be perfectly adequate.

The final (but by no means least important) matter to consider is safety. As already mentioned, anything that makes you more visible to other road users, especially car drivers, is a big advantage - especially if cycling on dark days or after sunset. Additionally, it’s better not to get a jacket with a hood, but wear a cycling helmet instead - a helmet will protect your head, and also not restrict your vision in the way that hoods can.

By S. Tanna. First published at http://www.guide2cycling.com/p1_articles_kit_jackets.php

For more about cycling, please visit http://www.guide2cycling.com/

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Bicycling is an activity that everyone can enjoy. Riding at even a leisurely pace helps with overall balance and coordination and is great for cardiovascular health. If you’ve finally decided it’s time to hit the road-on bicycle, that is-make sure you’re taking the trip on the right bike.

Before purchasing a bike, consider how often you plan to ride. Bicycle prices can vary considerably; the amount of money you spend on a bicycle should depend on how often you plan to use it. The next thing to look at is the places you’ll be riding. This determines the type of bike you’ll need. Here is a brief rundown of some of the different types of bikes and their uses:

Road Bikes - A road bike, or racer, is meant for smooth surfaces. The wheels are tall and thin and enable you to reach greater speeds on paved roads. Road bikes are designed for fast, long-distance riding.

Hybrid Bikes - Hybrids are a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. They go faster than mountain bikes, but enable you to sit in a more upright position. If you are planning to ride on paved roads and trails, a hybrid is a good choice.

Comfort Bikes - A comfort bike generally features a wider seat, wide tires for better traction on loose surfaces, and upright seating. This style is designed for leisure riding.

Mountain Bikes - If your route is mostly unpaved or gravel, a mountain bike may be more suitable. Mountain bikes have wide tires, usually with knobby treads, and a sturdy frame. Mountain bikes do not go as fast as road bikes or hybrids.

Make sure you0000060B choose the right bike frame to fit your frame. An ill-fitting or poorly-sized bicycle is not only hard on your body, it takes the fun out of the ride.

To check the height of the bike, straddle the crossbar (the frame bar between the seat and the handlebars) with both feet on the ground. There should be 1 to 3 inches of space between the bike and your body.

Adjust the handlebars so that your elbows are slightly bent. Raise or lower the seat (also called the saddle) so the bike is easy to pedal and does not place unnecessary stress on your knees. When you sit on the seat, your extended leg should be not quite straight. Many bicycles offer wider saddles with extra padding or gel inserts that lessen the impact of the riding surface on your body.

Always wear a properly fitted helmet. The right helmet should rest low on your head, just above the eyebrows, to protect your forehead in case of a fall.

No matter where you ride, it’s important to know what is coming up behind you. Get a rearview mirror for your bicycle that attaches either to your helmet or to the end of the handlebars.

Some riders also choose to wear fingerless riding gloves to cushion their hands. Gloves also help protect your hands in case of a fall.

Wear athletic shoes in good condition. Broken or too-long laces can interfere with the bike chain or get tangled on the pedals; damaged soles can hinder your ability to make a safe, quick stop in case of emergency.

It is also a good idea to attach a holder to the bike frame 00004000and carry a bottle of fresh water, especially if you plan to ride for longer than an hour.

Shop around before making any buying decision. Talk to the associates at a good bike shop to get their advice and recommendations. If the salesperson is knowledgeable about the bikes and equipment they carry, they’ll make it their goal to steer-and pedal-you in the right direction.

Whether traveling solo, or with family or friends and whether biking in an urban park or on a quiet country road, take time to notice the sights and sounds that surround you. The benefits of bicycling are not only physical-taking a break and getting away from it all helps calm the mind as well. A bit of fresh air will do you good.

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Some people are born adventurous, and others are grabbed by the need for excitement every once in a while. Whatever the reason, taking an action packed adventure vacation, can rejuvenate even the most tense, worked out body.

Among the most popular destinations on the bicycle tour enthusiasts list, is the land that “winds around to face itself,” Cape Cod. The city, lying across the Cape Cod Canal, forms part of the state of Massachusetts, and comes complete with its romantic New England charm. The real attraction for the cyclist on tour, are the vast tracts of natural land preserves that offer seclusion, and the beauty of the pine trees, marshes, and vineyards of the region. In fact, the area is so free of human intervention that during certain seasons, people can cycle for miles without meeting a single soul.

The entire landscape of Cape Cod is full cycling and walking trails that are visited mainly in the summers. One favorite among them is the Cape Cod National Seashore that was established in the 1961. Unlike the crowded beaches of the South that offer little peace and quite, usually the only company cyclists have on the Seashore, are the lighthouses and the lashing waves that they watch over. Cape Cod was one of the first sites in the United States, to witness human settlement with establishments, dating as far back as the seventeenth century. For riders in the mood for a trip down the nation?s past, there are the various Historic Districts and Route 6A, better known as the Old King?s Highway.

However, the best-loved cycling trail in the Cape is the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which was created in 1978 as a tourist feature. The rails stopped running in the Cape, soon after the two bridges that connect the region to mainland of Massachusetts were built. Their paths are now used as the most scenic cycling trails that run through salt marshes, cranberry bogs, and the Nickerson State Park. The locality is generally flat mild, and so the trail serves as a great experience for professional, as well as novice cyclists.

Bicycle Tours provides detailed information on Bicycle Tours, Italy Bicycle Tours, Colorado Bicycle Tours, New Zealand Bicycle Tours and more. Bicycle Tours is affiliated with Bicycle Shops.

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Some people are born adventurous, and others are grabbed by the need for excitement every once in a while. Whatever the reason, taking an action packed adventure vacation, can rejuvenate even the most tense, worked out body.

Among the most popular destinations on the bicycle tour enthusiasts list, is the land that “winds around to face itself,” Cape Cod. The city, lying across the Cape Cod Canal, forms part of the state of Massachusetts, and comes complete with its romantic New England charm. The real attraction for the cyclist on tour, are the vast tracts of natural land preserves that offer seclusion, and the beauty of the pine trees, marshes, and vineyards of the region. In fact, the area is so free of human intervention that during certain seasons, people can cycle for miles without meeting a single soul.

The entire landscape of Cape Cod is full cycling and walking trails that are visited mainly in the summers. One favorite among them is the Cape Cod National Seashore that was established in the 1961. Unlike the crowded beaches of the South that offer little peace and quite, usually the only company cyclists have on the Seashore, are the lighthouses and the lashing waves that they watch over. Cape Cod was one of the first sites in the United States, to witness human settlement with establishments, dating as far back as the seventeenth century. For riders in the mood for a trip down the nation?s past, there are the various Historic Districts and Route 6A, better known as the Old King?s Highway.

However, the best-loved cycling trail in the Cape is the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which was created in 1978 as a tourist feature. The rails stopped running in the Cape, soon after the two bridges that connect the region to mainland of Massachusetts were built. Their paths are now used as the most scenic cycling trails that run through salt marshes, cranberry bogs, and the Nickerson State Park. The locality is generally flat mild, and so the trail serves as a great experience for professional, as well as novice cyclists.

Bicycle Tours provides detailed information on Bicycle Tours, Italy Bicycle Tours, Colorado Bicycle Tours, New Zealand Bicycle Tours and more. Bicycle Tours is affiliated with Bicycle Shops.

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For someone who isn’t into biking, a recumbent bike may look like a funny object that seems to be more like a piece of furniture from a garden. Of course, with its different style and the fact that everyone has always been used to seeing the conventional bicycle - recumbent bikes always become an object that turns heads, especially when its driven and running on the street.

From the way it is designed, a recumbent bicycle is a bike that places its rider in a different position from that of an upright bicycle. The position of the rider is reclined, distributing the rider’s weight comfortably on his back and buttocks. This makes it unlike the conventional bike, where the rider’s body weight has to rest on just a small area of the sit bones and hands alone. This ergonomic feature is perhaps one of the best advantages that it has over the upright and conventional bike.

Because the reclined position of the recumbent bike places a person’s feet ahead of the body, the body of the rider has a smaller front, a profile that is popular in aerodynamic vehicles. Because of this profile, they perform better and run faster than ordinary bicycles.

Variations of bikes

Aside from regular recumbent bikes, there are also variations which are all designed and built differently for different needs and terrain. Here are some popular variations of recumbent bikes to choose from:

Mountain Bike Recumbents - Can be used for rough terrain and unpaved roads, just like regular mountain bikes.

Lowracers - Usually has two 20′ wheels, or having a 20″ front wheel and a 26″ rear wheel. This type of bike places riders at a very reclined position, as its seat is usually positioned in between the two wheels, instead of it being placed above them. This is one of the fastest kinds of bikes.

Highracers - Is easily distinguishable because of its two large wheels. It has the same seating position as of the lowracer, but has a higher seat, requiring the riders legs to be above the front wheel. Since its seating position is the same as of the lowracer, it follows the same aerodynamics, making it a fast bike also. Unlike the lowracer, howver, highracer recumbent bikes are easier to maneuver.

Handcycles - Are recumbent bikes that accommodate individuals who cannot use their legs, or paraplegics. These handcycles are recumbent bikes that are hand powered, with its brakes also mounted on its handhold too.

Recumbent Tricycles - Have the same characteristics as the recumbent bike, but has three wheels instead of two.

The Stationary

While there are plenty of types and variations of recumbent bikes that one can choose from for his or her biking pleasure, there are also stationary recumbent bikes that can be used in the gym or at home in order to use for exercise. Like upright stationary bikes, these recumbent bikes can be used for exercise, the only difference is that the rider sits on a more comfortable and reclined position. The reclined position also makes it easy for the rider to do other things, such as scan a magazine or watch television while exercising.

With its overall performance, comfort level and it’s intriguing look and design, it isn’t a wonder recumbent bikes are doing great in the market nowadays, and are fast becoming the future of bicycles.

Davis Spanner has produces informative articles on most aspects of Recumbent bicycle riding, you can find them here: http://recumbent-bike-blue.info/

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When it comes to mountain biking, everybody who takes part does it for a different reason. It could be that they enjoy the leisurely rides along the countryside, it could be that they want to keep fit, or it could be that they want to take part in extreme biking. Whatever your reasons are for taking part in mountain biking, when you look back into mountain bike history, you will see that it wasn’t always as popular as it is today.

The History of Mountain Bikes

One of the main reasons why mountain biking is more popular today than it was in the 1970’s for example, is because the bikes today are designed much better than they used to be. The way they are designed now has made biking more accessible to more people. So whilst it may still have been popular back in the 1970’s, these days it is much more accessible to a wider range of people.

If you were to look at when mountain biking first started, you will notice that it was in California where a group of enthusiasts got together. They decided to try out downhill racing and that was the main type of mountain biking that was enjoyed right at the beginning. Today it is still as popular, but it is not the only type of biking enjoyed by enthusiasts these days. The tracks that were ridden along were exactly the same back then as they are today, it is only the bikes that have really changed.

The main trouble with the bikes when they were first designed, was that they were not overly sturdy. The bikes today are built to withstand practically everything that can be thrown at them. This makes them ideal for extreme biking. The frames have been made lighter, yet stronger at the same time. There are also more gears on mountain bikes today too. Riders first started to change their bikes when they wanted to adapt to d00002D16ownhill runs and routes. That is how the typical modern day mountain bike started out.

The bikes that were mainly on sale when mountain biking was first created, were ones that were created only for the road. So that is where they were mainly ridden. People did start to take their bikes off road, but it was not as popular. It was the enthusiasts within California which changed this and they thought about creating a bike that could handle all terrains.

So overall the main reason why you can now enjoy mountain biking off the road over all kinds of different terrain is down to those enthusiasts in California. It all started back in the 1970’s and thanks to those enthusiasts mountain biking is now more popular than ever before.

Alison Addy is a journalist who writes newsletters on history of mountain biking for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com A website with tips on bike frame size and bicycle frames.

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Interval Training has long been recognised as one of the best components in a cycling training program to boost performance. If you are trying to improve your strength and speed, and to a certain extent endurance.

The man advantage of cycling intervals is that they allow you to train at a higher intensity for longer. Consider the following example: if you rode at a perceived exertion of 90% on your bike you may be able to keep going for say 30 minutes before you had to slow down or stop. However you could probably ride at the same intensity for two periods of 20 minutes with a 10 minute rest in between.

In the example above you would have ridden at that high intensity for a total of 40 minutes if using intervals, 10 minutes longer than if you had ridden without using intervals. In short then intervals let you push your body harder which in turn will help you boost your performance.

Intervals usually tend to place quite a strain on your body and as a result you should not use them more than twice a week. In order to avoid over training (which can lead to injury or chronic exhaustion) try to only do intervals on the day following a rest or recovery ride. Avoid them like the plague the day after a hard race or heavy training day.

There are a large variety of intervals you could performing ranging from slow / high resistance to high cadence / low resistance. The particular type of interval you choose will depend entirely on the type of riding you are training for and what particular aspects of your cycling performance you are looking to improve.

To learn more training tips from the author of this art00004000icle follow this link to his century training program

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Because of the energy crisis, hybrid is the buzzword of the day. With respect to cars, hybrid usually refers to engines that uses electricity and gasoline. The combination of both gets you more gas mileage. For example the 2008 Toyota Prius, a well-known hybrid car, gets 48 miles per gallon as oppose to a comparable 4-cylinder non-hybrid car, say a Honda Civic, that gets 36 miles per gallon. By the way, Honda also has a hybrid version of the Civic and it gets 45 miles per gallon. The point is hybrid technology allows you to cover more grounds for a given set of resources, gasoline in this case.

In the cycling world, the term hybrid refers to bicycles with electric motors . Yep, that’s traditional push pedaling made easy with electricity . Instead of more gas mileage, you get more miles pedaling and best yet, you don’t have to buy gas (because it’s a bicycle).

THE FRUGAL AND HEALTHY CONSUMER

But you’re asking why mention gas with bicycles? In the past, at least in the United States, gas prices were never a concern. Up until 2006 or so, Americans were able to buy gas for under $2.00 per gallon. That’s practically nothing! Two years later, it’s a different story.

In other parts of the world, however, they haven’t been so lucky. Europeans have been experiencing gas prices between $5-$8 per gallon for years. But they still get around. Common among their usual transport is a bicycle. You’ve seen many pictures of common folks getting around town bicycling. Kinda like what we did when we were kids. To get more “mileage”, a lot of Asians and Europeans use hybrid electric motor bikes.

Many smart and frugal folks are discovering electric bicycles for short distance commuting to save money. You don’t have to pay for gas!

There is another advantage. Since you’re pedali00000960ng, you’re exercising. Makes you healthy. Of course, not everyone is in superb physical shape to be pedaling from one side of the city to the other. But remember, it’s a hybrid bike. The electric motor helps you pedal . Therefore you can get in shape slowly, but at the same time do so enjoying the outside.

The price of a hybrid bike may set you back from $500 to $1000 USD. But that should pay for itself within a year if you can save on $50-$70 a month on gas and/or $20-$30 on gym membership.

THE ECO-FRIENDLY CONSUMER

Just as important as saving money, there is a global trend, or at least in the US, to be more eco-friendly. Among others, gasoline is a concern. As you know, burning gasoline emits pollutants that are harmful to both the environment and our health. Transportation that uses less gas (hybrid cars) and no gas (electric car, hybrid bikes, electric scooters) are getting a lot of attention among consumers.

THE CHOICES OF HYBRID ELECTRIC BICYCLES

Though there are quite a few manufacturers of electric bicycles in existence, none of them are quite household names yet. But below are just a handful electric bikes readily found from Amazon, eBay, Shop.com and other online retailers:

iZIP Enlightened Hybrid Electric Street Bicycles

From Currie Technologies, the iZIP is one of the more popular electric hybrid bikes. In one battery charge, it can travel up to 23-30 miles depending on the cycler’s weight. Top speed on this 8-gear street bike can be up to 18 mph. As you can see from the pictures, the motor and battery pack are cleverly integrated within the bike’s frame. So unlike most electric bicycles, these components are not visually obtusive. The geared hub motor is a brushless DC type encased in an alloy shell. The battery pack is made of NiMH EV Rated Batteries Down Tube Concealed 24V / 9AH Pack (20) 1.2V Rechargeable Cells. There are men’s and women’s versions of the iZIP bike.

The Euro Electric Bicycle

Designed for urban commuting, the Euro gives you the impression you’re gliding to your destination. The rear storage rack makes it easy to run errands such as groceries. The Euro is powered by a 24V 10Ah Li-ion battery with 6 speed Sh000026F7imano derailleur and a high speed 350W motor. Since the battery is Lithium-ion, it can be recharged over 1,000 times, making it more durable than a typical NiMH battery and SLA (sealed lead acid) battery. Another plus is that Li-ion batteries are recyclable making this electric bike a truly eco-friendly.

Electrec Electric Bicycle

From Ideation Taiwan, the Electrec electric bicycle allows for non-pedal cruising for an 8-12 mile ride using only the motor. Of course, the actual range depends on the terrain and weight of the cycler. This seven speed electric bike comes with a 600-watt high-torque brushless motor powered by a 24-volt, 12 amp-hour battery pack.

The author is the producer for http://planetcomicbookradio.com and writes on various topics such as the benefits of electric motor bikes.

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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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In a previous article I talked about the impact a clean, well polished motorcycle can have on your price when selling a used bike. I also discussed the effect of including any unneeded parts and accessories in your bike sale. Here are a few more simple steps that can help you get the most cash for your current bike.

The tasks below should only take an hour or so to accomplish and should help to increase the value of your bike to prospective buyers. Just a bit of preparation will differentiate your bike from all the other used bikes for sale in your area.

Find Your Old Maintenance Records

If your old maintenance receipts are floating around your house, see if your can dig them up. Having records for all your past oil changes, tune-ups, tire changes etc. will set you apart from almost all other bike sellers. Since very few bike owners hold-on to their receipts, it