Your head is very valuable to you. But youre cheap by nature. Should you buy an expensive bike helmet? www.helmets.org www.bhsi.org www.astm.org http
For so many different things in life, we often use the term “it’s like learning to ride a bike”. We use this phrase when we’re referring to something that once learned, is not forgotten. Learning to ride a bike is very much like this since once you master riding a bicycle, it’s something that you can avoid for many, many years and easily get on and ride without re-training.It’s likely been many years since you learned to ride a bicycle and now you want to teach your child. Hopefully your child had previously rode a 3 wheeler or tricycle, so they understand how the peddles work. The first thing that you should do is to buy a pair of training wheels and attach them to the bike. Once you attach the training wheels to the bike, encourage them to ride their bike often, and set an example by riding with them. After they are comfortable riding with training wheels on, it’s time to remove the training wheels. Now, you won’t likely be able to just take the training wheels off and let the child go. You will need to walk beside the bike and hold it upright while they learn to balance the bike. This can take time and patience is key.Eventually there will come a time when you will let go and the child will be riding on their own. Unfortunately learning to ride a bike without any wipeouts is nearly impossible. Your child will likely tip over at some point and this is why it’s important to always make sure they have a good quality helmet. Once your child has mastered riding a bike, it’s something that can give them freedom and provides a great way to exercise and stay fit, while at the same time having fun.
Teaching your child to ride a bike will give them a skill that will last a lifetime. Here you will find more cycling tips and a large range of suitable bikes.
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We have all seen them, those small-wheeled bicycles whizzing around congested city streets during the rush hour. Suited city gents wearing a cycle helmet with a briefcase strapped to the back luggage rack. When you see them arrive at the train station, you realise they have had the benefit of a bit more time in bed. Then they fold their bike up to a ridiculously small size and tuck it in a corner of the carriage. When they get to their place of work, it is a matter of folding the bike up again and popping it under their desk.
Folding Bikes are a serious part of the daily commute for many people. Not only do they speed up the journey, they help with fitness and of course, they are much more environmentally friendly than driving a family sized car to and from the station car park.
It is not only commuters who find a folder useful. Caravanners and users of RV’s are able to arrive at their campsite and then easily tour the local area by bike. For people who use boats, on the sea, river or canal, the compact size of a folder means that they can easily stow it away on board. And, of course, a folder doesn’t need a rack on the back of the car; it just goes in the boot.
Those of us who experience urban living, in apartments without parking facilities, will also benefit from a folder. No carting the mountain bike up stairs, or having to leave it chained up outside.
Just because a folder is built to fold up it doesn’t mean that there has to be a loss of strength, or they are only confined to high quality tarmac roads. A Moulton, considered to be a Rolls Royce of bikes, held the speed record of 51mph. Airnimal produce high specification folding mountain bikes. An Airnimal Chameleon was ridden to Bronze in the World Triathlon Championships. Bike Friday are a popular US producer of folding bikes and their range even includes a folding tandem and a folding recumbent.
For many the Brompton epitomises the classic folding bike. You will see more of these coming of a busy commuter train than any other model. They feature a unique feature whereby the rear wheel flips underneath to form a stand.
New designs are coming through which are more and more unconventional and eye-catching. The Strida, which weighs just 22 pounds, is rustproof and completely greaseless since it uses a Kevlar belt for propulsion instead of a conventional chain. It looks like a triangle with a seat sticking out just below the apex. The Strida has won several design awards. For those who consider the time taken to fold the bike, there is the Mobiky Genius. Designed in response to the demands of a modern urban environment the Mobiky Genius features one of the fastest and easiest folds of any bike on the UK market. It also rides and handles perfectly in congested streets.
If you are thinking of a bike, but have to consider the difficulties of housing and securing a full sized version, have a look at the range of folders that are available first.
Craig Summer is owner of the Best
Folding Bikes website which contains information and reviews on
“folders.” http://bestfoldingbikes@searchmachine99.com
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Folding Bikes website which contains information and reviews on
“folders.” http://bestfoldingbikes@searchmachine99.com
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If you’re like most people in America, you’re probably looking to get in a bit better shape. Of course, we all know this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Finding the time can be difficult, but find the motivation can be even harder when all you have to look forward to is a long slog on the treadmill. You need a way to exercise that you’ll love, rather than dread. If you can’t wait to go do your workout, you’ll certainly be in much better shape.
For me, and for many others, road biking fits this description perfectly. Nothing else is quite like the sensation of freedom and speed you get from riding on a road bike, watching the miles fly by as you proppel yourself under your own power through the scenic countryside. You’re getting one of the best workouts there is, but you won’t even notice. Instead, you’ll be pushing yourself to race your buddies to the top of the hill, or taking tight corners as you fly down a curvy mountain road at car-like speeds.
The reason road biking is such a great workout, besides the fact that its a ton of fun, is that it works multiple body energy systems. Most of you are probably familiar with the concept of “aerobic” and “anaerobic” exercise. Without getting into the details, we can summarize aerobic exercise as long, slow, gradual exercise that keeps your heart rate up, and anaerobic excerise as short, very high intensity effort. Working both systems is essential for optimal fitness, and road biking does just this.
For example, when you’re do a long, slow, flat ride, you’re helping work your aerobic systems. When you’re sprinting that last portion of a steep hill climb, you’re getting an intense anaerobic workout. You control what kind of workout you get but what kind of ride you take. It’s that simple.
So, what does it take to get in on a great sport like this? Well, its fortunately quite simple. With just a bike, shoes, helmet, proper clothing, and a few other accessories, you’re off and ready to go. Since its just ride a bike, you don’t need to take any special classes to learn what you need to do. Of course, there will be a slight learning curve if you’ve never ridden a road bike before.
Compared to the inexpensive, heavy, clunky cheap bikes most people spend their lives riding, a road bike will feel like a highly tuned sports car. In other words, it will be twitchy and fast, and you need to pay attention to keep from crashing. Don’t worry, though, you’ll catch on soon enough as you start riding.
In fact, once you get going with the riding, you’ll discover one of the best things about road biking: progression. The more you ride, the faster you’ll get. Soon you’ll be timing yourself on your favorite rides, attempting to break your previous records. By doing this, you are literally watching yourself getting in better shape, and having a blast while doing it!
So, I hope all this has helped you see a little what road biking can do for your fitness. It’s easy, fun, and can last you a lifetime. Visit your local bike ship today, or read more to find out even more about this great sport.
David Wilson is a road biker and webmaster. He invites you to visit his sites and learn how to road bike, shop for road biking gear, and simple read up on the great sport of road biking.
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Mountain biking has taken the cycling world by storm. It wasn’t all that long ago when the phrase “mountain bike” would’ve elicited blank stares. Now you see them everywhere. Mountain bikes are made to handle almost every terrain imaginable, and that’s why they’ve become so popular. Just like SUV’s, most people who use them don’t have a need for their full range of functions, but it’s good to no the capability is there “just in case”.
Mountain bikes are nice even for the urban rider because they eliminate the worries one might have when encountering potholes, gravel, and bad road conditions. Mountain bike riders utilize their bikes for a wide range of activities and competitions. A number of races and competitions have sprung up to make use of the mountain bike’s many capabilities.
One such extreme mountain bike competition is known as cross-country (or XC) races. Cross-country mountain bike races usually cover about 30 miles and cover a variety of terrains. These races feature a mass start with all the riders taking off at the same time much like a marathon.
If cross-country races are too short for you, there’s always endurance (or enduro) racing. These races cover in excess of 70 miles and climb to elevations of 8000 feet and more.
For the real maniacs out there, the only way to go is downhill racing. Downhill races typically have staggered starts to try to minimize crashing, but as you can imagine, crashes are a regular part of such events. The racers fly down the hill at breakneck speeds, the key being to have the fastest time down the slope. Many of these races are held on ski slopes during the warmer months. Such competitions demand that the riders have the utmost skill and experience as it can be an extremely dangerous endeavor. These races aren’t for novices.
A competition rapidly growing in popularity is dirt jumping. This will be familiar to BMX enthusiasts as it’s essentially the same sort of competition. Such events aren’t races, of course. They’re judged events wherein riders compete to accomplish the biggest, most amazing jumps involving spinning the bike in the air, doing flips, and even completely letting go of the bike and getting back on before it lands.
Another form of extreme mountain bike competition is bike trials. These events involve navigating unbelievable difficult terrain without touching your feet to the ground. Bike trials require riders to balance their mountain bikes on rails, boulders, posts, tree stumps, and any number of seemingly impossible obstacles. The goal is to finish the course quickly and without having to put your feet down.
If any of these extreme mountain biking competitions appeal to you, start practicing and getting into shape. These events are for skilled and experienced riders only. They’re physically demanding and fairly dangerous. They are not for novices. Remember to wear a helmet and pads when attempting crazy stunts on your bike, and take care of yourself if you’re going to attempt extremely arduous long-distance rides.
Getting the proper sized bike for your body and riding style can make a big difference in how much you enjoy riding and how comfortable your bike is. Personnel at your local bike ship can help you to find the correct bike for your riding style and your body. Consider the hints that are below, and your bike will be the perfect size for you.
Standover Height
If you need to determine how the bike fits yourself, then the most important thing that you will need to consider is your inseam clearance. Make sure that there is enough space in the area between the top tube and your own body when you stop the bike. You want there to be clearance of about four to six inches from your inseam top to the top tube top.
Feet and Leg Position
Determining the proper leg position for riding your mountain bike is simple to do. It is important that you find the right position for your legs, because you constantly have to shift your position on the seat, due to terrain changes.
Due to the changes in terrain and the constant shifting, you will want to position the saddle of your bicycle a little lower than you normally would if you were riding a different bike. It is important that you consider this lower position when you determine what size frame that you will need.
Riding Compartment
One thing that you will want to think about and look at is the compartment layout for the rider. This is the distance that is located between the handlebars and the bicycle saddle. After you have determined the proper extension for your legs, you will want to ensure that the handlebars are one or two inches lower than the saddle height. The handlebars should never be at a great height than the height of the seat, unless you have a problem with your upper body.
Dual Suspension Bicycles
You want to make sure that the weight of your body is concentrated more in the center of the bike to make sure that it is distributed equally between the rear and front suspension units, which will help them work more efficiently and in tune with each other.
You can accomplish this quite simply by choosing to use either a shorter or higher step to help raise the height of your hands. This will help to move the height of the upper part of your body up and it will move the weight towards the rear of the bike. This increase should be no greater than two inches, so that the reach difference is no more than two inches.
Take a Test Ride
After you have considered each of these points, then it is time to take a test ride on your bike. It is important to wear your helmet, even while testing. Make sure that your tires are inflated to the right tire pressure and that the bike has been properly adjusted for your body. Then you are ready.
An employee from the bicycle shop should watch you when you are riding to make sure that the position and ride height is correct for you. If not, then you may need some additional adjustments. You should start your riding slowly and then gradually speed up when you get a better feel for the bike.
After you have ridden the bike for a while, then you may find that something seems off about the bike or it is not working right. If this occurs, then you want to have the problem corrected before you decide not to purchase the bike. It may be a simple adjustment that can make it into the bike of your dreams.
The greater number of bikes that you try out, the simpler that you will find it is to determine the similarities and differences in the types. It may take up to several years or just a few weeks for you to gain a greater appreciation for the handling of a particular bike. Talk to other bike riders to get recommendations and hints. This will help you gain more knowledge concerning locating the right mountain bike for your particular body and riding style.
The sport of mountain biking is increasing in popularity year by year. It’s an exhilarating sport, but it’s also physically demanding. Both men and women take part, but its usually people kids, teens, and young adults.
As with any other activity, mountain bikers have devised their own culture, including a language of their own. If you want to get into the game, you’ll have to learn a few terms:
If you’re riding a “boing-boing” you’re riding a bike with both front and rear suspension. If you’ve “bonked” you’ve run out of energy. To “bring home a Christmas tree” is a bad thing, it means you’ve crashed through dense brushes and leaves and things are hanging off your helmet – it also means you’ve left a trace on the hill, which is something mountain bikers – and people in general, of course, are not supposed to do.
“Death cookies” are rocks that fly up into you as you go down the trail. This happens all the time and so that’s why you want to wear goggles or some kind of eye protection. To get “first blood” means you’re the first rider in a group who crashes and starts bleeding as a result. Some people perhaps feel this is a mark of honor for some reason.
If you’re doing an “endo” it means you’re flying over the handlebars of your bike do to a sudden stop. And then you’ll most likely do a “face plant” – hopefully into mud and not into a rock. Regardless, that’s why you wear a helmet and eye protection!
That’s only a small sampling of the terminology. Of course you’ll enjoy the sport even more if you can understand what the people around you are talking about, so take a gander at a few mountain biking slang dictionaries before you hit the trails.
Mountain biking is a great sport, but there is some controversy to it, as some people feel that the cyclists destroy the natural environment in certain areas, and bicycle advocates have to fight to keep the trails open to cyclists.
All cyclists can help by following simple rules – pack out more than you take in, respect pedestrians on the trails, don’t bike after heavy rains, and so on.
By using a respectful attitude toward the environment and common sense in dealing with other people, mountain biking will be a sport that will be around for a long time to come.
Do you need a bike light?
If you bike during the evenings – during the dusk or at night, it is imperative that you have a bike light. It’s not so much that you need to be able to see where you’re going, although that is a consideration, but so that motorists will be able to see you.
Bicyclists are supposed to follow the rules of the road – which means that they bike with the traffic and not against it. Unfortunately, there are some teens who don’t follow these rules, so it’s a good thing for them to have a light so any on-coming motorists can see them. Also when riding at night, it is important to wear bright or light clothing, again to make it easier for people to see you. Otherwise you are simply an accident waiting to happen.
There are two kinds of lights you can purchase – those that fasten on to your bike and those that fasten on to your helmet. You’ll want a light that doesn’t weight very much, is easily adjustable, but also provides you with a well-lit path.
You can purchase these lights from online bicycle shops, or from your local bike shot.
You’ll usually save money if you order online – and you’ll be able to find the widest selection of lights on the internet.
However, it’s always a good idea to support your local shop. While their prices may not be quite as good as those on the Internet, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re purchasing and you’ll be able to discuss your needs with a knowledgeable individual.
But you’re a mountain biker. Do you need a bike light?
Millions of Americans enjoy riding mountain bikes – and there are those daring folks who like to experience it at night. And if you’re going to be zooming down mountains at night, having a bike light is obviously imperative. Indeed, you’ll probably want one on the bike and one on your helmet.
As with all accessories, lights will vary in cost depending on the quality you need. Prices for lights can range from as little as $25 to the hundreds of dollars.
You’ll need to consider how often you bike at night to decide how much money you want to spend…but just bear in mind that the bike light is an essential safety device, and you can’t put a price on your safety.
Mountain bike is a sport that is rapidly taking off around the world. So great is its popularity that travel companies are taking advantage of this and offering mountain biking tours. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, you are bound to find a tour that will appeal to you.
Because there are so many companies offering mountain bike tours, you have to do a great deal of research in advance to make sure you go with the best company. Typically, it’s best to go with a tour company that is already well established, so that you know they are reputable and give good service.
When researching tour companies, an important piece of information to find out is what there cancellation policy is. Typically companies allow you to cancel without penalty up until 60 days before the start of the tour, after that you may have to forfeit any deposit you’ve put down, and if you cancel within days of the tour you may lose the entire price of the tour! So make sure you understand the fine print before you sign on the dotted line.
Because of the popularity of the internet, it’s easy to find the right mountain biking tour for you.
Unlike leisure biking tours which can extend over the course of several days, mountain biking tours typically only last for two or three days, although some do last for five. There are also mountain biking tours that cater specifically to women, and those that cater to families.
When you’re going on these tours, you may want to bring your own bike, or you can rent one from the tour company. However, you simply must bring your own helmet and gloves. The last thing you want to do is trust your safety to an ill-fitting helmet. Bring your own and make sure! If you’re renting a bike from the company make sure you take two types of shoes in case they use clipless pedals.
Be Prepared on Your Mountain Biking Tour
You’ll also want to be prepared for the weather by bringing rain gear. You’ll want an extra pair of shoes in case your first pair gets wet. You’ll need sunscreen and insect repellant. It’s always a good idea to bring your own water bottle, not to mention a hydration pack.
Below we give just a few examples of businesses that offer mountain biking tours.
Rim Tours has been offering mountain biking tours in the back country locations of the Western United States since 1985. The names will be familiar to all mountain biking enthusiasts: Utah, Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce and Zion National Parks, the North Rim in Grand Canyon National Park; the Kokopelli Trail, Fruita, Crested Butte and Durango, Colorado.
Did you know you could go mountain biking in Australia? A company called Mountain Bike Tours offers day tours to Byron Bay’s Hinterland (Northern NSW) – you’ll see a protected subtropical rainforest, deep gorges and famous cascading waterfalls and you’ll learn about historic pioneering postal routes and early logging tracks and trails.
Ever heard of the Carpathian mountains of Transylvania? Feel like biking by Dracula’s castle? Well, a company called Active Holidays offers such a tour. The inhabitants of Transylvania still work the land, and old farmers still uses horses and carts. The cycling routes average 40 miles a day so you’d better be pretty fit, but there’s plenty of time stop and visit a fewancient fortresses, citadels or fortified churches.
If you like the exotic – give Transylvania a try today.
By searching the web for any of your other interests besides mountain biking, you may well find that you can combine two vacations in to one. So start searching for that dream trip today.
