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Types Of Bikes

There is something about buying a new bike that makes you feel like a kid again. On a shiny brand new bike, the wind feels a little wilder in your hair and you feel like your five years old. There's no question that buying a new bike is a rush. The question is, what kind of bike to buy?

Bicycles come in styles and prices to suit every need and virtually every budget. Choosing from the many types of bikes on the market is a personal decision that's basically determined by the type of riding you want to do.

If you are a serious off-road cyclist, you'll need a sturdy mountain bike. Distance riders will want a lightweight model that offers speed and comfort. Cross-country travelers should opt for touring bikes. Even companion bikes have their place with urban riders needing to share the ride with children or spouses.

The choice of types of bikes is yours and yours alone. Specialized bikes are available to suit those with very particular needs. If you have a bumpy commute, for example, you'll probably want a mountain bike. Although usually heavy with a higher rolling resistance, mountain bikes run smoothly along single tracks, over rocks and along steep mountain trails.

If you shop at the market, run an urban delivery service or just have a heavy load to bear, you should consider choosing a touring bike. These are generally sturdy, comfortable and stable. An added feature of the touring bike is the many forks and eyelets that can be used to attach racks and cranks as storage for all of your non-cycling gear.

Whatever kind of riding you do, never overlook the importance of a really comfortable seat. Some types of bikes feature ultra-comfortable recumbent seats. Others have more business-like economy seats. The former will provide you with more comfort while riding, and may even protect you from saddle sores. The latter will make your bike look more streamlined and professional, but can be a pain.

Another consideration is to buy a sports bike with a road racing frame and provision for triple cranks. If you are heavy-set or suffer from knee problems, cranks can be very beneficial in preventing pressure from falling on the knees when you are cycling on a stiff slope.

Buying a tandem bike is another possibility, particularly if you tend to ride with a companion. They are made for two riders and are more expensive than other bikes. There are a number of pros, and cons, that should be carefully considered before making the investment in tandem. If you do decide to purchase a bicycle built for two, make sure you get a model that has 700c wheels.

Hybrid bikes are great choices for those traveling short distances, going along well-laid cycle paths, or who just enjoy a relaxing cruise. Hybrids feature upright seats and handlebars, so they offer optimal comfort and really are a pleasure to ride.

Finally, if you want to really stand out, invest in a groovy cruiser bike. These can be fitted with a number of fancy accessories and components, and make for a relaxing ride if you tend to take short journeys. As the name suggests, these bikes are built for 'cruising'.

Buying a new bike is a personal decision that needs some careful thought. When you take the time to choose the right type of bike for your needs, you'll soon have a new set of wheels that will make you feel carefree and unstoppable. You'll feel just like a kid again.

Biking For Fun

Summary:
Everybody has something they like to do for fun and biking is a favorite activity that is suitable for the entire family. Many people enjoy biking because on a windy day there is no better experience to have than the feel of wind blowing through the hair while sitting high on a bike seat riding along on a favorite trail. Riding bicycles is a productive way to enjoy the spare time away from the office and a way to exercise.

Riding a bike is a good way to work all of your muscles...

Everybody has something they like to do for fun and biking is a favorite activity that is suitable for the entire family. Many people enjoy biking because on a windy day there is no better experience to have than the feel of wind blowing through the hair while sitting high on a bike seat riding along on a favorite trail. Riding bicycles is a productive way to enjoy the spare time away from the office and a way to exercise.

Riding a bike is a good way to work all of your muscles in your body and ensure that all muscles are trim and free from unnecessary fat. Bike riding is a fun way to maintain a great shape and get a chance to enjoy the warming rays of sunshine at the same time. The movements for riding a bike are very similar to running but are most certainly easier on the joints.

Riding a bike during the hottest part of the day will rid the body of impurities by causing the rider to sweat. Dehydration from biking during this time of the day can be alleviated if bikers will simply remember to drink lots of water to replenish the fluids that are lost while biking. For long trips, bikers should concentrate their fluid intake to water only.

Riding bikes is a good ice breaker for people who are just beginning to date. There is plenty of time available while riding on a bike to engage in conversation and get a good feel about the person before the relationship gets more intense. Biking will let you know how much the person likes outdoor activities and if there are other interesting sports that can be shared too.

People all over the world like to ride bikes and some countries use them as transportation to work and other areas of interest. Children as young as four or five are learning to ride bikes and enjoy every minute of it. Their parents even ride their bikes with them and environmentally friendly people ride them to work in the United States. Riding bikes is a good way to spend the day as a family. You can ride your bike to an ice cream shop or to a restaurant and spend the day with your family.

In order to ride your bike the weather has to be just right. You can not ride a bike in the rain or in the snow. If you ride your bike in the rain you will probably get sick. The best days to ride your bike are in the spring when it is not too cold or too hot. In any weather condition that bikers choose to ride they should also choose to hydrate up and have a good time while the weather conditions are still friendly.

Riding your bike is a good way to meet new people and make friends and interact with them. All you have to do is ask somebody if they want to ride their bike with you and eventually you will have made a lot of friends. After you have finished riding a bike for the day it is always a good idea to cover the seat up with a rubber cover to protect it from rotting away from dew and other moisture.

Bicycle Maintenence

Summary:

Learning to ride a bike is no big deal.  If you fall off, just brush yourself off and climb back on.  Learning how to keep your bike from falling apart can be just as easy.  

Bicycle maintenance is vital to the performance and preservation of your ride.  Without proper maintenance, your bike will quickly go from a lean, mean, two-wheeled machine, to a squeaky, rusty, pant leg munching mess.   Keeping your bicycle in top condition requires regular protective and preventive ...

Learning to ride a bike is no big deal.  If you fall off, just brush yourself off and climb back on.  Learning how to keep your bike from falling apart can be just as easy.  

Bicycle maintenance is vital to the performance and preservation of your ride.  Without proper maintenance, your bike will quickly go from a lean, mean, two-wheeled machine, to a squeaky, rusty, pant leg munching mess.   Keeping your bicycle in top condition requires regular protective and preventive maintenance, some of which can be done by you.  Other jobs may require the skills of a professional cycle repairer.  

Tires
When riding a bicycle, most of the load and pressure falls directly on the tires.  Check your air pressure to be sure the tires are inflated as per the manufacturer's specifications. Tires should be inspected on a regular basis for any signs of ripping, or wear and tear. Wheels need regular tuning and adjustment, and should be checked for dents and twists caused by collisions or falls.  Spinning is the best way to check a wheel.  If the wheel shakes from side to side as it spins, it will need to be tightened.  Spokes also need to be tightened and fixed firmly to the rims as part of regular bicycle maintenance.  The spokes transmit pressure, so if they're damaged they must be replaced immediately.

Handlebar
Similar to the steering wheel of a car, the handlebar is a key component in maneuvering the bicycle.  A handlebar needs to be adjusted to produce the best results.  Adjust the height so that you can comfortably hold the handlebar when seated.  The handlebar should be properly aligned with the front wheel, to accommodate both quick swerves and smooth changes in either direction.  A properly adjusted front fork is equally important.  The front fork stabilizes the handlebar and should be securely fastened to the handlebar post.  Also, be sure that your bicycle maintenance regime includes checking that the pedals are tightly secured. 

Brakes
The single most important part of the bicycle for rider safety is the brake assembly.  Check the brakes by squeezing them and rolling the bike ahead.  If the brakes work properly, the wheels will not roll and the brake pads will stay squarely on the rims without touching the tires.  If the brake levers touch the handlebars when pressed, it means the brake cables are loose. Tighten them and check for wear.  If the brake cables are frayed, have them replaced. 

Chain
Proper bicycle maintenance includes regular lubrication of the chain, to produce smooth and swift movement.  Use a de-greaser to remove accumulated dirt on the grease.   Remember to put fresh grease on to replace the dirty grease that has been removed.  Keeping your chain clean and well lubricated will keep it from getting stuck or jumping the gear teeth.

Keeping your bicycle in prime riding condition doesn't take a lot of tools or a great deal of technical knowledge.  Bicycle maintenance is a simple task that takes only a little time and effort.  Keep your bike fit and it will last many years keeping you fit.

Disk Brakes or Rim Brakes

This can be a very important decision when you
are buying a mountain bike.  There are actually 
two answers to the question of disc brakes or
rim brakes.

If you want better, more consistent brake performance
in all conditions, disc brakes are what you should
be choosing.  On the other hand, if you want the 
lightest set up you can have and you are willing to
accept small variances in brake performance, or you
want the lowest price possible, rim brakes are 
what you should be choosing.

Over the years, mountain bikes have gone through 
many design changes.  They started out with the
original cantilever brakes, then went through the U
Brake years, and are now with V Brakes.  In most
conditions, the V Brakes seem to work well.

In wet or muddy conditions, rim brakes will perform
poorly.  Over time, they can wear right through the
side of your rim, causing the side of the rim to 
blow right off.  

Disc brakes on the other hand have been around for 
a long time in cars but weren't used on bikes much 
until the late 1990's.  There were some issues in 
the earlier models, although the cable actuated or
hydraulic brakes of today seem to work quite well.

In terms of performance, disc brakes seem to work
better than rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy
areas.  Disc brakes normally require less force
to apply and aren't effected by the rim or wheel
condition.

Cost is an issue, as disk brake systems tend to be
more expensive than rim brakes.  Mechanical or cable
actuated brakes are a closer match, although they
will still cost more.  Hydraulic brakes on the other 
hand cost a lot more.

When you make that final choice, weigh out the above 
options then make your decision.  Some riders prefer
disc brakes, while others prefer rim brakes - making it
a matter of opinion.