Quick Laundering

Quick Laundering

Don't be gross! Riding in dirty cycling shorts can increase your chances of developing saddle sores. So, if you've got no time or Laundromat nearby, here's a great way to wash your cycling shorts:

Wash them thoroughly in the sinkRoll them up in a towel and wring them as hard as you can to get out excess water Repeat wringing them dry several times using different towels and they'll dry in minutes

The Benefits of Cycling Clothes

The Benefits of Cycling Clothes

Do you know what your clothes do? Clothes made specifically for cycling serve some very specific and beneficial purposes to both the novice and experienced cyclist. Here's a guide to your cycling clothing:

• Bright jerseys keep you visible, and the fabric keeps moisture away while letting your skin breathe

• Cycling shorts provide great comfort from seams and chafing (especially if you're riding a long distance)

• Gloves provide traction on the handlebars and warmth in cooler weather

• Glasses protect your eyes from sun, and small objects that get thrown up from the trail or road.

Dressing in Layers

Dressing in Layers

Wearing layers is the best way to prepare yourself for almost any kind of weather. Layers have many uses. Here are some tips for proper utilization of layers:

Keep something that wicks away moisture well closest to your bodyA middle layer is good for adding warmth, An outer layer that is windproof, yet breathable is ideal

- If you get an outer layer that is light enough, it can fold down to fit in your seat pack.

Cycling Shorts

Cycling Shorts

Who needs underwear? If you've been wearing underwear under your bike shorts, you could be defeating the whole purpose of bike shorts in the first place. Bike shorts come with pads inside to take the place of underwear, so you can have a seam-free ride.

- If you still experience pain even without the underwear, try wearing two pairs of bike shorts for double the padding

Cycling Jacket

Cycling Jacket

A very lightweight piece of cycling gear that folds and can slip into any jersey pocket is a lightweight shell jacket. If the weather turns chilly or it begins to rain, you'll be ever so grateful to have a one at hand.

- Buy a cycling jacket in a bright color so you'll be visible through the rain and fog.

Looking Good When You Get Off The Bike

Looking Good When You Get Off The Bike

The trouble with riding in sunny weather with your short sleeve cycling jersey is that farmer's tan you'll inevitably end up walking around with well into the fall months. Try buying a sleeveless jersey instead. You'll stay cool and fashionable at the same time. Many companies (like Fox Clothing) make excellent racing & performance gear as well as sportswear.

- Ladies, if you'd like to quickly put on a dressier look over your cycling clothes, find a wrap around skirt make of stretch materials (a dance shop will have one). You can pack it up and take it along (it won't wrinkle).

Test Drive A Cycle

Test Drive A Cycle

Do more than just kick the tires on that potential bicycle purchase! Many people don't know this, but most serious bike shops will let you test drive a bike. When you're making a serious investment in a bicycle, a test drive will give you extra confidence in your buying decision.

*Even though you can usually only ride each bike for about 15 minutes, there's no better way to get a feel for a bike (don't forget to ask the salesperson to adjust the seat and handlebars for fit first).

Cycling Supplies

Cycling Supplies

A cycling outing can quickly and easily turn into a bad day when things go wrong and you're unprepared. A well-supplied seat pack is one way to be prepared for the unexpected. Fill your pack with:

• A patch kit
• Fresh glue
• Tire removal levers
• A spare inner tube
• Identification
• A couple of energy bars
• A cell phone • Sun screen
• Lip balm• Baby wipes
• A chain tool

Remember that it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. A lot can happen out there on the road or trails so be ready!

Cycling To Win

Cycling To Win

If your love for cycling is leading you toward racing, here's the best way to start.

• Join a club (that way, your club mates can offer valuable support)
• Pick a race • Plan out a training program and stick to it
• Get a training buddy from your club (this helps provide motivation)
• Go out and get riding*Remember that it's not the results that count—it's that you tried.

If you get less that perfect results in your first race keep in mind that IT'S YOUR FIRST RACE. Stick with your training and you'll be breezing over those finish lines in no time.

Benefits of Cycling

Benefits of Cycling

More and more people, including families, are catching the cycling bug. It's such a satisfying way to improve your fitness while taking in the scenery and getting fresh air.

Biking as a family can help you teach your children about the importance of exercise while allowing them to have fun at the same time (not to mention the fact that it will allow you to get that exercise in that you've been trying to find the time for).

*You can keep the activity interesting for them by changing routes, taking in different types of scenery, and exploring different types of terrain.

Cycling Log

Cycling Log

If you're cycling with any degree of seriousness, it's a good idea to keep a cycling log to help you track your progress. You can then enter your:

• Progress
• Speed
• Distance

Over time, you will be able to monitor yourself and pinpoint strengths and weaknesses (and, as you make changes and adjustments on your bike or in process, you won't have to rely on memory to figure out what you did). Keeping a cycling log is the key to improving your overall performance.

Cycling on Trails

Cycling on Trails

Don't be a trail hog! When riding on trails, it's important to keep in mind that most trails aren't just made for cycling. They're multi-use trails.

Trails aren't only made for you—they are also for hikers, dogs on leashes, strollers, kids, skaters, and more. So, even though you want to let go and relax to your beautiful surroundings, you still have to keep your wits about you. There are just as many distractions on a trail as there are on the road. Stay alert and respect other users.

Cycling Cadence

Cycling Cadence

Don't slip into high gear! One of the biggest mistakes made by beginning cyclists is using too high of a gear (using too high of a gear makes pedaling harder, and can lead to fatigue). Lower gears make it easier to pedal.

The most important goal is to try and keep a steady cadence (the rhythm of your pedaling), even when going up and down hills. A good rhythm, between 80 and 100 revolutions per minute (rpm), is optimum. Don't push yourself too hard right off the bat. Instead, work your way up to those higher gears.

Custom Bicycles

Custom Bicycles

Do you know the difference? Many people mistake a custom made bicycle with a customized bike. Take note of the differences:

• Customized bikes are bought with components and accessories then added to
• Custom bikes are built for the owner, made to fit specific body specs and usage

If you are really hooked on cycling, the investment of a custom bike might be well worth your while. Often you can spend just as much on an expensive off-the-shelf bike as you can on the custom one (especially if you're going to change and accessorize it anyway).

Buying the Right Kind of Bicycle

Buying the Right Kind of Bicycle

If you've made a trip to a serious bicycle shop lately, you've probably noticed that bicycles have gotten a lot more complicated. It's hard to know what to buy without first thinking about how you will be riding. Ask yourself these questions before making a selection:

• Will you use the bike on paved roads or on trails?

• Will you be traveling long distances?

• Is comfort or performance most important?

Once you know the answer to these questions, the pros in the bike shop can lead you to the type of bicycle for you. Over time, and once the bug has caught you, you can buy another bike that fulfills what the first bike doesn't (that is, if you weren't completely satisfied).

Investing in a Custom Bike

Investing in a Custom Bike

For the novice rider, a custom bike isn't necessarily worth the investment (mostly because they are not yet to a point where they know exactly what they want and need). For the experienced cyclist, however, there's nothing cooler than a custom bike, made to fit one rider (and built to certain aesthetics as well).

- Before you invest in one of these bikes know that they tend to be both pricey and timely—don't be surprised if your bike takes a few months to build.

Buying a Bike for your Child

Buying a Bike for your Child

Go on, get your kid a bike! When buying a bike for your child, however, don't be tempted to follow the same rule of thumb as when buying clothes. Buying a bike that's too big and hoping they'll grow into is just not a good idea. Riding a bike that is too large is dangerous, uncomfortable, and difficult. To make sure that you choose a bike that is the right size for your child:

• Have your child straddle the bike (standing over the crossbar) with his or her feet on the ground

• If the bike is of a light or medium weight, allow a minimum of 2cm between your child's crotch and the crossbar

• If the bike is heavy, there should be at least 5cm between your child's crotch and the crossbar

The Time It Takes to Build A Custom Bike

The Time It Takes to Build A Custom Bike

Don't underestimate the effort put into a custom bike! For the amount of hours it takes to build a custom bike from the ground up, the investment is really quite reasonable. Custom bikes take as much as four times the man-hours of most production bikes. A basic custom frameset can take as many as thirty hours to produce.

- You can really make your bike suit you. Did you know that highly customized models can include intricately carved or polished lugs and wild paint jobs?

Recumbent Bicycles

Recumbent Bicycles

Want to ride, ride, ride, without ending up with a sore back and booty? You might want to try the strangest bicycle on the road today—the recumbent bicycle (the word ‘recumbent' refers to its chair-shaped seat position, with the pedals out in front of the rider).

- These vehicles have been around since before the turn of the century and they're actually a very ergonomic way to ride – no sore backs or butts. It makes them very good for extended rides

Custom Bicycle Builders

Custom Bicycle Builders

A quality full spectrum custom frame calls for a frame builder who has the expertise and skill to pick and choose each and every piece of metal to fit your specifications. In order to best learn what the client's needs are, the frame builder will interview the rider and conduct fit sessions that will uncover the right direction to go for that particular client.

- To find the right frame builder for you, you should conduct some interviews of your own to find the bike-building partner that feels best to you.

Custom Adjusted Framesets

Custom Adjusted Framesets

One step below a full spectrum custom bicycle are custom adjusted frame sets with custom bike parts. A custom adjusted frameset is one in which the dealer can give you the ability to choose from a number of frame options (like short or long top tubes, and extra stiff bottom bracket or custom braze-ons).

- The benefit of a custom adjusted frameset is that it can improve the fit and feel of a bicycle at a lesser cost than the fully custom built frame.

Women's Bikes

Women's Bikes

Historically, women have had a tougher time fitting themselves for a quality bike. And shorter women often find it even more difficult. The main problem is that even though most women are smaller than men, they often have longer legs. Shorter women will find that a frame with an appropriate seat tube length will leave them unable to reach the handlebars. Many good manufacturers are making women's bikes to accommodate body differences. Just keep on testing bikes until you find the right fit. And don't only limit yourself to women's bikes either. Try everything. Being overstretched on a ride will cause stress to your arms, back and shoulders.

A Properly Fitted Bike

A Properly Fitted Bike

Make sure your bike fits! To get both the best performance and enjoyment from cycling, regardless of whether you're riding for fun or to win, a properly fitted bike is a must. So, how do you fit a bike?

A properly sized bike allows you to extend your leg as far as possible without completely straightening your knee - if saddle is too low, you won't be able to achieve this optimum leg extension. And, you should be able to straddle the frame with both feet flat and still have a bit of clearance.

Multi-Tools

Multi-Tools

If you look online for a list of tools you'll need to maintain your bicycle, you'll be surprised at how long the list can be. There's a tool for everything and those prices can add up. To start your collection, start off by buying tools for parts that need frequent maintenance and slowly build up to lesser-used tools.

- A number of manufacturers make a multi-tool that can handle a wide variety of repairs while keeping your clutter under bay.

The Basic Tool Set

The Basic Tool Set

You should carry a basic set of bike tools in their seat pack regardless of whether you're a pro at fixing your bike or not. Even if you feel you know little about your bike, you'd be surprised sometimes what you can accomplish when you have a breakdown and your only other alternative is to hit the road walking. Be prepared for the worst.Your basic set of tools should include:

• allen wrenches
• box wrenches • hub wrenchs
• chain remover
• spoke nipple wrench
• tire tube patches
• headset lockring wrench
• mini pump• third hand

Bicycle Tool Maintenance

Bicycle Tool Maintenance

When it comes to taking on the care and maintenance of your beloved bicycle, nothing beats having the proper bicycle tools in good shape and located right where you can find it. Not being able to find a tool can be extremely frustrating. And, you may not even be able to get out onto the road or trail without it. The old adage of “a place for everything, and everything in its place” is right on when it comes to home bicycle repair.

- Buy a cheap tackle or bait box to put your bike tools in and keep the box in a designated place (maybe in the garage next to your bike).

A Tool Acquisition Strategy

A Tool Acquisition Strategy

One of the best things about setting up a home workspace for bicycle maintenance is that most of the bicycle tools you'll need don't cost very much. And, if you're on a budget, its easy to start slow and buy a few things at a time.

Organize your buys by category. For instance, one month buy all the tools you'll need to take care of your wheels. Next month, you can buy what you need to take care of the gears. By doing it this way, you are able to take control of your bicycle one section at a time.

Third Hand

Third Hand

There are some bicycle adjustments that are too hard to accomplish without a helper. That's where the third hand comes in.

The third hand is a tool used to hold brake shoes closed while adjusting your cable. It's designed to be used with all brakes, caliper, and cantilever. Best of all, it is so inexpensive and incredibly easy to use.

Night Riding

Night Riding

Tired of the daily routine? You can put some excitement into your biking by becoming a night rider. If you've got good lights to guide a night ride, there are lots of reasons to ride at night, including:

• Riding on trails that you've only done during the day will be completely new and exciting

• You can also set off on a long ride without worrying about getting back before dark

• You can set off on a trek before sunlight and find a beautiful spot to see the sunrise

Battery Powered Lights

Battery Powered Lights

Don't burn out! Bicycle lights can be expensive so make sure you choose some that will be worth your money and won't leave you in the dark. Lead acid or nickel-cadmium battery powered lights, while the most expensive, are the brightest (a company like NiteRider is a reliable source for quality battery powered lights).

- Lead acid batteries cost a bit less, but have the least recharge lifetime. Ni-cad batteries cost more, but have a longer rechargeable life.

Bike Lights for Road Cyclists

Bike Lights for Road Cyclists

For road cycling you must have a front white light and a red rear reflector in most states. Most motorists understand that a white light is something moving toward them while the red is moving away—this only works, however, if the lights are visible.

- Inexpensive bike lights seldom light up enough of the path for you to see, let alone motorists to see you from a distance. If you're going to be doing a lot of night riding, it's best to go beyond the minimum for your money.

Head-Mounted vs. Bar-Mounted Bike Lights

Head-Mounted vs. Bar-Mounted Bike Lights

Trail riding by day can be treacherous enough—imagine if you couldn't see dangers around you. At night you need a good bicycle light set up to keep you safe. A combination of head-mounted and bar-mounted lights is ideal.

• The bar-mounted light is good for illuminating the road in front of you, allowing you to see hazards

• The head-mounted light moves with you as you turn, giving you the ability to see farther down the trail

Technological Advances in Bicycle Lighting

Technological Advances in Bicycle Lighting

Technological advances have really made riding at night a much more enjoyable and safer experience for cyclists. Today's lighting systems are brighter and last longer. Most have low and high beam features just like a car, can be mounted to different parts of the bike or to you, and also offer battery and wattage choices.

- As long as you know how you ride, what the terrain is like, and what your budget is, a bike shop should be able to point you in the right direction.

Night Riding in A Group

Night Riding in A Group

We all know there's safety in numbers. If you're not an experienced night rider, in addition to making sure you have adequate light, think about also taking along a friend.

At night the chances of getting lost or of falling off are greater, and riding with others means that if something happens you will have the ability to get home. And, here's another bonus, you might even be able to get extended riding time. If not everyone in your group has their lights on at the same time the rotation lets you ride longer.

Lighter Wheels

Lighter Wheels

Your bike can stand to lose a little weight. There are many cycling instances in which being lighter is better. One place you can drop a bit of weight is in your bicycle wheels. If you have some funds, you can trade in your conventional wheel set for a lightweight one that might have just a very few spokes (some even have three or four aerodynamic, bladed spokes).

-Be careful, if your wheels are too light can hinder your momentum.

Removing A Rear Bicycle Wheel

Removing A Rear Bicycle Wheel

Many cyclists are afraid to take off the rear wheel to fix a flat for fear of messing up the chain but its not as difficult as most people think. To safely remove your rear wheel, follow these instructions:

• Create slack in the chain by shifting onto the small cog and small ring
• Open the brakes so the tire doesn't bump into the brake pads
• Pull the derailleur back and remove the wheel

Running Into Rocks & Roots with your Wheel

Running Into Rocks & Roots with your Wheel

Popping wheelies can be good for your bike. A wheelie is when a rider lifts the front wheel high enough into the air that the center of gravity moves over the rear wheel, allowing the rider to balance the bicycle as if on a unicycle. To do a wheelie or to “pop” you need to use a combination of pedal thrust and weight shifting to raise the front wheel in the air.

-Although wheelies cause a lot of stress on a bicycle's fork when the from wheel comes back down, it is a useful technique off-road to avoid running over rocks or roots head on.

Broken Wheel Spokes

Broken Wheel Spokes

Spokes are an often neglected, yet important part of your wheel. Most spokes break from the fatigue caused by the change in tension as the wheels turn round. More often, broken spokes will occur in the back wheel because back wheels carry more weight. And, if one spoke breaks, it's generally a signal that others may not be far behind.

-It's always a good idea to check your spokes regularly, and to keep a few extra (of the right length) on hand.

Mountain Bike Wheels

Mountain Bike Wheels

Stay true to your wheels! Mountain bikers who are continuously running over rocks and roots (or even falling over) need to true their bike wheels more often than most. To true your wheel, follow these simple steps:

• Spin the wheels to make sure they spin smoothly
• If your wheels do not spin smoothly, take the locknut, washer and cone off
• Take out the axle by sliding it from the other side, catching the bearings as they fall
• Clean everything up, use new bearings, and use a good bicycle grease
• Put everything back into place• Once you put the wheel back on, make sure there is no play and that it spins freely

Choosing Rims

Choosing Rims

Don't be skimpy with your rims. Choosing a pair of rims should entail considering several important performance attributes such as:

• Aerodynamics- Aerodynamics are important if you race
• Weight- Less weight is always better (especially if you're climbing a lot)
• Strength- Strength is important if you're riding under rough conditions
• Ride quality- For the best riding quality, get vertically compliant rims instead of rigid ones

Flat Tire Repair Kit

Flat Tire Repair Kit

When bicycling, it's inevitable that someday, you'll get a flat tire. Caused by heat, damage, wear and tear, and bad road conditions, a flat can come at any time—no matter what the weather or the importance of your plans.

By keeping as flat repair kit in your seat pack, you'll be ready for the worst and able to get back on the road or trail in no time flat. There are lots of different types of repair kits available, and almost all of them will do the trick.

Putting Air in Your Bicycle Tires

Putting Air in Your Bicycle Tires

Take care of your bike and yourself! Checking your air pressure and putting air in your tires is something you should do before every ride. Don't rely on squeezing the tire; always use bicycle tire gauge.

-If you're riding in warm weather, its best to drop the pressure by 10 PSI to prevent heat flats and avoid using gas station hoses—their compressors blast too much air into bicycle tires at too fast a rate and can cause a blow-out.

Folding Tires

Folding Tires

Performance and convenience are key! Investing in folding tires can make your biking life easier. Folding tires offer many advantages in the cycling world:

• Lighter than other tires, they provide improved climbing and acceleration
• Small enough to travel with, it's easy to carry as a spare
• Easily stretched, they're simpler to take off and install

Tublular vs Clincher Tires

Tublular vs Clincher Tires

Know your tires. There are two types of bicycle tires – tubular and clincher:

Clincher tires are the normal type of tire, with a separate inner tube. The tire has a woven fabric casing with either metal or folding fabric beads.

Tubular tires, on the other hand, are used mainly for racing. They have no beads and the two edges of the carcass are sewn together with the inner tube inside (they fit only on special rims, held on by cement).

Optimum Bicycle Tire Pressure

Optimum Bicycle Tire Pressure

Don't be silly! Finding the right tire pressure for the way you ride isn't rocket science. Take to memory these descriptions to help you make a good decision when choosing your bicycle tire pressure:

• High pressure is best for rocky, high-speed courses
• Lower pressure is best when riding on slower, softer courses

-Road tires have a higher pressure than off-road bikes. Low pressure on the road causes glass and dirt to stick to your tires and will eventually cause a flat.

New Bicycle Product Reviews

New Bicycle Product Reviews

Bicycle reviews are a great way to keep up with the plethora of new products that seem to appear on the market almost daily. Usually, when a new bike, gadget, part, or clothing is new, it gets reviewed.

-There are so many review resources that it can be overwhelming. Search around until you find a few that you like (in which you find views you respect) and check in every now and then to see what's new.

Customer Service Reviews

Customer Service Reviews

For riders who live and breathe bikes, it's easy to get lost in the specs and performance parts of bike reviews. However, there's one area that should also catch the eye of the reader looking to invest in a quality bike—customer service.

Knowing that a company will stand behind their equipment and treat you right if something should go wrong is important. Reviews written by riders are often insightful. Companies like Banshee and Intense bikes always cite those companies' devotion to the customer and boast high reviews (Banshee backs their products up with a 10 year warranty).

Learning From Bicycle Reviews

Learning From Bicycle Reviews

There's a lot to be learned from bicycle or bicycle parts and accessories reviews. No matter what part or brand you look for, there are plenty of reviews online.

*Don't rely solely on reviews. Use reviews to narrow down your search and then head to your favorite bike shops to look, try, and talk about what you've learned.

Reviews of Bike Industry Leaders

Reviews of Bike Industry Leaders

For those experienced riders who make substantial investments in their equipment, weighing the choices can be a daunting task. In trail bikes, for instance, leaders like Banshee, Turner, Ellsworth bikes and Azonic all command rave reviews from both industry experts and mountain bike enthusiasts.

The good thing about some of these reviews is that they also reveal a good deal about the way these bikes are constructed as well as how the riders use them—the bad thing is that they make each and every bike sound appealing. Try testing out products you're interested in to further narrow down your choices.

Winning Purse of the Tour de France

Winning Purse of the Tour de France

Held every July, the Tour de France has long been thought of as the toughest of races. Just to compete in it is a triumph in and above itself. For the winner though, the purse of 2 million French francs is quite a reward. In American money, it equals about $600,000. This purse is shared by all team members and personnel. But the winner will also inevitably earn millions in product sponsorships and other related commercial endeavors

Considering Bicycle Review Sources

Considering Bicycle Review Sources
Don't believe everything you read! Whenever you read a review, you must consider where it's coming from. Is the review from a dealer who is selling that brand or is it from an independent editorial source?

Editorial sources will tend to be more straightforward in their review because they are a neutral source. When you're dealing with riders (which is often since there are so many enthusiast sites and online forums), take everything with a grain of salt. While their experience is worth a lot, keep in mind that you don't really know what kind of rider they are, how they are physically built, or whether their views on the sport are compatible with yours.

Compact Crankshafts

Compact Crankshafts
A bicycle's crankshaft drives the chain of your bike as you pedal. Most bicycles come equipped with either a double or triple crankshaft. A triple crankshaft gives you a greater lower range of gears, allowing you to pedal uphill.

Compact crankshafts are not new, but are just coming into popularity. They also give you a better lower range, but take away a bit at the higher range, unlike the double or triple crankshaft. The upside is that it is lighter weight than even a standard double. The downside is that you don't get as great a lower end as a triple would give you and you do lose that bit at the high end.

So, if you need better low end gears on your racer, but don't need all that a triple would provide, a lighter, compact crankshaft could be your answer.

Shimano Bike Parts

When it comes to bike parts and brand loyalty, you'll find many different opinions. Do your research by checking online sources, reading reviews, talking to experts in cycle shops, and asking other cyclists for recommendations.

- A highly recommended brand is Shimano. Shimano bike parts have contributed to the world of bicycling. Engineered for performance, Shimano bike parts will reduce stress and make more efficient use of energy.

Bicycle Parts Noises

What was that?! Sometimes a bike can be a very noisy machine. And, when it is, it's letting you know its bike parts need some attention. Stop and listen to your bicycle. Here are some common noises and solutions:

• If your seat clicks when you shift your weight, tighten the top of the seat post that holds the seat
• Water in the bearings of the bottom bracket will get loud over time, so have them repacked occasionally
• Noisy wheels? Look for loose spokes to tighten or check your tires for stuck debris

Regardless of whether you're riding with a rigid or suspension fork, if its noisy, take it to the shop for a check up.

Bicycle Accessory Gifts

If there's a cycling enthusiast in your life, there's no better gift than a new bicycle accessory. There are so many cool gadgets and gizmos for bikes and riders that promote comfort, provide a practical use, and just make riding more fun. Some neat choices include:

• Heart monitors
• Glasses
• A bright new jersey
• Tool kits
• Water bottles
• Reflectors
• Seat covers

- If you're unsure what type of bike accessory to get for someone, you might want to think about getting them a gift certificate. There are even gift certificates available on some online retail sites.

Check Bicycle Parts Regularly

There's nothing worse than finding yourself on the road or trail with a break down or accident. To avoid such a situation, here are a few bicycle parts that should be checked every couple of weeks for damage and wear and tear:

• Look for loose nuts, bolts and spokes
• Clean and lubricate the chain
• Inspect your headset and wheels for wobbles

- Sometimes it really pays to keep a few spare bike parts on hand for quick home repairs

Shock Absorbing Seatposts

Ouch, that smarts! If your seat is uncomfortable while riding, look into seatposts. Shock absorbing seatposts are one bicycle part that has been growing in popularity as more and more bikers look for greater comfort on the road or trail.

Seatposts are affordable and offer options to suit personal needs:

• One looks like a seatpost and contains a spring that slides up & down in line with your bottom bracket

• A more complicated design absorbs bumps by moving the saddle horizontally instead of up and down

- With the first, the height of your seatpost changes; with the latter the distance to the handlebars changes. It's all a matter of personal choice.

Women and Saddle Comfort

Men and women are different! Everyone knows this but did you know that you can buy special bike parts to work better with your anatomy? There are some sports in which the differences in the way men and women are built really make a difference - one of those sports is cycling. The good news is that there are so many bicycle parts to choose from that can make riding more comfortable for specific body types.

- Women are built for bearing children so their pelvis bones are set wider apart than men's. With a narrow saddle, these bones are outside the sitting surface. Women should swap any saddle that isn't wide enough for one that is wide enough to support the width of those bones.

Pre Assembled Bicycle

If you're buying a pre-assembled bicycle, it's a good idea to ask whether you can have a free check-up for the bike (doing this allows you to check on all bike parts, making sure they are in good working order and adjusted correctly). After all, you don't know how long it's been sitting in the store or how many times it's been test driven.

- Most bike parts are fairly universal and most service people can give it an effective go over.

The Best Helmet

What's the best helmet to wear? It's a helmet you want to wear. Almost every helmet available today has a sticker saying that it meets all safety standards and requirements so all that remains is personal taste.

Many popular helmets (such as Giro Helmets) offer assorted styles and colors to cater to individual tastes so go out and find yours. If you love the helmet you choose, chances are you'll feel better about wearing it.

Fitting A Bicycle Helmet

A bicycle helmet is a necessity, however, if it doesn't fit, it not only won't protect your head. In fact, a helmet that doesn't fit can potentially even do harm by hitting other body parts or wrapping around your neck.

- If you are unsure of how to fit a helmet, it's best to buy it at a bike shop with knowledgeable salespeople. Your helmet should never be crooked, tipped back, or have loose straps

Bicycle Helmet Standards

Almost every sport or physical activity has its risks and cycling is no exception. If you're looking for assurance that your child's helmet is truly good protection, you can rest assured. Bicycle helmets are manufactured to specific standards that were drafted by committees made up of scientists, engineers, doctors, manufacturers and advocates.

Helmet standards are based upon research, studies, actual experience, and rigorous product testing (the process can often take months or even years and are updated as new materials and technologies are introduced).

Replacing A Helmet

A helmet won't last forever! Most information stresses how to buy and fit a helmet, but few discuss when to replace a helmet. Your helmet should be replaced if:

• You've taken a fall• It's aging
• The technology has changed
• It lacks the sticker telling you it complies with industry standards for safety
• If you can't adjust it to fit properly

- Wearing an inadequate bike helmet is about as useful as not wearing one at all. Keep your helmet up to code and stay safe while riding.

The Proper Use of Helmets

Getting your child to wear a helmet is only half the battle. Getting them to wear it right is a whole other story. If you are not certain whether or not your child's helmet fits, ask their doctor.

Most pediatricians can tell you whether a bicycle helmet fits your child properly, or whether it is adjusted properly so why not bring it with you to your next well-check. Have your child put their helmet on during their check-up and ask your doctor to assess its fit. You'll get good advice and hearing a doctor stress its importance could potentially make an impact on your child.

Helmet Laws

There is no federal law in the United States that makes it mandatory to wear a bicycle helmet, but 20 states and more than 125 localities have helmet laws—and with good reason. Head injuries account for 75 percent of bicycle related deaths and permanently disabling injuries. So, if you've been riding without, run to your nearest bike shop and pick one up.


- When buying a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the requirements of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or those of one or more of the organizations that set bicycle standards like ASTM, Snell or ANSI.

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Bicycle Frame Materials

Bicycle frames are generally constructed out of steel, aluminum or titanium. Each type of frame has its own benefits and drawbacks to weigh:

• Aluminum frames are light and flexible, but won't survive an impact well
• Steel frames are less flexible, but will survive an impact better than aluminum
• Titanium bicyle frames are generally a durable choice all around, but is the most costly of the three

- Before buying a frame, make a list of the things that are most important to you. Use online resources to find further information on specific frame types and don't make a rushed decision (you're likely to have your frame for a while).

The Proper Bicycle Frame Size

Want to calculate the correct bicycle frame size for your body size? The frame size is measured from the seat lug at the top to the center of the bottom bracket. If you divide your height by three, or subtract 9 inches from your inseam length, you'll get your proper frame size.

- While you can compensate for a smaller frame with a higher seat and headset, you should never make do with a too large frame that doesn't allow adequate groin clearance when straddling the bike – the consequences are much too painful.

Bicycle Frame Maintenance

Don't throw your investment away! You've invested a good deal of money in a bicycle frame—you should maintain it. Not taking care of your bike will eventually ruin it.Without proper lubrication, your bike will corrode and work poorly.

So, after you wash your bike, lubricate the chain, derailleur, brake pivots, and any place where cables enter of exit housings (don't neglect to wipe off all excess oil).

Never Clamp Your Bike Frame

Given the beatings we often give our bikes on the road or trail, we tend to take for granted the strength of our frames. In many ways, however, they are fragile and need special care. You should never clamp anything down on the finished surface of your bike frame (if you need to clamp your bicycle for storing, repairing or for transport, clamp the seatpost, wheels and fork tips).

- It's not just the paint you need to worry about—many clamping devices apply a great enough pressure to dent or break lightweight tubing.

Bike Frame Warranty

Think before you add to your bike. Modified and customized bicycles seem more the norm these days than off-the-shelf ones. As we strive for greater comfort and performance, it's not unusual to change and add to our bikes.

- Before you blithely touch the frame of your bike, consider the fact that if you modify your frame in any way, it will most likely void your warranty.

Bicycle Fork Adjustments for Women




Women, because of their anatomy, have different fork adjustment needs than men. Women carry more weight in their hips, leaving less weight over the bicycle's front end than men of the same size. This usually makes it more difficult to initiate the fork's movement. As a result, a women is less likely to achieve optimum comfort or control.

- Elastomer forks are great for women. These forks endure less static friction and work better for riders carrying less weight.

Making Bicycle Fork Adjustments

Elastomer forks are great but they won't do you any good if you don't set them up correctly. To make sure that your elastomer fork will perform, follow these steps:

- Push the protective rubber boot up to the top of the fork leg
- Place a zip tie snugly around the bottom of the stanchion tube
- Cut off the excess and pull the boot back down over the tie
- Go for a ride and make it a point to go over some bumps
- Peel the boot up and measure how far it has moved

Most elastomers should have 2 inches of travel. If yours moved less, soften your fork. If the fork moved too much, then adjust the other way.

A Bicycle Fork for the Large Rider

If you are a large rider, your bicycle fork will obviously be under a lot more strain than one under a smaller rider. Many people take for granted that any bike fork will hold their weight. The truth is, however, that not all bike forks are created equally - some are capable of holding more weight than others.

- For those who are over 200 pounds, its best to get a carbon road fork with a steel, aluminum or titanium steerer - a carbon-only fork will flex too much.

Off The Rack Bicycle Fork Adjustments


Off-The-Rack Bicycle Fork Adjustments
When you buy an off-the-rack mountain bike, its suspension fork will most likely be adjusted for a 150 to 170 pound rider. So, if you weigh more or less than that, you should change the adjustment. Without changing the adjustment, your comfort level and control over bumps will suffer, as will your fork.If you weigh under 150 pounds, explore your other options. You might want to think about having a bike built to fit your body type perfectly. If you're already set on a specific bike, however, you can have it customized to fit your needs.

Bent Bicycle Fork

If your bicycle veers to one side when you are either holding the handlebars lightly or when you ride with no hands, something is definitely wrong. One of the first things you should check is the condition of your fork to make sure it is straight and true. To find out if your bike fork is bent, do the following

• Stand behind your bike and place your wheels in line
• Take your bicycle by its saddle and wheel it around
• Pay attention to whether it rolls straight or pulls to one side
• If it still goes to one side, it is likely that your fork is bent

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Music to Pedal By

Go ahead and jam out to those tunes! Riding to your favorite music not only makes the trip more enjoyable, but will get you farther down the road.

Research has proven that both men and women who pedal to their favorite music ride 11% farther before fatiguing than riders who ride in silence.

Investing in an accessory like an Ipod or the featherweight Rio is a smart choice.

Both crank out hours worth of uninterrupted music (that you choose and download yourself) and are compact.

Camelbaks

One of the most important things to remember when riding is to stay hydrated.
Your body uses water to cool itself.

Through perspiration alone, you lose 1 liter of water per hour, and dehydration is a serious health hazard.

A Camelbak is a portable water storage system in a handy, compact backpack.

They are great way to maintain hydration in comfort without sacrificing performance.

When you've got fresh, cool water this handy, you'll drink more often.

Camelbaks come in many sizes, with different features, and price points.

No matter which one you choose, you'll be doing yourself a great service.

New Bicycle Accessories

-No matter how often you visit your favorite bike shop, it's amazing how many new accessories become available.

-That's because since bikes are so popular, it's a category with constant innovation and experimentation.

-Between 1996 and 2000, over 4,200 bike-related patents were issued-that's more than two bike patents a day

-Put your inventing cap on and don't be afraid to try to market useful, new bike accessories that you come up with.

-Bicycle accessories can be a lucrative business-the next new cool thing is never far off from making its way to the store.

Bicycle Racks

Nice rack! Bike racks are one of the most popular bicycle accessories around. And, just like your bike, your rack needs maintenance. If you've been traveling a lot with your bike lately, don't forget to care for your rack by

  • Lubricating all locks, hubs, fastening bolts and knobs
  • Inspecting your roof rack regularly for signs of wear
  • Clearing off any debris
The better you treat your bike rack, the longer it will last and perform for you.

Heart Rate Monitor

Whether you ride for health and fitness or for the excitement of pushing yourself farther, a heart rate monitor (HRM) is a great accessory.

A wristwatch with a chest strap and electrodes uses radio waves to transmit your heart's electrical activity in beats per minute.

If you're looking to burn fat or ride faster, longer or harder, a HRM will help you maintain an optimum rate for what you're looking to accomplish.

It will keep you from both underachieving or overexerting.