My first Vintage Bicycle Excursion

By Brent Neenan


For as long as I could remember; as much as I love riding bikes I've always had this inner fear of them. Being able to quickly get around without a gas or even electric car was always something that interested me. To me driving a car seemed like cheating in some weird way. So it's unfortunate for me to say that me, and bikes don't mix. When I do get on a bike I always feel like I'm a split second away from harming myself. I'm pretty sure it all derives from my own stupidity as a kid and now even on my nice vintage bicycle that feeling likes to surface.

It's an incident that I haven't forgotten even to this day. I was finally tall enough to reach the low petals on the normal sized bikes and I wanted to venture out on my own bike rides. I really loved playing with the gear shifters as it made me feel more like an adult. Still being a little on the short side though so in order to get going I had to run alongside the bike to gain momentum before jumping on. Hopping off was also kind of tough because I was forced to pretty much tip to once side so my food could reach the ground. This is where my love for bicycling began.

Finally I had the capability of venturing out on my own without the supervision of my parents or any authority figure. I thought it a good idea to explore the trails in the woods nearby my house as it was a common place for bikers to bike. All by myself I jumped on the ten-speed and sped off to my future hobby; or so I thought.

It couldn't have been more than five or ten minutes into my journey when I committed the action that still troubles me to this day. I guess I'm a total moron because if you ask; I still don't know why I did it. As I was heading down one of the many used bike paths I saw a small ball of air and plastic in front of me. I didn't try to avoid like a normal human being though; instead I went right for it as if it were a ramp. Only it wasn't a ramp. It was a little ball. I didn't pop up in the air as I guess I was expecting. Instead I fell flat on my face busting up my nose and scraping up my knees and elbows. Even now as a full grown man getting onto my reliable Linus bike I'm still haunted by that moment.

Hopefully you aren't as dumb as me and you don't have an irrational fear of bikes because of a stupid mistake you make as a kid. I still do like to ride and I still appreciate the locomotion of self-propulsion but that moment is forever burned in my mind.




About the Author:



Cyclists Stay Warm In Winter With Embro Oil

By Katelyn Jimenez


Those who ride bikes regularly need to be tough if they are to cope with the extreme weather that they are bound to encounter from time to time. While hot weather can make riding uncomfortable, cold, wet conditions are even worse. If a cold breeze is blowing, muscles become stiff and cold and performance times suffer. Most riders will have a favorite embro oil that they use.

An embrocation is one of the aids bike-riders can turn to to make riding more comfortable. These are often spoken of as warming lotions. However they can do more than just warm up a rider. The unique combination of oils and herbal ingredients can help muscles relax and circulation improve.

They need to be used with care and treated with respect. Until a person becomes accustomed to its use, there is the danger of using too much and suffering quite severe effects. So apply it sparingly until you know how your body reacts to its use.

By applying an embrocation to the legs, the flow of blood to the area is increased. This creates warmth which minimizes the necessity for bulky leggings or leg warmers. In really wet, cold conditions, the salve is applied under the leggings. Apply shortly before setting off on your ride. The lotion will also serve as a barrier against rain and wind.

There are a number of these products on the market. Some are sold with latex gloves so that application is easier. Some brands have several products, each suitable for a different temperature. So an embro used on an extremely cold day would not be used on a more temperate day. Generally the greater the amount of salve applied, the more warming the effect.

Some of the oils used in embrocation products are wintergreen, patchouli, eucalyptus, tea tree, avocado and olive oil. Beeswax and shea butter are commonly found in the ingredient list as is capsicum. Many have an appropriate fragrance. To remove the embrocation, the area should be gently wiped with rubbing alcohol. Apply olive oil to the area as well. For comfortable riding, embro oil is now regarded as an integral part of a bide-rider's gear.




About the Author:



Ride In Style With A Vintage Bike

By Marilyn Milin


We live in a fast paced world where bicycling is an almost forgotten mode of travel. In the U.S., bicycles aren't widely used beyond recreational activities. But all over the world in many cities, people use bicycles to get around from point A to B, and help reduce carbon emissions. What style of bike do you ride? A bike's design can say a lot about who the rider is, as bicycle's style reflects whoever is riding it. If you're the sporty bike rider, you're extremely active and you're ready to race down the bike path. If you're fashion forward and innovative you're riding a modern bike design. But if you're timeless and into the antique style, you're riding a vintage bike, taking on the world with old fashion flare.

Bicycles are a green way to travel that has been around since the 19th century. Bicycling is an environmentally friendly way to travel, with no carbon emissions. Also, bikes give the rider a cardio workout without the rider even knowing it. Instead of sitting in a car and using one leg to push on the gas, bikers get to enjoy the fresh air, and promote better health. Bicycles also save riders money because they don't have a gas tank. So the weekly or biweekly tank fill up is not a necessity. This old fashioned way to travel helps get you healthy, saves you money, and provides a better future for our environment.

With over one billion bicycles in the world and numerous bike retailers, those shopping for a new single-track vehicle should chose wisely. You need to suit your style and all the safety regulations of today. Quality metal frames and and rubber tires are a must. Even vintage style bicycles need to be up to par with the most high tech modern bikes. Even though riding a bike does not require a license, bike riders should be aware of the bike rules in their area. This old fashion travel alternative is present in the modern era with similar rules of travel and right of way.

There are twice as many bikes out there than automobiles, so obviously bicycling is not leaving anytime soon. For an older form of transportation, it's doing quite well in the modern world! Bikes aren't just for kids who aren't old enough to get their license, they're for everyone! Take your commuter bike to a local store, and get some fresh air while you get your body moving. Nice days should not be spent in a car shuffling around from place to place! Bikes allow the rider to enjoy the outdoors and help save it.

The green technology of the bike helps the environment and gives the rider a more active lifestyle. Bicycles also helps the guy or girl on the go get to where they need to be in style, regardless if your style is modern, sporty or vintage. So bring some old fashion back into your life and get moving on a bicycle!




About the Author:



Affordable and Stylish City Bikes

By Kerri Potter


Biking has always been a part of history. It has been a popular form of transportation and exercise for so long and even today, we are still seeing an increase in the popularity of city bikes. As more bike lanes and bike-sharing programs are being created in cities all over the world, more people are realizing that biking is such a great way to get around and experience the world.

To this day, I can still remember when I learned to ride a bicycle for the very first time. I was so determined to learn because all of my friends were already able to ride without training wheels. I can still recall that amazing feeling of freedom when my mom finally let go of my bike and I was able to pedal and maintain balance all by myself.

To this day, I still love riding my bike and since I have been in the market for a new one, I have come across great bikes from a company called Linus. Linus bikes are inspired by French bicycle design from the 1950s and 60s. These bikes are beautifully and elegantly styled. The classy look of their bikes is exactly what I'm looking for.

Riding city bikes will not only get you great exercise but will also be helping the environment. By choosing to ride a bike over driving a car, you will be saving gasoline and car emissions. Riding a bike is an excellent way to take part in the "green" movement. The benefits of riding a bike are endless.

Linus bikes are affordable which is perfect for a college student like me. There are so many benefits to riding a bike that it is no wonder why this activity has been around for such a long time.




About the Author:



Five Success Factors Behind Bradley Wiggin's Olympic Gold And Tour De France Victory

By Alan Taylor


In the manner of a true champion, Wiggins won Olympic Gold AND The 2012 Tour de France. The World Pro Cycling Scene is just starting to realize he won in a way that has no peers except Armstrong, Coppi and Merckx. Plus he gets the acclaim for being the first Briton to do so. He showed the time trialling ability of Miguel Indurain but with a lot more charisma. He showed the consistent climbing class of the great Lance Armstrong but had more to offer his team to support the lead out trains in the sprints and on the flat. And he was streets ahead of those skinny hill climbers over the years, who normally hide in the peleton and waited until everyone else was having a bad day in the mountains, to steal several minutes lead. Often the race was made for the lightweight freaks, until Armstrong's team ethic and pacemakers started to eliminate the chances for the little guys, to catch the race by surprise.

Wiggins won with real class and he did it for five clear reasons:

Talent - it was seen from an early age that he had the height, the leg length and the cardio engine to create very high pedal revolutions in high gears and thus maintain a consistent high speed. Also the need to win is often in your DNA. Some people are born champions, often because they are just such bad losers. In Bradley's case this is partly true, but he also had something positive to prove from his childhood. Just as with Lance Armstrong, a loving Mother and distant biological father seems to spark that extra level of hunger. The earlier victories at Olympic and World levels proved an exclusive pedigree for cycling speed.

Focus - this year there was just this one goal, with no distraction. The track racing was dropped. The London Olympics were merely an interesting opportunist week in the racing calendar. Everything was focused on Le Tour.

Experience - Wiggins knows that his Tour de France crash and quitting last year, due to a broken collar bone, gave him extra drive this year. It should be remembered that he was already 'mixing-it' with the elite climbers, as long ago as three years' ago. When he held his own until the very final attacks on the Mont Ventoux with the exhalted company of Schleck, Contador and The Great Armstrong, Wiggins showed his latent class. Plus it gave him real inspiration to climb those Grand Cols in his own way - avoiding the unpredictability of Alberto Contador's (allegedly artificially stimulated) uphill attacks or the short-term climbing bursts of Luxembourg's star Andy Schleck and, this year, the Italian Nibali.

Professionalism - this was reflected by the whole Team Sky Racing Team set-up. Their selection of team members, stringent mental and physical preparation in a whole season's perfect racing programme, caused three other stage-race victories to come Bradley's way. Plus the single-minded attitude and planning of the whole team set-up. However, it also needed Wiggins himself, to take his rigid outspoken self-discipline and focus to a new level. This was not easy with his new-found wealth and his young family at home, which he hardly saw during long nights of recuperation in corporate hotels through arduous training camps and long stage races. But his level or organised professional self-discipline really improved.

Belief - a new grade of his self-belief came from Wiggins' internal acceptance that he had everything in his physical make-up to realize the ultimate road cyclist's dream. This was supported by his back-up team, but also came from a rising level of respect among the super-elite cadre of the world's top riders. Slowing the peleton after Cadel Evans' misfortune was not just sportsmanship, but the action of someone who realized he was "Le Patron" at last.

There may just be one more year for Bradley to repeat this dominant victory again. But other teams and other Grand Tour contenders will find it very hard, in the short term, to establish these five factors for his success .




About the Author:



Chamois Cream Cures Cycling-Caused Chafing

By Katerina Borowski


Serious bikers all know how uncomfortable chafing can be. Applying chamois cream before going for your ride will keep you from getting a rash. The sensitive skin on your upper thighs and perineum is easily irritated when constantly rubbed against your shorts or bike seat.

Your perineum and groin area gets very warm and wet with sweat when riding. This is the perfect place to harbor bacteria. A rash is actually tiny cuts in your skin, so any microbes can get in and start an infection.

The type of seat you use and the material of your shorts can also cause or deter irritation. Wearing shorts that do not slide across the skin with each pedal is best for keeping friction to a minimum. Get a narrow seat so your legs do not rub against the sides.

Sitting back on your seat or standing to pedal will also decrease the rubbing action between your legs. Make sure you wash the area before and after you ride to get rid of any sweat, dirt and bacteria. Washing your shorts after every ride is important too.

Any time there is an increase in the temperature, carry the cream with you to apply at every break. If there is a restroom nearby, wash the area well before it on. Be sure to wash your bike seat and shorts too. Stop the minute you feel the itching burn, stop, wash the area and reapply the cream.

Every cyclist should have a tube of chamois cream handy on every ride. It can be used before, during or after you go out and will keep you from being uncomfortable. With regular use, you can forget all about chafing and the pain that goes along with it; even when you participate in long distance races.




About the Author:



Unique Military Gifts That Bring Your Soldier Home!

By Dutch Kiesecker


Due to our countries involvements in the Middle East, we have had a constant need for troops and soldiers for many years. War is truly an unfortunate ultimatum, but we must not forget the sacrifice, determination, and courage those in the armed forced give to ensure our freedoms and keep us safe back home. Often we send our loved ones in the military gifts and vice versa so that we can remain connected to them and remind them that they are always in our thoughts!

We often send our hearts out to our men and women across the globe through gifts of various amenities, of which are either unavailable or simply luxuries taken for granted. This helps bring them back both mentally and physically to the reality they are accustom to. In doing so, they are given short escapes from the grim thoughts war can bear on the mind, and remind them of your love and what they are fighting for.

Many children don't even know what their parents look like who fights overseas to support their family. Social media and video chat have aided in this, but the experience is never physical for them. It can even feel superficial at times. Military gifts help maintain the parent-child relationship; however, nothing makes a gift more personal than the gift itself being a mini-version of the sender!

Simply saying a stuffed animal in ones likeness is a perfect gift to keep a family together is one thing, but seeing it play out in reality brings things into perspective. A father who was touring in Iraq hadn't seen his daughter grow up since he left and she was only two years old. Fast-forward to present day, she is six and doesn't really know her father or even what he looks like, but he had been sending her stuffed animals of himself for her to recognize him! When he finally returned, she could tell right away it was her one and only dad!

For many years, and likely years to come, stuffed toys have been popular throughout all age groups. Used more often than not to express a deeper meaning, feeling, or commemoration; expressed their comforting appearance and plush feel is sure to bring a smile to any face. A completely personalized stuffed animal is obviously the best direction to take the notion of a stuffed toy, where in our modern society we value self expression above none other. For more information on stuffed animals and their history, simply research the product!




About the Author:



Why You Should Forget The Gym For Elite Fitness

By Alan Taylor


Here are some exclusive tips which apply if you are a very experienced rider or a beginner, if you are a top triathlete or a new Road Cyclist, contemplating some longer sportives. We have built up our fitness methods, through many hours and days on training camps with some of the world's top bike riders. Here are four more points that we know are most important.

Try to to keep your own training and eating diary too, for every day's activity and calorie consumption. You can consider these four new tips as golden rules - and if you try to just break ONLY one rule per week, then you WILL become a fitter cyclist. Just one rule though. If some rules seem basic for you, that's fine - just keep a mental note of the rules that you think are best for you.

1. Don't bother going to the gym

To be candid, unless you want to be a pure track sprinter like Sir Chris Hoy, there is no need to bulk up with weight training. And any other form of light gym work or cross training can become very boring, not relevant for your attempt at Elite Cycling Fitness, or downright harmful - if you fail to warm up and stretch your muscles correctly. It can be even worse if you go there intermittently, that's less than twice a week. There really is only one substitute for extra mileage on your bike. And that's time spent on your home exercise bike or spinning. Otherwise try a good course of yoga, to allow you to improve your stretching and relaxation abilities. But what about your road sprinting power? There are many other road-based training alternatives, to sprint well. You should look out for our advice on Sprint Interval Training.

2. Keep high pedalling revolutions with a cadence on low gears

This is so important for your long-term endurance. But also on every training ride. Low gears and high cadence will mean you fatigue more slowly and can dance up hills out of the saddle, even at the end of a two or three hour ride. This should be on ratios of around 42 x 15 or 43 x 16 for flat tempo riding.

3. Save the big chain ring for competition and interval sprint training

We do not encourage much training in big gear ratios. It can qsoon cause knee problems and muscle strain. You should always be able to retain a high cadence and feel a supple "suplesse" pedaling action, while training. Then, when you are racing, and need to keep that pace and cadence, but on higher gears, your legs will be ready and more conditioned. The exception is interval training - a great 40 minutes of cardio intervals, sprinting (on quite roads with no side entrances) for trees, 250-350m ahead, in a gear of 53 x 14 or 52 x 15, will build the race speed that you would need for shorter street kermesse racing. Try to do this about every two minutes with easy soft-pedaling in between. Use the corners, to attune your legs to the hard effort of jumping hard after dropping to a lower speed into the corner. This is one of several forms of training we will provide, to make you a much stronger road sprint cyclist..

4. Adhere to your body's fitness signals Seriously

As a serious cyclist or triathlete, you are stretching your body very hard. Regularly, you exert your heart and lungs and legs into endurance zones of high pain and fatigue, that normally improve your fitness, but sometimes cause levels of strain that you should always keep an eye on. Over train, and your body will soon pay you back - bigtime. Don't stretch and warm up properly before interval training and then you can easily pull a muscle. Here's a critical thing - check your waking, morning pulse - and recognise when it is higher than average. You should make that day a rest day. Respond to any aching knees or strains by checking your bike riding position straight away with a qualified coach; plus remember to check the alignment of your pedal cleats and riding shoes. If you always suffer chronic lower back pain on your training rides, learn some yoga stretches, to apply before and after your rides. Then when you are training, spend more time riding 'in-piedi' - standing out of the saddle and lower your gears. But you must see your doctor, chiropractor and sports physiotherapist. Be ready to deal with the causes rather than the symptoms.

You should get at least thirty minutes of massage therapy, when your muscles are sore, to improve blood flow to the sore muscle tissue and release micro-adhesions associated with muscle repair. This can be a painful technique to reduce soreness. But no pain no gain applies here too! Ask your senior teammates or doctor to recommend a good sports physiotherapist. Make sure you get at least eight to 10 hours of sleep to help with muscle recovery. Muscles that have been adequately repaired will not be sore. The body repairs itself best at night and important hormones are triggered, to signal repair to muscle tissue. Failing to get eight to 10 hours will decrease the hormonal response and recovery will be slower. This means the muscle tissue will be sore for much longer.




About the Author:



Tips For Bicycle Buyers

By Karen Smith


Getting a bicycle can look like an uncomplicated enough job without any type of complications or future flaws. As simple a procedure as it may seem to be, purchasing a bicycle is more involving than just simply going to hardware or bike shops and selecting the one you want, according to shade, size or design. This report will seek to provide a novice bikers tips to possible bicycle purchasers and point out important factors to engage before getting one.

Bikes come in several shapes, styles and sizes and are geared up for a variety of functions. There are several types of bikes to pick from and many of the aspects to consider prior to arriving at a final choice on which one to purchase include where you will ride your bike, what you will use the bike for, how often you will use it and regardless if you have any health complications, amongst others. These are but a couple of pointers to take note of. These and a lot more points to consider will guide you into what kind of bike to buy. It is necessary to respond to all these questions before purchasing your bike, as these will enlighten your judgment on which sort of bicycle to buy .

Different kinds of bikes serve different purposes and serve varied functions. The cargo bikes come equipped with a cargo container and are more balanced to enable you to hold cargo as you cycle. The mountain bicycle or BMX bikes as they are popularly recognized are more suitable for mountaineering and hiking - they also come in handy for unequal off road terrains or for bad roads. Their design and make can take rigid and uneven surface. Convenience bicycles are really good for your everyday and normal biking both for health and fitness or for going to work functions. They come handy for that fast cycling to the stores to get bread or for an early daytime physical fitness cycling exercise. These are just a few samples of types of bikes to consider.

When buying a bicycle, it is important to take the vendors suggestions with some caution. Every seller wishes to set free their stock and when it comes to bikes, you are likely to be informed that their bikes on display or stock are the best. Do your own research if possible, shop around and find out more, before purchasing, to stay clear of future disappointment and owning a bicycle that doesn't serve for your demands and passions . Another variable to think about is the price of the bicycle you wish to buy. If it costs an arm and a leg, it does not necessarily indicate that it is the best on the industry. If the price almost meet that of a scooter, chances are you are much better off with a motorcycle than a bicycle.

Having emphasize a couple of points to bear in mind when getting a bike, the decision is now yours. To be enlightened before you start helps you to get ahead.




About the Author:



The Rapid Growth of City Bikes

By Rob Sutter


The area of Copenhagen, Demark is abundant when it comes to traveling via cycling. It can be seen as both an excellent form of exercise as well as an economical alternative to cars, buses, and trains. Having said that, Copenhagen has not had a true path exclusive to cyclists so that they could travel without any worry. This will all change, though, especially with the creation of one road that will belong to a collection. These will be referred to as 'superhighways.'

The idea of city bikes being used for commuting isn't a new one. After all, if you were to go into any city, you'd more than likely come across at least a couple of bikers traverse busy roads and intersections amongst minivans and trucks. A bike-specialized company like Linus would be more than happy to support the idea of 'superhighways,' though. The first of these in a proposed series of 26 has been finalized in April, so Danes are eagerly anticipating the others being constructed.

Cyclists can put 'superhighways' to use in the same kind of way cars would make use out of busy freeways. These roads are almost mandatory for people who ride city bikes on a constant basis, especially when you think about the hazardous environments these people must put up with. Obstructions along the lines of low-quality pavement work and hazardous gaps in the ground could only be disastrous. It's just a comfort to know that these 'superhighways' will render such problems almost worthless.

It's easy to see just why biking from place to place could make a cyclist feel better about themselves. Whether during a morning or afternoon, it's easy to see that cycling is a terrific form of exercise and once that feeling of the burn is met, you're aware that no gym could possibly ever give you the same sensation. It's a comfort to know that 'superhighways' will continue to give that to people, without any of the danger that comes with sharing roads with automobiles. The standard amount of exercise coupled with a high level of safety is one reason why these roads will be very popular with Danes.

Biking will be made far simpler now because of the construction of 'superhighways.' For example, people who frequent city bikes for travel will be able to utilize these paths to great degrees and perhaps potential cyclists will come about as well. I'm of the opinion that people would bike a lot more but the idea of being caught in busy roads amongst automobiles tosses the deal out of the window. Eco-friendly results, as well as safer biking, will more than likely be here to stay.




About the Author:



Getting Around Town on Two Wheels

By Greg Diener


Many workers are struggling to commute each day from the home to their workplace due to the hits they have to take at the gas pump. Commuter bikes have sprung up as an alternative to the automobile for people to get to work, although common in a few countries for a number of years this has become a relatively new concept in the United States.

In commuter biking the person uses a bike to get from place to place without using a car. This is a huge convince for some people since they do not have to pay massive amounts of money to keep getting from your job to the home each week. Commuter biking also helps avoid the potential risk of getting in a traffic accident potentially saving you more money there.

Traveling through bicycling to get to places is a foreign concept here in the United States where only one percent travels with a bike. The Netherlands and Denmark are countries that have a huge chunk of their workforce commute on two wheels, approximately 20-30 percent of all travel trips in those countries occur through bicycling while car commutes are cut nearly in half when compared to the United States. - Commuter biking as mentioned previously is relatively new in this country where only a small fraction of the United States travels with a bicycle. European countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark have used commuter biking for a long time and it makes up at least one-tenth of their countries total travel while the use of automobiles there is reduced nearly in half compared to the United States.

If you are planning on possibly commuting through a bicycle while eliminating the need for the automobile Linus Bikes has many models you may be interested in or perhaps you may already have a bicycle that you can use for transportation. Before deciding to commit to changing your commute, you need to figure out the driving distance you take from your residence to your workplace and figure out if the commute is good for biking. A three hour bike ride to your home to work and back is not the best recommended way to travel.

Although commuter biking is not a frequent mode of transportation when compared to countries in Europe, this has a strong potential to become very big over the next several years if current gas prices continue to rise. Commuters who are struggling to pay at the gas pumps might look to biking as a strong alternative to driving should the prices at the pump continue to have a massive effect on wallets across the country.




About the Author:



Learn More About The Different Kinds Of Women's Bicycles

By Jimmy Cox


Owning one of the fancy women's bicycles is what most ladies dream about for many reasons. For one, riding a bike down the street brings back the childhood memories. This helps the ladies to relieve stress in an enjoyable way as their minds are freed from worries.

Ladies who are advocating a green cause also ride bikes to stop carbon emissions from polluting the earth further. With this, they contribute to making the air healthy to breathe and reducing the population of overweight women across the globe. Surveys show that cycling on a regular basis does keep our abs trimmed and our bodies strong.

There are many kinds of women's bicycles you can choose from depending on your riding style and location. Below is a list which you can consult when purchasing the right bike for your needs.

If you love going to a nearby store to purchase some groceries you lack at home, a three speed bike with the right bike size could be the ideal type for you. It is one of the bikes that are built with a provision for big baskets on the front and saddle bags on the back. These features are sturdy enough to carry parcels. Also, it comes with big and comfy seats and tall handlebars. These are helpful when you want to tour comfortably downtown. Its three gears make it easy for the riders to maneuver in locations of moderate hills.

For those who love traversing rocky paths for the purposes of recreation or sports, ladies mountain bikes are the best types to ride. They are suitable for such activity as they created with bigger and wider tires with excellent traction and suspension and multiple gears. Hardtail mountain bikes are less expensive and more versatile. Full-suspension bikes are the more expensive type. They are chosen for the overall shock absorption they can give when covering back country trails or steep and bumpy single tracks.

Another type of bicycle for ladies is called hybrid. As the term suggests, hybrid is a combination of a mountain bike and a road bike. Besides giving comfort to their riders, hybrids are known for their speed, sturdiness and versatility. They can cover long distances both on streets and unpaved paths.

Do you want to carry a bike as you commute? There are foldable types which you can purchase. They are lightweight and storage-friendly. They can be unfolded if they will be used. When not in use, you can fold yours back and place it in a bag. Store it somewhere in your office or home. These foldables may be small and light but they are guaranteed sturdy.

The last of the women's bicycles that are gaining popularity these days are those powered by electricity. With that, they earned the name electric-assist bikes. The best thing about these bikes is that they allow application of less pressure on the pedals since electricity runs them. No need to worry about getting tired driving long distances or traversing uneven and inclined locations. You just have to do half the effort with these bikes.




About the Author:



Bicycling Towards Healthy Living

By Greg Diener


Here in New York something that everyone has dealt with at one time or another is facing the mad traffic that occurs during the day. It is possible that whenever you face this never-ending loop of cars seemingly parked for miles that you can get much stress. A potential problem solving idea is if you live in a large city like New York is do try something different, one idea is to use a commuter bike if you need transportation to where you need to go.

In Men's Health magazine it was shown that most people in the United States drive an average of 29 miles a day. That makes for average of 145 miles a week for most Americans and a total of 7,540 miles per year on an average of a five-day work week. If you used those statistics and rode on a bicycle, using those distances you could lose an average of anywhere between 10-20 pounds a year on the bike.

A big asset to living a healthy life when riding a bicycle is the stress that will disappear from being on a bike as opposed to riding a car. If you run into traffic on a daily basis it will cause you to likely be late in arriving to your job causing you to get nervous, with the bike you will be able to get to where you need to be on time without the hassle of oncoming traffic from the road. A good thing coming from riding on the bike would be all the muscle that will build up every time you ride a bike due to the many calories you will be burning.

It was also noted in Health Care magazine study of 30,000 people that rode to work each day that those who rode on a commuter bike as opposed to driving a car lived forty percent longer compared to those that drove an automobile. It makes a big difference to choose the bike over the car since it is proven that you can live a healthier lifestyle. Riding to your job each day on the bicycle will also help combat the problems of obesity, heart disease and stroke by almost fifty percent.

Should you go with all the vital facts provided here in the article, taking a commuter bike to work for at least two-three hours each day will have a long-term impact on your overall health. You will live a long healthier lifestyle compared to riding a car to work. Not only will you wallet be much larger because you will be saving money from gas your waistline will be slimmer from the new two-wheeled friend you will have.




About the Author:



Everything You Need to Know About Mountain Bike Shorts

By Jeremy Menz


So you started mountain biking and want to increase your distance and time ... but your normal activity gear is simply not working. It's time to look at mountain biking gear - specifically mountain bike shorts. What are they? Mountain bike shorts are apparel particularly made to offer protection and comfort for the rider.

Mountain bike shorts are created with unique padding and come in different weights (6 - or eight ounces). The padding is tactically sewn into the shorts to protect the quadriceps, hips, and tailbone in the event of a fall or crash. One more significant distinction in the design of the shorts is the failing to see joint where you sit. The joint is changed with cushioned product to increase convenience and security while riding. The overall design is meant to decrease tenderness and rise security during rides.

Traditional cycling shorts (the tight Lycra shorts) are still readily available, however the design of mountain bike shorts has advanced. Gone are the days of sparing design for convenience and security.

These shorts are accessible in looser and even more hip designs. Some significant sophisticated styles include cargo-style, casual knee-length, and traditional form-fitting shorts.

Mountain bike shorts are offered for as little as $ 20 for a low end design and may only last one or two periods. The typical pair, with six - or eight-panel building, may range from $ 50 to $ 80. High end shorts could run upward of $ 100. But keep in mind - you get exactly what you pay for. If you do not mind changing the shorts after a couple seasons, the less expensive pair will work. But if you plan on frequent lasting use, spending the extra money may be worthwhile.

Where can you buy mountain bike shorts? They are accessible almost all over any place that mountain bikes are sold, in sporting goods shops, department stores, or through online merchants. Chain store normally supply bottom prices, but specialized shops (sporting products stores or bike stores) deliver a larger range and price array.

Before purchasing a pair of mountain bike shorts, you should know the ideal fit and feel. The elastic should not be too tight and give way without being too loose. They should not ride up or squeeze your abdomen too tightly. The legs should fit and slightly cling to your thighs, but opt for a looser fit since muscles tend to swell during exercise.

Mountain bike shorts are a very important accessory, providing the cyclist with exceptional convenience and protection on almost any terrain. Before purchasing a pair of these shorts, the rider ought to decide exactly what design, level of quality, and cost array he or she is trying to find. This will certainly guarantee all requirements have been addressed and decrease over spending.




About the Author:



Mavic Ksyrium SL - The Top Elite Bike Wheels Set

By Jan Peter


In terms of elite bike wheels available on the market, one brand shines and it's Mavic Ksyrium. It is considered a significant component on professional biking equipments. When you are aiming to have the best biking experience, you have to take into consideration some of the factors that may affect the efficiency of your bike. Before buying a new set of cycling wheels, it's important to determine these important factors like weight, toughness, brand name and so much more these elements ought to be met before you decide to get a specific cycling wheel.

In terms of bicycle wheels, Mavic Ksyrium SL bike wheels are the best option. Initially, they've top quality design that can make them light and tough. These bike wheels were made making use of the unique Ksyrium technology that helps make them far ahead from their competitors in the cycling wheels industry. The bike wheels cost about $600 that is a great deal when compared with other bike wheel models in the market.

The Mavic Ksyrium SL cycling wheels include the 22mm front and rear rims making it lightweight. In addition, it has aluminium hub on its front and back side together with Isopulse lacing on the rear improving the wheels for optimum performance. It also integrated an alloy-crafted axle for enhanced stiffness. The quality of these particular cycling wheels exceeds what others offer on the market.

The rims on every Ksyrium are made from maxtal that are available in anodized black or silver. The spokes on the wheels have also been manufactured using stainless steel. You will find that there are eighteen on the front and twenty at the back. The Ksyrium company also features a limited issue aluminium modification tool for every purchase of a Mavic Ksyrium SL. They also present a spoke wrench along with an aerodynamic spokes that you can use on your bike. You will will also get a warranty card that contains the instruction on how to properly install the brand new wheel set.

The producers of the Mavic Ksyrium Elite bike wheels have been in this type of business for more than a century now. They are reliable with their high standards, each wheel set are made with accuracy and quality. They are also advised by professional cyclist and biking aficionado all over the world.




About the Author:



How To Get The Right Bike Size Today

By Jimmy Cox


Getting the right bike size for women's bicycles is crucial if you want to travel long distances with comfort. In fact, it is also crucial for the performance of professional bikers who compete for titles. Bicycles which are too small for you can limit your pedaling technique. Those which are too big can be very dangerous as you lose enough control over them.

Moving forward, these simple machines come in varied sizes to suit all kinds of riders - professional or non - professional. A person with a standard height would not have any problem when it comes to riding almost all model sizes. The good thing about the current models is that their seats can be adjusted according to the height of the riders.

There are several steps which you can take to get the right bike size you are looking for. The first of them is scrutinizing the frames of your prospect bikes. One thing you must remember here is that the frame matches the length of your leg. Extend your leg over the bike's tube and straddle it. As you do this, ensure that there is enough room for a stand-over. Do this exercise with your shoes on for you to get the precise calculations.

After the frame, check on height. You will need to sit on the bike for this. As you sit, use your leg to push the pedal to its lowest point. Extend your leg and make the tip of your toes touch the ground. An extended leg allows no waste of energy rather more power. This is because your pedaling technique is not limited. When your leg is extended well, it can also be free from injury and so are your knees. A seat is too low if your knees are parallel to the ground at the highest level as you move the pedals. A seat is too high if you cannot touch the ground.

Look for a bike sizing guide which can give you smart approximations. Yes, these guides could only give approximations as sizes vary from one rider to another. Why? This is because people may have different body proportions despite definite height measurements. For example, short riders may have long arms and legs.

In connection to this, take it out for a test drive. Most stores allow this done inside their stores or nearby parking lots. Through this, you can get a feel of whether your prospect bike is easy to drive. There are two factors to consider here. They are comfort and performance. Comfort simply depends on how you feel while riding the bike. Performance, though, needs deeper observation. Compare it with what you friend's bike can do. You can also ask how it fairs when climbing up or down the hill.

Add to your efforts of getting the right bike size, the selection of appropriate accessories and protective gears. When it comes to the rider's protection, nothing beats the benefits of using a helmet, gloves and pads. These too must be selected with proper sizes in mind.




About the Author:



City Life Requires a Commuter Bike

By Lyndsey Kaplan


Growing up in the suburbs, you live in the land of cars. Even just a simple trip to 7-Eleven or the deli, you hop in your car to get there. If you decide to leave this land of suburbia you realize that in major cities, it is almost impractical to have a car. It's expensive to store, and gas prices these days are astronomical. How do you get to work though? Or the store? Well, look no further than a commuter bike. They are quick and easy alternative to walking, and in the end cheaper than all those subway cards.

In popular cities like New York and Boston there is a high density of cars on the road and an even higher density of people on the sidewalk. So where do the cyclists ride? Well many cities have decided to put in bike lanes. With specified bike lanes you don't have to share the sidewalk with pedestrians or the main road with motorists.

With specified bike lanes, safety has become less of an issue these days. Years ago people on a commuter bike had to fear for their life as they were in the same lane as a taxi or SUV. Now, they can pleasantly ride their bike in their own lane. These commuters can safely and quickly get to work without shelling out money for public transportation or allotting a long time to walk.

Even if you aren't trying to save money, riding a commuter bike is a great way to reduce green house gases. More cyclists mean less motorists driving in cities. Surprisingly enough, in many cases cities are often some of the most environmentally friendly places to live. So when you decide to move there, continuing the tradition of saving the environment shouldn't become second nature to you.

No city resident should be without a commuter bike. It provides for easy transportation and allows for a savings on gas and public transportation fares. And in this economy, who doesn't want to save a little money?




About the Author: