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Posts Tagged ‘cycling’

All About Road Bikes and Frames

July 28th, 2010 No comments

The road bike is one of the oldest and most popular of all varieties of bike out there. If you’re mainly going to be riding on tarmac, and speed or distance are important for you, you’ll want to invest in one of this kind. These bicycles have lightweight frames produced to allow good cycling posture without causing discomfort, and are produced for racing usually. Riding a road bike is highly recommended, and among the highest quality are the Colnago Road Bikes and the Fuji Bicycles.

Road bikes mostly have narrow tires that are kept at a high pressure, and which are smooth surfaced – they do not have the knobbly surface you might expect from mountain bike tires. These reduce contact with the road, giving you the minimum amount of possible rolling resistance. However, when it comes to bumps and stones they allow you to feel more – that is why they are best used on tarmac that is in good repair.

You will need to give thought to the frame, also. The frames of road bikes are made from a variety of materials, and the price varies according to the material and the way they are made. Lighter frames normally cost more – better for climbing. Bikes which weigh more result in slower times for competition riders. This may or may not be a factor for you.

A lot of entry level bicycles have frames made either from aluminum or steel, with aluminum gradually taking over more and more of the market. Each has its pluses and minuses – neither is a bad choice.. For instance, steel frames weigh more, but offer more flexibility, and can cushion bumps a little better. Aluminum frames are manufactured to be particularly inflexible, resulting in a slightly harder ride. How do you know which one is the right bicycle for you? The only way is to pick which one feels best after testing as many bicycles as possible.

You will start to see bicycle frames made from different materials as bike prices go up. For instance, the front fork may be made from carbon fiber – a light, but strong material. Higher end bicycles may have an entire frame made from carbon fiber, endowed with great strength and lightness. Even more exclusive bicycles are made from titanium and other specialist materials. Because these bikes are so expensive, the majority of them are purchased only by serious cycling enthusiasts.

Another important element are handlebars. On road bicycles, they mostly project straight from the base, then curl under so that riders who want the least wind resistance can bend forward. Riders are also able to sit in a position that is more upright and keep their hands at a higher position on the bars. Brake levers and gear shift are normally handle bar mounted on road bikes, giving better control.

Take heed of riding position, also. Most modern road bicycles are produced to let riders bend over forward, bringing down their wind drag and enabling them to direct the most power from the legs and hips into the pedals. This good cycling position is good for short term speed, but can be uncomfortable in the long term, leading to pain in the hands and arms.

Road bicycles as a rule come with many speeds in the gearing – eight or nine gears and two or three chain rings – allowing anywhere from sixteen to twenty seven different gear combinations. You will also usually get platform pedals equipped with toe pedals, but clipless pedals are also to be found. They give you the option of pedaling the bicycle on the downstroke as well as the upstroke.

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What Are Bike Jerseys

July 8th, 2010 No comments

Peoples’s varied reasons for cycling range from recreation and relaxation to club riding and racing. There are several that use their cycles as their main strategy of getting in town whether it’s to and from work or as their only source of transport.

Without regard for your cycle use, cycling jerseys have now become a mandatory part of each bicyclists clothing collection.

Bike jerseys are specially made to be simple to wear clothing for the higher part of the bike riders body and are made to permit the cycle rider the perfect body movement while keeping the skin and body at a good temperature. There are loads of types of bike jerseys, the basic types are either with long or short sleeves. However the range of designs and fabrics is skyrocketing all the time. Retro cycling jerseys to novelty cycling jerseys, the selections are mind astonishing. As well as the many numerous designs, cycle jerseys also come in countless different styles and fits. Some do up with zips, while others have none and are simply slipped to over the head. Each bike rider has different preferences as to the fit, look and style of the bike jerseys. Some heated discusses have happened about which is the best fabric to use for bike jerseys. There are some schools of belief about which is best. Some fans are adamant that only natural fibres like cotton, should be used so close to the body, while others argue the designed expressly manmade fibres do a better job of allowing the riders skin to respire. Both discussions have merit, so it essentially does remain up to the individual bike rider to choose that will work the best for them. The only way to work out the solution for yourself is to try both and see which is most snug for you personally. It’s likely that each person will have their own ideas about what will best suit them.

Cycling jerseys are now made for nearly any body shape, and there are actually a lot of selections for both men, girls and children. The hardest part will be deciding on just one of the variety of cycling jerseys available in the shops today. Shopping on the web for bicycling jerseys is a way to save some time and see the varied calls that are typically available. Considering the growing trend toward riding bikes, the expenses and range of jerseys available is probably going to continue increasing.

John Black writes about many subjects, as a cycling fan he loves his collection of cycling jerseys which includes many retro bike jerseys.

TacX Fortius

May 22nd, 2010 No comments

Introducing the TacX Fortius Multiplayer Trainer which allows you to train on your bike in various virtual locations to build your cycling endurance. The TacX includes a powerful resistance motor to simulate riding on the road as well as the virtual reality software program to simulate the terrain/course that you want to ride The software has three different terrains you can choose from, the Atlantis, the Olympus and the Callisto.

The Tacx Fortius connects to your computer and uses it as an interface. The virtual modes you can choose from include animated images, graphic training or actually cycling within live recorded video. The riders you will encounter in the virtual ride will have real movements. You can simulate racing, go for a leisurely spin or setup fitness specific training. Race mode allows you choose various simulated race courses. Italy, France, Spain and Belgium are a few of the countries you can choose from.

While cycling your Tacx Fortius will give you information about your speed, heart rate, distance, time and wind direction just to name a few things. Using the integrated computer software, you can easily choose different types of race scenarios as well as specific terrain that you want to train on. The brake on the motor gives you the sensation of climbing a hill or riding down a hill. You will get nearly the same sensations as if you were actually riding outside with hills.

You will encounter virtual images of other riders that seem almost real. They will stand up on their pedals, cheer and yell. Some will even provide you with sites of some spectacular crashes. You will see everything you would see in a real live race. Even including the time of day that you are riding. The simulation and envirionment can appear as if it is sunny and warm, or cool and cloudy.

If you want to skip the race scenarios and just ride for pleasure, you can choose the area you want to ride in. You will see different kinds of scenery and you will notice that when you ride faster, the scenery passes by much faster. It is all tied to the speed you are actually riding at. The virtual reality software allows you to imagine you are just about anywhere.

With the variety you can choose from with your Tacx Fortius, you will never get bored while cycling in your living room or your recreation room. You can travel to a different location whenever you want to. This allows you to stay in shape, and maintain your endurance even during those cold winter months when you can’t actually ride outside. Without a doubt this trainer is worth the money.

Here are a few of the main benefits of the TacX Fortius:

  • • You can train in the comfort of your home year round
  • • Beautiful scenes to make you feel like your really there
  • • Virtual races with almost real competitors
  • • Has various terrain choices for varying resistance levels

The Tacx Fortius is a fantastic quality interactive trainer. It can be purchased for around $1499 at reputable cycling shops. Minimum requirements for your PC for the software to run are as follows. You need a minimum of a Pentium IV processor. 1024 MB memory for XP and 2048 MB for Vista. You should have a Hard Disk space of 850 MB, a sound card and a graphics card as well as one free USB port.

For a home trainer, this is a great option to look at. Now you don’t have to get out in the rain during the offseason or hit the gym’s stationary bike You can train year round in the comfort of your own home.

Check out the TacX Fortius Multiplayer Trainer now at the iwillnotbonk triathlon training blog and start improving your cycling fitness!

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Getting The Strength Training Equipment You Need

April 22nd, 2010 No comments

Strength building offers many advantages. Building muscles helps improve both strength and endurance. This sort of exercise additionally preserves bone density and minimizes the possibility of osteoporosis. Because muscles need more excess body fat as they get more substantial, strength training may improve the intensity resulting from your cardio workouts. Last but not least, an effective strength building program which involves correct warm-ups as well as stretching could increase your flexibility. That flexibility lowers the possibility of pulled muscle tissue and back pain. Another great model to consider is Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket Motocross Bike.

Although quite a few folks prefer training at a fitness center, it is good to have some sort of strength building gear in your house for the times when you are unable to get to a fitness center. Other people have a preference for the privacy and simplicity of training at home, consequently they may want to purchase a more comprehensive array of systems.

Free weights provide the advantage of being reasonably priced when bought as specific pieces. A person who is just beginning a strength building program or a person who simply wants “back up” equipment at their place would be smart to get a reasonable group of free weights. A barbell, some weight discs and a couple of dumbbells will prove cheaper than a home gym, and you have the choice of incorporating more weights if your strength increases and your ambitions change.

The difficulty of free weights is that a whole group of these weights, while combined with a bench will fill up more area than a regular home exercise machine. Another, more significant problem with free weights is the chance of injury. As the motion of the weights is not confined by cables or channels, losing your grip or arching the wrong way can be considerably more dangerous with a dumbbell than with a home gym. If you decide to invest in a significant set of free weights, it is strongly recommended that you habitually work with a spotter to avoid injuries. Another nice option is Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket Motocross Bike.

If you enjoy the means and commitment to buy a home gym, youmay find that one of these units will have advantages over free weights, notably for a person who has previously established a strength training program. The majority of home gyms are versatile enough to conform to the shifting requirements of a particular user, and are manufactured in a wide variety of types and weight capacities, so you will no doubt come across one to suit your purposes.

The most obvious disadvantage to exercise machines is the price tag; although when figured against the price of a fitness center membership this expenditure is a very justifiable one. An additional disadvantage to these machines lies in their many attainable forms. If you are just beginning your fitness program and you aren’t sure what your preferences or targets are, it is very common to be befuddled by the total amount of options. Another good item to look into is the Razor MX500 Dirt Rocket Motocross Bike.

Regardless of what type of exercise equipment you choose to get, you should make a point to buy something you know you will use. The best home gym you can buy won’t do you any good one bit if you simply utilize it as a towel rack. Happy Shopping!

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Characteristics of Top-Quality Mountain Bikes

April 11th, 2010 No comments

When it comes to mountain bikes, you get what you pay for much of the time. While owning the best bike you can afford is a good idea, figuring out which top of the line downhill bike really is a good buy can be harder. Usually, it is best to look at the quality of the components, and just how the bike fits you and the way you ride to decide on the right model.

A mountain bike is a bicycle with a strong frame, wider tires with large treads, horizontal handlebars, and gearing, essentially. Off road, they offer better stability and traction than a street bike’s narrow tires and lightweight frame can. But that’s not all they are for, even though these bikes are called mountain bikes. They can also be ridden cross country, or on trails with no surfacing or with gravel. They’re also good for city streets that have uneven or broken paving. Just look out for large rocks and roots. Choose a mountain bike for any application where you’ll need durability and stability. If you do most of your cycling on flat areas with smooth pavement, these bikes are probably heavier than you’re looking for.

Look for High Quality Build

As well as using good materials, top of the line mountain bikes will offer quality construction. Do not be fooled, even if many vendors will try to sell you components and frames based purely on the materials that make them up. It is possible to make a bad bike frame from titanium, just as it is possible to make a good one from steel or aluminum. While prestigious materials certainly cost a lot more, quality of manufacture is more important, whether you’re buying a frame, some gears, or new wheels. Look for bikes with good suspension and higher quality disc brakes, in place of of rim brakes like the ones on road bikes.

Light-weight Frames are In

Lighter frames mean there is less for you to pull up steep slopes. In some materials, however, lightweight frames and wheels also mean that you sacrifice durability. They also require a certain loss of stability. Mountain bikes are generally heavier built than road bikes, for these reasons. Composite materials like Kevlar (the same material used for bullet-proof vests) and carbon fiber are the hottest and newest composites used to make trail bicycle frames. These materials are also utilized for other parts of the bike, as they are extremely light-weight and very robust. However bike frames made with Kevlar and carbon fiber are exceedingly difficult to repair when damaged.

Combining the light weight of carbon fiber with strength that may outdo that of the toughest steel alloy frames, titanium is the best and most costly material for bike frames. For downhill frames, it is also the most rustproof. As you would expect, all these benefits come with an extremely high price tag.

Good Suspension is a Must-Have

With lighter materials like titanium and aluminum, good suspension can reduce the “whippiness” you sometimes encounter. Front only or both front and rear supension are available on top quality mountain bikes. When you pick your bike, be sure to try it out to be sure that you have the right fit, and that the weight feels good to you. Make certain you know exactly what you’re getting, in terms of weight, frame size and materials, if you decide you want to have a bike built elsewhere.

Road Bicycles Are Becoming Increasingly Popular

March 10th, 2010 No comments

Road bicycles are one of the more popular kinds of travel globally. During the past it was considered that riding a bike was basically for the poor, but nowadays in the developed world, it is recognized that it is a symbol of health and vitality. Nobody today is ashamed of riding a bike and the fact is that it has turned out to be a status symbol for those who can afford to buy a top quality road bike. Globally, from Japan to the united states, lots of people ride bicycles, both for travel and also for the exercise.

There are many different motives for people to buy a road bicycle including for exercise, time trial, triathlon, performance, comfort and cruiser. Tri bicycles are only for triathlon races and normally it has an aero bar that provides armrests for extended journeys in compliance with the rules of aerodynamics. Comfort bicycles are smaller with upright handlebars and have seat posts with small shock absorbers. There are hybrid types for bicycles and you might be intrigued when you consider the wide selection of bicycles that are coming to the roads with different features.

When you’re primarily going to be riding on pavement, and speed or distance are priorities, you’ll wish to purchase a bicycle made for road biking. In most cases, these bicycles are built for racing, with lightweight frames calculated to allow a more comfortable aerodynamic posture.

Going From Bargain-Priced to High Priced

The immense recognition that road bicycles have gained recently has made many vendors move in the direction of producing top quality, high priced bicycles. Created from exotic metals like Titanium or simply just Aluminum, many of these bicycles might set you back about $10k!

There are scores of bike companies and thousands of bicycle models and price tags can differ from under $100 to more than $10,000. Given that bicycles are designed for designated purposes and for different types of riding such as everyday, racing or touring, you have to carry out some groundwork before acquiring one. In other words, price should not be the only factor that decides exactly which road bike to buy. Although it may be tempting to save some cash and buy a cheap road bike, if it doesn’t deliver, cost won’t matter. Coughing up extra to get exactly what you need in a bike is the right option.

For those on the lookout for a bike a bit better than those that you can buy at your regional department store or discount store, paying out someplace about $600 to $850 is a very good option, but if you have the money, you will get a better bike if you pay more money. One top notch pick among reasonably priced bicycles is the Fuji Newest which is priced at around $825 and Bicycling Magazine has chosen this as a topic pick. Those who don’t want to fork out more can go for the Schwinn Fastback Sport that will set you back only $600 and it will be an outstanding one bearing in mind the price. REI Forza is a further terrific choice that will set you back around $725 and you could buy Jamis Satellite for a similar price. The Lemond Tourmalet and many Bianchi road bike models will set you back around $1100.

Top of the line without a doubt would mean different things to different people. For those with a large budget, a top notch bike will set you back more than $5000, but for a great many cyclists who would prefer a blend of performance, style and value, a top quality road bicycle will run to approximately $1k or less, as a bicycle priced at $5k will not even be considered.

So, Bike Riding is “Going Green”, Too

Irrespective of whether you are buying a road bicycle for professional riding, or for everyday traveling or leisure, one thing is certain. Bicycles have become equally as trendy and popular as muscle cars became back in the 1960s. With all the focus on being environmentally friendly, bicycles will surely only increase in popularity in years to come.

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Road Bikes And Comfort Cycles To Become Healthy

February 1st, 2010 No comments

There are many different types of bicycles available on the market today, the comfort bicycle, which is used by many recreational bike riders, the road bike, which is for people who enjoy pedalling along the tarmac, a trail bike or light duty mountain bike, recumbent bikes and heavy duty mountain bikes. It does not matter which type of biking you prefer, all cycling will help to improve your stamina, increase fitness levels and work your heart.

Road bikes are popular among people who want to speed along flat, smooth surfaces. The wheels on road bikes are much thinner than they are on a mountain bike. They also have a thinner frame.

Recumbent bikes are getting more and more popular among the more elderly bikers. The relaxing position of the seat on a recumbent bike means that you will be comfortable whilst riding. And your bum will be cushioned. Your feet are out in front of you, quite like when you’re driving your car. Recumbent bikes are the fastest type of bicycle. One reason is that with your legs extended forward and pedalling in front of you, you are able to move much more weight with much less effort than on a conventional bike where your legs are underneath of you. Beginning recumbent riders will tell you it takes a while to develop what are called “recumbent muscles” but once you do you’ll never go back to an ordinary bicycle.

Mountain biking is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Heavy duty mountain bikes can be quite costly, so it may be best to go to talk to a mountain biking organization about bike rental. You may only decide you need a light duty mountain bike which would also be good for regular riding. You can find mountain biking trails for beginners and experts. The trails are rated like ski slopes, green is easiest and pink is the trickiest. Go slowly, mountain biking can be hard on the joints, and you’ll need to learn how to handle the bike to minimize chance of injury.

Whatever style of biking you prefer, make sure you get pedalling! Biking is a great way to achieve an aerobic workout and burn calories at the same time. What makes it even better is that anyone can bike and the family can relax together.

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Choosing The Best Cycling Jersey

January 27th, 2010 No comments
A commuter cyclist in the London morning rush ...

Cycling for some folk is a type of leisure except for others itis a heavy sport. Apart from a great diet, good shoes and agood physical fitness condition, Cycling Jerseys are crucial for the cycling enthusiast. These are an essential part of the clothing for biking enthusiasts because they will be able to help them reach maximum speed while helping them ride nicely. Before selecting your cycling shirt it’s vital to know its particular functions.

This kind of shirt is longer on the back to take into account the bent-over position that is frequently used by those who are engaged in major cycling. If pockets are needed, they’re positioned at the back because putting them in the front makes it simpler for the pocket contents to be spilled. This kind of jersey is also built to fit the body’s lines to attenuate air resistance. The material for the jersey is also chosen for its capacity to wick moisture from the skin to offer a more relaxed and cooler feeling. Another important application is for placing the brands of the sponsors of the professional cycling team.

These gloves are extensively utilized for comfort and protection. The recurring pressure that’s exerted on the palms when cycling for hours may cause blisters or calluses if cycling gloves are not worn. And re this, the gloves can have padding made from clothing or gel on the palms. The padding is used to minimize the shock that comes from irregularities on the road or terrain. It is these shocks that cause those aches on the back and the neck after a long ride.

A very important use of gloves is protection from the cold during the winter months. As discussed above, there are several kinds of cycling gloves for providing warmth during cold weather while keeping up the ability to manipulate the brakes and gears.

Cycling gloves are also engineered to protect the hands during an accident. It’s a natural tendency to use the hands to try and break a fall. Skidding across the rocks or surface of the road with the hands can be terribly injurious to the palms. The material of the gloves can take the punishment that might have been inflicted on the hands.

Selecting the best Cycling Jersey

Polyester is the commonest material for this sort of shirt and it is often mixed with lycra or some kind of microfiber. The main point of this material is to keep the rider cool by wicking the sweat away from the body. This is vital when the bike rider engages in some serious cycling that causes lots of perspiration.

There are many places where an individual can purchase a cycling jersey even online. Thereis a broad array of colors, styles and patterns to choose between. Some of the brands that are available are Cannondale, Voler, Bio Racer, Falconi, Pear Izumi, Ms Tina, Santini and Inverse. Cycling shirts can have a long sleeve, short sleeve, or no sleeve in any way. Your choice will rely on the weather conditions. For warm weather, you can buy a shirt with zippers to permit ventilation.

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Bike Jerseys

January 4th, 2010 No comments

People’s’s varied reasons for cycling range between recreation and relaxation to club riding and racing. There are several that use their cycles as their main strategy of getting in the town whether it’s to and from work or as their only source of transport.

Without regard for your cycle use, bicycle jerseys have now become a mandatory part of each bicyclists clothing collection.

Bike jerseys are specially made to be easy to wear clothing for the higher part of the cyclists body and are made to permit the cycle rider the best body movement while keeping the skin and body at a good temperature. There are plenty of categories of bike jerseys, the basic types are either with long or short sleeves. However the range of designs and fabrics is increasing all of the time. Retro cycling jerseys to novelty cycling jerseys, the selections are mind astounding. As well as the various numerous designs, bike jerseys also come in numerous different styles and fits. Some do up with zips, while others have none and are simply slid to over the head. Each bike rider has different preferences as to the fit, look and style of the bike jerseys. Some heated discusses have took place about which is the best fabric to use for bike jerseys. There are one or two colleges of belief about which is best. Some fans are adamant that only natural fibres like cotton, should be used so close to the body, while others argue the specifically designed manmade fibres do a better job of allowing the riders skin to respire. Both talks have merit, so it actually does remain up to the individual bike rider to choose that will work the best for them. The only way to work out the solution for yourself is to try both and see which is most snug for you personally. It’s likely that each person will have their own ideas about what will best suit them.

Cycling jerseys are now made for virtually any body shape, and there are basically lots of selections for both men, girls and children. The most difficult part will be deciding on just one of the selection of cycling jerseys available in the shops today. Shopping on the internet for bicycling jerseys is a method to save a little time and see the various choices that are often available. Considering the growing trend toward riding bicycles, the costs and range of jerseys available is perhaps going to keep on increasing.

John Black writes about many subjects, as a cycling fan he adores his collection of cycling jerseys which includes many novelty cycling jerseys.