Mountain Biking

Cycling Injuries - Road Rash

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Road rash is a colloquial term used by many people to describe or to refer to skin and bone injuries that are caused be abrasion. In the majority of cases, the abrasion injuries are due to contact with road surfaces. The injuries are most frequently a consequence of cycling and motorcycling accidents. The term is applied to either a fresh or recent injury or the scar tissue left by an old one. Other uses of the term include injuries that are caused by longboarding, skateboarding, and inline abrasion accidents, particularly those that occurred at a high speed. Longboarding injuries are most frequently caused at high speeds.

Preventing Road Rash

One of the best ways to prevent road rash is by learning proper bike handling skills in an effort to prevent falling. Another way to prevent road rash is through obeying all rules of the road and wearing effective clothing. Clothes will not prevent the injury completely, but they will lessen the degree of the injuries.

Medical Treatment

Some cases of road rash require medical treatment. The emergency room is necessary if an injury has scraped through skin to the point that bone or other tissues are visible. Medical attention is necessary if there is skin hanging off that needs to be trimmed or there is a cut that needs to be stitched up. If a person cannot place his or her own full weight on an injured leg or does not have full range of motion in a joint, a bone could be broken or chipped and it's a good idea to see a doctor.

Degrees

Like burns, road rash is graded as being either first degree, second degree, or third degree. First degree road rash only affects the top layer of skin. The surface is red but there isn't a whole lot of damage to the skin on the whole. Second degree road rash breaks the first layer of skin but does not damage the lower layers of skin. This allows the skin to retain the ability to heal itself and fix the problem. Third degree road rash is the most severe. All layers of skin are removed and reveal fat and other supportive tissues underneath. This level of damage requires medical attention immediately and could require skin grafts. The skin is unable to repair itself.

The main goal of any treatment is to repair the skin and prevent infection. Treatment aims to heal the injuries as quickly as possible. It is also meant to reduce the risk of further complications, like infections.

For more information on cycling injuries and the greater world of cycling, please visit http://www.bike-locks.com.

Joseph Devine

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Nutrition For Cycling a Century - Food For a 100 Mile Ride

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:43:00 +0000

Riding a bicycle 100 miles (a century) in a day is not an easy task. In order to successfully complete your ride and do so without inflicting too much pain on yourself you need to prepare well. One common error that catches people out is not planning what they will eat.

Riding a century places big demands on your body. You can expect to burn more calories riding a century that you would in up to 48 hours of normal active living. As a result it is essential that you fuel up sufficiently before, during and after your ride to ensure your success.

Pre Ride

Start the day with a good hearty breakfast made up of mainly carbohydrates. Avoid fatty fried foods, instead opt for something like oatmeal with dried fruit in that is an excellent source of slow release energy. Be sure to drink plenty too to ensure dehydration does not get you.

During Ride

You need to start replacing calories you will burn during the ride as soon as possible. The key here is little and often. Even if you are not hungry or thirsty, aim to eat and drink a little every 30 minutes of your ride. If you have difficulty remembering to do this set your wristwatch alarm to beep every 30 minutes to remind you. Once you fall into a calorie deficit it is virtually impossible to get out of it without stopping riding.

Post ride

Eating the right foods after your century ride will increase your recovery time. Aim to drink some milk as soon as you get out of the saddle as it contains just the right balance of carbohydrates and protein. Follow it up with a good balanced meal within the next 2 hours. Again avoid fatty foods by having something like chicken with steamed rice and vegetables.

To learn more training tips from the author of this article follow this link to his century training program.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Wannop

Cateye Micro Wireless Cycling Computer

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Sat, 02 May 2009 14:00:00 +0000

After I started bicycling in the middle of the summer of 2007 the very first accessory I bought for my bike was a cycling computer, aka speedometer. I didn't do as much research as I should have. I went to you local bike shop and made my decision right then and there. I bought the Cateye Micro Wireless Cycling Computer (Part number CC - MC100W). The Micro Wireless has 10 functions including: Current Speed, Maximum Speed, Average Speed, Elapsed Time, Trip Distance, Odometer and Clock. Now this computer has the capability of working on 2 different bicycles but you have to buy a kit that includes a magnet, magnet sensor and handle bar mount.

The Pros:

Wireless: This make it very easy to mount the speedometer to your bike. (Note, this is also in the Con section)

Micro: This is a nice small package and is still fairly easy to read.

Backlight: The Micro Wireless is backlit so you can read it in the dark. (Note, this is also in the Con section)

Cons:

Wireless: Because this computer is wireless it requires 2 batteries. One for the head unit and one for the sensor. The batteries are not that expensive but you have to keep this in mind. I am on my second battery for the head unit and it looks like I will be putting in a third soon. But I have not had to replace the battery in the sensor yet.

Magnet: Cateye really skimped on the magnet on this unit. The back of the magnet is plastic and the magnet is off center so sometimes it moves. It usually works fine but I ride during the winter and my bike has disc brakes. When the rotors get wet the brakes vibrate and the magnet moves away from the sensor and the computer stops working. So unless I have to make an emergency stop I just use the rear brake to work around the issue.

Backlight: The backlight on this unit is sub par. I can barely read it at night. The light is on the top of the screen so all of the information on the bottom can not be seen at all. But the light is good enough to make sure the magnet hasn't moved away for the sensor and that it is still working.

Cadence: I knew this computer didn't have cadence when I bought it but I soon wished I had spent the extra money and bought a computer with cadence. If you are not that serious about training it's not important. But if you think you might start cycling seriously spend the extra money.

Second Bike Compatibility: You can mount this computer on 2 bikes but you have to buy a kit for the second bike. The kit cost almost 3/4 of the price of the whole unit. It's nice to have the option but I don't feel it is worth it. I would buy a different or additional computer.

Buttons: My biggest complaint about this computer is changing between modes. There is only one button so you have to toggle through all the modes. You can't go backwards. So if you know the mode you want to look at is one back you have to go all the way through the modes to get back to it. Also during the winter it is very difficult to push the buttons with gloves on.In summary, the Cateye Micro Wireless is not a bad bicycling computer. It has been reliable and works well in ideal situations. It does have some drawbacks but I have been able to work around most of them. I would recommend this computer to people who are recreational bikers, bikers who ride on the weekends or when the weather is nice. But if you are a serous biker spend the extra money and get a better computer.

Dennis Gertgen is an intermediate bicycle rider. He has been Bicycling seriously since the summer of 2007. He rides both road bikes and Mountain bikes as often as he can. And he is sharing some of his experiences with bikes, trails and equipment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Gertgen

2008 Specialized Hardrock XC Disc

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:07:00 +0000

When I started bicycling in the middle of the summer of 2007 I only had one bicycle. It was the bicycle my parents bought me when I was 14 or 15 years old. A Schwinn Traveler. I had it hanging in my garage and one day I decided I needed to start working out again so i filled the tires with air and went for a bike ride. I was really enjoying bicycling but the weather was getting colder and I was wondering how I was going to continue riding during the winter. Plus I knew a road bike wouldn't work for winter riding. So I went to my local bike dealer and asked them which bike they recommended.

The salesman recommended the 2008 Specialized Hardrock XC Disc. I really wanted disc brake (because they look really cool - I know that isn't a good reason but that's who I am). They recommend the bike because it was in my price range, it has an aluminum frame so it should hold up during winter riding, it had disc brakes which work better in the snow because the braking system is up and out of the snow and it has front suspension.

Now I have to tell you about a stupid decision I made. The salesman recommended a 17 inch frame for me. I rode the bike and I liked it. But I also bought a bike rack that connects to the spare tire of my Jeep. I put the bike rack on my Jeep when I got home and tried to put my new bike on the rack. The new bike didn't fit on the bike rack. Plus when I looked at the bike it just looked small (It may have had something to do with it not fitting on the bike rack). So I took the bike back and got the next size up - 19 inch frame. This was a mistake. I should have stayed with the 17 inch frame. I now know that they make a bar that goes across from the handle bars to the seat post just for such situations.

Now it's time to take the bike for it's first ride. At this time I was riding LRT trail in Eden Prairie. I was riding my road bike 20 to 22 miles at a time with little difficulties. I was amazed at how much harder this bike was to ride. I could barely ride it 6 miles the first time I tried it. I thought something was wrong with the bike. I filled the tires up to there maximum air pressure (80 psi) but that had little effect. I just assumed that mountain bikes were just that much more work than a rode bike.

I bought the bike in the middle of October of 2007. And I rode the bike at least every other day and worked my way up to riding 20 miles at a time. I would have to say I was very happy with the bike. I rode it all winter, assuming the temperature (windchill) was above 5 degrees.

Then in the spring I went for a bike ride with one of my friends. I assumed he would have a hard time keeping up with me. I had been riding all winter and I was back to riding 20 miles at a time (because of the snow and cold I was riding 12 to 15 miles at a time during the winter). When we went for a ride I couldn't keep up with him. I was embarrassed and couldn't figure out why I was so slow. I eventually found out it was the bike. It is very heavy and has cheap components. I guess you get what you pay for.

One problem I had with the bike was that I kept braking spokes in the back. The second time I brought the wheel in to get new spokes they said they would upgrade the wheel for me. I guess they had problems with the rear wheel on this bike. I haven't had any trouble with the bike or rear wheel since it was upgraded.

I feel that overall I'm satisfied with the 2008 Specialized Hardrock XC Disc. Yes it is heavy and I cannot keep up with my friends when I ride it. But that wasn't why I bought it. I bought it as a reasonably prices mountain bike to ride during the winter. And it has served that purpose well. Plus I like to ride it when I'm riding alone on the trails by my house. I have to work much harder on this bike and I use it for training so when I do ride with other people on my road bike or other mountain bike it's easier to keep up.

But if you are looking for good mountain bike for off roading or are riding with other people (especially if they are as competitive as some of my friends), I would not recommend this bike. It's just too heavy and that makes it too difficult to keep up with people.

About the author:
Dennis Gertgen is an intermediate bicycle rider. He has been Bicycling seriously since the summer of 2007. He rides both road bikes and Mountain bikes as often as he can. And he is sharing some of his experiences with bikes, trails and equipment. You can check out his personal blog here: Personal Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Gertgen

Mountain Bike Reviews - What is the Best Product?

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Mountain biking is an extremely popular adventure sport. Because of the inherent dangers involved in the sport, mountain bikes, the principal equipment used in the sport, must be solid and durable. Mountain biking involves riding the bike through extremely rough terrains and dangerous slopes. If the bike is not strong enough to withstand the pressure and stress of riding, it can cause fatal accidents. Because of this, a person who wants to buy a particular brand of mountain bike loves to hear an endorsement about the safety and durability of that brand. As a result, prospective buyers check on sports magazine and websites for mountain bike reviews.

There are a number of brands of mountain bikes available on the market. One can observe that normally the price goes up as the number of features of the bike increases. Previously word of the mouth publicity was the most predominant sales booster in this category. But now with the internet allowing the users freely to express their views, the cyber world is abuzz with a number of mountain bike reviews. One can find a number of websites that allow bike owners to write about their bikes. If you want to read reviews about a particular model of bike, then it is better to search for reviews about that particular brand of bike.

The problem with online mountain bike reviews written by owners is that such reviews tend to be highly subjective. Those reviews will either scream the benefits and good features of the bikes or cry about the negatives and poor features of the bikes. So, it is better to rely on reviews written by experts and editors of adventure sport magazines. Such experts write reviews after testing the bike for various factors and performance of individual components like handle, frame, and wheels.

The following are mountain bike reviews about popular brands available in the market. Santa Cruz's Chameleon has been one of the popular brands for quite some time. It is strong and tough, but incredibly lightweight. One can select both with gear and without gear models. Its whole frame is very stiff, but handles are exceptionally balanced. Rockhopper series is another popular brand of mountain bikes. It is one of the bikes that get most number of positive reviews. According to several reviews, it has all the qualities a mountain bike should have: good handle balance, strong frame, durable structure, and easy to ride.

For those who look for cheaper, but reliable, options, Schwinn Mesa is for them. It is a front suspension bike and hence not as costlier as the full suspension bikes. One should not expect the same quality as the expensive ones. Nevertheless, several mountain bike reviews suggest that the frame is strong and solid. It is generally considered as a good buy for an occasional rider in friendly terrains.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about mountain bike reviews, please visit Todays Best Mountain Bikes for current articles and discussions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Pennington

Mountain Bike Reviews - What is the Best Product?

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about mountain bike reviews, please visit Todays Best Mountain Bikes for current articles and discussions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Pennington

Downhill Mountain Bike - What Other People Are Not Telling You About This Bike

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Downhill mountain biking uses gravity and is a timed mountain biking event. The competitors are timed at an interval of 30 seconds commonly. The courses for such events take around two to five minutes to complete. This type of biking involves navigating steep, downhill terrain. There is negligible climbing in such courses and it is one of the fastest biking events.

There are some criteria that a downhill mountain bike should satisfy. In terms of weight, the bike is around 17 to 25 kg. It usually has a full-suspension design. The frame leans back further than other bikes. Most bikes come with a suspension of around 203 mm. These bikes also feature disc brakes. They are usually 8 inches in diameter.

Downhill bikes are very similar in make to the free ride bikes but the former have much lower frames. They also have slacker head angles that lend them stability at higher speeds and sharp corners. Downhill mountain bikes are priced at around 2000 US dollars for an entry level bike. Top of the line bikes come at about 9000 U.S Dollars.

One has to be careful while choosing parts for a downhill mountain bike. The parts should not add weight unnecessarily as this will lower the bike's speed. The parts must be resilient and light weight. Most high end downhill bikes use the best materials available to improve speeds without compromising on the weight aspect. These bikes use better quality materials. The design and manufacturing process also tends to be precise for costlier bikes.

There have been remarkable advances in materials and design that have aided the introduction of strong but light components into these bikes. Downhill bikers are usually at the cutting edge of technology as this confers a speed advantage on them. Newer downhill mountain bikes are lightweight and have efficient suspensions. They also give users a better handling of the bike at all levels of skill.

Want Tips On Mountain Bikes?

All You Have To Do Is Click http://www.LaMountainBikes.com/ Now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Kramer

Mountain Bikes - 5 Things You Should Know About Them

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:18:00 +0000

For the first time buyer, the choice of a mountain bike might be daunting. Mountain bikes are not your everyday bikes and are especially designed for cycling on difficult terrain. You can use these types of bikes to navigate hilly areas, steep declines, rocky mountain and any other sort of unpaved road. Here are a few important things you should know about mountain bikes.

• Mountain bikes are very different from regular use cycles and racing cycles. They are built to withstand the jerks and pressure of use on uneven terrain. You should ensure that the model you are looking at is a genuine mountain bike. If you use regular bikes on hilly terrain the results could be disastrous.

• You can also choose your bike according to the type of terrain it is best suited for. Varieties like the cross country bike have little suspension and a light frame. All-mountain bikes are generally heavier and feature more suspension. You could also choose from free ride or down hill bikes that differ from each other in terms of weight and strength. Both types are basically used for racing on inclines.

• You will have to check the frame of your mountain bike to ascertain its critical angles. The critical angles of the bike include the angle of its head tube and the seat tube. These are to be measured as the distance from the horizontal axis. The angles make a lot of difference to the rider's position on the bike and the bike's characteristics. As a rule of thumb, steeper angles are helpful for pedaling uphill and better handling. Angles tending towards zero give higher speed and more stability on downhill courses.

• You will have to check the type of suspension on your mountain bike. This could be fully rigid, hard - tail, soft-tail or dual suspension. The suspension essentially protects the bike and the rider from the shocks of a rough terrain. This is one of the most important parts of the bike. There are many new variants in the mountain bike market offering buyers different types of suspension, but most hard-core bikers routinely prefer a hard-tail frame.

• The final check on your mountain bike should be its brakes. They may be standard V-brakes or the newer disc brakes. Disc brakes are generally preferred over older versions because they give the rider more power under a variety of conditions. Disc brakes are also easier to maintain and last longer than conventional brakes.

Want More Information On Mountain Bikes? All You Have To Do Is Click http://www.LaMountainBikes.com/ Now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Kramer

Winter Training For Cyclists

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Build your base and make the 2009 season your best ever. As the season draws to a close, perhaps you are preparing for your final race and looking back at your triumphs and disappointments of the past season, its always good to reflect on what worked and what didn't but then your thoughts will probably turn to your goals and aspirations for next season and it's the coming months that could have the biggest impact on how well you perform in 2009.

After a long hard season the first part of preparation for next seasons starts with recuperation, time to ease off the training schedule, and have some fun, why not get out in the woods on a mountain bike for change, spend some time with family and friends enjoy a Saturday night out and don't worry too much if you add a few pounds.
The key is, this is recovery time and you should not be pushing and punishing your body in any way. I would suggest for at least one month maybe two if it's been an exceptional hard and long season.

Then with the recovery period complete it's time to build the base. Even if you are new to training and 2009 is going to be your first season you must start with the base.

For those who have already been competing for a number of years whilst you may already have a base you too still need to spend time improving on what you already have. Think of it like a builder adding an extension to your house, does he start by building the roof then moves on to constructing the walls before finishing by putting in the foundations, the base, I certainly hope not! If so I advise you to get a new builder quick.

Now like the builder you should be working to a plan, depending on how much experience you have, your current fitness level, the time you have available etc you and perhaps with your coach you will need to develop a plan that gradually progresses your fitness through the winter months and into early spring but the initial stages should be focused on building that base.

Now I have seen numerous formulas for what heart rate intensity you should be working at to improve the base and as with all these formulas whilst they may work for some, for a huge amount of people they will be woefully inaccurate.

What you are trying to do when building the base is educate your muscles to utilise more fat as the energy source at the same time not overstressing the body. Ideally you should be working at an intensity that is no higher than maximal lactate steady state, in other words you are not accumulating lactate acid normally defined as no more than 2 mmol/l.

It is difficult to pinpoint this heart rate using formulas the most accurate and advantageous way to do this is to take a metabolic assessment, not only will it tell you at what heart rate this occurs but also how aerobically efficient (what % of the calories being used come from fat) you are in the heart rates leading up to this point. When you have this information you will know exactly at what intensity your winter base training needs to be conducted at.

Fail to build the base and like the builder who doesn't build one, don't be surprised when next year things start crashing down and you fail to achieve your goals and dreams.

Metabolic assessments/VO2 testing used to be reserved for the elite athletes now it's available to everyone. HumanLab VO2 has over 30 assessment centres dotted all over the UK. Visit http://www.humanlabvo2.com for more information and GOOD LUCK for 2009.

http://www.humanlabvo2.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Baker

Bicycle Frame Geometry 101

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:31:00 +0000

I was discussing frame geometry with a prominent coach last week and his perspective on frame geometry struck a nerve with me so I wanted to share this topic with you.

I had been riding "stock" frame geometry for decades and the possibilities created by the combination of an unlimited fitting system and true custom geometry did not exist for me, and thus for you, until fairly recently. The time honored principles of Knee Over Pedal Spindle, (KOPS), the Lemond method, standover height, saddle height equal to hip height when standing next to the bike and scads of other techniques were developed to help people choose a bike size that would work for them.

We need to look at a bit of history because bikes were made quite differently in the 1970's and before than they are today. The '70's were a time where road bikes had a much different geometry, with seat angles in the 71-72 degree range. Additionally these bikes were built in half sizes and thus had as many as 12 sizes for one model! Today's bikes have between 3 and 5 sizes so more people are forced to "fit" a bike that will be less than perfect.

The archetypal road bike in the 70's was the Raleigh Team Professional, which was arguably one of the best and most comfortable racing bikes ever made. At this time there were two schools of racing as well, a European style which was centered on longer rides and races including mountains. An American style developed as well focusing on Criterium racing; shorter closed course races with lots of turns and sprints. The American bicycle manufacturers started producing bikes with 73-74 degree seat angles and much less saddle setback with the logic that our races were shorter and one didn't need the comfort for a 125 mile race if we were racing for 50 miles.

This style of racing bike geometry became popular as Americans liked the more aggressive position and the young racers working in bike shops could sell these bikes. We now are in a time when most nice bikes are still designed for young professional racers, but are purchased by successful people over 40. I have seen my position change on the bike since I was able to use my setup bike to experiment. I found that the bars really needed to be higher and the saddle needed to be further aft to get the balance points right.

I also found that as I got older (and had some injuries on the way) that my tolerance for the more aggressive geometry was no longer possible. People who came into my studio tended to be folks who had no success getting fitted in other bicycle stores so I had more challenging cases on a day to day basis. I saw more and more people who could not get comfortable on their stock bikes and even had to abandon the respected WobbleNaught fitting system because it tied the individual to an existing bike.

The setup bike began to show me that when one truly was in balance that many good things started happening. First, saddle problems diminished and disappeared completely for most people. Second, low back pain went away. Third, hand numbness was diminished. Additionally people's ability to ride greater distances improved and incredibly, their power and efficiency improved so they were faster. There was only one problem. The positions that I discovered turned out to be very close to the riding position people had on the old Raleigh Team Pro! It seems that what is old is new again.

It is a long uphill battle to convince production frame manufacturers to build bikes that "grown ups" can ride, but fortunately a handful of expert custom frame manufacturers exists now. I have great success in designing a custom frame based on real individual setup data and can work with these experts to create a frame that has predictable ride characteristics and will be the servant of the rider, not the other way around.

I still get a few people who are the right size for a stock frame but have found that at this level, almost everyone seems to want a well designed custom bike. People seem astonished when they learn that bike riding can be comfortable and much more enjoyable than before. The process is simple; get balanced on the bike first and put the handlebars in the right place second. The geometry of the bike can be a help or a hindrance to a rider and thankfully there are solutions that will allow anyone to be comfortable on a bike.

KGS Bikes is known around the world as the premiere bicycle fitting studio and boutique. Kevin Saunders, President, has over 25 years experience in bicycle fitting and high-end bicycles. In addition to fitting services, KGS Bikes sells bicycles from Parlee, Serotta, Zinn, Co-Motion and Guru. Visit http://www.kgsbikes.com for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_G_Saunders

Choosing the Right Bike

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:06:00 +0000

Cycling is a great way to lose weight. For a 37 year old male who weighs 167 pounds and cycles at a pace of 14 miles an hour, a whopping 806 calories can be burned! Proportional to age and weight, similar results will occur for others who participate in this activity. To experience the benefit of cycling, the purchase of a new bike is a great way get around town and to lose weight. While it is not necessary to spend thousands of dollars on a bike, finding a decent bike that satisfies personal needs is very important and can still be expensive, so getting to know what to look for prior to shopping will help you to make the right choice.

Things to look for when shopping for some wheels:

1. Size- Make sure that the size frame that you purchase is one that fits your body height and sex. To do this stand over the frame with your feet planted on the floor. There should be a 2 inch clearance between the bike frame and your crotch. Due to the construction of women's bikes this step can be skipped.
2. Seat height- To avoid injury, special attention to this step should be observed. Proper seat height is achieved when the rider's leg is almost fully extended in the down position. Only a slight bend in the knee should be present. This will maximize the most power and prevent fatigue. You should NEVER be able to touch the ground when sitting on your bike seat. Being able to accomplish this indicates that your bike seat is to low.
3. Make sure the seat is level. Avoid too much of an angle in the seat in either direction. A properly adjusted seat should be parallel with the ground.
4. Handle bar height- while this is dependent on the type of bike and riding you will be doing, the key to remember with handle bar height is to set them to a position that does not cause strain on the lower back and shoulders.

Finally it is important to remember safety. Whether you are riding to lose weight or leisure, safety should always be observed. Make sure to wear reflective clothing, a helmet, and be sure that no lose clothing can get caught in the chain or spokes of the bike. Learning proper signaling and traffic rules will ensure the safest experience possible.

Susan Patterson has been studying alternative medicine and health for over 10 years. She loves to write to help others, especially in the area of quick weight loss, which can be accomplished safely. She has found several herbal remedies to be effective in her journey to better health without the side effects that medications cause. She is particularly passionate about hoodia for weight loss.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Patterson

Practice Applying Your Bicycle Rear Gear Well

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:17:00 +0000

Moab Mountain biking has to be one of the most exhilaritng biking experiences ever. Moab provide a variety of trails for all types of mountain bikers from novices to experts. There is no doubt whatsoever that everyone at all levels will enjoy the extreme fun of Moab mountain biking.

What is it? Moab mountain bike riding is famous for its more challenging and technical aspects of the sport. There are many fascinating and wonderful trails and views to experience. If you ever get the opportunity, it is definitely something you should do.

Preparation To get the most from your Moab mountain biking experience there are several things you need to do before. You want to check out your bike. Make sure that everything is in good working order and ready for your ride. You want to look into the different trail. Always choose a trail that is best suited for you and for what you are looking for in a ride.

Important equipment and supplies Before you head out on your bike ride, you must first make sure that you have a few things. A helmet is vital for any rider, whatever their level of skill. You should also see about buying elbow and knee pads for extra body protection. Plenty of water and some snacks for when you need an energy boost are also things you will definitely need to bring on your ride. If it will be your first time on the trail, make sure you bring a map just in case you get lost.

A variety of trails There is a big variety of trails to pick from when Moab bike riding. There are different trails to suit every cyclist and no two trails are the same. Research the different choices open to you and pick the adventure that suits you. You can always start slowly work your way up to the more competitive trails as you gain more confidence.

Ride in groups Riding in groups is the by far the best way to experience Moab mountain biking. There's nothing more fun than getting a riding pose together and enjoying a day out with your pals.

Don't forget to have fun By far the best thing about mounting biking is the fun factor. Not only do you get to experience the outdoors but you get lots of exercise too. Who can think of a better way to get in touch with nature than by going on an exciting bike ride through the wilderness. Take the family with you on a trail for some fun, fresh air and exercise.

About the Author

Alison Addy is the copywriter of many online magazines. For additional information on Colnago frames have a look at his web http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/frames.html

Mountain High - Biking Goes Extreme

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Like most things in life, sport comes in degrees. Some sports enthusiasts and activists enjoy sports that help them relax and keep in shape, while others enjoy nothing but the hardest, heart pumping action they can achieve.

Biking as a sport for example continues to grow in popularity each year, often attracting a younger audience as it develops. As this younger audience grows, some develop into the adrenaline junkies that make others gasp in fear and amazement.

Cross country biking, stunt riding, bicycle racing and heli-biking are some of the most popular summertime extreme bicycle sports. Several ski and snowboarding resorts offer great opportunities for outdoor sports enthusiasts to continue their enjoyment of the great outdoors year round. Whether it's glacier skiing, ice diving, heli-skiing or heli-biking, bikers are sure to find something to pique their interest in the mountains.

Stunt Riding

Stunt cyclists are often the most recognized because of their time in the air instead of on the ground. In some cases, the longer the cyclist is off of the bike, the more impressive the stunt. Some may stand in the seat or on pegs welded to the rear of the bike. Special bikes are often created just for stunts and the people who love them. Stunts range from simple wheelies to very elaborate tricks, jumps or flips. Some stunts have easy to recognize names like "no footers," "no handers" or "bar spins." Other, more elaborate stunts have names like "540," "X-Up" or various types of "airing."

BMX Racing

Motocross racing became popular during the mid to late 1920s. At that time, it consisted of off-road motor bikes ridden on rugged terrain. Bicycle Motocross, or BMX, became popular in the late 1970s and began as youngsters pretending to be their favourite Motocross driver. In today's sporting arenas, BMX means much more than racing bikes. Now riders may even specialise in the type of track they prefer to ride.

Heli-Biking

Heli-biking is a newer form of extreme cycling that involves you, your bike, a few snacks and a helicopter. The helicopter takes you to the top of a mountain that is otherwise inaccessible without climbing gear. After you're geared up, you're off! The journey back toward civilization is often several hours long and requires that you bring your own snacks and drinks. Energy bars and bottled water are usually the food and drink of choice.

Ever wonder what happens at your favourite ski resort during the summer? During the winter, people enjoy heli-skiing in areas like Andorra in the Pyrenees, Whistler in British Columbia or the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The same skiers who enjoyed heli-skiing asked the helicopter pilots if they would drop cyclists off at the same place they dropped skiers during the winter. Summertime obviously doesn't allow for great ski conditions, so the activities change. Instead of skiing, adrenaline junkies hop on a helicopter with their bikes and continue their heart-pounding trek down the mountains.

And for places like Andorra it's great - tourists for the summer as well as the winter. Andorra's economy depends a lot upon skiing so this diversity is very welcomed. Andorra is also known as a European tax haven, with people buying Andorra property to help qualify for residency.

Biking Safety

Safety should always be first and foremost during any biking excursion. Helmets, pads and proper shoes are very important to every cyclist's health and well-being. Just like any other sport, protective clothing and equipment can prevent serious injury or even death. A properly fitting helmet can help make the difference between an enjoyable ride and a trip to the emergency room.

About the Author

Andorra holidays information for both the summer and winter are available with yourandorra.com and they include the resort of Arinsal Andorra

Other details include the Andorra ski weather and Andorra skiing holidays

Mountain Bike XCountry trip to Cihuni

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:47:00 +0000

Go Single-Speed For Low Maintenance Mountain Biking

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:44:00 +0000

Single-speed mountain bikes have grown in popularity over the past few years. It seems almost every mountain bike maker in the business is offering a single-speed. Someone new to mountain biking might seem confused when they find out that some people choose to ride a bike with only one gear. One of the best reasons to ride a single-speed is the easy maintenance it offers.

Anyone who has done any serious off road riding knows the abuse a bike's drivetrain can take. Unlike road bikes, mountain bikes encounter many hazards than can destroy a drivetrain. When mud, dirt and sand make there way onto your chain and in between the cogs in your cassette, they grid away at parts until the bike no longer shifts properly. Once enough damage has been done, there is no recourse but to head into your local shop and have the parts replaced. A single-speed mountain bike drivetrain is much simpler, one chain ring up front and one cog in the back. This doesn't make you immune to the ravages of dirt and mud, but a single-speed drivetrain is much easier to clean than it's geared brother.

Roots, rocks, logs and other obstacles can rip a rear derailleur from its hanger and leave you stranded six miles into a ride. A bad crash can crush your fancy new trigger shifters. Even regular wear and tear can cause the finely tuned mechanisms of today's advanced shifting systems to malfunction and mis-shift. You don't have to worry about any of these potential issues when riding a single-speed. No derailleurs and no shifters mean there is no maintenance of these finicky parts and no chance they will be destroyed in a crash.

Switching from a geared mountain bike to a single-speed can save you the headaches of dealing with temperamental drivetrains and a significant amount of cash over the life of a bike. Most of all, riding a single-speed allows you to simplify your riding experience and reconnect with the pure enjoyment of mountain biking.

Find more mountain biking tips and resources at http://www.mountainbikediscounts.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Symon

How to Buy a Mountain Bike

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:43:00 +0000

The question here pertains to your budget rather than the price of the mountain bike. This is so because prices for mountain bikes can vary. Mountain bikes come in various types and they can be very expensive. So, before you buy one, it is better to decide on your spending capacity rather than exceeding your budget. A sensible option would be to approach a bike shop in your vicinity as they can give you a better bargain in terms of service as well as quality. Large stores like Wal-Mart might not prove very satisfactory in this respect.

What is your Choice of Biking?

As I mentioned before, mountain bikes come in various types depending on the style of biking that you prefer and the territory that you will be driving in. So, to begin with, you have to determine what style suits you best. Do you like mountain cruising or do you prefer the safety of a smoother ride? Is lift accessed downhill riding the one that appeals to your sensibilities or does cross country racing stir the wild blood in you? In other words, get hold of a bike that complements your style of riding.

Choice of Suspension

When it comes to suspension, most people prefer the full suspension bike as it is more comfortable and can be easily maneuvered according to your preferences. However, it is more expensive and if you have money constraints, then it is advisable to go for the hard tail mountain bike that is devoid of rear suspension. The hard tail bike also has its advantages in that it weighs less and provides a smooth pedaling experience. Ultimately, buy the bike with the kind of suspension that suits your style of biking.

Picking a Good Combination

You cannot have an apple to apple comparison while choosing a mountain bike. The practical thing to do is to make a list of the components that are essential for your biking experience and see that it fits into your budget.

Right Time for Buying a Mountain Bike

As with any other product, the right time to buy is when sales are going on or during the off-seasons. Generally, people indulge in buying from spring to summer. So if you buy your bike during the winter or fall, then you will be sitting on candy. Along with this, try and find shops that provide accessories and other attractive discounts with your bike.

Look for the Right Dealer

A 'right dealer' is the one whose main concern is that you buy a quality bike rather than an expensive one. Such a dealer usually also has a decent repair shop. So, always look for a good dealer.

Before You Decide, Check Out For Yourself

The most important thing before selecting a bike is to take test rides of all the bikes that you think might be the right one for you. This will help you arrive at an understanding of the best bike for you.

Analysis Helps

Last, but definitely not the least, engage in some productive research before you choose a bike. Talking to owners of different bikes, understanding more about bicycle parts, reading up on bike reviews and product reviews will help you in this area.

Alison Addy is the author of many articles on subjects like bike buying and published at http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com Read additional info on bicycles or parts of a bike

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Addy

Bicycle Tools Are an Important Mountain Biking Accessory

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:47:00 +0000

You should have the proper biking gear and the essential skills if you wish to enjoy the terribly dificult sport of mountain biking to the core. The wide variety of mountain bike accessories found nowadays is truly amazing, and purchasing different products can cost you as much money as you had set up for the bike itself. Hence, you should be careful with that you purchase and know how to separate the gimmicky items from the really important ones, and buy those that will fulfill your needs. Better stay away from the items that are merely flashy fashion accessories, or you'll go overboard your budget without getting the really important items that you do need.

There are some biking accessories that you really cannot do without

As any veteran mountain biker will agree, a few accessories are extremely important and cannot be ignored. For example, the helmet, now any one can tell you how important is it to venture out on rough terrains with a protection over your head. Falling or stumbling off your bike is a common occurrence and the helmet will simply save you from incurring fatal wounds. In fact, the importance of a biking helmet cannot be overemphasized.

Riding over a rough surface can badly affect your body and cause difficulties. Thus you should be as much comfortable as possible on your bike, and to ensure that comfort you would need a good pair of mountain bike shorts that absorbs moisture and prevents any irritation. Then again, gloves are also important mountain accessories that can absorb some of the shocks you may feel an also prevent burns and injuries to your hands.

If falling off a mountain bike is a daily incident then so is the bike breaking down when you are not expecting it at all. Hence it would always be wise to carry a repair kit with you. Important things that should always be a part of your repair kit are spoke tool, spanners, screwdriver, pump, Allen key, puncture repair kit, a bottom bracket tool as well as some lubricant. It goes without saying that you should have a basic idea of what to do in case your bike breaks down in the wilderness, where you cannot possibly get any help.

You would also require mountain bike accessories like cleaning equipment that can dust off the dirt from bikes. Constant riding in dust and dirt can make your bike really dusty and dirty. Other important accessories include bike bottles and cages, lock and cycle lights.

Adam Peters is the editor of different articles with reference to bike maintenance for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com A focused website that offers the best articles on lowrider bike and lowriders.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters

A Good Mountain Bike is a Major Investment

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:42:00 +0000

When you plan to hurtle down the mountain biking tracks slopes, the mountain bike is the most vital investment you would make. Mountain bike is a specific and specialized bike and this design would meet the needs of various bikers to use on unpaved surfaces or dirt trails. We generally see knobby and wide tires for a mountain bike that would add for more grip and nice absorption of shock for the kind ride which bike is supposed to do in the process of mountain biking.

Suspension on the front wheel has also become an ideal tool that comes with both front and rear suspension has got wide usage in current day mountain bike. You even get mountain bikes that have bar ends equipped on the mountain bike handle bars, though handle bars that are raised are also very famous too. The wheel's diameter for these bikes is above two feet, although larger wheels are becoming very common these days.

Speaking broadly, we have 4 different types of mountain bikes that includes hardtail, fully rigid and a soft dual and tail or full suspension. Fully rigid bikes come with a frame that has a rigid fork and also an attached rear and also have no suspension. Even the hardtail do not come with a suspension although they come with a front suspension. Soft tail has a frame that has a confined rear suspension and activates using a flex of pivot rather than a frame. The dual bikes or full suspensions come with a front suspension fork and also a rear suspension. It even uses pivots for the rear wheel movement.

The design of your mountain bike would depend on the kind of the terrain that's been used on and it is very common to get bikes which are supposed to be used for Cross country, free ride, all/endure mountains, trial, downhill, dirt jumping - street and urban, 4-cross racing or mountain cross, single speed and north shore usage.

Lately, mountain biking has become one of the mainstream events and the styles of riding have become increasingly very aggressive, that would mean with new frames which are of very good design, lighter and also very strong than the earlier ones and even come with a geometry to assist in overcoming the obstacles. We get current day mountain bikes in 27, 24 and 21 speeds and with three gears one to the front and there would be 9, 8 and 7 gears on the rear wheel. Some of these come loaded with carbon bicycle frames as well.

Adam Peters is a syndicated editor of http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com A website with tips on road bike reviews and mountain bikes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters

Choose the Right Mountain Bike

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:41:00 +0000

If you don't have a bike and thinking about getting one but couldn't decide which is the proper one, now it is time to decide what kind of biking you plan to do. Would you like to take a relaxing ride or go on riding through the red rocks of southern Utah? By deciding now how the bike will be used, you'll be able to buy the bike best suited to your purpose.

There are two types of bikes. One is 28-inch-tire mountain-touring bike and the other is 26-inch traditional mountain bike.

28-inch touring bike is low-impact mountain bike, designed for riding on paved or smooth dirt roads or campground trails. You can ride on roads in national forests and parks, gentle trails and dirt roads. If you'd like to bike and camp but you're not up to hard and bumpy terrain, touring is the way go and you might consider a mountain-touring bike.

Another feature of the 28-inch touring bike is the larger seat, with a lot of padding. If you want ultra comfort, order your bike with a bigger seat with springs.

26-inch mountain bikes are smaller than touring bikes and more suited to harsh surfaces. The wheels are smaller and the fork is straighter to provide a better steering response. They are often sold with suspension which is great for ironing out all the bumps. So if you prefer riding through forests on isolated deer trails or riding on bumpy surfaces, you may consider 26-inch mountain bikes.

Once you've decided the type of mountain bike, go to local bike shop and take a test ride. After you narrowed your choices, ask the clerk if you can take the bike out and ride it. Is the seat too hard, too narrow or just right? How does the bike steer? Does it seem to turn too fast, too slow? Do you feel well balanced? After you've spent some time riding several different bikes, buy the bike that feels the most natural to you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_J_Robinson

Buying a Used Mountain Bike

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:39:00 +0000

Buying a used mountain bike can be a very affordable option to purchasing an expensive, new one. They are tough and durable and normally very well maintained by their current or previous owner.

One of the first things you need to do is decide what make and model mountain bike you require. You will rarely go wrong with a Trek, Giant, Cannondale or Specialized mountain bike but there is a huge range to choose from.

Once you have decided on the make and model you require, check on-line to see what price range your used mountain bike falls into. Once you have established a price range and you are happy with it, it is no harm to call into your local bike store to see what your chosen mountain bike retails at. This will give you a clear indication of the savings that can be made when purchasing a second-hand mountain bike.

While you are at you local supplier's store, why not get fitted for your mountain bike. The salesperson will be happy to measure you up to establish what size of mountain bike will best suit you if you don't already have this information from a previous bike. This information will be crucial when you are buying your used mountain bike on-line.

Now you are armed with all the relevant information, you are ready to make your purchase. Ebay is becoming safer and safer for buyers to use and there are an ample number of sellers for any product you may be looking for. When buying a mountain bike on ebay, ensure that it is your size, check the cost of delivery to your area as this can substantially increase the overall cost of your mountain bike.

One last thing. Please check the seller's ratings and ensure that it is close above 90%. If the seller has a less than 100% rating, go through any negative feedback that has been left for them from previous buyers and satisfy yourself that they are safe to deal with.

Happy Mountainbiking!

Dec Bruen owns and operates http://www.mountain-bikez.com an on-line listing of new and used mountain bikes for sale and auction.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dec_Bruen

Suggestions For How to Set Up the Avid BB7 Mechanical Disc Brake

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:26:00 +0000

The Avid BB7 is one of the most popular disc brakes on the market. It is inexpensive and simple to install, and when it is set up correctly it can offer a similar amount of power to many hydros!

The trouble is that many people do not obtain the best performance from their new brakes because they failed to account for the various factors that determine how well cable operated brakes work. So I have put together a quick list for people who may be having difficulty in order to track down what they might be doing wrong.

1. It is important to bed the brakes in. This is the case for all disc brakes, not just the Avid BB7's. If you take the time to bed your brakes in properly it will enable the brakes to obtain full power. But don't risk glazing the pads with heavy braking during this process.
2. You must be aware of your cable housing route. Do not use sharp bends.
3. Use a weather sealed cable system. This will be worth its weight in gold once you start riding in wet and muddy conditions.
4. Make sure that your pad distances are set up correctly and your calipers are centered properly. Follow the Avid instructions to the letter.
5. Use compressionless cable housing and run it full length to avoid unnecessary cable friction. This more than anything can solve a lot of issues people may be having.

Set up correctly these brakes should offer enough power for you to be able to lock up the wheels using only one finger. But while they are simple to install initially you really do need to take account of everything that might have an effect on them. Bad cabling is one of the main causes of problems. Especially cable systems that are are suffering from the effects of mud and water. When performing a new installation of the Avid BB7 I would always recommend starting with a completely new set.

For more information about how to set up the Avid BB7 please visit howtosetuptheavidbb7.weebly.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Henwick

Making Reservations For a Great Mountain Biking Experience

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:24:00 +0000

Using a Guide for Extreme Mountain Biking

If you know, what mountain biking is you will find that extreme biking is something very different. It is a more intense form of biking and it is growing very fast. Extreme Mountain biking is just like normal biking except that you go higher, steeper, and you will have rough hills to go over. It is harder on the body and you will want to make sure that you stay in shape for this extreme sport.

Things you will need

If you are thinking about trying out the extreme mountain biking on your own you will need to have a few pieces of equipment. The one thing you should remember is your bike. You need to have the right type of bike for your destination. Mountain bikes can be expensive and you need to plan on the one that you want to purchase. Save your money and find the one that you want and need.

You will also defiantly need to have a helmet. This is a very dangerous sport and you need to make sure that you have a very dependable helmet. If you fall you want to be safe and you need to keep your head out of harms way with the right style of helmet. It makes no difference how good you are you still need to have a helmet.

Wearing the right clothing is also very important for the mountain bike experience. This is something that must have comfortable clothing to do. There is special clothing that is designed for mountain biking and the difference in mountain biking clothing and other biking clothes that are very clear. You will find that mountain biking clothes are usually bigger and made of thin material.

Being Prepared

If you have all of the equipment for your mountain biking adventure you will need to make sure that you are strong enough. You need to be physically ready for this great sport. You will need to work out and tone up your body before you get on the bike. You do not want to over do it though.

Most people that do this extreme mountain biking are going to have many rewards. It is going to be a great workout for your body. You will have so much fun and you will defiantly want to make this sport your own.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_A._Schefken

Mountain Biking Essentials For Safe Riding

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:22:00 +0000

Mountain biking is a great sport and enjoyed by a growing number of people each year. When starting out there is a lot of excitement in deciding what mountain bike you are going to get for all those outings you have planned. Just as important, once you have invested in the mountain bike itself there are some mountain biking essentials for yourself, and that means protective gear.

Speaking from personal experience there are three essential pieces of gear you just must have every time you venture out for that ride.

Mountain bike helmet - this is absolutely essential. Mountain biking will almost inevitably involve a fall or wipeout of some kind. A properly fitting mountain bike helmet can save you from a bump on the head or worse.

A couple of summers ago I was out for a leisurely ride on a familiar trail, not going overly fast or doing anything crazy but had a spectacular crash when I hit a wash out hidden in the patterns of light and dark among the shadows of the trees. Both the mountain bike and I were busted up rather badly. The bike was beyond repair and I took the impact on my right side, smashing up my leg, hand, arm and shoulder. The right side of my head also hit the ground hard but I didn't realise this until much later in hospital as someone pointed out the shards of rock stuck in the shattered helmet shell. The helmet took the full force of the impact and prevented what could have been severe injuries.

When buying your mountain bike helmet check that the one you select is comfortable and meets the standards for your country; you may or may not need to make sure it complies with the laws where you live but you definitely do want to ensure it has passed the basic tests to protect your head. Mountain bike helmets come in lots of funky designs, some radical color schemes and a wide variety of fits for all shapes of heads even the kids don't take much convincing that it's good to wear a helmet.

Gloves - your second must have item.

Gloves protect your hands not only in the event of a crash but also riding in areas of close scrubby bush country and debris scattered by riders in front of you when going at speed on tracks with loose dirt, sticks or gravel. That crash I mentioned earlier; you might have guessed it, my hands lost some skin as I wasn't wearing gloves because I'd put off buying a new pair. Ouch! Now I wear them all the time.

Glasses - the third essential item for protecting two of your most valuable assets, your eyes.

Glasses protect your eyes not only from the sun but also from insects, branches and leaves dangling across trails, dust, sand, mud and debris thrown up by other mountain bike riders or even off your own front wheel. You've probably got the picture.

Glasses with interchangeable lenses or transition lenses are the best for changing light conditions and there are many designed specifically for cyclists. Whatever glasses you choose, they must be impact resistant or shatter proof. I was wearing glasses at the time of my big crash and they were scratched up and a little worse for wear but my eyes were saved from any injury.

At the end of each ride simply place your gloves and glasses inside your helmet so they are together and ready every time you head out the door to hit the trail on the mountain bike.

Ride well, ride safe, have fun.

Bruce Weir is an avid recreational mountain bike rider. To learn more about this fun sport go to http://www.mountain-bike-basics.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Weir

Bikes And Your Life

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:09:00 +0000

by: Rolf Karlsen

One look at the modern roads say it all. Inevitable traffic jams, smoke, noise, and air pollution are adamant, not to mention accidents left and right.

Cars take thousands of lives each day worldwide in automobile accidents. Some are results of driving under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages, while some are just too tired to be on the road. Instead of heading off to a place for some rest, the drivers will continue driving, so they are most likely prone to accidents.

Automobiles are also harmful to the environment. Cars leak liquids, and owners drive off without wiping the stain, leaving it for wildlife to taste. How many animals fall prey to these vehicles and become road kills in an instant?

Humanists, environmentalists, and animal lovers alike now have the solution for all the death, pollution, and killings. The answer comes with two wheels - bikes and how they can save your life.

Why You Should Start Using Bikes

No pollution is involved with cycling. It does not emit smoke, leak liquids, and is very quiet. Bikers also contribute to saving a space in a crowded parking lot as more than a dozen bicycles can fit in one slot of a car.

For pet lovers, you can tie your pet’s leash on your handlebar and pedal to an easy pace so that your furry friend can run beside you. It cuts out the work for you.

For your pockets, cycling can help you save more money. No insurance has to be paid annually, and no license is required. No fuel bills either as your bike will run to the speed of your pedaling. The maintenance costs about a quarter of what you spend on cars per annum, and a bicycle, once well taken care of, can last for years, if not decades.

In a crowded mall for instance, your bicycle can be parked anywhere. You don’t have to roam the parking area for agonizing minutes after minutes with the stress building up. You can just park it on one corner, secure it with your lock, and leave it to be ready for you until you’re done shopping.

How Your Health will Benefit from Using Bikes

According to a reliable source, a cyclist’s fitness level is equal to his health ten years ago. It can make you feel younger as you are still well in control of your limbs by the exercise, giving you power and building your stamina.

Irked by the way motorcycles pass by your car in the midst of a traffic jam during the rush hour? It can give you that same sense of power. Now, you can weave in and out of traffic, so you’ll reach your destination faster.

It also reduces the risk of heart disease as your heart is healthy and receives proper exercise. In addition, it builds up your muscle legs to give you more power and strength. If you’re a soccer player, then at least now you’ve got that strong kick you’ve always wanted.

About The Author
Rolf Karlsen think that his excellent health comes from his extensive biking, so he tries his best to promote biking everywhere. You can read more about his thoughts and recommendations on http://www.cykeltid.dk

Maintain The Chain - A Necessary Bike Skill

donkmarch@gmail.com (don) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:22:00 +0000

by: Alastair Hamilton

The chain is the crucial element of a bicycle - if it breaks, you aren't going anywhere. So proper maintenance is essential.

Of all the components on your bike, the chain is the most important. No chain....no go!

Proper chain maintenance will extend the life of your chain - although any chain should be replaced after you've put 1000 miles on it. Don't use a chain any longer that necessary - if its rusted or stretched, it's time to get a new chain.

A bike chain is put together from hundreds of precision-machined parts, consisting of pins, plates and rollers. If it gets full of gunk it will negatively impact your biking experience, and not do your cogs much good either.

The easiest way to take care of the chain is simply to keep it lubricated. Of course - too much of anything is a bad thing. You want the chain lubricated, but the lubrication itself does attract grit, so you don't want to use too much of it.

If you've ridden your bike through a trail full of mud, you'll want to clean it as soon as you return home.

Cleaning a chain

It's a hassle to take the chain off your bike, but you can certainly do it if you want to. However, in most cases it works just to clean it while its still on the bike. Simply spray degreaser (which you can get at your local bikeshop) onto the chain, the derailleur, the cogs and th echain ring. Let the degreaser do its thing for about 20 minutes - then use a rag or stiff-bristle brush to clean off the gunk. Then, simply hose it down. Then, dry it. Then, lube the chain.

Lubrication

Wipe and lubricate your chain before every ride - it's that simple. Lubrications are made from various ingredients - there are wax-based lubes and there are wet lubes. It's a good idea to keep a notebook in which you record which lube you use and how long your chain lasts. In this way you'll find out which lube works best for your bike and your type of riding.

Chain Suck

Ever experienced this? This happens when the chain doesn't release from the bottom of the chainring and pulls up instead - rather than running straight to the lower rear derailleur. Don't blame this on the front derailleur - it's caused by a worn chain.

Chain wear indicator

The rule of thumb is to replace a chain after you've put a thousand miles on it, but if you don't have an odometer on your bike and don't keep track of how many miles you ride, what can you do? Simple. Purchase a chain wear indicator, and use it on a week-to-week basis. You want to replace the chain as soon as it "goes out of spec" because if you don't, it will wear down the cogs on the drive train and you'll have to replace that as well, as the new chain you eventually do get probably won't fit.

About The Author

Alastair Hamilton use to write on bike reviews and similar subjects for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . A focused website that offers articles on cycling accessories, read more here: http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/parts.html.