What sort of bike should I buy?

Col De Tourmalet Ascent in 5 Mins

Where do you want to go and what do you want to do? Cycling is not simply pushing pedals round as fast or as slow as you want. Many different activities are covered in the topic of cycling and each one has a different equipment need and fitness requirements.

The basics of cycling are simple, get a bike. A bike when you think about it is usually a two wheeled version. Both tricycles and four wheelers have their place too, they are stranger machines though. Bikes ususally have just one seat although there are tandems which are making a comeback for couples who never want to have to look at one another again.

What you want to achieve is of prime importance.We are concentrating on two wheels in this intro for the occasional cyclist.

If you want a fast track bike, increasingly popular as more velodromes appear there are certain companies’ products to look at. There is no point buying a specialized bike for the mountains and then trying to speed round the embankments of a track in a Madison event.

If you want a road bike, most people are now looking for one that weighs virtually nothing so that when you get to the inevitable hills the gear ratios allow you to think only of losing some weight to make the ups easier.

If you are looking for or want a mountain bike, then the rigid tubular structure, well sprung suspension and really thick tyres may help you avoid the nastiest falls and the inevitable broken collarbone (Yes I am bitter about it)

The occasional cyclist may well want a hybrid that allows you to cope with the hills and a bit of off road as well as getting up a head of steam on the flat roads on the way to your destination.

Whatever your decision as regards your need for a bike and the type of cycling that you want to do the benefits that you will find for your health and wellbeing are manifold. Weight loss, lower resting heart rate and a general feeling of wellbeing will only be offset by initial saddle soreness until you become accustomed to the bike. Cycling is an activity that allows you to take advantage of the countryside and beauty but don’t get into it too seriously to start as you will be frustrated by 60 year old fatties passing you at will to start. They are total weirdos and you will never find a decent reason why they move much faster than you do.

Tags: cycling bikes, indoor cycling bikes, mountain bike parts, Road Bikes, specialised bikes, Specialized bikes, specialized cycling, women's road bikes

Beginner Mountain Bike Skills

road bike

Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike. Compared to the average bike ride, it does present some danger. Therefore, you should master these basic skills before you hit the trails or the dirt. You can practice these beginning skills at a local park, school, bike path, or simply around your house. If you can, try to find a location with a steep hill.

Get a feel for your pedals

Practice moving your foot away from the pedal, first while sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground. Next, move on to releasing and replacing your foot while pedaling around for a bit. Those with toe clip and clipless type foot pedals will want to spend a bit more time practicing. Just remember that this is not a bike racing competition.

Sit and spin for position

Simply sit on your bike and pedal around. You should keep your arms slightly bent. You should also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to 90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke on the pedal. Keep your body relaxed, as there will never be a position where you should have either your knees or your elbows locked.

Shifting gears

Get a feel for shifting gears with your touring bicycle. The higher gears are harder to pedal and will go faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal and will help you ascend hills. As you get to steeper hills, its best to shift before you get to the hill rather than while you are on it.

Coasting

You should spend a bit of time coasting while standing on your pedals, without actually sitting on the seat. Keep your arms bent but don’t lock your knees. Now, try experimenting with shifting your body towards the rear end of the bike.

Pedal while standing

You should get as comfortable as you can with pedaling while standing on your bike. Try lifting yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals, then crank them around. Try this on lower gears while on a hill, and higher gears on flat ground.

Dropping down a curb

Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the upper portion of it. Practice at a moderate speed, standing and coasting right off the curb from the upper level to the lower level. Try this at different speeds until it becomes second nature.

You will be able to travel on feeling good on your mountain bike once you practice your techniques and get used to them. Even though it may take some getting used to, it’ll become second nature before you know it.

Tags: Bicycle Riding, bike race, bike races, bike racing, cycling bikes, Road Bike, touring bicycle