Posted by Art on Jul 7, 2010 in
Biking
It can be difficult when trying to choose a bike is suitable for your needs. This is even more true for beginners who don’t know about the different types of bikes you can get. You will find mountain bikes to have better suspension and are therefore more comfortable but they are also heavier and not as fast as road bikes. So how do you decide which bike is right for you?
First decide what you need a bike for. The are a few things you will want to consider one of which is where you will be riding your bike. This not only includes the terrain you will encounter on your journey but how long you expect to spend on each journey. A comfortable bike that can handle different types of terrain can be ideal. For people who will be cycling on the road racing bikes are the best solution. But if you need to cycle in difficult conditions then a mountain bike may be more your thing.
This brings us nicely to next consideration which is how much you value comfort and speed. Faster bikes are light because they use lighter materials and don’t have any extra features. You will also need to bear in mind the different riding postures for the different styles of bikes. Road bikes require that you use a posture that makes you more aerodynamic and this can sometimes be uncomfortable for people who have never ridden like this before.
Choosing a specific model of bike is the next step once you know the type of bike you want. In every bike range you will find that there are many different models for you to choose from. For pure speed you will want a bike made from carbon fibre although this can be quite pricey forroad bicycles. When it comes to mountain bikes extra features to consider are the wheel size, suspension and braking system.
Naturally budget will always play its part. You will find that there are many good quality bikes available for good prices.
Tags: Bikes, cycles, racing bikes, road bicycles
Posted by Art on Aug 26, 2009 in
Biking
Details and images have finally emerged regarding the new 2010 bike lineup from Genesis. Despite the bikes being the 2010 range for Genesis, they are actually released this coming September so you don’t have to wait as long as initially thought.
Genesis have decided to return to the road bike market this year with their 2010 lineup. The first bikes up on the list are the Aether 10 and Aether 20 racing bikes.
The well designed Aether is mainly suitted for cycle training or daily commuting. Both of these models will feature carbon-legged forks, as well as an ALX-9 aluminium frame. However, this comes at a price. The cheaper of the two bikes, the Aether 10, will set you back £599.99 and features a mix of new Shimano 2300 and Sora parts. If you would prefer to go for the other model, the Aether 20, it will cost you another £200 extra. For your £799.99, you will get a mix of Sora and Shimano Tiagra parts.
The next bike in their lineup is called Vapour. This bike will cost you around £850, which is justified as it features an ALX-9 6069 aluminium frame. To go with the lightweight frame, you will also get a mix of 105, Tiagra and Sora parts, not to mention a new designed front hanger mount to make braking more ‘positive’.
The third bike up is the Flyer. This is a singlespeed bike and features a bunch of stylish looking features. This bike is made from a Reynolds 520 steel frame, with features such as chrome cable clips and a white chain. This bike will cost you £599.99, not a bad price for such a good looking city bike. However, this bike is missing bottle bosses, allowing you to attach bike accessories, it seems that Genesis assumes that people riding this bike don’t get thirsy or sweat through their cycle clothing.
The road bikes that Genesis announced were just a taster for the massive number of mountain bike models also detailed. The first mountain bike is the Core which has 2 different models. There is the Core 40 which will cost £999.99 and then there’s the more expensive Core 50 which costs £1,199.99.
The next one up is the Alpitude costing £1,699.99, not to be mistaken with the Altitude, features a Reynolds 853 steel frame, perfect for long trails.
The iO is the cheapest mountain bike on the 2010 lineup. There are two different versions, the singlespeed for £599.99, or the more expensive eight-speed version which costs £1,099.99. Both versions feature a high quality Reynolds 520 steel frame.
The final bike is the Altitude, however, it comes in 5 different models. The two cheapest models, the Altitude 00 (£799.99) and the Altitude 10 (£999.99) both come with a Reynolds 520 steel frame. As the altitude number goes higher, so does the price, the next up is the Altitude 20. This model features a high quality Reynolds 853 steel frame and will set you back a whopping £1,449.99. Skipping the fourth model, the final and most expensive model is the Altitude Ti. This final model is the most expensive at £2,799.99 and it comes with a titanium frame.
Tags: Cycling, Genesis, Mountain Bikes, racing bikes, Road Bikes
Posted by Art on Jun 6, 2009 in
Biking
Bikes are made up of hundreds of components, everyone being important in its own right. You wouldn’t be able to ride without pedals, handlebars, a stem or most other bike accessories for that matter. One element that is integral to the movement of the bike and the transition of power from the rider to the wheels is the chain. The amazing piece of metal design work is now used in countries all over the globe and has myriad applications in each. However, chains do break down and malfunction if not looked after properly. Here are the 3 main reasons why you need to give your chain some regular TLC.
Life extension. Because chains are made from metal they are subject to rusting and corrosion. This is especially the case on bikes because they are frequently getting wet and dirty. After every time a bike is ridden the chain should be washed down well and then oil or a suitable lubricate should be applied to it. This will prevent any corrosion taking place and should also prevent the chain from ceasing up. I you get to point that more than a few links are not moving properly, you will be seriously detrimental to the chains potential.
Damage to bike. If you do not look after the chain on your bike it will start to damage other component that are connected to it. Cranksets work in close connection with the chain and if the links are not moving freely or are damaged, this will cause the crankset to be bent out of shape. Another part that can easily suffer harm is the derailleur, which is also in constant contact with the chain. Racing bikes are even more prone to this their mechanisms are very finely tuned.
Harm to you. A chain that is not in a good way will also pose a risk to whomever is riding the bike. If enough links cease up then the chain can jam and sometimes bring the wheels to an abrupt stop. If you are riding at any sort of speed this can cause the rider to be thrown from the bike and receive untold injuries, especially if you are wearing fragile cycle clothing
Tags: Bicycles, Bikes, care, chain, Cycling, Mountain Bikes, oil, racing bikes