Archive for February, 2010
A bicycle or just cycle is a human-powered vehicle driven by pedals. It has two wheels which are attached to a metal or in some cases hard plastic frame, one at the front and the other at the back.
History of a bicycle
The bicycle was first introduced in Europe in the 19th century. Presently their number is exceeding one billion throughout the world. They are used as a principal mode of transportation in some areas of the world, especially Netherlands and China. They have also developed as a very popular form of entertainment and recreation. Other fields of human activities that they have been adopted are adult fitness, children`s toys, police and military applications, cycle sports and courier services. Thus over the period of time the humble bicycle has assumed quite a few roles!
The basic configuration and shape of a common bicycle has been altered very slightly since the first model driven by chains was developed back in 1885. However, some subtle details have been made better with the growing use of computer and improvement in material technology. Using modern technologies have made it possible to produce specialized designs for different kinds and uses of cycling.
Parts and Construction of a Typical Bicycle
Wheels – it is the most important part of any vehicle. The initial wheels used a wooden hub with a steel axle, spokes made of wood and an iron tire which is fitted on the outside. The wheels used today have a metal hub, metallic wire spokes, a metal rim to hold the spokes and a pneumatic rubber tire on the outside. Another important part of the wheel are the bearings which allows free movement of the hub on the axle.
Frame – most of the bicycles used today has the diamond frame. It`s made up of two triangles, the front and the rear. The front triangle has the top tube, head tube, seat tube and down tube. Head tube is the part containing the headset of bearing to allow smooth steering, the top tube connects to the seat, and the down tube connects the head tube and bottom bracket. The rear triangle has the seat tube, seat stays and paired chain stays.
Drivetrain – it consists of the pedals, which rotates the crank arms, which in turn are attached to a sprocket or chainrings which drives the chain and makes the rear wheel rotate.
Seating and Steering – steering is made possible using the handlebars which turns the front wheel. For seating there are saddles on the top of the frame. The seating can be designed for comfort or to make cycling smoother and faster.
Brakes – the brakes used in modern bicycles are either rim brakes that uses pads to compress the wheel from 2 sides and stopping it, internal hub brakes that has the pads inside the hubs or disc brakes. Braking in bicycles is hand-operated by pressing the brake levers installed on the handlebars on either side.
Suspension – it is the system incorporated to make the cycling experience smoother.
Accessories – parts like mudguards to avoid spray from puddles, chain guards to save clothes from oils, kick stands to keep the bicycle upright while parked have become permanent features of a bicycle. Other accessories like front baskets, rear racks, space for head lamp, a pump, helmets, tool kit etc are also available as per ordered.
The use and development of bicycles have affected mankind in a bigger way than it seems. It has affected history in both industrial and cultural realms. In the initial years, bicycles and its construction were dependent on the technology that existed; more recently, its technology in turn has given forth ideas in different areas.
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- Standard plate thickness and pin riveting
- Features in both BMX and CB
- Width 8.8-mm, weighs 344-grams
Product Description
The KMC Z410 Chain is perfect for your BMX or Single Speed bike. The KMC Z410 Chain is a 1/2″ x 1/8″ chain and has 112 Links except the black chain which has 96 Links.
KMC Z410 Bicycle Chain
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- Ergonomic 6-panel design with 8 3/4″ inseam
- Nylon / Lycra blend Sensor fabric
- Seamless Tour 3-D chamois pad
- Pearl Izumi leg gripper
- Quality, value & lifetime guarantee
Product Description
The popular Quest is a comfortable and hardworking cycling short for everyday riding at a great value. The ergonomically designed six-panel layout delivers comfort, durability, and a great fit. With a 9 1/4″ inseam, these shorts provide excellent thigh coverage for protection and muscle relief. Featuring Pearls Sensor fabric that feels great, has excellent compression and keeps moisture at bay. The 3D Tour Chamois dampens road vibration with 2 layers of multi-density padding that is 13mm thick. The surface fabric of the chamois is soft, breathable and quick dry. Comfortable Pearl Izumi leg grippers keep the shorts from riding up the leg. Fabric content: 72% nylon/28% spandex. Size Chart (Waist Measurement): SM 29-31, MD 32-34, LG 35-37, XL 38-41, XXL 42-45.
Pearl Izumi Men’s Quest Cycling Short
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Posted by Blogmaster in Books (Bicycle Tours), tags: Bicycle, County, From, Hudson, Northern, Rides, Saratoga, Scenic, Tours, Valley, Westchester
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If you are going on a ride anytime soon you will need to remember one thing, to wear your bike helmet just to be safe and not get a ticket. Even if you are not riding on the street you should wear a helmet. If you are riding on streets you should always where a helmet, you will lose an in accident and be hurt if you are not wearing a helmet.
As you probably already know there are all kinds of add on bike accessories that you can buy like lights, light clothing, reflectors and horns as well. Every single one of those items is made for your safety. You need to at least wear a helmet and have some type of reflectors on your bike. You might also want to wear light colored clothing as well.
If you look at what happens when a car hits a biker it’s not good, most of the time the injuries are to the head and this is the main cause of the deaths. As I write this article a seventeen year old boy was just killed by being hit from behind while riding his bike, he wasn’t wearing a helmet. The best thing you can do riding a bike and preventing a head injury is to wear your helmet. Though you can not stop accidents you can still wear your helmet and protect what you can while riding. Some bike accidents aren’t even that bad but you should still always where your helmet.
At least bike helmets being made today are created to comfort your head and protect it as well as it can. Although they may look like they can break easily but they wouldn’t be being sold if that were the case. You should always check just to make sure that the helmet is certified to be a bike helmet. So be sure when you are buying one to pick the best and right one for you and your noggin.
The most important thing to think about when you are buying your bike helmet is to make sure you get the one that fits your head well. If you bought a helmet that slides and moves around your noggin then that’s what will happens in an accident and your head will be open to the ground. You need to have it just right on your head not to tight not to loose but you always want it more tight than loose so it wont slide and move.
In a lot of parts around the world today they have made it a legal law that you have to wear a bike helmet everywhere and anywhere you ride your bike. Even though you may not like to wear a helmet it may be the law and it will protect you in an accident and will save you from getting a ticket which if you are traveling you may not be able to afford at the time.
Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about bicycle accessories as well as bicycle helmets at http://www.bicyclepartsandclothing.com
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Think back to the time when you got your first bicycle. The excitement, the magic and euphoria you felt at that time is perhaps unparalleled. Cruising down the street with the wind tearing at your hair, you suddenly had a peek at the glory and power of unlimited freedom. Yes, kids love bicycles and parents love getting bikes for their children.
Fortunately, there is a good variety of styles, models and makes that you can choose from when you go shopping for bicycles for your kids. While toddlers like tri-cycles, older children prefer the regular model. Many adolescents prefer the lowrider bike.
Lowrider bikes are based on the design of a motorcycle. They have high handlebars, broad tires, long wheelbase and a casual, laid back riding position. Handlebars are deigned to position the arms at eye-level. Low riding position adds to this comfort. Additional features like straight-laced spokes and sissy bars add to the comfort and pleasure of the bike. The main purpose of the bike is not speed, but reliable, comfortable performance.
Beach rider bicycles are flashy, sturdy, comfortable, safe and unique. As far as kids are concerned, their most attractive feature is their unique, individualistic look. If you want to express character (which teen doesn’t!), it’s got to be a beach cruiser!
Tips to keep in mind while choosing bicycles for kids:
Variety: Twenty years back, there were limited choices if you wanted to buy bicycles for kids. But, these days, the market is saturated with brands, colors, models, features and choices. You have kiddie bikes for the small, mountain bikes for those who like a rugged ride and two seaters for kids who like to ride with a friend. With so many choices, you need to pay attention to two important things: quality and your needs.
Buy a bike that answers the needs of your child. For most teens, beach cruisers are the safest option. The low back design is kind on the back and the sportsy style looks ultra chic. These bikes are not high on speed and their design is such that they give maximum balance and grip on the roads.
Craftsmanship is just as important. Many parents like to go with the latest fad (and their kids pressurize them to!). But, you need to pay attention to things like the material used, brakes, shock absorbers, seat, pedals, wheels and so on. For instance, coaster brakes are safer for smaller children while hand brakes may be used once the child is over 9 years old. The safety and versatility of the biking experience depends on all of these.
The size of the bike also matters. As far as bicycles for kids are concerned, the size is determined by the wheel size. Have an expert decide the right size of the bike for your kid. The last step is to locate a reputed dealer!
With bicycles coming in so many colors and designs, you might want to give your child a free hand when selecting the colors and design of the body. Girls generally like to opt for shades of pink but don’t take it for granted that your daughter will appreciate the hot pink you selected!
Beachbikes.net sells well made stylish beach cruiser from major brands like Electra, Nirve, Schwinn, Felt, Kustom Kruisers, sixthreezero and more at prices that are affordable.
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Mountain bikes, BMXs, Tandem Bikes, and Children Bikes belong to the top ten bicycle types and models sold by leading bike sellers in America.
The following is the list of bicycle types and models that are very popular among riders in United States.
Road Bikes
Road Bikes are built for vigor and velocity. They flaunt glossy, plunge handlebars and slender tires. These bikes are made up of comfortable, tough components, like steel, aluminum, and titanium. There are several types of road bikes and the 3 commonly utilized are performance, fixed gear/single speed, and sports road bikes. The 3 widely purchased brands of road bikes are Specialized, Cervello, and Cannondale.
Mountain Bikes
A variety of options are available for mountain bikes. A Cross Country mountain bike is typically lightweight yet durable. A Downhill mountain bike is ideal for stunts and trail challenges. A Dirt Jump mountain bike is designed for pulling off stunts and typically has hard tails.
Commuter Bikes
They are available in various designs, and are fashioned for strength and ease of maintenance. These bikes come in single-speed and geared models. Majority of commute bikes have fenders to protect the user during wet season and others have racks to hold items. Bianchi and Gary Fisher are well-known brands of commuter bikes.
Children’s Bikes
These bikes are obtainable in multiple designs and sizes, from pedal bikes to tri-bikes. They may feature training wheels or may not. Some even have customizable parts that are designed to keep pace with the kid’s growth. Gary Fisher, Electra, Trek, and Kettler offer some of the finest bikes for you child.
BMX
BMXs (Bicycle Motocross) are robust and compact. Different types of BMXs are made for competition, jumping, tricks, and for skate park rides. You can trust the names MirraCo and Haro for BMX bikes.
Cyclocross
Cyclocrosses are types of racer bikes. They’re frequently ridden in cross races. They look like road bikes but with twisted tires that can withstand gravel and dirt. However, these bikes aren’t for races only. You can ride on it through woods and rough terrains. Redline Conquest Pro and LeMond Poprad series offer quality cyclocross bikes.
Recumbent
Recumbent bikes are comparable to road bikes yet feature back brace to let users lean back. The pedals are parallel to the bike’s seat, placing the rear end of the user parallel to his feet. Comfort is one best advantage that recumbent bikes offer. The reclined position is perfect for extended rides. Bacchetta supplies a complete array of recumbent bikes.
Tandem Bikes
Tandem bicycles provide velocity as two individuals can pedal simultaneously. Front riders maneuver and brake, while the rear riders are free to have fun gazing around while sitting hands-free. The rear rider however should keep the pedal rhythm of the front rider. There are tandem models that feature individual pedaling structures wherein the riders don’t have to perform that. Co-Motion PeriScope and Trek series are smart tandem bike brands.
Folding
Folding bikes offer a smart way for people who need a bicycle to ride to a public transport stand and after that need to have another bicycle to ride to reach the aimed destination. Folding bikes can be dismantled, folded, and stacked in minutes by the use of interlocking hinges.
Stationary
These bicycles are athletic tools that do not go anywhere. Generally, stationary bicycles feature sturdy back inverted T-shaped support placed on the ground plus a front wheel positioned just off the floor that rolls by pedaling. Indoor stationary bikes are competent and are extensive exercise habits. Spinning and Belmont Wheelworks have different stationary bike models for any fitness fan.
The following are ten bicycle stores featured in Bicycle Retailer & Industry News leading bike sellers in the United States for 2007. They sell quality bicycle brands and models mentioned above.
Belmont Wheelworks
Bicycle Garage Indy
Breakaway Bicycles
Chainwheel Drive
Dahon California, Inc.
Gregg’s Greenlake Cycle
Kozy’s Cyclery and Fitness
Marty’s Reliable Cycle
Orange Cycle
Toga Bike Shop
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- High performance loose fit cycle short at an incredible value
- Nylon / spandex blend fabric is fast dry & moves with you
- Removable liner short with Versa Mountain chamois
- Gusseted crotch & snap waistband
- Two side pockets with velcro closure
Product Description
The Select Versa short from Pearl Izumi is a high performance short at an incredible value. It is constructed with a moisture managing, fast drying fabric that offers superior performance and exceptional durability. Slight stretch in the fabric allows you to move freely in these shorts. The gusseted crotch and side waistband elastic make the fit perfect for riding. The floating liner short is removable and integrates Pearl’s seamless, multi-density chamois Versa Mountain. The short also features a 10.5″ inseam, a zip fly with snap waistband closure and two side cargo pockets with hook and loop closure. Fabric content: Main – 96% nylon/4% spandex, Liner – 80% polester/20% Lycra. Size Chart (Waist Measurement): SM 29-31, MD 32-34, LG 35-37, XL 38-41, XXL 42-45.
Pearl Izumi Men’s Select Versa Cycling Short
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