Posts Tagged “Bikes”
Electra is a very well known brand that has been in the market for at least 13 years now. Most of the designs are popular because they are trendy, classic and modern. They are also easy to ride. They have cruise bikes for men and for women. For men there are two varieties- cruiser 1 and cruiser 2. It is made of classic steel. The bike costs about USD 240. It is a shimano nexus single speed bike in black color and steely white shade. For women four cruiser bikes are available. Cycling is such a favorite sport that it has attracted many people towards it. Electra manufactures some of the best bikes on par with international standards. They can be purchased online from many stores and also directly from the dealers that sell them. The Electra Betty and Electra coaster have been popular for long now with many bikers. The coaster comes with seven speeders.
Some of the other models that are doing well include Deluxe, Hawaii, Rat Rod, Rat Fink, pink fink and ghost rider. All these models have three speeders. These cruisers make great gifts for friends and family who enjoy riding. Ever since Schwinn launched it in 1933 the beach cruisers have become very popular. Electra has continued the tradition and launched its own versions that have hit the market. They also have their loyal customers who love the cruisers. These durable bikes have a niche of their own. Riders have full support while enjoying themselves.
Beachbikes.net sells well made stylish cruiser bikes from major brands like Electra, Nirve, Schwinn, Felt, Kustom Kruisers, sixthreezero and more at prices that are affordable.
No Comments »
Beach cruiser lowriders or beach bikes have come a long way since they were first made in the 1950s. At that time, beach bikes were designed to look like a motorbike. Today, they are much improved in design and performance. They are called beach cruiser lowriders because they are constructed close to the ground and are long in shape.
Beach bikes are great comfort vehicles as they make cruising along the beach or the roads a breeze. But, for proper comfort, it is necessary to choose the right beach bike.
By the nature of their design, beach bikes are built to offer maximum comfort. Riders can sit up and ride. This keeps the back comfortable. The seat is wide and has more cushioning effect. These bikes have seat shock absorbers and wider tires. Since beach bikes have a single speed, they are easy to ride. All these features add up to provide maximum rider comfort.
For most folks, beach bikes are the epitome of style. This is one bike that is meant to be seen. It is relaxed, cool and can express its rider’s personality more than anything else.
Today, most beach bikes are mass manufactured in China or Taiwan. Of course, this has had a benevolent effect on prices. Unfortunately, it’s not all good news. This kind of large scale production affects quality. Many bikes that would not have passed quality standards in the past are making it to the market. Most consumers don’t care about durability anyways, steeped as they are in the use-and-throw culture that is very much a part of the general consumer mindset these days.
However, if you want your beach cruiser to last longer, then, you need to pay attention to the quality of the bike. The best way to make out high quality bikes is to look for weld marks on the bike. If these marks are smooth, you can be sure of the high quality of the bike. On the other hand, lower quality bikes have metal puddle at joints where the metal has been welded.
Another matter that most users overlook is the material that the bike is made of. Steel or aluminum? Aluminum is lightweight and rust resistant. So, people who live near the beach or take their bikes to the beach regularly are better off with aluminum beach bikes. The downside is that variety is less when it comes to aluminum. The bulk of beach bikes is made of steel. So, you may find it more difficult to find the bike of your choice if you choose aluminum.
It’s a great thing to take an expert with you when you buy a bike. But, don’t worry if you can’t. Just keep your eyes open. Take a close look at the quality of the frame. Test the brakes and buy the bike that calls out to you. You can’t go wrong! For more information visit http://www.beachbikes.net
Beachbikes.net sells well made stylish beach cruisers from major brands like Electra, Nirve, Schwinn, Felt, Kustom Kruisers, sixthreezero and more at prices that are affordable.
No Comments »
- Custom red anodized
- Single speed chain guide
- 6 piece spacer kit
- 16T and 18T chromoly cogs included
Product Description
This kit contains everything you need to convert your multiple speed bike to a single speed. Included is the single speed chain guide, a 6 piece spacer kit, and 16T and 18T cogs.
Origin8 Single Speed Kit – converts multiple speed bikes to single speed
No Comments »
If you like cruising on the beach and look forward to enjoying your ride at a leisurely pace, then, a beach cruiser is your best bet. This bike is not really built for speed but for supreme rider comfort.
So, how do you buy the best beach cruiser?
Almost the first question you will be faced with is single or multi-speed. Depends on the terrain really. Single speed is ideal for long leisurely rides on slightly rough terrain like sand. This cruiser bike is not built for speed. These are really simple machines that suit riders who do not want to ride for long periods. This bike has a coaster brake that facilitates good control over small speeds. It is suitable for people who like uncomplicated things as these models are without gears. This is the bike that is best suited for people who want to enjoy their ride without shifting gears or worrying about problems like sand getting stuck inside the gears and so on. Just hop in and start cruising!
A multiple speed beach cruiser bike is ideal for rough, difficult terrain and for long rides. This is because the gear system is designed to accommodate various levels of difficulties. Most multiple speed bikes have between three and seven gears. The thumb-rule is, the fewer the number of gears, so much lesser is the flexibility of the bike as far as speed, resistance and control are concerned. So, for instance, cruiser bikes that have three gears will have only three levels of speed, while those with seven gears are more receptive to your needs. So, in case you are going up a hilly terrain, you can shift to a low gear and enjoy greater speed. If you are on level land and you want greater speed, shifting to the seventh gear will give you great speed, much like shifting to fifth gear in a car does. The latest models of cruiser bikes are equipped with hand grip shifters, which enable the rider to shift gears simply by twisting the hand.
The next big question that will be staring at you when you are ready to buy a cruiser bike is the material of the bike. Cruiser bikes may be made of steel or aluminum, so which one should you choose? Your choice depends on the place you stay in. If you are exposed to the salt spray from a beach or if your bike will be kept outside most of the time, then aluminum is recommended as this is resistant to rust, while steel is not. But steel cruiser bikes have a little more weight which helps riders keep a good balance while they are riding in high speed conditions.
Rims of tires could be made of steel or aluminum. Spokes made of steel are stronger while aluminum rims give more control when braking, particularly in wet conditions. Steel rims are prone to rust. This is why cruiser bikes made from aluminum or alloy material are pricier than those made of steel.
Beachbikes.net sells well made stylish beach bikes from major brands like Electra, Nirve, Schwinn, Felt, Kustom Kruisers, sixthreezero and more at prices that are affordable.
No Comments »
Mountain bikes are specially meant for rough and rugged terrains. These extra traction and shock absorbing mountain bicycles are provided with fat knobby tires. However, a full front and rear suspension is becoming quite a common factor nowadays with bikes meant for mountain rides. Some bikes of this particular variety are fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, but with recent trends the use of handlebars and extensions are becoming less and less popular.
Mountain bicycles have both 26 and 29 inches wheels. The larger wheels of this bike type have better rolling capacities over rocks and boulders. Moreover, wheels, which are larger in diameter, also bring about an enhancement in rotational weight giving way to stable acceleration.
Mountain Bicycles â Kings On Rugged Roads
Based on suspension, mountain bicycles are broadly graded into four different kinds:
Bikes with dual or full suspension â These bikes have front suspension fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and linkage that is ready to make the rear wheels move on pivots
Hardtail bikes â These bikes have frames with no rear suspension and they are often supplied with front suspension forks
Soft Tail Bikes â These bikes have frames with small amount of rear suspension. The bikes are activated by flex of the frame rather than the pivots
Fully rigid bikes â These bikes have a sub-type of hardtail along with rigid fork system
The Different Types Of Mountain Bicycles
The Cross-Country Mountain Bike
This bike variety has small amount of suspension on the front or on the rear. These bicycles are comparatively light because they are constructed with lightweight materials both in frame construction and in components. Some XC bike varieties of this particular type are without any suspension. They make use of rigid front fork that helps in saving weight. Here, the skill of the rider to pass through rough terrains is more important.
Freeride Mountain Bike
These are very similar to enduro bikes and emphasize more on weight and enhanced suspension. These bikes have ample suspension and they are mostly constructed with heavier materials. Freeride bikes are absolutely versatile and they are fantastic for uphill travel. The frame angles of such bikes are usually steeper in comparison to downhill bikes. Most freeride bikes are 30 to 45 pounds in weight.
Trials Mountain Bike
These are trial specific bikes. Most of these bikes are without any suspension. The contemporary trial bikes come without seats as most of the time the rider is out of the saddle. This bike is particularly lighter than other mountain bicycles and it weighs between 15 to 25 pounds. The lightweight makes it easier for the biker to maneuver the bike.
Single-Speed Mountain Bike
This is a kind of mountain bike with one set gear ratio. The ratio of the gear depends on the kind of terrain the bike crosses, the skill and strength of the bike rider and the size of the bike too. A single-speed bike is completely rigid having tough steel frames. If you want to ride a single-speed bicycle on mild to moderate cross-country terrains you have to be strong and active.
North Shore Mountain Bike
North shore mountain bike is genuinely constructed for rough and rugged land surfaces. A rider of this particular bike type has to exhibit lots of skill and balance while riding the bike. This bike is a wonderful combination of freeride and downhill bikes.
The other mountain bike varieties include Enduro Mountain Bike, Downhill Mountain Bike and Dirt Jumping Bike.
Most modern bikes meant for mountains have lighter and stronger frames with innovative design and form. The geometry of these bikes encourages vigorous riding over several obstacles like logs, rocks, wooden bridges and manually fabricated ramps. In the front, the bikes have three gears and it has 7, 8, 9, or 10 gears at the rear wheel position.
Some notable companies who have introduced the latest models of mountain bicycles include Fox, Manitou and Rock Shox along with other significant bike manufacturers. It is quite likely for you to make mistakes while riding a mountain bike. The mishaps generally take place due to equipment failure or misjudgment on the part of the rider. Thus, several companies have come forward with protective gears referred to as armors to provide full protection from injuries. Some essential upper body protectors for riders include spine protector, full-face helmets and backpack hydration system.
It is quite an established fact that mountain bicycles are aptly designed following the present trend and demand. They are in fact the dream of every spirited and efficient mountain biker.
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Mountain-Bikes.html
No Comments »
Mountain bikes are specially meant for rough and rugged terrains. These extra traction and shock absorbing mountain bicycles are provided with fat knobby tires.
However, a full front and rear suspension is becoming quite a common factor nowadays with bikes meant for mountain rides. Some bikes of this particular variety are fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, but with recent trends the use of handlebars and extensions are becoming less and less popular.
Mountain bicycles have both 26 and 29 inches wheels. The larger wheels of this bike type have better rolling capacities over rocks and boulders. Moreover, wheels, which are larger in diameter, also bring about an enhancement in rotational weight giving way to stable acceleration.
Mountain Bicycles Kings On Rugged Roads
Based on suspension, mountain bicycles are broadly graded into four different kinds:
Bikes with dual or full suspension, These bikes have front suspension fork and rear suspension with a rear shock and linkage that is ready to make the rear wheels move on pivots
Hardtail bikes, These bikes have frames with no rear suspension and they are often supplied with front suspension forks
Soft Tail Bikes, These bikes have frames with small amount of rear suspension. The bikes are activated by flex of the frame rather than the pivots
Fully rigid bikes, These bikes have a sub-type of hardtail along with rigid fork system
The Different Types Of Mountain Bicycles
The Cross-Country Mountain Bike
This bike variety has small amount of suspension on the front or on the rear. These bicycles are comparatively light because they are constructed with lightweight materials both in frame construction and in components.
Some XC bike varieties of this particular type are without any suspension. They make use of rigid front fork that helps in saving weight. Here, the skill of the rider to pass through rough terrains is more important.
Freeride Mountain Bike
These are very similar to enduro bikes and emphasize more on weight and enhanced suspension. These bikes have ample suspension and they are mostly constructed with heavier materials. Freeride bikes are absolutely versatile and they are fantastic for uphill travel. The frame angles of such bikes are usually steeper in comparison to downhill bikes. Most freeride bikes are 30 to 45 pounds in weight.
Trials Mountain Bike
These are trial specific bikes. Most of these bikes are without any suspension. The contemporary trial bikes come without seats as most of the time the rider is out of the saddle. This bike is particularly lighter than other mountain bicycles and it weighs between 15 to 25 pounds. The lightweight makes it easier for the biker to maneuver the bike.
Single-Speed Mountain Bike
This is a kind of mountain bike with one set gear ratio. The ratio of the gear depends on the kind of terrain the bike crosses, the skill and strength of the bike rider and the size of the bike too. A single-speed bike is completely rigid having tough steel frames. If you want to ride a single-speed bicycle on mild to moderate cross-country terrains you have to be strong and active.
North Shore Mountain Bike
North shore mountain bike is genuinely constructed for rough and rugged land surfaces. A rider of this particular bike type has to exhibit lots of skill and balance while riding the bike. This bike is a wonderful combination of freeride and downhill bikes.
The other mountain bike varieties include Enduro Mountain Bike, Downhill Mountain Bike and Dirt Jumping Bike.
Most modern bikes meant for mountains have lighter and stronger frames with innovative design and form. The geometry of these bikes encourages vigorous riding over several obstacles like logs, rocks, wooden bridges and manually fabricated ramps. In the front, the bikes have three gears and it has 7, 8, 9, or 10 gears at the rear wheel position.
Some notable companies who have introduced the latest models of mountain bicycles include Fox, Manitou and Rock Shox along with other significant bike manufacturers. It is quite likely for you to make mistakes while riding a mountain bike. The mishaps generally take place due to equipment failure or misjudgment on the part of the rider.
Thus, several companies have come forward with protective gears referred to as armors to provide full protection from injuries. Some essential upper body protectors for riders include spine protector, full-face helmets and backpack hydration system.
It is quite an established fact that mountain bicycles are aptly designed following the present trend and demand. They are in fact the dream of every spirited and efficient mountain biker.
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Mountain-Bikes.html
No Comments »
Some of you may have heard the kid down the street or even seen the young punk on the corner riding around and what looks like a 10 speed bike. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll discover that there aren’t 10 speeds on that bike. In fact, you’d probably discover that there is just a single speed. That’s because these kids undoubtedly took their parents old Schwinn, took off the derailer, put on a fixed-gear or track-bike hub, took off the brakes, slapped on some crazy “mustache” handle bars, rolled up their pants, and rode down to the closes critical mass ride with their new converted fixed gear (OR spent a few hundred bucks to have someone do it for them).
In any regards, fixed gear bikes are all the rage in the hipster population. And it couldn’t have come at a better time. With gas prices at an all time high and the need to go “Green”, you can’t blame the kids for huffing it on 2 wheels for free and no exhaust smoke rather than spending close to hundreds each month just to go a few miles down the road and spew forth fumes for miles (come on admit it – you’ve driven to places that you totally could have walked to). So if you’re new to this fixed gear bike thing and are curious about how it all works, here’s a quick breeze through the basics.
HOW A FIXED GEAR BIKE WORKS
It’s simple. Fixed gear bikes are exactly that – fixed! Also known as a fixed wheel bicycle, it’s basically a bicycle without the ability to coast (coast meaning you stop pedaling but the back hub still spins). The sprocket is screwed directly on to the hub and there is no freewheel mechanism. That means you can’t coast on a fixed gear bike. Your feet are always pedaling. As exhausting as this sounds, it does provide you with more efficiency when pedaling.
Most fixed gear bicycles only have one gear ratio. This means there are no additional gears to switch to. Your typical BMX bike is a single speed gear, however, BMX bikes tend to have freewheels (aka you can COAST!).
WHY DID FIXED GEAR BIKES TAKE OFF?
Some say the popularity of fixed gear bikes can be traced back to bike messengers. They’ve been using fixed / single speed bicycles for years as it helps them get around faster (back to the whole efficiency of movement thing). Bike messengers were also known for being renegades on some level and having a “punk” attitude. This combined with the general popularity of bikes, skateboarding, surfing, and anything else that allows the youth of today to break free of government mandated roads and public transit system and blaze their own trails across the land (and look good doing it too).
WILL THE FIXED GEAR BIKE CRAZY LAST?
Who knows. I honestly hope so because it is a way to cut down on pollutants, spend less on gas, stay in shape, AND make a statement – ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Who could ask for anything more (Toyyyota!).
Jim enjoys stuff. Stuff is cool. This article is on fixed gear bikes. They are cool. For more cool stuff, I suggest http://www.thefixedgeargallery.com
No Comments »
What are beach cruisers?
Beach cruisers are the most authentic bikes which are mainly used for a ride in the sea beaches. The beach bikes are the perfect epitomes of style and the speed of these beach cruisers are generally moderate. They can also run with a greater speed. In some cases, the beach bikes are bought to bring elegance to your riding style. It is therefore bought by all classes of adolescent people.
Why do people buy this bike?
People buy the beach bikes for a number of reasons. They are the following:
* Accessories like baskets: The beach bikes are provided with accessories. There are bike baskets which can be placed at the back of the bike and helps in carrying essential goods. You can carry the essential things which you may have bought from the sea beach for example the shells, curtains made of sea shells, flower vases and ornaments. The baskets, apart from carrying the essential items also enhance the beauty of the bike. They are available in various shapes and colors. Since they are elegant looking, people likes to place them at the back of their bikes.
* Bags: Apart from the bike baskets you can carry the bags in which you can take the essential items with you. Inside the bags you can also take the essential goods which you can carry in the basket. The only difference is that perhaps, the bags are smaller in size and the baskets being of a larger size can carry more goods.
* Bike lights: The bike lights are essential things which are required for carrying your forward. They are made with exquisite designs and currently numerous elegant styles of front lights are available. They are fashioned in such way that every young citizen would definitely like it. The bike lights are of supreme importance and since they are required for daily use in the darkness, they are the best accompaniment of the bike rider.
* Bike repairs: While carrying the bike with you, you must always carry the bike repairs. They include the screw divers and the other mechanical equipments which are required to keep your bike in order. When your bike goes out of way you can make use of the accessories in order to put them back in proper order. Bikes are useful for a short ride and people who uses the beach bikes know very well how these bikes moves on.
Beachbikes.net sells well made stylish beach bikes from major brands like Electra, Nirve, Schwinn, Felt, Kustom Kruisers, sixthreezero and more at prices that are affordable.
No Comments »
Dawes bikes have been in the cycle manufacturing business for over a 100 years now. They offer a decent collection of road cycles. The Dawes Bicycle company was founded in the year 1906 in Birmingham, UK when Charles Dawes merged business with a cycle company that was originally called Humphries & Dawes. The Humphries were in the business of manufacturing motorcycles, which they continued doing while Dawes concentrated on Road Bicycles for the Racing Cycle market. By 1926 Dawes Cycles was fully established and it focused on the production of cycles. Dawes Cycles are famous for their quality as they are hand built by an extremely skilled and experienced workforce. One of the best selling Dawes Cycles in the cycle market was the Dawes Galaxy a Road Bike which was especially built for Touring, and that is still being made today and also the Dawes Super Galaxy. The new range of Dawes Road Cycles includes the Dawes Giro range with the Giro 200, Giro 300, Giro 400 and Giro 500 and all of them differ slightly to cater to a wide range of consumers and wallets. The current best selling road cycle is the Giro 500 the frame is built from double butted alloy 6061 with carbon stays and an Alloy Steerer with carbon blades. The finishing kit of the Giro models, are all of the best quality. The Sportif Ultra Ti comes form the Dawes Sportif range, the price of the Sportif Ultra ti is similar to that of the Giro 500. The Sportif Ti is made from hi tech Titanium and built for comfort with a low weight and Sportif/Audax geometry the ride characteristics of the Sportif 3AI/2.5V are superb and give comfort that only titanium frames can give- rigid, and comfortable with carbon forks, Shimano Ultegra compact gear set and WH-RS20 wheels. So, if one is looking for high quality hand made cycles with a long tradition of comfort and service, then Dawes Road cycles are the answer which would help you in the sport of road cycling.
Dawes Bike Offerings
Dawes was one of the first companies to produce a complete single speed mountain bike, the Edge One.
Some vintage Dawes cycles have a distinctive curved seat tube that parallels the rear wheel closely, in order to reduce the wheelbase.
This British brand of bicycle has a long heritage of making great quality bikes. From tandem to folding bikes, and even BMX and freestyle bikes, Dawes has what you need. You can even convert one into a Dawes fixed gear bike (why not!). Check out these different styles and offers and figure out if Dawes is the bike brand for you. You just might find what you’re looking for.
Types of Dawes Bikes
12″ Wheel (2 1/2 to 5 yrs)
14″ Wheel (4 to 6 yrs)
16″ Wheel (5 to 7 yrs)
20″ Wheel (7 to 9 yrs)
24″ Wheel (9 to 11 yrs)
BMX – Dirtjump
BMX – Freestyle
Leisure Bikes – Comfort Bikes (26W)
Leisure Bikes – Fast City
Leisure Bikes – Folding Bikes
Leisure Bikes – Hybrids
Leisure Bikes – Traditional
Leisure Bikes – Trekking
Mountain Bikes – Front Suspension
Mountain Bikes – No Suspension (Rigid)
Mountain Bikes – Womens
Racing – Cyclo Cross
Racing – Road Racing
Racing – Single Speed
Tandems
Tourers / Audax
No Comments »
Posted by Blogmaster in Books (Bicycle Repairs), tags: Bicycle, Bicycling, Bikes, Complete, Guide, Including, Magazine's, Maintenance, Mountain, Repair, Road
![]()
Product Description
This comprehensive, completely revised edition of a classic features step-by-step diagrams and photos for clear instruction on keeping today’s bikes in optimum shape. Includes maintenance schedules and shows how to set up a home work station. Glossary.Amazon.com Review
Your local bike mechanic might have you thinking that “wrenching” is right up there with rocket science. But the truth is, anyone can master the ins and outs of bicycle maintenance if he or she has a good teacher. In lieu of a professor, the editors of Bicycling and Mountain Bike magazines have created a shop companion, which they refer to as “another tool for working on your bike.” They guide you from the basics of your preride checklist to tuning your derailleurs and overhauling your hubs. And they offer updated info on maintaining front shocks and even a handful of rear suspensions. What’s more, they can walk you through the arduous task of rebuilding ancient parts that some shop mechanics haven’t even heard of. If you’ve ever tried to work on your own car, you’ve undoubtedly developed a healthy fear of automobile shop manuals. But unlike the cryptic list of part numbers and equations you’ll find at Pep Boys, this guide is written by people who want you to see just how rewarding bike maintenance can be. –Ben Tiffany
Bicycling Magazine’s Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair: Including Road Bikes and Mountain Bikes
5 Comments »
|
Entries (RSS)