Cool Biking Zone

Get In Gear For Your Mountain Bike

By: Alastair Hamilton

Necessary equipment for the casual bike rider consists of a helmet, and a headlight if there’s a chance of biking at night, and that’s about it. Anything else is gravy.

The same can not be said for the mountain biker. To have a safe and enjoyable ride, the mountain biker needs quite a bit of gear.

Even more so than for the casual biker, a helmet is a must. And take care about choosing a helmet. A poor-fitting helmet is of no use, so make sure it fits your head securely.

A good pair of gloves serve two purposes. You’ll get a better grip on the handlebars with your gloves, and of course should you take a spill your hands won’t get torn up.

Clothing
What to wear? Most people go mountain biking in the summer, so they wear shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes. If they’re the hardy sort, they’ll put on sweatshirts and pants for the colder months.

But it’s also a good idea to wear padding on knees and elbows. The thing about mountain biking is that it’s not a question of if you’ll fall, but when. So it’s only common sense to wear padding and prevent a serious injury. If you’re a dedicated rider you don’t want to have to spend any time off the bike recuperating from a broken arm when with a little common sense you could avoid the problem.

Shoes
Don’t forget the shoes! These days shoes are designed especially for every sport under the sun, and mountain biking is no different. As a mountain biker you want to make sure your feet stay on the pedals, and you want shoes that are comfortable to well as well.

Accessories
A new trend in mountain biking is riding at night. Well, if you’re going to ride at night you’ve got to have a light! If you’re going for long distances you’ll want to have a hydropack of some kind, so that you can drink liquids on the go.

It’s possible to scour the web for your clothes and accessories, but to be sure of a good fit, it’s always best to give as much business as possible to your local bike store.

The Bike
You’ve got the gear, now you need the bike.

And these are not your granddaddy’s bikes. Technology has improved the design of bicycles in every way, and quality bikes are offered at affordable prices - but you’ve still got to pick the right one for you.

The best thing to do when choosing a bike is talk to owners of various types of bikes - maybe even borrow a ride on them, so you can compare the differences in saddle feel, shock absorbers, handling, and most importantly, weight. Don’t just talk to one person, get a good cross-section of opinions.

If you’re going to be a competitive mountain biker - taking parts in races - you’ll need a more expensive kind of bike, of course, one with a titanium frame and all the bells and whistles. If you’re just going to be going out to the trails on the weekends in your version of kicking back and relaxing, you won’t need that much bang for your buck

There are two main types of mountain bikes: the Hardtail, which has a frame with no rear suspension and the Softtail, which has a frame with a small amount of rear suspension. The most comfortable bike is perhaps one with full or “dual” suspension - a front suspension fork and a rear shock.

The type of bike you get also depends on the kind of riding you’ll want to do: cross-country, enduro, free ride, downhill, etc. Again, you’ll want to talk to fellow riders to see which is the best kind of bike for the particular kind of riding you want to do.

–About–

Alastair Hamilton enjoys writing for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com. A free online magazine that carries articles on mountain bike, and a guide on clothing here mountain bike

Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment February 15th, 2008

The Car Bike Rack - A Good Investment

By: Alastair Hamilton

There’s few investments that will cost you so little and deliver so much than a car bike rack.

If you’re a bicyclist, you already know the pleasures and advantages of bike riding. Biking is an excellent way to lose weight, or more importantly to maintain once you’ve lost that weight. And it’s also a most enjoyable way to see the sights of a city. But biking is a lot more enjoyable if you can get out to the parks or out into the suburbs where you can enjoy the quiet of nature.

If you hesitate to bike because you don’t like being on your own, there are plenty of biking clubs eager for members. By joining a bike club you’ll meet people who share the same kind of interests. You’ll have an incentive to go out biking on a regular basis. It’s a win win situation.

The whole wide world is before you - at least, the parts of it that you can reach with your car. By taking advantage of your mechanical wheels you can get out to the trails in the mountains, woods, or even on the beaches.

But if you’re going on a long distance journey, you’ll need to transport your bikes somehow, and the perfect way to do that is with a car bike rack.

You’ve spent a lot of money on your bike - whether it’s one designed to take you over hill and dale, or one designed to take you careening down mountain trails - and you don’t want it damaged or scratched before you even get it out onto the trails.

You’ve also spent a lot of money on your car, truck or SUV, and you don’t want that unnecessarily scratched, or stained with dirt or grease.

So you need to invest in a car bicycle rack as well.

The Car Bike Carrier for Every Vehicle

There is a bike rack out there that will fit any car, any truck, any SUV.

There are three types of bike rack on the market. The most common rack you see is the rear-mounted rack, which is attached to the trunk of your car. This type of rack generally only holds up to 3 bicycles.

Also available is the hitch rack, sometimes called the receiver rack. This type of car bike rack fits over your car hitch, which keeps the bikes further away from your trunk, and you can generally hold up to five bicycles.

Those two racks are the most popular, but some people worry about being rear-ended in an accident, which would of course do a considerable amount of damage to their bicycles. So they elect to get a roof rack.

The roof rack, also called a top rack, is just what it seems - a rack that fits on the top of your car. Bikes are safer up there if you’re afraid of a casual fender bender. But you do have to have the strength to lift the bike up or down from its perch.

There are so many styles of car bike racks, so many manufacturers of quality, that you’ll be sure to find something that fits your needs at the price you can afford, and it will protect your investments in car and bike as well. So don’t delay, go out and get a car bike rack today.

–About–

Alastair Hamilton publishes articles at http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com. For additional information regarding bicycle carriers or cycling accessories go to car bike rack.

Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment February 15th, 2008

Mountain Bike Tours And You

By: Alastair Hamilton

If you like mountain biking and traveling, why not combine the two for your next vacation? There are mountain bike tours for every skill level of biker. All you have to do is choose one.

Mountain bike tours are easy to find all over the world. An organized mountain bike tour is wonderful for many different reasons. The first reason is that it will offer you the opportunity to visit places in a way that you never have. It will also offer you a way to exercise, have adventure, and have a lot of fun.

The Basics of a Mountain Bike Tour
On a mountain bike tour, you will be supplied with the necessary things to make your bike riding as enjoyable as possible. You pay for this tour and they want to ensure that you have as good a time as possible. They will give you any information that you need, a bicycle, and a helmet to help make your mountain bike tour into the time of your life.

Take a Look Around
Take the time to look around at the different sights that are offered to you on the mountain bike tour. If you are a beginner, then you will want to choose a mountain bike tour that is designed for your biking experience so that you will get the most out of the tour. These mountain bike tours are a great way to increase the adventure in your life so that you can concentrate on having fun and forget about your problems.

What to Expect
There are a great number of different tours that revolve around mountain biking. From day trips to overnight trips, you can find the right mountain bike tour for you. You can see all different types of scenery as well, from idyllic garden countryside’s to forests and wilderness. Your guide will be able to guide you in getting the most from your bike tour.

Start Riding
Once you go on your first mountain bike tour, you will find that you are hooked. You will be looking for the next one to do. After you are more experienced, you will find that you will be planning more and more mountain bike tours.

A Variety of Mountain Bike Tours
Mountain bike tours come in a large variety of different skill levels, time periods, and scenery. You will be able to find mountain bike tours that tour different areas all around the world. You will find that doing your sightseeing on the back of a bike will give you a different perspective than you ever imagined. After you take your first mountain bike tour, you will never be the same.

–About–

Alastair Hamilton use to write on cycling tour and similar subjects for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com. A website with tips on mountain bike tour, amongst many related topics.

Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment February 15th, 2008

Bicycling Preparedness With A Car Bike Rack

By: Alastair Hamilton

A car bike rack offers you the flexibility to take your bicycle where you want to. This can save you money and time when you want to go bicycling out of town.

Vacations can be even more adventurous and fun with a car bike rack. Bicycling is an important part of your life and why wouldn’t you want the flexibility of being able to take your bicycle with you wherever you may go? A car bike car can give you that flexibility to bicycle in places that you have never imagined – from the beaches to the forests – it is entirely up to you.

It is possible that you can rent a bike, but there may be some problems with that. For one thing, it is quite expensive. The other problem may be that you will not be able to find a quality bike that you will be entirely comfortable with. By investing in a car bike rack, you will be able to take your bike on every trip that you make.

I am able to take my bicycle anywhere that I want to. My car bike rack makes it easy to load and take to any trails that I choose. I even find some unexpected places to ride on my trips.

If bicycling is one of your favorite things to do and you don’t currently have a car bike rack, then you are really missing out. You can find so much information online about different bike trails and trips that revolve around bicycling. By having a car bike rack, you can take your bicycle anywhere that you want.

Your whole family will enjoy being able to take their bikes on weekend trips. Bicycling together is a great way to bond and have fun. It will also create memories that will last a lifetime, as well as give you a great deal of much needed exercise. No matter what age of your children, they are sure to love bicycling.

A car bike rack will make it more convenient for bicycling. No matter where you want to go, you are sure to find bicycling trails that will be fun and adventurous. Just load the bikes onto your car bike rack and go! No excuses necessary.

Finding things to do with your children is sometimes difficult, but you will have no trouble getting them to go biking with you. Being able to take your bicycles anywhere you choose by using your car bike rack will give you that added convenience and flexibility. Your children will enjoy spending this quality time with you.

A car bike rack can give you the tool to make bicycling more fun and versatile. By allowing your kids to gain a love for bicycling, you will give them memories that they will always treasure.

–About–

Alastair Hamilton publishes articles for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com. For additional information on cycling accessories or car bike rack subjects have a look at his web.

Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment February 15th, 2008

Cooling It With A Beach Cruiser Lowrider Bike

By: Alastair Hamilton

A lowrider bike is an awesome way to express your creativity and imagination. They are quickly gaining popularity all over the world due to their comfortable ride and stylish look.

Beach lowrider bikes are one of new styles of bicycles that are full of fun and enjoyment. You will see them in all different parts of the U.S., but mostly in urban areas. There are a great deal of groups that revolve around building, embellishing, and showing your friends and others your beach lowrider bikes. In the 1950s, there were hybrids of the traditional bicycles being born, including one of the first forms of the beach lowrider bikes. The thing that was different was that they were made to be very low to the ground and were longer than a traditional bicycle.

Eddie Munster is thought to have helped to make the lowrider bikes popular. This was during the 1960s show ‘The Munster’s.’ This first lowrider bike as a Schwinn Stingray and people quickly began to fall in love with this stylish bicycle. This first lowrider bike quickly became very popular and designers all over the world began to create their own version of this bicycle. Lowrider bikes are not made for going fast, but they are made for relaxing, easy rides through the neighborhood showing off your stylish bike.

Riding lowrider bikes is very comfortable because of their design. The fact that riders can sit up straight makes it less painful on the back and the handlebars are at a comfortable height, too. The seat is also very comfortable, because it is wider than a traditional bicycle and more cushioned. The under the seat shock absorber and wider tires help to keep the ride smooth. They are easy to manage and ride, too, due to the fact that most lowrider bikes only have one speed. This is great, unless you want to ride on a great deal of different terrain, and, if so, then you may want to consider purchasing a lowrider that has multiple speeds.

Beach cruiser lowrider bikes can also quickly become a statement of your personality and creativity. There is so much that you can do to your lowrider bike to make it into that personal statement that you want. From hand painting to unusual components to hydraulics and more, you are sure to find some ways to turn your lowrider bikes into the showpiece that you want. Individuality is big in lowrider bike enthusiasts and it is entirely possible that you will not see the same bicycle twice. Whether you choose to have your lowrider bike customized for you or you do it yourself, you are sure to have a lowrider bike that is fun and stylish to ride. What could be better than that?

–About–

Alastair Hamilton is the editor of http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com. You can find more information and resources on lowrider bikes at his website.

Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment February 15th, 2008

Mountain Bikes And Their Parts

By: Alastair Hamilton

There are many parts that help make a mountain bike. By learning more about these parts, you can become a better rider.

Mountain bikes are an essential bicycle if you are interested in riding down or up some hills or other varied terrain. There are many parts that make mountain bikes able to handle this kind of riding and they are listed below:

1. Crank – This lever goes from the pedal to the bottom bracket. It is what transfers the power from you to the chain rings so that you go, go, go!

2. Chain – This is the circular links that helps to transfer your power to the cogs.

3. Chain ring – This is the rings with teeth that hold the chain in place. They are attached to the crank.

4. Bottom Bracket – This is what is attached from the bike’s body to the crankset.

5. Handlebar – This is the horizontal bar with handgrips that is attached to the stem. This is how you steer the bicycle.

6. Saddle – The seat of the bicycle where you sit.

7. Pedal – This is the platform that you place your feet on to pedal the bicycle. It is attached to the crank.

8. Hub – This is the central part of the wheel that is where the spokes are attached.

9. Nipple – This part holds the rims and spokes together.

10. Brake lever – This is the handlebar lever that controls the brakes. The right lever controls the rear brake and the left lever controls the front brake.

11. Brake cable – This is a cable that connects the mechanism of the brakes with the brake levers.

12. Rim – This metallic ring keeps the spokes and tire separated.

13. Headset – This part connects the handlebars with the stem’s front fork.

14. Down tube – This frame section goes from the bottom bracket to the stem.

15. Front shock – This is the front fork’s shock absorber.

16. Idler pulley – This is the pulley that is on the bottom part of the rear derailleur. It helps to keep the chain as tight as possible by apply spring tension.

17. Rear shock – This is the rear tire’s shock absorber on the dual suspension bicycles.

18. Spokes – These are the thick wires that are attached to the rim and hub of the wheel.

19. Spindle – This is an axle that is freely rotating. It is attached to the crank arms.

20. Skewer – This is the part that attaches the wheel to the frame. It is composed of a metallic rod that runs through the wheel hub.

21. Wheel hub – This is the center of the wheel that is connect to the spokes.

22. Stem – This is the part that attaches the steering tube and the handlebars to enable you to steer the bicycle.

23. Seat post – This part supports the seat/saddle.

–About–

Alastair Hamilton is the author of many articles on subjects like bike parts and published at http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com. A website with tips on mountain bikes, amongst many related topics.

Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment February 15th, 2008

Yakima Car Bike Racks

By: Alastair Hamilton

Yakima car bike racks will make an excellent gift for any bicycler. They are not that expensive and can be very functional for any bicycler.

If you are looking for a gift for that biker in your life, then you may want to consider a Yakima car bike rack. This car bike rack can help keep their bike safe and secure and it will be functional for them so that they can take their bike anywhere that they choose.

A car bike rack will make a wonderful gift for any friend or family member. For some people, purchasing a car bike rack is not something that they will do because they think that they are expensive, but they are actually priced quite reasonably. They can also save you money because they will save wear on your bike.

If you don’t have a car bike rack, but still carry around your bike, you may find that your bike will bang against your car, which is not good for your bike or for your car. A car bike rack can help you’re your bike securely fastened so that it does not move around. This can save both the finish on your car and your bike from unnecessary damage.

A Yakima car bike rack can also keep the bike from bumping against the rack itself. The bike is help securely in the car bike rack, which will help keep your investment safe.

If longer bike racks are your thing, then you will most definitely want a car bike rack. This can help you get your bike to any forest trail that you choose, even if it is very far away. This can be quite convenient for you.

To get a bike ride that you will be satisfied with, it may take time and effort to find the right trails. You may have to do some driving around to find a place that will meet your bike riding specifications. If you have a car bike rack, then you can take your bike along with you, to save time, energy, and fuel.

You do not want to wait until the day that you want to go biking. You will want to make this car bike rack purchase before it starts getting pretty outside, so that you can enjoy the good weather when it comes. You will be glad that you did.

You will find that Yakima bike racks are simple to use. They will keep your bike secure and stable to help keep it from getting damaged. A Yakima car bike rack may be just what you need to help make your biking experience more fun and enjoyable. Have a good time!

–About–

Alastair Hamilton writes for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com. A focused website that offers the best articles on car bike rack and cycling accessories.

Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment February 15th, 2008

Saris Car Bike Racks

By: Alastair Hamilton

A Saris car bike rack can be a great addition to any biker’s repertoire. By evaluating your needs and desires, you can find the right car bike rack for you.

The Saris car bike rack is very popular due the fact that they manufacture high quality bicycles. Car bike racks should be high quality, too, which is why some people prefer buying them with a reputable manufacture backing it. The car bike rack is what keeps your bike safe, so it is important to make that decision carefully.

Finding the right car bike rack is essential. There are some things that you will want to consider when choosing a car bike rack. You need to consider the car that you are going to be using it on, because this can make a big difference in the type of car bike rack that you need. You also need to think about the number of bikes that you are going to be hauling around, as well as the type of bike. All of these factors can make a determination in which car bike rack that you need for your particular use.

You have lots of choices in car bike racks, even if you determine that you want the Saris brand rack. You want to find the car bike rack that suits your particular uses, so that you will get maximum use from it. Car bike rack reviews can be a very helpful tool for you to determine the car bike rack for you and your particular needs.

After you decide which car bike racks that you are interested in, you need to evaluate and compare the different warranties that are offered. Comparing prices can help you to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. By putting in this time and effort, you will help to increase your satisfaction level with your purchase. Then you will only have to install it and be on your way!

Purchasing a Saris Bicycle Rack
If you have decided upon a Saris car bike rack, then you need to know that you have made an excellent choice. Saris manufactures high quality bicycles and bicycling equipment, so you know that it will hold up well to use. A car bike rack is an important thing to have, so you will want to consider a few things before you make your purchase.

What are your needs? Do you ride by yourself or with your family or friends? You need to try to determine how many bikes that you will be carrying so that you can purchase the right car bike rack for your needs.

There are several places that you can purchase a car bike rack. You will want to make sure that you are getting the maximum value for your money. Watch the sales and look at many different stores to get the best price possible.

Security is something that you will want to keep in mind when choosing a car bike rack as well. A bicycle can be quite an investment and you will want to be sure that your bike stays secure and safe. You will want to make sure that the car bike rack that you choose has some kind of anti-theft device to help keep your bike and investment safe.

–About__

Alastair Hamilton is the editor of http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com. For additional information on cycling accessories or car bike rack subjects have a look at his web.

Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment February 15th, 2008

Touring Through Spain On A Bike

By: Alastair Hamilton

Touring bikes are a great tool for taking a Spain bike tour. They will hold your supplies so that you will be able to go anywhere that you choose.

If you want to take a Spain bike tour, then you may want to consider investing in a touring bicycle. This type of bicycle is specially made to carry food, clothes, and other supplies that you will need on your Spain bike tour or other bike tour. There are racks that are on the front and rear of the touring bike for toting around all the extra stuff that you need on a trip. They also feature three water bottle holders, a large wheelbase, and mudguard mounts, and a frame that fits the wider tires perfectly.

Three common touring bikes are available today. These include the tandem, recumbent, and road touring bikes. Every touring bike has its specific benefits and they should be chosen after considering your individual needs and desires.

The classic touring bike has a wheel that is 700c, with a diameter that is the same size of a racing bike, but with more ample clearance for the frame and a wider rim. You will notice that most manufacturers modify a mountain bike tire that is 26”, because it is very strong and gives you better resistance while riding.

Have you seen those cool recumbent touring bikes? These bikes are easy to notice, due to the position of the seat. This touring bike offers the rider a reclined seat that keeps their legs in front of the seat, rather than under the seat. The steering is usually slightly below or above the level of the seat for maximum comfort.

A tandem bicycle is a bicycle built for two and is very popular for couples who are going on a trip of a long distance. This bike would be excellent for you and your husband to take that Spain bike tour or other tour across a country. These bikes will not carry extra weight like supplies, so you may want to hook a trailer to your tandem bike to take a long trip.

The more modern touring bikes have the proper equipment for long distance rides complete with saddles that you can ride comfortable for a long distance, road handlebars, and front and rear luggage racks for all of your gear. This bike has sturdy wheels and rims that withstand riding and are stable and durable. You can find trailers to tow some of your gear and this is a wonderful idea if you have quite a bit of supplies, because it gives you a lower center of gravity.

Touring bikes are made to be very durable and sturdy for the up and down roads. The brakes on a touring bike are different than on other bikes as they are lever-pulled or cantilever brakes. You may even find a touring bike that comes complete with disc brakes simply because they offer additional braking.

Touring bikes are not known for their speed, but they are known for functionality in traveling and durability. This bike is excellent to use on your Spain bike tour or any bike tour that you want to take.

–About–

Alastair Hamilton contributes editing long articles on bicycle tours for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . Find more publications about Spain bike tour at his website.

Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment February 15th, 2008

Mountain Bikes And Accessories

By: Alastair Hamilton

Choosing the right accessories for your mountain bike is essential to having a fun ride. Be sure that you carefully consider your biking style and needs before choosing your mountain bike accessories.

Mountain bikes and their accessories can be quite overwhelming when you first begin shopping for this fun hobby. The mountain bike itself will be one of the first things that you buy, but there are also some mountain bikes accessories that you will need when you begin this adventure as well.

Mountain bike accessories abound at the bicycle shop. It is important that you learn about the accessories that are truly needed, however, so that you spend your money wisely. You are looking for items that will be useful and that are a necessity, rather than the cool mountain bikes accessories. By just purchasing the more important things, you will be able to stay on budget and will be much happier overall.

Helmet
In mountain bikes accessories, the most important thing that you need is a bike helmet. Bicycling without a helmet should never be done. It is just too dangerous to bicycle without a proper helmet. There have been many visits to the emergency room due to riders not wearing proper bike helmets and this could simply be remedied. They are functional and can be stylish for the bikers.

Gloves
Hands can take quite a beating while riding a bike, no matter what the weather is like outside. If you are a beginner rider, then you may clench the handlebars with your hands, which can be quite damaging to your hands. Crashes may cause you to damage your hands as well, simply because you put your hands out to catch yourself. Some gloves to ride your mountain bikes can be just the thing to help keep your hands from damage.

Shorts
Mountain biking can be quite painful on your bottom. That is why you may want to consider adding mountain biking shorts to your accessories. They are cushioned some in the rear area, which can help to keep your bottom from some of the pain. They are quite comfortable and they are not that expensive, either.

Shoes
The kind of shoes that your purchase for your mountain bike adventures will be dependent upon the mountain bikes pedals and the riding that you are planning on doing. If you have clipless pedals, then you will need the shoes that have special cleats. A good pair of shoes for mountain biking will be comfortable, durable, and the sole will be stiff. Ask for assistance at the local bike shop if you are not sure about the shoes that you should choose.

Protect Your Eyes
It is important to keep your eyes protected while riding. You can use clear lens glasses or sunglass to help keep dust, debris, and wind out of your eyes, which can be quite dangerous if you are riding. Make sure that you choose unbreakable lenses for maximum safety.

Keep Hydrated
A water bottle or hydration backpack is something that you will want to consider when you go adventuring on your mountain bikes. Bicycling can dehydrate you and having a way to rehydrate your body can make you feel better and have a better time.

Repair Kit
If you don’t have a way to repair your bike, then you may find yourself spending the night in the woods. This is why you will want to be sure to find a repair kit for mountain bikes. A multi-tool, tire patch kit, and tire levers are a few of the things that you will want to consider.

—About–

Alastair Hamilton is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com. A focused website that offers the best articles on mountain bikes and accessories.

Source: Cool Biking Zone

Add comment February 10th, 2008