Work Life Tips » Bicycle Tips

More Bike Safety Information – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:45:53 +0000

Since laws on bike riding vary by state and country, contact your local Department of Transportation, and see if they have published a bike safety guide. More experienced riders are also a great source of information, though you will find over time that different riders have different opinions on what is and is not safe. Weigh the facts carefully before making your own decision.

Bicycle Racing – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:45:16 +0000

Bike racing is one of the most popular and exhilirating sports in the world. Most countries divide racers up by level of experience, so if you’re a beginer, don’t worry about getting crushed by the competition. In your first race, stay near the front of the field, but don’t break the wind for other riders. Try to stay tucked behind someone else so they break the wind for you. For safety, ride in as straight a line as possble and avoid swerving. Observe more experienced riders in your race, and emulate what they do.

Where to Buy a Bicycle – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:44:35 +0000

If you haven’t ridden a bicycle in a while, buy from a serious bike shop. It may cost more, but it ensures that the bike will fit you and be safely constructed. Plus, most bikes sold from shops come with a few months of free service.

Department store bikes offer lower prices, but don’t have much in the way of quality or reliability. Only purchase these bicycles for uses where they will be replaced often, and not ridden for long distances.

If you’ve been riding for a while, and know what you’re looking for in a bike, Internet outlets and auction sites can offer you great deals. Just be sure to protect yourself by doing some background research on the seller before buying.

Bicycle Fitness – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:43:56 +0000

Bikes are a great way to get healthy. If you’ve been inactive for a long period of time, take it easy at the beginning to be safe. Keep your rides short (less than an hour) and often (4-5 times a week) to let your body adjust to your riding position. To avoid injuries, never ride as hard as you can while just starting up. After a week or two of riding, check in a local bike shop, and ask if there is a local group ride you could join.

Other Safety Equipment – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:43:04 +0000

Though useful for other activities, such as rollerblading and skateboarding, knee, elbow and wrist pads generally aren’t needed for biking. Kneepads can restrict knee movement, causing chaffing and other discomfort, while wrist pads make it difficult to steer, shift and brake. If you have a medical condition that might require extra protection, consult your doctor about additional safety measures.

Bike Riding in the Winter – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:41:41 +0000

Riding a bike in the snow can be very fun, provided the right safety precautions are taken. Bundle up in layers and protect the fingers and toes especially well. Never ride on snowy or icy roads, as a motorist could easily loose control and crush you. Your brakes won’t work as well, and steering is difficult, but unlike on pavement, snow skids are very easy to control and don’t destroy your tires. Plus, falls are well cushioned. Ride in lower gears than you normally would for more power in the snow, and have fun!

Off-Road Bike Riding – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:37:34 +0000

Off-road bike riding has lots of unique challenges that make it unsafe to attempt on non-off-road bikes. Taking your cruiser across a smooth, flat path in the park wont hurt it, but technical, rocky rides could damage it (and you) very badly. Use your own discretion and choosing where to ride, and don’t be afraid to turn around or walk the bike if it gets too rough. If you find you enjoy the challenges of off-road riding, purchase a mountain bike.

Choosing a Bike – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:34:29 +0000

To ride a bicycle safely and enjoyably, you need pick the model that’s right for you. If your rides are mostly short (less than 5 miles) and on flat, paved roads, look into getting a cruiser or comfort bike. If your rides go off-road on a regular basis, try a mountain bike, and if you’re interested in long rides for fitness and competition, definitely get a road bike.

Bicycle Maintenance – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:19:58 +0000

A bicycle is a delicate machine. In order to run smoothly, it needs regular maintenance. With the proper tools, most simple maintenance can be done by even a novice rider. If you feel unsure of your capabilities, check with your local bicycle organizations or retailers. Some of them offer great courses in bicycle maintenance.

*If you do your own tune-ups and repairs, it’s a good idea to have your bicycle serviced by a knowledgeable professional once a year to increase performance and extend your bicycle’s lifespan.

Bike Helmets – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:17:32 +0000

If you want to be safe on a bike, you ALWAYS need to wear a helmet. Scrapped knees and broken bones will heal; damaged brain cells won’t. Most bike shops, both local and online, offer free or discounted helmets with the purchase of a new bicycle. Be sure to get a helmet that fits snugly, and adjust the straps so that it won’t slide around on the head when force is applied.

Bicycle Storage – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:15:49 +0000

Here’s one good maintenance habit that requires no advanced cycling knowledge – always store your bicycle indoors. It’s the easiest way to keep your bicycle working and looking like new.

Exposure to the elements is one of the worst thing you can do to a bike. So, if you can’t park it in a garage or shed and it doesn’t fir in any closet, try hanging it over a stairwell, or using a free-standing rack to set it to the side.

*If you really love your bicycle and appreciate its aesthetics, try purchasing some hooks and hanging it on a wall.

More on Stopping the Bike – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:14:15 +0000

Skidding is bad – it takes longer to slow down, it’s harder to control and it wears out your tires. If you start to skid while stopping, ease up on the brake just a bit, and once the skid stops, try to maintain that level of pressure. Don’t ever clamp the brake levers as hard as you can. Instead add pressure progressively to stop as fast and safely as possible.

Steering your Bike – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:12:46 +0000

Steering a bicycle seems much easier than it is. This is because along with simply turning the handlebars, you also have to lean over into the turn, and the faster you’re going, the further over you have to lean. It seems scary at first, but experienced racers can lean their bikes over to almost 45-degrees with no trouble at all. As you ride more, leaning as you turn will feel more and more natural.

Shifting your Bike – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:10:59 +0000

Most people ride in as high a gear as they can manage. This makes riding very hard and can damage leg joints. Instead, try to keep in a gear that lets you turn your legs about 80-100 times per minute. Anticipate shifting by keeping an eye on the road or trail ahead, and downshift (shift to a lower gear) before you need to. Don’t feel bad about shifting frequently, looking for the most comfortable gear – it won’t wear out the bike any faster and can make your ride much more safe and fun.

Bicycle Riding on the Road – Safe Bike Riding Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:08:46 +0000

It’s important to know how to bike safely on the road. Always stay on the right but don’t hug the curb: glass and sharp debris collects at the very edge of the road and can cause you to get a flat. You have the same rights to the road as a car, so keep 2 to 3 feet from the curb, allowing enough room to your left for cars to pass. Always use hand signals before turning, and make sure your bike is equipped with reflectors and a light if you ride in low-light conditions.

Road Cycling & Dogs – Road Bicycles Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:38:00 +0000

One of the most annoying, and certainly one of the most disconcerting problems of road cycling, is getting chased by a dog—you just never know how aggressive they will get. The best way to handle dogs is to first try and ignore the animal and hope that as you pedal away, they will stop. You can also try a firm, “NO”, if the dog doesn’t stop.

* Try keeping an old sock with a knot in it handy. If you come across an unusually persistent dog, you can throw the sock and chances are the dog will chase after it, allowing you to ride away. If you do have to stop, place your bicycle between you and the dog.

Road Bike Lingo – Road Bicycles Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:11:06 +0000

Road words…do you know ‘em? Road bicyclists have a lingo all their own. And, if this is going to be your passion, you should get with the flow. Here’s a start:

• Bonk- when you run out of energy during a ride
• Cadence- is your rate of crank and speed, measured in revolutions per minute (rpms)
• Dropped- getting left behind by a group of riders
• Century- is a one-day 100-mile ride

Road Bike Definition – Road Bicycles Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:07:39 +0000

Road bikes refer to any bicycle designed for riding in the road. And, as bicycle riding has grown in popularity, the styles available have grown too. Also in the road bike category are triathlon, touring and track bikes—which are all based on the traditional road bike.

*All quality road bikes should have drop-handlebars and thin tires on a tall frame.

Dropped vs. Upright Handlebars – Road Bicycles Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:04:52 +0000

Drop it! Road bikes come equipped with both dropped handlebars and upright straight bars. Most experts would agree that dropped handlebars are definitely the way to go. Upright handlebars saddle the rider with inefficient aerodynamics, less balance, less stability, and less traction for steering. In addition to those performance issues, it also prevents the optimum use of leg muscles, and hurts the lower back.

*Dropped handlebars offer the rider several positions for not only the hands, but the wrists and arms, reducing fatigue and monotony.

Touring Bikes – Mountain Bikes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:44:17 +0000

If you like to take your equipment with you while traveling by bike, a touring bike is your best option. Touring bikes are built for stability while packed, are comfortable over long distances, have a triple crank for smaller gears, come with eyelets in the frame, and fork for attaching racks.

*While it’s true that mountain bikes and some hybrids also come with triple cranks, they don’t give you the level of comfort necessary to really enjoy your trip.

Two Sets of Tires for Mountain Bikes – Mountain Bikes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:43:30 +0000

There are times when even the most die-hard mountain biker takes to the road. As a matter of fact, many mountain bikers also like to commute to work on a bike simply because being on a bike is better.

*If you want to bike to work, you don’t necessarily have to buy a second bike. Instead, buy a second set of thinner road tires for your mountain bike.

Mountain Bike Lingo – Mountain Bikes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:42:10 +0000

Can you talk the talk? As with any specialty, learning the lingo is a big part of immersing yourself in the culture. Here are a few mountain bike terms to get you started:

• Chute- a steep, difficult, narrow section of trail
• Epic- is a long, hard ride with great views
• Clean- when you don’t put your foot down during a tough climb or descent

Mountain Bike 101 – Mountain Bikes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:34:31 +0000

Do you know what your bike is made to do? Don’t take on just any mountain with your mountain bike without first knowing what your bike is capable of.

A mountain bike is any bicycle designed for off-road riding on dirt trails or other unpaved areas. They usually have a sturdy frame with fat tires. There are different categories of mountain bike:

• XC racing- lightweight so they can handle the mountain from the bottom up
• XC trail- what most people think of as a mountain bike (with an active suspension and knobby tires)
• All-mountain- have even bigger tires, and powerful brakes for tough terrain
• Freeride- the most extreme (made to run over roots, rocks, and just about anything else)

Mountain Bike Rules – Mountain Bikes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:12:41 +0000

Like most any other sport, mountain biking has its own set of official rules that you should get familiar with if you plan on getting into the sport. Developed by the International Mountain bicycling Association or IMBA, the rules are meant to minimize human impact on the environment, promote safety, and to encourage good relations between all trail users.

Helping to Maintain Mountain Bike Trails – Mountain Bikes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:09:46 +0000

While mountain biking encourages the rough and ready in its enthusiasts, there are some conditions (like wet, muddy trails) that might stop even the die-hard enthusiast. Safety isn’t always the main concern, however, many are out to preserve the trail.

Mountain biking on a wet trail can be very damaging to the trail, leading to erosion and trail closure. So, it has become over time, an unwritten rule that it’s un-cool to damage trails—better to wait until the trail dries out.

Fitting Cycling Shoes – Cycling Shoes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:36:37 +0000

It’s hard to buy a cycling shoe without first trying them on—many brands run wider than others. Sizing and shoe shapes fluctuate, and the size that fits best in one brand, may not in another brand.

*If you’re buying shoes from a catalog or online, don’t save your purchase for the last minute, when if you need to make an exchange, you won’t have enough time and uncomfortable shoes will make you miserable.

Cycling Shoe Insoles – Cycling Shoes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:06:16 +0000

Quit suffering! If your expensive cycling shoes still give you “hot foot” and fatigue, it could be caused by the insoles (especially if you have low arches).

Sometimes, even the most expensive shoes can have inexpensive insoles in them. Try replacing the insoles, and you may find the greater cushioning will realign your foot to your ankle, relieving your suffering.

Cycling Shoe Maintenance – Cycling Shoes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:02:59 +0000

If the shoe fits, make it last! Cycling shoes, when well maintained, will last a surprisingly long time – often much longer that regular sneakers or other types of sports shoes. To get the most out of your investment try these tips:

• Wear cycling socks so the shoes don’t get stretched out and ruin the fit
• Try to walk as infrequently as possible in your cycling shoes
• Keep your bicycle shoes dry by taking out the liners and putting in newspaper to absorb any moisture
• To make them smell a bit better, try putting a scented dryer sheet in each one

Warm Feet – Cycling Shoes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:58:15 +0000

When feet are cold, it’s very difficult to perform to the best of your ability. For cold-weather riding, consider a heavier off-road pair of shoes (even if you have to change your road bike pedals to off-bike ones), wearing thicker socks, wearing insulated shoe covers, or wearing Neoprene toe covers.

*Sliding plastic bags over your feet before putting your shoes on is an effective, inexpensive way to keep your feet dry.

Leading Cycling Shoe Brands – Cycling Shoes Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:53:30 +0000

*A good cycling shoe will increase performance, decrease fatigue, and could save your tendons and ligaments from injury.

There are many great companies on the market selling quality shoes for whatever type of cycling you’re into. Shimano cycling shoes, Sidi, and Adidas all make quality cycling shoes that are water repellent, easy to clean, rot-proof and more. The technology behind these shoes are impressively complex in design and materials, and are well worth the cost.