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Showing posts from July, 2017

New York to Start Bike Program

In a bid to reduce pollution and carbon emissions on the earth, many large cities and towns around the world are constantly trying to find ways to decrease the amount of traffic and vehicle congestion they have. Bikes and cycling initiatives are constantly coming in to encourage citizens to leave their cars at home. Bike rental schemes and such like can be found in most large cities. One famous place has created a scheme to try and lessen the amount of pollution that is exhausted in the city. New York University has been running a bike share program for its students and employees that will hopefully lead on to the rest of the city. At the moment there are around seventy five cycles for the university to use. Rather than buying their own bikes and cycling equipment, those who work and attend the university can now rent bicycles at no charge. But the city is ambitioning more than ten thousand for the rest of New York with around six hundred stations to rent the bicycles from. Summer is...

Polarized Motorcycle Sunglasses

For those who have the need to reduce the glare that is reflected from the water, like boat enthusiasts and fishermen, polarized sunglasses have been popular for years. Other people who spend time outside enjoy the same benefits of polarized eyewear, making them very popular. Among those people who spend time outside that see the most benefit from polarized sunglasses are motorcycle riders, skydivers, military personnel, joggers, and golfers, all who may enjoy a clearer view with less glare. These sunglasses can be used for driving and, can reduce the glare from a long, flat surface such as the car hood or the surface of the road. Polarized sunglasses also can be worn indoors by people that are sensitive to light, including cataract surgery patients and those that are continually exposed to bright light. So What Are Polarized Lenses And How Do They Work? Light that is reflected from a flat surface such as water or the flat surface of a road is usually horizontally polarized...

Do Bikes Need More Road Space

At the moment there are a lot more cars on the road than there are bikes. In the near future however, the number of cyclists on the roads could rise dramatically. The price of running a car, including tax, petrol and insurance are constantly on the rise and soon many will have no choice but to avoid driving. A lot of residents in towns and cities who have to commute by car on a daily basis may have to take up another form of transport and one way to do this is via cycling. Riding a bike does have its own running costs. Cycling equipment, clothing, shoes and the bike itself all add up, but this is nothing in comparison to driving a car every day. With a larger number of bikes set to occupy our roads in the future, more space is being called for by cyclists to use on busy roads. There are a lot of charities and programmes that campaign for those who choose to cycle. They allow for new laws and regulations to come into power along with basically anything that helps the humble bike rider...

How Electric Bikes Are Saving Our Environment

Electric bikes use an electric motor which helps in making the motor run. These bikes use rechargeable batteries that can help your bike travel for up to 20 miles. Nowadays, they are becoming quite popular which is why they are replacing the old bikes. They help in protecting the environment as well. This is one of the reasons ­why these bikes are known world over as safe bikes. These bikes do not require any kind of paperwork including license or insurance. There are a number of benefits of using these bike. The first advantage is the fact that it makes climbing hills the easiest task, especially if you apply the right kind of force. Besides this, they do not give out harmful carbon emissions and do not use fuel to run. These bikes travel faster, which is why you are able to cover longer distances in short periods of time. Lastly you will never feel tired traveling on an electric bike. They are cheaper compared to the traditional bikes because they just require initial investment an...

The Dangers of Cycling - The Human Influence

As a climber who loves cold, remote places and also a cyclist who seeks out remote country lanes, I often question which of my favourite pastimes is more dangerous. It would be wrong to draw a direct comparison because ultimately the risks involved with these two activities are quite different. The risks associated with climbing are undoubtedly one of its' draws and they have long been documented and explored, particularly in recent years (Andy Kirkpatricks' Cold Wars is a definite on my Christmas list this year!). I don't profess to be on the cutting edge of climbing, far from it, I do know however, that the main risks of climbing are (but not limited to) falling (Rocket Scientists need not applaud), the elements (hot/cold/avalanche/lightning to name a few) and rock fall. The one thing that perhaps links these is that they occur naturally and are rarely influenced by humans, unless a rock has been dislodged by a climber above or someone has 'tinkled' with your an...

UAV Hits Tour de France Rider - Drones Footage Helps With Lawsuit

It is of course is 2020 and this year's Tour de France s still recovering from the horrific accidents experienced in 2018 when a K2ITI company UAV crashed into a rider in a tunnel causing a chain reaction. Although the publicity from the event is helping this year's two or to France due to the ongoing court case, there have been many calls for more safety in the event. Including looking back at the crashes in 2011 caused by team cars crashing into cyclists, and the big crash in 2015 with those new ultra-light graphene coated carbon nano-tube bikes, which when they come apart cut through skin like razor blades. Yes, all those problems have been fixed, but in 2018 in an attempt to get rid of all the cars and motorcycles on the course, the Tour de France allowed all the teams to have UAVs to deliver water bottles, food, and TV coverage - thus, limiting the number of autonomous cars on the course to only those with anti-collision supercomputer algorithms, and not more than one hu...

How to Make Fixie Bikes

Fixie bikes are indicated for those people who want to develop their muscle strength. This is a good training to athletes who need enough stamina to complete their game. Unlike ordinary bicycles, most fixie bikes in the market have a unique back wheel that will require an extra effort to spin. Since this doesn't move to a certain direction right away, the one using it should work twice as hard before it can move. A lot of people prefer to have these things, because they are easy to use, and they can be modified. If you want to learn how to make one, here are some tips that can help you out: • The good thing about making fixie bikes is that you don't have to own something really expensive. You can make use of an old one, or you can buy a new bike in the market. Look for bargains that will fit your budget. It doesn't matter what it looks like, just as long as it has a light weight and is manageable. • Once you have it ready, the next thing that you need to do is remove it...

Tips on Buying Recumbent Bikes

If you own a gym or plan to build one at home, then you should really consider buying recumbent bikes. There are actually several things you need to consider before buying a recumbent bike. Some of considerations involve the quality and price of the bike, while others involve personal preferences such as your current lifestyle. You should always do some research before committing to a purchase, especially one as big as this. After all, buying a large piece of exercise equipment isn't like buying a piece of candy. You can't just buy one on a whim and throw it out when you don't like it. A large purchase like a recumbent exercise bike can represent days, if not months, of hard work. There is quite a large selection of recumbent bikes you can choose from. The best exercise bike brands use only the best types of material, while the lesser quality bikes can still give you a nice workout albeit for a shorter period of time. These machines can come in a very wide variety of fo...

About Fixie Bikes

Fixie bikes may seem unappealing to many bikers. This bike does take a while to get accustomed to when you've been using a free-wheel type all your life. But there are those who love its simplicity in riding and maintenance. It also has features and functions that satisfy needs and preferences of other bikers. This type of bike can be considered as the most basic of all - two wheels powered by pedals, a handlebar, and a seat. It is, in fact, the first bike in history before the derailleur was introduced in the 1800s. It is a single-speed transport that doesn't have any ability to coast, as the wheels won't budge until you use the pedals. This is why there aren't a few who don't even consider riding this bike. It does take some amount of patience to ride a fixie, but once you get used to it, you'll also love its simple operation and maintenance. You won't have to think which gear to use, and you won't have a lot of parts to clean and maintain. For tho...

Bikeability - Learning to Ride From Stabilisers to Cycle Lights

From Stabilisers to Cycle Lights; What is Bikeability? Learning to ride a bike safely goes way beyond the initial transition from stabilisers to two wheels; helmets, protective clothing, cycle lights, the highway code and general road safety are all part of the equation. Once the training wheels have come off, it's time to get down to serious business. Bikeability, a country wide scheme that aims to bring the somewhat outdated cycling proficiency programme up to speed, offers three stages of development for children of primary school age upwards, taught by accredited providers. From the fundamentals of road safety to the ability to carry out a basic maintenance check on their bike and its safety features, such as brakes and cycle lights, Bikeability gives children and young people the confidence to deal with the possible dangers of today's roads, whilst promoting independence and responsible travel. The Bikeability Levels Bikeability course providers offer training on sit...

Single-Speed Bikes - Advantages and Disadvantages of Bikes With a Single-Gear System

Single-speed bicycles are called as such because they use a single gear ratio. They do not have any derailleur system, hub gearing, or other types of gearing that other bikes have. They come in a variety of types - mountain, trek, road, and hybrid bikes, among others. Most bikes for kids are in this gearing category. Many cyclists prefer this type of bike mainly due to its simplicity in cost, maintenance, and other aspects. But there are also those who think it isn't that practical. Some people think that a single-speed type doesn't satisfy their requirements for riding. If you need to travel through different terrains and road conditions, a multi-gear bicycle will suit your purpose better. When going uphill and downhill, you'd need the pedaling capability of a multi-gear type. It will help you ride easily and quickly if you stay in a location with different kinds of roads. Multi-gear bicycles, of course, have more components than the single-speed types. The former need...

All About 3-Speed Bikes With Internal Gear Hubs

Internal gear hubs on 3-speed bikes are preferred by cyclists, because they are more reliable and more practical than derailleur systems. The latter became extremely popular in the latter part of the 20th century, making manufacturers produce less and less bikes with internal gear hubs. Cyclists who prefer internal gear hubs are happy with the system's easy maintenance quality. They're also satisfied with the way it allows them to go smoothly in a stop-and-go traffic, that's quite a problem with a derailleur system. Riding using the middle gear is a favorite for many cyclists, as they can feel no drag from any derailleur pulleys. Almost all the benefits of a 3-speed bike with an internal gear hub are due to the planetary gearing that it has. It is called planetary since the components are arranged as if they are the planets of the solar system. The core gear or the "sun" is attached to the center of the axle. 3 or 4 identical gears or "planets" revol...

Fixed-Gear Bike Riding Tips

A single-speed bike with a fixed drive train is what's called a fixed-gear bicycle, or a fixie, in short. Its wheels are set in motion only as you move its pedals. It's not capable of coasting, which makes it very much different from your traditional free-wheel bikes. While it isn't a popular choice for many bikers, it appeals mostly to those who'd like a bit more challenge in their training. It pushes your legs to develop more strength and pedaling technique. Since you need to pedal every time, no matter what the road or environmental condition is, you only get better in your overall riding ability. But before you hop on one of these vehicles, you should observe some safety and riding suggestions. First of all, make sure you wear the proper clothing - that is, a pair of shorts or tight pants. Injuries can be caused by loose pant legs becoming caught in the chain of a fixed-gear bike. You should also use toe clips to secure your feet to the pedals. This will help yo...

A Children's Bike Helmet Can Save a Child's Life - Give Them a Helmet, Give Them Hope

Children's bike helmets can save countless young lives. Did you know that every year US hospitals treat over half a million serious injuries from bicycle accidents? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 33% of all bicycle-related emergency room visits and 67% of all bicycle-related hospital admissions involve head injuries. Head injuries also account for 62% of bicycle-related deaths. And Research shows that bike helmets can be extremely effective in preventing head injuries. This may seem like a natural assumption but even though thirty seven states now have bicycle helmet laws and bicycle safety awareness is on the rise, not everyone wears a helmet. Some of these people are not just negligent, they simply can't afford one. In New Jersey, bike injuries dropped by 65 percent within a year after their law was passed. Fatalities dropped by 65 percent. In Pennsylvania, my home state, children ages 5 to 14 years old are reported most at risk of deat...

Cycling Recovery Tips

Day in and day out training, work, home, and life stresses can increase the fatigue that a rider experiences throughout the day, and can minimize the effectiveness of the workouts performed. To realize the most of your training program, effective recovery techniques can lessen the stresses of daily life and can help to prepare you for the next day's workout. Compression clothing can help office workers, travelers, and those who spend considerable amounts of time standing throughout the day. Mid-day stretching and "sunshine breaks" can also assist with reducing stress in the workplace. A healthy diet and ample vitamin supplementation are important foundations for a sound training program. 1. Nutrition - replace glycogen with a sports drink within 30mins-2hrs post ride at the rate of 1.5g carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight per hour for up to 4 hours. I prefer a bottle of fluid, a coke or bottle of Cytomax. 2. Clean up - shower, or after a race/training ride wher...

Finding An LED Headlight For Your Bike

A bicycle headlight can be an important part of your bike. Whether it's night or cloudy weather, you'll need to see what you're riding towards. From debris in the road to a crossing animal to a hole to a car appearing suddenly, there are a lot of things a bike can run into and any of them can lead to being badly hurt or even killed. So bicycle lights are an essential part of any bike and are a wise investment. A particularly new, but noteworthy item is the LED bicycle headlight. Short for light emitting diode, LED lights have found a variety of uses in recent years. They have been used to make new display devices and screens, have become more popular in lighting because they're bright but energy efficient, and are quite popular with the makers of Christmas lights. The LED bicycle headlight is small, but powerful. After being placed on the front of your bike, they can make the night almost as bright as day. It's almost like having a car headlight on your bike. Yo...

Learn the Secrets of Freestyle BMX

Freestyle BMX, also known as BMX trick riding, is a one of a kind daredevil sport that is pure excitement and 100% adrenaline rush. However, like the activities involved in the sport, jumping up and down rails performing various complicated tricks in midair, the sport has seen its highs and lows. Ultimately, it is here to stay, and Freestyle BMX is no doubt more popular than ever. Freestyle BMX is normally taken as a synonym to the term BMX stunt riding. It is a discipline with origins coming from extreme sports. In the same vein as professional skateboarding, Freestyle BMX is also composed of five distinct disciplines: flatland, trails, vert, park and street. From Humble Beginnings... The roots of bicycle freestyling can be traced all the way back to 1975. In San Diego, California, kids took their bicycles and rode them in concrete reservoir channels in Escondido. Some of the first photos of bicycle freestyling were published by Skateboarder Magazine in the same year. In 1976,...

What to Look For When Buying a Bicycle Stand

When shopping for a bike stand follow these 5 tips to protect your bike and to get the most out of your investment: 1. Functionality - How will you use your bike stand? Do you simply want a bike stand to store your bike or one with multiple features and benefits? Will you be doing heavy repairs or light maintenance on your bike? Do you want one that makes it easy for you to pump your tires, lube your chain, replace a wheel, or clean your bike? 2. Support - How do you currently store your bicycle? If you're like most cyclists it's probably leaning against something, and not in the most favorable spot. Today, bike stands are engineered in various ways to keep the bicycle upright and stored properly. However, many of them support the bike by the spokes, between the spokes, or by the frame. So ideally, we prefer stands designed to use the tires to keep the bike upright which reduces the risk of damage to the bike. In addition, look for a bike stand that allows for the pedals to...

The Health Benefits of Riding Your City Bike Daily

We are all tired of knowing and hearing how good exercising on a regular basis is beneficial to our health. As we try to find a work/life balance, family and friends in our daily lives may at times be stressful enough without even making the time to work out. What if I told you that you can incorporate cycling into your day-to-day activities or you can bike commute and burn 500 to 600 calories per hour. This will eliminate the stress of trying to schedule time to go to the gym or finding the time to go for a jog after work. Bike commuting will not only clear your mind but may reduce the stress of driving in heavy traffic, allowing your heart muscles to do the job they do best to not only keep you alive, but also extend your life span. The health benefits of riding your city bike daily are also linked to the fact that you can easily shave off the unwanted pounds you may be caring. If you are presently bike commuting, carry some healthier snacks with you and also have some at work. Thi...

Fitness For Mountain Biking

Are you looking to put in that extra time and get ahead of the game? Riding your bike obviously increases your muscles strength and endurance and will allow you to ride harder and longer, but exercises off the bike can be just as important as on. I'm going to go through a few of the bikes top tips to help increase your power, stamina and overall fitness. Tip 1: Gaining the muscle without the mass: A lot of cyclists are weight-conscious, even when it comes to building muscle and strength. You don't want to be putting on extra pounds when you've spent so much to get your bike as light as possible. Ideally, an exercise that improves your power without adding muscle mass would be perfect! Well, you'll be glad to hear a new study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found that ballistic exercises such as bench throws and jump squats improve your power without adding muscle. These ballistic exercises allow you to improve your capability to generate force ...