Cycling Apparel: Important at Any Fitness Level

By: Ben Anton

It is easy to categorize yourself into classes depending on your comfort, knowledge and physical characteristics. In fact, we do it almost unconsciously. Think about it. Are you small, medium, or large? Are you short or tall? Are you an athlete or a bookworm? Are you a casual drinker or full time party person? When we categorize ourselves in these ways, we immediately exclude ourselves from the things that are not associated with our class. Athletics is a great example. We may categorize ourselves as a casual bicyclist, a cycling enthusiast, or a competitive cyclist. Where many may think that the needs of these classes are different, they are actually quite the same. All cyclists benefit from the right equipment, proper training and a healthy dose of enthusiasm.

Whether you cycle competitively, for fitness, or just for personal pleasure, you should consider acquiring European styled custom and semi custom clothing from manufacturers like Santini. Original team issue apparel like long sleeve cycling jerseys that permit excess moisture to evaporate, cycling shorts and bib shorts that won’t bunch up on you and cause irritation while cycling, and stylish cycling jackets work in these uniquely superior ways because they are custom team issue. Santini custom cycling clothing boasts smooth lines for maximum mobility, smart European designs that flatter the wearer, and high quality, easy to care for, wrinkle-resistant materials.

Maybe you are just about to start a new exercise program or have decided to ride your bike more often for fitness or to better the environment. Santini custom and semi custom cycling clothing and accessories can give your cycling confidence and motivation a much needed boost. The clothing, though specifically made for competitive cycling by experts, is also necessary for general cycling, road biking and mountain bike enthusiasts. The custom cycling apparel allows all wearers to exercise and compete without clothing becoming an impediment or restriction. The sleek designs of the long sleeve jersey, bib shorts, cycling shorts, windproof cycling jackets, cycling gloves and other cycling clothing will not create the ballooning and speed hampering that clothing not made to be worn while cycling often causes.

Original team issue Santini long sleeve jerseys, bib shorts and other cycling clothes are made for men and women in various styles and sizes. Whether petite or extra-large, the usability and benefits of owning custom cycling clothing will improve your cycling experience. The colors and styles available today are varied to allow individuality and comfort no matter what type of cyclist you may be.

Whether cycling is a new activity for you or if you have been competing for years, it is important that you consider your comfort and safety as it relates to your equipment and attire. Clothes that do not hug your body and move easily as you move can become a hazard. Clothes that do not conform to your body may get caught in your bike or get snagged on branches and bushes. Clothes that do not move easily with you can create irritation and make riding uncomfortable or impossible depending on the severity. It is important that one does not cut corners when it comes to these types of details.

Enjoy your cycling and other athletic activities to the fullest by taking the time and care to invest in equipment and apparel that will make it fun and exciting for months and years to come. Ben Anton, 2007

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Bicycling For Fun and Fitness

By: Steve Hudson

More and more people are still jumping on the bandwagon of going "biking" for different reasons.

Bicycles are technically defined as a vehicle. It has two wheels, a frame, saddle, pedals and is human-powered. The "bike" as we all call it today, has been integral in the modern history of many cultures all over the world. It is also a symbol of fun, fitness and environment-consciousness today.

There are different types of bicycles that are available out there in the markets today to cater to different people who are engaged in different biking activities. Discussed below are the different kinds of bikes and what they are used for:

-Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are primarily designed for the outdoors. There are a number of different sub-types of mountain bikes such as cross country bikes, downhill bikes and free-ride bikes. They are designed to be sturdy. These bikes have very durable frames, handlebars that are designed to counter the sudden jolts while riding and they usually have more than 20 gears. The most noticeable aspect of a mountain bike is its suspension system. Mountain bikes should make the off-road trip as comfortable as possible; therefore, they use high-quality suspension systems, which uses gas shock, air and spring.

-Utility Bikes

Utility bikes are perhaps the most common type of bike out there today. They are usually plain and simple, but they are very important in function. They are used primarily for running errands, shopping or commuting. More and more people are using them to go about their daily routine because they are fairly convenient to use and requires very minimal maintenance. Utility bikes are made with sturdy, heavy frames and upright handlebars. They usually employ internal hub gearing. These bikes usually have some other accessories that would help the owner do his errands such as a basket in front of the handlebars; however, utility bikes are not meant to be used in more specialized biking activities such as touring and mountain biking.

-Tour Bikes

These bikes, like the mountain bikes, are made to be sturdy. They are used as a main transportation vehicle to tour long distances. Tour bikes should have the capability of holding extra weight for baggage and should have good gearing systems so as to efficiently transfer the energy of the driver for very long trips.

-Racing Bikes

Whats a good thing to do with a bike if youre not into using it in everyday life? Race with it! For those people who would want to experience the sheer sound of the wind rushing against the bareness of their faces, they should try getting a race bike. Of course, race bikes are not for everyone, but what the heck? They are still things of beauty.

Racing bikes are primarily made for speed. Race bikes, unlike the other bikes are made with ultra lightweight frames and are primarily stripped off every accessory to maximize speed. They are usually equipped with a medium range gearing system, which can range from 18 to 30 gears. There are different sub-types of racing bikes such as time trial bikes and track bikes. All race bikes are equipped with a frame that maximizes the aerodynamic capabilities of the machine, therefore maximizing speed as well. Racing bikes are primarily used for racing and nothing more. Most of these bikes dont even have brake systems in them.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Nine Types Of Mountain Biking

By: Alastair Hamilton

Did you know that there are nine categories that mountain biking can be split into? Each category offers the rider a different experience either as a hobby or as a sport. The different mountain bike reviews are broken down into these categories:

1. Dirt Jumping

This style of mountain biking is known for the high jumps over manmade dirt hills. While in the air, tricks are done on the bike. Six or more jumps are usually done in one run and the jumps are close together so that the biker can get a flow going with their trick riding.

2. Cross country

In this style of mountain biking, you ride your bike up and down hills. It is not the most extreme form in the mountain biking world, but most of this type of ride is in great shape due to the long rides.

3. Cyclo cross

This biking category is a cross between mountain and road biking. The riders learn how to race on and off the course, ride obstacles, and go through rivers.

4. Downhill Biking

Racing downhill the fastest is the goal of downhill mountain bikers. The name of the game is extreme and intense riding, to help give the riders maximum excitement and thrills.

5. BMX

This style of mountain biking uses 20-inch wheels. You can very commonly see this kind of bikes at skate parks or areas with dirt jumps. These BMX bikes are made for performing tricks and doing stunts because they have a shorter wheel base and smaller wheels.

6. Trials

The bicycles used in trials do not look anything like mountain bikes. They have 20 or 26-inch wheels and they have smaller, lower frames than mountain bikes. In trials, riders jump their bikes over different obstacles. This kind of biking takes a great deal of practice, focus, and balance.

7. Freeride Biking

This type of mountain biking involves finding a path down the side of the mountain where you can use all of the terrain to do tricks, stunts, etc. This is a very popular competition, because the riders can express themselves.

8. Street and Urban Biking

Manmade obstacles, ledges, and other urban areas are what this type of biking revolves around. They will do great stunts and tricks on these manmade items, too, including grinds and stalls.

9. Single Speed

This kind of biking is done on a bicycle with only one gear and few other components. This is not to be confused with a fixed gear bicycle. The basis behind this kind of biking is simplicity. This helps the pedaling to be more efficient and the bicycle is lighter and has fewer problems mechanically.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Mountain Bikes - Cycling through the Rough

By: Trevor Mulholland

If you want to get into a fun sport that will allow you to get plenty of exercise, get into shape, and offer you challenges that you won’t find elsewhere – all while enjoying an abundance of nature - you might want to start thinking about mountain bikes. Mountain biking is a popular sport that has been around for numerous years, but recently, with the new technology that goes into the manufacturing of today’s mountain bikes, there seems to be a new interest in this sport.

If the sport of mountain biking isn’t something that you know a lot about, you may have the wrong idea about the sport. You’ve seen the mountain bikers on the television sports channels jumping obstacles and racing down dirt trails – and racing is one aspect of mountain biking. However, racing is not required. In fact, most mountain bikers don’t race at all.

Mountain biking for most people can be compared to hiking. The point is to get out, get exercise, and experience nature. Yes, there will be obstacles to maneuver around on them more advanced trails, but many people are just out for the pleasure of riding in nature – just like hikers are out to enjoy the walk and the nature. Some mountain bikers are leisurely riders. Some like the challenges that they face out on the trails – but they aren’t in any hurry. Other’s like both the challenges and the racing! The path you choose is up to you.

With this new light on the sport of mountain biking, you may now be interested in getting involved in this sport. Maybe you want to lose weight. Maybe you just want to get more exercise. Then again, maybe you like the thought of enjoying nature, but you aren’t big on walking, and prefer to ride. No matter what your reasons for your interest are, you will definitely need a mountain bike – finding a place to ride it is the easy part.

As a beginner, you really won’t have any idea what you need in the way of a mountain bike. Therefore, it is in your best interest to buy a very basic, yet sturdy, mountain bike that can be upgraded at a later date. Visit your local bike dealer, and talk to them. Let them know that you are just starting out, and that you want a basic bike that you can upgrade later. If they try to sell you something expensive – more than $500 – walk away and visit a different store.

You might also consider purchasing a used bike from a private individual. Used bikes can be found online, through the printed classifieds, and even through bike dealers. Look around your area – and online – to see what is available.

Before making a purchase, it is always a good idea to talk to other mountain bikers. Ask them what bike they started with, and what they would suggest for you. The best information you will find will come from the people who are already deeply into the sport.

Once you’ve made a purchase, you need to find a place to ride. Are there any state parks or national forests in your area? Are there wooded areas that aren’t fenced off? These are ideal places to ride. However, you should never ride on private property without permission. If you can’t think of any place that might have bike trails, do a little research online. Type in ‘bike trails in Alabama’ or ‘mountain bike trails in Georgia’ or whatever state you live in into the search box of any search engine, and you will find quite a bit of information!

Look for sites that offer reviews of bike trails that you want to visit. These reviews will save you a lot of time, and help you avoid the trails that either aren’t worth your time, or aren’t suited to your skill level. Reading is actually a big part of mountain biking if you are a beginner! You should also consider purchasing a few mountain bikes videos. These videos will help you learn the basics before you set off on a trail!

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

The Anatomy Of A Mountain Bike

By: Alastair Hamilton

There's a lot of terminology to learn if you're a mountain biking enthusiast. These enthusiasts have a language all their own, what with "face plants, boing-boing, drillium and wild pig."

However, there is also biking terminology that stays the same, regardless of the age of the user, and that's the terms used for individual parts of the bike. And its important to know these as well.

1. Bottom bracket - A circular hole in the bottom frame of the bike, used to attach the crankset.

2. Brake cable - The cable that connects the brake lever to the brake mechanism.

3. Brake lever - Lever on the handlebar which activates the brakes. The left lever controls the front brake, the right lever controls the rear brake.

4. Chain - The set of circular metal links which transfers power from the chain ring to the cogs. There are two types of bicycle chains: bushing and bushingless.

5. Chainring - Part of the crankset. A sprocket or toothed wheel which attaches to the crank and holds the chain. Bikes can have from two to three chainrings.

6. Crank - Part of the crankset. The lever or "arm" which connects the pedal to the bottom bracket.

7. Derailleur - The device which moves the chain from one chainring to another inorder to shift gears.

8. Down tube - Part of the frame. The tube which runs diagonally from the head tube (supporting the handlebars) to the bottom bracket. Above this is the top tube, which runs from the head tube to the seat.

9. Front shock - A suspension system on the front fork which allows the bike to absorb shocks without transmitting them to the rider.

10. Handlebar - The horizontal bar located at the front of the bike which is used to steer, and which will contain the shifters and break levers and any other items a cyclist wishes to have within easy reach.

11. Headset - The device which houses the bearings that enables the handlebars and front wheel to rotate on the frame of a bike. There are two types of headset, the threaded and the threadless.

12. Hub - The center part of the bicycle wheel, consisting of an axle and ball bearings to allow the wheel to move easily. In addition, the spokes radiate out from the hub to the bicycle rim.

13. Idler pulley- A pulley takes up slack in the chain in order to keep it tight at all times.

14. Nipple - Small threaded cylinders in the bicycle rim which secure a spoke to the rim.

15. Pedal - A short metal bar on which to put your foot, in order to propel the bicyle. The pedal is attached to the crank. Pedals can be simple or come attached with clips in which to put your shoes to increase leverage.

16. Rear shock - On a dual suspension bike, the device that absorbs shocks from the rear tire.

17. Rim - The metal ring to which the bicycle tire is fitted, and to which the breakes apply their force. The interior of the rim holds the spokes which give strength to the tire.

18. Saddle - Also called the seat. Something to sit on!

19. Seat post - The tubular support to which the saddle is connected. This tube is then placed into the seat tube, and can be raised or lowered depending on the rider.

20. Skewer - A metal rod that attaches the wheel to the frame of the bicycle. On one end is a nut to keep the skewer secure, on the other is the release mechanism, which is secured either by a "quick release" toggle, or with bolts.

21. Spindle - Part of the bottom bracket. The free rotating axle to which the crank arms attach.

22. Spokes - The thick wires that join the hub to the rim. The amount of spokes determine how strong the tire will be. Spokes can also be arranged in different patterns, which affect twisting and brake forces.

23. Stem - The metal piece that attaches the handlebar to the steering tube.24. Wheel hub - See hub.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Mountain Bikes

by: James Brown

Mountain biking is so much more than a mere sport. It is an enriching experience in itself. Along with great exercise for you comes the added element of visual gratification if you are riding your bike across scenic wooded paths. It gives you the pleasure of knowing that you are doing something good for your body while immensely enjoying the activity. It comes as little surprise thus that mountain bikes are always so much in demand. And the technology with which these mountain bikes are being made nowadays is becoming more and more advanced. The quality is always improving and the extreme competitiveness in this segment makes sure nothing is compromised in the production of these mountain bikes.

A mountain bike is also known as an ATB or an All Terrain Bicycle. These are meant for rough use on rugged roads and built much more sturdily compared to the normal bicycles. Depending on the suspension, mountain bikes can be mainly categorized into hard tail, soft tail and dual suspension bikes. The speed of these bikes will also vary as they come with different speeds with the most common ones being 21 speed and 24 speed. There are also bikes that have 27 speed or 30 speed.

As the technology used in producing mountain bikes has seen several progressive changes over the years, it has in turn been becoming increasingly possible to ride these bikes on rougher and rougher terrain. And that is just one reason why they are called All Terrain Bicycles in the first place.

Another unique feature in the mountain bikes that separate them from the normal every day bikes are their tires. The first thing that you would notice is that mountain bikes have much fatter tires. Given their bigger size, these tires are afforded far more durability on rough roads or mountainous paths than their normal counterparts. Mountain bikes normally have wheels that are 26 inches thick but other sizes are also commonly used like 21 inch wheels.

A lot of modern mountain bikes also come equipped with disc brakes. These have proven to be of significant assistance especially to mountain bikers who are participating in a race or a rally. These disc brakes give you the option of braking fast and the strength of their braking is also quite powerful compared to the mechanical brakes. All in all, whether it is for the racing professionals or casual office-goers looking for some exercise, a good mountain bike could be a very smart purchase.