Things You Should Do When Servicing Your BMX
By Susan Tran
One of the really important things to check before you go out on a bike ride is the condition of your components and that they are all running smoothly. First of all check your chain make sure it is well lubricated and is running smoothly on the gears. Chains only have a short life span and generally they start to wear out after about a year. Changing the chain before it gets to worn out is a good idea as it will make your pedaling more efficient, as well as preventing possible to damage to your cogs in the future.
The next thing to is to check your bearing surfaces on your bike. Some examples of these are the hubs, headset and the bottom bracket. These should all turn freely without resistance or play in the components. Take a look at the bottom bracket and check that there is no movement in the crank shafts. Wobble the crank arm back and fourth, if there is any clicking you will have to adjust the bottom bracket.
The next thing you have to do is check the hubs. First take the wheels your bike, then spin the hub axles and feel for any free play or binding. If there is any free play or binding you will probably have to make an adjustment to get your bike get your bike running smoothly. Now it's time to check the headset, the first thing to do is to put your newly tuned wheels back on your bike.
Then hold the front break of your bike, while pulling and pushing your handle bars back and forth. When you are doing this there should be any free movement in the wheel. Now lift the front wheel off the ground the forks should turn very easily and freely. If it doesn't turn smoothly, you will either have to adjust it or replace it.
It is important to check the brake and gear cables and their covering. Check that there is no rust on the cables and that the cable housing has no splits or kinks. If there is any of this on your bike, you should replace the cable or the housing. If you don't replace the damaged device your gear shifting and braking won't be as quick as it can be, this is a hazard and is dangerous for you and the other people on the road.
Finally but most importantly you should check the brake pads on your bike. You'll know when to replace your brake pads by looking at the ridges or the replacement indication marks on them. Worn out brake pads are potentially dangerous, but they will also decrease the efficiency of your braking.
Once you have completed the above steps your bike should be running great, and it should make your cycle rides more enjoyable.
How to Have a More Comfortable and Enjoyable Ride on Your Mountain Bike
By Alex Grinsk
Bicycling is an activity that everyone can enjoy. It can be a form of exercise or as means to have fun with friends and family. As it is a low impact exercise, overweight people can use the bicycle as a way to exercise and control their weight rather than running or jogging that puts a lot of strain and weight on the knees and joints, creating problems and pains after a while.
Cycling is also a sport that can be taken up by any one at any age, making it the best sport to start regardless of your weight, age and experience. You can by any cheap bike for this, but you should start by purchasing a mountain bike instead of a road bicycle as it is easier to control. You would have a more comfortable ride at a lower speed by using a mountain bike. You can get a road bike, but preferably once you have mastered handling your bicycle and have a higher fitness level. In order to have a more comfortable ride on your cheap bike, there are a few things you should consider:
· What is your bicycle fit? It should fit your size perfectly, not too big or not too small. The stem too should fit and not be too long or too short.
· Adjust your position on your cheap bike by lowering or making your seat higher. You could also try adjusting the stem to fit your arm length.
· The bike seat should be comfortable. Neither too hard nor too soft. The size should also fit you nicely, not to narrow or too wide.
· If you have had pain or numbness in your hands, then you should check the handlebar grips. You can put foam grips or cork tape to make grasping easier. You can also use gloves to make you feel more comfortable.
· Opting for wider tires would be a good option as it provides for a smoother ride.
· Check the fork on your cheap bike. A suspension fork on your mountain bike will make the rides less bumpy while a carbon fork on a road bike will make riding smoother by eliminating vibrations.
· Consider adding a suspension stem to your mountain bike
· Wear bike shorts as they have extra padding that will be blessing on long rides
· You should also get biking shoes if your feet get numb after much pedaling
You should also know that part of having a comfortable ride is knowing where you will be riding. Will you be riding on dirt tracks or mainly asphalt? By knowing the answer to this simple question you will be able to buy the correct bicycle and thus make the correct modifications to your cheap bike to ensure better handling and comfortable rides. Riding with friends and family that you like too are important as the activity would then be something that you can continue to do and enjoy together for years to come.
Consider Mongoose bikes which are specifically meant for all group of cyclists. For more information about Mongoose bikes, visit http://MongooseBikes.org/
How to Choose a Road Bike
You've finally made the decision to buy a road bike. You are probably not going to just go to your local bike store and buy any bicycle. You will need to do some research to find the best road bike that fits you well. The following are some tips and guidelines that will help you purchase the best bike for your needs.
Road Bike Styles
Like most other bicycles, Road Bikes come in a variety of styles. It's important to know these styles in order to determine how you will be using your bike. Road bikes range from 12 to 21 speeds and are generally designed for riding on hard, smooth surfaces - like roads! You can ride them on pavement, go fast and ride long distances. These bikes are lightweight and offer the best aerodynamic positions for the rider.
- Touring Bikes: Not all road bikes are comfortable. Touring bikes, on the other hand, are designed with a little extra comfort and are not the fastest. These bikes are made for long distance cycling. The handlebars are comfortable and allow you to have good control as well as various hand positions. You can tackle any incline with 21 speeds and touring bikes come with great brake systems.
- Racing Bikes: As the name suggests, these bikes are made for speed. The frame is thin and lightweight combined with aerodynamic technology. Feedback is key with racing bikes which is why they are designed with a short wheelbase. This allows the bike to respond to any movement and the 12 to 18 gears will get you to top speed.
- Sport Bikes: Although Sport Bikes are not the lightest road bikes, they are the most responsive. The drop handlebars offer plenty of comfort and control. The bike is designed for fast speeds combined with long distance.
Frame Size: Once you choose the style of road bike you want, you must then ensure that the bike fits you. You can always go to a local bike shop to obtain measurements. On the other hand, there are general rules of thumb that can guide you to select the right frame size.
Frame Height: You must stand over the frame with both legs on either side. You should have one to two inches of clearance between your crotch and the top bar.
Frame Length: Once you sit on the bike, make sure that you can reach the handlebars comfortably. This will ensure that you have optimal control while riding as well as comfort.
Adjustments: You can adjust the seat height when it is not right. It is recommended that you have a 30 degree bend in your knee when your foot is on the pedal at the lowest position. Once you adjust the seat accordingly, the handlebars must be adjusted at the same height as the seat or one inch lower.
Road Bike Prices: Many people have a budget when they are shopping for a bike. You can find a great bike depending on your budget by shopping around for deals. Road bikes range from $150 all the way to thousands of dollars. Beginner bikes will fall on the lower end of the price spectrum while professional bikes can cost you up to $5000. The quality of bike components such as breaks, suspension systems and tires are factored into the price. The material of the bike frame also matters.The important aspect to look for is the feel of the bike and the way it fits you.
How to Choose a Mountain Bike
There's more to mountain biking than you may think. It's not a one size fits all type of sport as there are multiple mountain bike styles. Each style of bike corresponds to a type of mountain biking style. These include All Mountain bikes (Trail bikes), Freeride Bikes, Downhill (DH), and Cross Country (XC).
To choose the right bike style, you must consider the type of riding you will do most of the time. Here are some pointers on each style:
- All Mountain Bikes (Trail bikes): These bikes are designed for all sorts of terrain whether its smooth or rough. You can take your all mountain bike anywhere for an enjoyable and exciting trip. These bikes are durable and can handle anything. Most people prefer trail bikes for all day rides because they are light, comfortable and offer plenty of control.
- Freeride Bikes: These bikes are specifically designed for drops, jumps and performing stunts. They are built to last on hard trails and usually come with a lot of suspension travel.
- Downhill Bikes (DH): DH bikes are designed for downhill racing. They are not known to be the most fun to ride up the mountain, but they are fast once you start going down. They're also made to tackle dangerous and rough terrain at high speeds.
- Cross Country Bikes (XC): Although not the most comfortable to ride all day long, XC bikes are by far the lightest bikes you will ride. These bikes are also designed to be very efficient.
Bikes also differ for men and women. Bike manufacturers have begun to produce bikes specifically designed for women.
Frame Size
The size of the frame is primarily based upon preference but is important to think about when dealing with comfort. Generally speaking, you must be able to stand over the bike frame with your feet standing comfortably on both sides. While standing, you want to make sure that there is some space at the top tube. Mountain bikes usually have 3 to 5 inches of clearance at the top tube. Having this space is important for being safe on rough terrain.
Mountain bikes are usually smaller than road bikes when it comes to frame size. The frame has different top tube sizes for every mountain bike. Long top tubes provide a longer wheelbase which offers better shock absorption and less jitter when handling the bike. Longer top tubes also come with longer down tubes which means there is less stiffness during acceleration. Bigger bikes are generally more comfortable as the bars are set higher. Women also require shorter top tubes, while men need longer top tubes.
Pricing
Most people shop for mountain bikes with a budget. By narrowing down your search to the type of mountain bike, you can find the right bike at the best deal. If you want a Mountain Bike to just ride around in the city with, you will not need a full-suspension system. While expensive doesn't always mean the best, you probably don't want a three-hundred dollar bike that lacks quality and a suspension system for cross-country riding. The price range for mountain bikes starts at $300 for beginner bikes. High end mountain bikes can cost up to $6000.
The most important task you can do while shopping for a bike is testing out different styles and sizes. You will develop a personal relationship with your mountain bike and you want it to be comfortable and fit for your needs.
