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What Type of Bike Do You Need For a Triathlon

July 24, 2010 By skg Leave a Comment

This is the only part of the race in which you will be on a machine; the rest of it is all you. Because of this, this will be the most expensive and technical purchases you will make for the triathlon.

Bikes come in many sizes and shapes and vary greatly in price. “You get what you pay for” is especially true when it comes to purchasing a bike. If you would like a lightweight smooth performer, the price of the bike will increase greatly. It is important to choose wisely because whatever bike you chose will have an effect on the race. A well-maintained bike can shave minutes off your overall time during races.

Are you wondering, “If I get the most expensive bike I can find, this will cut back on my training?” If you are, you are definitely wrong. You will have to put forth the effort and become efficient at riding.

The following are three things that will help you decide on the right bike:

1) If you don’t have a bike yet, you need to figure out how much you are going to spend. You can spend a few hundred dollars on a bike, or you can spend $10,000. You don’t need to go out and spend thousands of dollars on a bike in order to be a triathlete. The majority of first-timers to triathlons will spend an average of $500. The first bike that I purchased was a 20-year-old road bike that I purchased for $60. This bike got me through a number of triathlons.
2) You need to choose the bike that will work best for you and your needs. There are many types of bikes that are acceptable to ride in a triathlon; in fact there are five different types. Features, components, and the type of terrain will play a factor in your decision.
3) In order to find the right bike, you need to do your homework. Go into your local bike shop and talk to the sales staff and tell them what your needs are. They will even let you ride bikes you are looking at outside. Be sure to test all things; gears, handling, braking, cornering, etc.

Hopefully these few things will help point you in the right direction to find your next bike.

I am looking for a good pair of biking shoes?

What is a good site to shop for biking shoes for a road bike and other road biking gear. I am training for a triathlon and need to get the gear together asap. Thanks!

Answer
While you can get gear mail order, bike shoes are so personal that unless you already know the make and model you work best with, go to your local bike shop. If you really need to mail order it, try the sites listed below.

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Filed Under: Cycling Tagged With: Bike, Need, Type, What

Tires And What You Need To Know

June 26, 2010 By skg Leave a Comment

Tires are not just those things under your wheels that you drive on, they are an important part of your motorcycle gear and to how fast you can go and how your bike will drive. What you don’t think you need to know, you should.

Tires are very important to the way that your motorcycle will drive and how it will handle. You may not know that tires are so important to your motorcycle but it really is. Knowing what tire is good for your motorcycle can help you to know what to do to help it drive better. When you go to the motorcycle gear shop to look for other parts and motorcycle gear you can ask them what tires will help you with what you plan to do with your racing or just driving needs.

Blowing out a tire on the road is really not that fun at all. That’s why you should check the way that your bike is running every once and a while and your tires should be included in this check. That way you won’t have the problem of losing a tire on the road because a motorcycle obviously has no spare and it won’t be fun to walk home.

There are also tires that make your bike go faster! These are used for racing normally and are called slicks. They don’t have any kind of tread on them and make the tires stick to the road better. This makes the bike go faster and get a good start on the race in the beginning instead of sliding all over the place when you are racing. These kinds of tires are not right for a motorcycle that is just going to be driven on the road and not raced because they don’t last that long and they are more expensive then the traditional tires for your motorcycle.

So when you are picking out your tires for your motorcycle, consider what they are going to be used for and how far you are going to be riding on a given basis. Keep in mind that even if you don’t go far with your bike, you will still have tires that are going to get tired. Cycles that sit for long periods of time will have tires that rot instead of just wearing out. You can have a great time on your motorcycle if you know what motorcycle gear you need and what to use.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about motorcycle gear, used motorcycle parts, and used car parts. When shopping for motorcycle gear or used parts, we recommend only the best stores for motorcycle tires, used motorcycle tires, and used car parts.

Is a Fixed Gear Bike and a Road Bike Different?

IF they are different, Do Fixed gear bikes cost more?
whats the difference?

im thinking about getting another.

Answer
A fixed gear bike may or may not be a road bike. Traditionally, most of them are, but fixed gear mtn bikes and cyclo-cross type bikes have recently become more popular and are probably more common. Fixed gear bikes were originally mainly designed for velodrome racing where braking is not as important and allowed for trackstands to be done, etc. They have now spread to the other branches of cycling. Cyclists sometimes use fixed gear bikes as an alternative method of training.

The cost is usually less, but they are generally harder to find. Your selection will be less with a fixed gear.

The difference between the two is that on a fixed gear bike, the pedals rotate at all times, even when “coasting”. To brake, one puts reverse pressure on the pedal stroke. It is possible to install normal hand-brakes as well, though most don’t come this way originally. Fixed gear track frames normally are not set up to accomodate hand brakes and don’t have the brake mounting bosses on the frame and fork..

Note that this is different than a single-speed or “coaster” type bike, that does allow you to stop pedalling, but only has one gear.

Of course, with a fixed gear bike one has only one choice of gear, so hills can be a problem.

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Filed Under: Gear Tagged With: Know, Need, Tires, What

Information You Need When Buying An Exercise Bike

June 1, 2010 By skg Leave a Comment

When buying a new or used exercise bike there are a number of things you need to consider to get the right bike for your needs and also one that meets applicable safety standards. There are numerous articles around that consider how to select an exercise bike for your particular needs by considering the main features. I have a link at the bottom of the article to my site that provides such advice. This article looks instead at protecting your rights when you buy an exercise bike and the safety features that you should be looking for. It is based on advice from the Office of Fair Trading in Queensland, Australia. The advice is general in nature and applies wherever you live.

Where to Buy an exercise bike

The best advice with regard to where to buy a new or used exercise bike is to buy from a well established business with a good reputation. Try to find reviews on the internet of the business if you can. Also check if there is good after sales service attached with your purchase. If you want to buy online, again try to used established merchants with a good reputation. With a number of online auction sites, the sellers have user feedback attached to their account, so you see if the seller has a good track record.

Exercise Bike Warranty

Always check to see that the bike has a warranty and compare them. The longer the warranty, the longer the manufacturer stands behind their product. However, watch out for the different time periods covered for the different components. For example the frame may have a different warranty period to the electrical components and labour. Don’t get caught out, as most frame warranty periods are far longer than electrical, parts and labour warranties.

Exercise Bike Standards

Make sure that the bike is compliant (usually they have a sticker on them stating the standards that they meet). Check that moving parts such as the chain and wheel spokes are completely concealed so that a young child cant get their fingers caught. Do not buy an exercise bike without checking it out first. Go to the store and get all the details you need to satisfy yourself that the bike meets your needs. If you are buying through an online auction site, ask questions of the seller until you are satisfied you have got all the information you need.

Check that the exercise bike comes with an owner manual and if required, assembly instructions. The manual should give you all the necessary specifications about the bike such as maximum weight the bike can handle and any maintenance requirements.

Conclusion

So, when checking out cheap new or used exercise bikes for sale, don’t just look at the main features of the bike to make a decision. This is important, but the issues discussed above must also be considered to make an informed decision and get an exercise bike that is not only has the features you want but is safe and will stand up to the punishment you are about to give it.

To help you with your search, check out this huge range of exercise bikes for sale by online auction, or new or used exercise bikes for sale to buy now. Good luck with your search.

What type of bicycle can be used for light mountain biking and riding around my neighborhood?

I am looking for a bike that I can use not only for easy mountain biking trails, but also for riding around my neighborhood. I have seen hybrid bikes and Im not totally sure what those are. Can someone please help me or point me in the right direction!!! Thanks

Answer
You sound like a candidate for a hybrid. They are called that because they are a cross between a road and mountain bike. The frame is similar to a mountain bike. Wheels are the same diameter as road bikes (700C) but narrower and tires have less aggressive treads than a true mountain bike. They often have front (and maybe seat) suspension, but they will usually have mountain bike style handlebars and gears. They are well suited to city roads, bike paths and hardpack trails, but being a hybrid are less suited to long, fast road rides than a road bike or to rough/demanding trails than a mountain bike. See the article at the link.

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Filed Under: Cycling Tagged With: Bike, Buying, Exercise, Information, Need, When

Even Tough Guys motorcyclist Need Protection

May 30, 2010 By skg Leave a Comment

The Department of Transportation recommends using the following protective gear for safety: DOT (Department of Transportation) approved motorcycle helmet with a high safety rating, good quality leather jacket, thick leather chaps or leather trousers to protect your legs, leather gloves to protect your hands, and leather boots to protect your feet and ankles. Protective clothing, such as a jacket, boots, and gloves reduce rider injury severity and, therefore play an important role of preventing or at least decreasing the degree of injury should a crash or fall occur. Weather protection is also an important aspect of PPE not mentioned above is protection from the elements. PPE provides protection from wind, rain and cold. . Protective clothing and equipment serve a three-fold purpose for motorcyclists: comfort, protection from the elements, and some measure of injury protection. Remember that the passenger needs safely gear as well.

Protective clothing, such as a jacket, boots, and gloves reduce rider injury severity and, therefore play an important role of preventing or at least decreasing the degree of injury should a crash or fall occur. Another idea that comes to mind is weather protection and not mentioned above is protection from the elements. PPE provides protection from wind, rain and cold. The Department of Transportation recommends using the following protective gear for safety: DOT (Department of Transportation) approved motorcycle helmet with a high safety rating, good quality leather jacket, thick leather chaps or leather trousers to protect your legs, leather gloves to protect your hands, and leather boots to protect your feet and ankles. Protective clothing and equipment serve a three-fold purpose for motorcyclists: comfort, protection from the elements, and some measure of injury protection. Donot forget to supply the passenger with safety gear also.

Stay Visible: Extreme Visibility is Very Important

One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection in a crash. Also it is no surprise that the majority of motorcycle/automobile accidents are due to poor visibily. Make yourself visible: Choose protective gear that will increase both the rider and passenger visibility in addition to providing protection in the event of a crash. LED lighting improves motorcycle visibility, and horns provide sound warnings to keep others on the road aware of your presence. Remember to utilize the use of bright colors, white, neon colors, or reflective material, a means for other motorists to see the motorcyclist and also the passenger.

Protect Your Body: Jackets and Trousers

Jackets and trousers should be made of heavy-weight, durable material like leather or denim. Clothing worn when riding a motorcycle should provide some measure of protection from abrasion in the event of a spill, accidental contact with the hot parts of the motorcycle, nasty bug splats, and also in case of fire occurring as a result of the crash. The most common leather used for motorcycle wear is from cattle such as beef. Horse leather is sometimes used and also provides excellent protection. Originally, motorcycle leathers were adapted from tank corps gear immediately following World War I. Thick, tough leather provides the most abrasion resistance in a crash, but fabrics such as cordura, kevlar and ballistic nylon provide significant protection too. Airbag system technology is now available to be fitted to jackets and vests for accident protection and impact protection for both riders and passengers. Trousers should be made of the same material as jackets, usually including special protection for the knees and hips. Increasingly, motorcyclists are choosing protective equipment constructed of man-made textiles rather than leather due to their improved weather protection, from heat, cold, and water. These garments tend to provide greater convenience in terms of pockets and vents. Eventhough becoming popular, PPE constructed of textile fabrics offer much less protection for abrasion than leather does.

Protect Your Feet, Ankles, and Lower Legs

Proper footwear for motorcycle riding gives superior protection for the feet, ankles, and lower parts of the legs. Sandals, sneakers, and similar footwear should not be used since they provide very little to NO protection from abrasion or a crushing impact. Despite their toughness and protection, most boots are very lightweight. Tough, strong, moderately flexible boots with stiff rubber, oil/chemical resistance soles with a good grip provide the rider protection from a number of risks. A safety oriented, protected motorcyclist will wear boots with heels that fit on motorcycle foot rests (pegs) that also provide ankle support. Tough, strong, moderately flexible boots with stiff soles provide the rider protection from a number of risks. If the boots have heels, they should be low and wide to provide a stable base when standing with the bike. Extensive research has shown that heavy leather boots or boots designed specifically for motorcycle riding are the only types of footwear that offer any foot protection in a crash. When shopping for motorcycle boots, be sure that they are labeled as such because their construction is different as they have special seams and different techniques are applied for more resistance to abrasion, crush protection, and tear resistance so they provide better injury prevention. Besides the obvious abrasion, as you probably already know, on most motorcycles there are many hot parts that reside near your feet and ankles: Motorcycle boots help prevents unnecessary injury to these areas by placing a thick barrier between your lower legs, feet, and ankles. The choice of buying boots with reflective tapes or placing some on the boots yourself, (this tape can usually be purchased very easily at a number of online merchants or if you prefer to fight traffic and shop around some department stores also “should” stock it).

Protect Your Hands

Besides abrasion protection, gloves usually offer a better grip on the controls, especially in extreme weather and when riding on rough surfaces. They also provide some level of protection against flying objects, such as rocks thrown by traffic or insects (yuck). Motorcycling gloves are typically gloves made of leather with some type of padding. Gloves provide more safety if they cover the wrist area and fingers, this provides extra support in case of a crash or fall.

Protect Your Head. The Most Important Protection: The Helmet

Most bikers know that helmets add protection and most states require that every biker and passenger use one. Maybe I’m wrong but I thing that the simple act of putting on a helmet is a reminder that you are about to participate in a very dangerous activity and this simple act places your unconscious mind in safety mode. A helmet also provides eye protection and decreases wind noise which allow the rider to see and hear better. The major function of the motorcycle helmet is to prevent injury to the head. The style of helmets with full face protection, helps to protect the lower jaw. There is a new helmet on the market now that incorporates a full face helmet for better protection in which the face/jaw shield portion can be lifted up and opened. This feature allows for better communication function ability while also making the helmet as easy to put on and take off as the popular open faced models, When purchasing a helmet, look for those that meet a high protection standard as indicated on a tag or on the helmet itself, Unfortunately there are helmets being sold that do not meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) standard and do not provide the level of protection needed while riding your motorcycle, much less offer safety from injury should a fall or crash occur.

Keep Yourself Safe by Keeping Your Motorcycle Safe: Please Remember the Safety Checks

It is very important to remember to check that all lights are working properly on your motorcycle; this should include the headlights, tail lights, signal lights, brake lights. Be sure to also check the motorcycle horn before each ride as well, if present. If you don’t have one purchase one and make sure it is properly installed. Visually assess the condition and routing of control cables, making sure they move freely, also check that cables are not so tight as to interfere with steering. Make sure the cables have no sharp angles and replace any frayed cables found immediately. Check to make sure your throttle moves freely, with no sticking and snaps closed when released. Always remember to check shocks and forks to make sure they are properly adjusted and travel freely. Any attached load should be inspected and reinspected periodically to make sure it is securely fastened, and that any straps are tight, have no loose ends, and not freely moving. Every safe rider should practice observation skills and being aware of her/his surroundings. Enjoy the freedom, the ride, the great outdoors, but stay alert and concentrate on riding safely as well. Happy riding!

Written by Leah L Fitzgerald.com

Copyright April 6, 2008, Fitzmart.com

Leah Fitzgerald is a Registered Nurse who enjoys writing informative articles.
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Dirt biking gear help!!!!?

I need dirtbiking boots and i want to know if my foot size with regular shoes would be the same size as boots.

Answer
make allowance for heavy socks.. wear the heavy socks when you go to try on the boots….

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Filed Under: Gear Tagged With: Even, Guys, Motorcyclist, Need, Protection, Tough

If You Are Serious About Cycling You Need The Proper Shoes

May 29, 2010 By skg Leave a Comment

When you start running, you get running shoes, right? And when you play basketball you wear basketball shoes. Golfers wear golf shoes, and tennis players wear tennis shoes. Cycling is no different. There are a number of shoes made for bike riders and plenty of shoes that aren’t specifically made for bike riding but work well, nonetheless.

Most people can get by riding their bikes wearing almost any kind of athletic shoes. Tennis, basketball, running, cross-training, etc. will work just fine for the average rider. As long as they have a good sole on them they’ll be fine. It’s important to wear shoes with a good grip because you don’t want your feet to slip and knock your shins off the pedals, which can hurt pretty bad and cause you to wreck and do even more damage to yourself. Another thing to consider is the stiffness of the sole. A relatively stiff sole allows you to keep more of your foot in contact with the pedal, which, in turn, gives you more power. Shoes made for skateboarding are especially well-suited for the recreational rider, as well as BMX riding and freestyling.

Will you be doing most of your riding on the road or off? This is an important consideration as it will affect your choice in shoes. If you’re going to be doing a lot of mountain biking then you should wear relatively sturdy shoes with rugged soles. A solid pair of skateboarding shoes will usually work pretty well for this kind of riding, but you should also consider light hiking boots or trail-running shoes. These are good for mountain biking because they provide above average traction, are sturdily built, and are often water-resistant, which can come in handy when you’re blasting though mud puddles.

If you’re an avid or competitive cyclist, then you’re probably already familiar with the most popular sort of shoe for this kind of riding. Professional-grade cycling shoes feature clips on the bottom which lock into specially made pedals. A quick flick of the ankle will release the shoe, but they’re held firm during normal riding so your feet don’t lose contact with the pedal, which robs the racer of precious power. Clip-on shoes allow you to generate power as your feet are pushing down and raising up, which is quite an advantage over regular shoes. Clip-ons are not generally recommended for mountain biking because you frequently have to take your feet off the pedals to deal with difficult terrain.

Cycling is a great way to get into shape. It’s easy to adjust the activity to each rider’s level of fitness and interest. If you’re just getting into cycling you already know that your choice in equipment is important. Don’t forget that what you wear while riding is important, too. Part of that consideration are your shoes. A good pair will serve you well and help keep you from getting hurt.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as bicycle parts and clothing at http://www.bicyclepartsandclothing.com

Why is it bad to have a rear break on a fixed gear bike?

I am in the process of building my own fixie and I have decided to include only a front brake. However, I have been told to include both breaks, but then again the same day I was told “putting a rear brake on a fixed gear bike is dangerous.” All in all, I am wondering why including a rear break would be “dangerous”.

Answer
Many fixie purists beleive there is no need at all for brakes, period. However, front and rear brakes are a really good idea if you are going to ride on real roads with traffic. Hopefully, the rationale for a front brake is obvious to you. Because you can slow a bike by resisting the pedals the need for a rear brake is reduced. Still it is tough on the knees to apply back pressure on the pedals. And if you really need to slow down, NOW, a back brake is going to help you stop quicker than back pressure or just a front brake.

Hope this helps.

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Filed Under: Gear Tagged With: About, Cycling, Need, Serious

Essential MountainBiking Equipment You Need

May 25, 2010 By skg Leave a Comment

The categories of equipment for mountain bikes include a great number of subcategories.  These subcategories include the bikes, frames, accessories, biking apparel, and even the separate components that make up the bikes.  There are a number of items that you can get for mountain biking, so it is imperative that you know what you want.  You first need to determine what kind of biking that you do.  Do you mountain bike for fun or are you into it for racing?  If you have just started your mountain biking adventure, then your first purchase will need to be a bike that will meet your needs and wants.  

Clothing that is specially made for mountain biking is much looser than the other clothing made for cycling.  The difference between mountain biking apparel and other biking apparel is very noticeable and easy to see.  All kinds of cycling have one thing in common, however, and that is helmets.  Helmets should be worn anytime you are on your bike.  This will help to protect your head from the many hazards that may be on the trail.  

There are accessories that can help make your biking safer for you, too.  One of these accessories is mountain bike lights.  If you are going to be riding at night, then you will need some kind of lighting on your bike, whether it is LED lights or other lights.  Lights enable mountain bikers to enjoy the trail at any time of the day or night.  

You can find your mountain bike supplies at your local bike shop or online at many different bicycling retailers.  You can find everything that you need-from knee guards to full body guards to helmets to other apparel and accessories.  The shops will be able to assist you to find mountain biking gear for any level of rider, from the casual to the more extreme enthusiast.  

Protective gear is essential in mountain biking, especially.  It will help you to withstand the rigors of mountain and downhill racing.  Many different body armor pieces help to protect different parts of the body to make sure that you will be protected if you have an accident.  This gear is specially made to protect you without taking away from the experience and fun of mountain biking.  

The most important thing that you need to purchase to help keep yourself safe is a biking helmet.  A helmet can keep you alive in this sometimes dangerous sport.  No matter how small the race, biking helmets are required to help keep you safe.  To keep your hands free from burns or blisters, you may want to choose some gloves.  They serve a functional use as well, because they help to give you a much stronger grip on the handlebars for maximum control.  

Mountain biking demands comfortable clothing.  Most races occur during the summer, so shorts and t-shirts are the most commonly seen clothing, but during the winter months, you may see pants and sweatshirts.  You are sure to find the perfect clothing to ride in no matter what time of the year to help you be comfortable and to look cool.

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When your on the starting like for a motocross race do you already have you bike in gear or not?

Do you already have you bike in gear or when they say go or let down the bars you you put it in to gear please answers.

Answer
i put it in gear when there is about 10 seconds left. hope this helps

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Filed Under: Gear Tagged With: Equipment, Essential, MountainBiking, Need

What Cyclists Wear and Need

May 16, 2010 By skg Leave a Comment

The group of items that should make up every cyclist’s gear is clothing. A cyclist needs a quality bike helmet. A bike helmet that doesn’t fit perfectly increases your risk of getting a serious injury so it is best to make sure that it fits properly.

What a cyclist wears depends on whether he or she is riding for sport or on a competitive scale. The average cyclist will be comfortable in the usual cycling apparel, which consists of comfortable shorts and tops. The advanced riders, on the other hand, need cycling skinsuits to decrease drag and improve their speed.

For cycling accessories, protective eyewear or sunglasses is important since covering the eyes protects you from the sun’s blinding glare as well as those unexpected bits of debris that fly through the air. Next on the list is cycling gloves and these are a must for both safety and comfort. A cyclist’s hands need special attention regardless of the season because they are exposed to cold, wind, rain and the rays of the sun. If a cyclist goes down due to an accident, for instance, his hands are usually the first to make contact to the ground. A cyclist should not forget to include socks and sports shoes in the list of cycling gear.

One very important item that a cyclist should bring with him is a tool kit that includes a bicycle pump together with a puncture repair kit with patches. Bringing these ensures a safe activity for beginners and veterans.

Kylie is a writer for a leading brand in cycling apparel.

How do you fix a bike gear?

My sister and her friend broke my bike. I don’t know how. There’s something sticking out (more like sticking downward) from the gear holding the chain on the back wheel, and that has caused the chain to loosen, making it so I can’t ride my bike. I’ve tried to push that up and back where it is supposed to go, but its not working. How can I fix it?

Answer
You don’t fix it yourself. You take it to your friendly local bike shop, where they have the tools, parts, and expertise to fix it.

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Filed Under: Gear Tagged With: Cyclists, Need, Wear, What

Why we Need to Develop Mountain Biking Trails in Thailand

May 10, 2010 By skg Leave a Comment

Why we Need to Develop Mountain Biking Trails in Thailand

The potential for MTB in Thailand is endless. Bangkok itself and the surrounding provinces like Nonthaburi, Suphanburi and Ayutthaya are ultra flat but travel just a couple of hours in any direction and the mountainous terrain is amazing. Unfortunately for most Bangkokians don’t even know what all mountain or downhill mountain biking is all about and although I don’t want to knock XC MTBers the locals spend most of their biking time riding on flat boring dirt roads traveling as slow as possible and stopping now and again to point at and pick fruit from trees.

As well as these flat dirt roaders there are others that think mountain biking means riding a mountain bike on tarmac roads dressed in their best Sunday spandex with racing slicks on their 24,000 baht Mavic Crossmax, when it would be fair to say that that’s road biking and you can use a sports cycle with rigid forks for that.

Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand is the established Mecca of downhill mountain biking. With a handful of downhill and all mountain trails, great trails but still none of which are of a world-class standard. The hype for most mountain bikers who travel to Chiang Mai to have a go at the trails there is simply to say that they had a go at the sport in a country warm enough to call it jungle single track.

With tourism at a 49 years low in the kingdom it would be great to see the MTB Tour companies who operate in Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas investing more time developing tracks and promoting the sport more with XC and downhill races and maybe some even some 4x and slope style competitions.

The 2007 Asean Downhill competition was held near Lam Tha Khong Dam on the outskirts of Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Rachasima Province which gave mountain bikers in Central Thailand some hope that the sport had reached a new level and more trails would be built but after a visit to the site where the event was held just a few months after the trail had gone back to being an unused overgrown path and the locals had forgotten all about it.

There is some great potential for mountain biking trails in Central Thailand too but the locals and expats who live there don’t seem to get the time or feel the need to go out and build more trails just keep riding the same old trails at Khao I-to in Prachinburi and Tamp Pra Toon in Chonburi. Again, these are two great trails to get your teeth into but become boring for the people who ride them all the time and are quite difficult for those who are just getting into the sport with their awkward and steep uphill sections being very punishing in the hotter months.

What mountain bikers in Thailand would like to see is more purpose built trails developed in the area. Locations such as Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Khao Yai would be perfect locations for mountain bikers in the country to get together and develop some world-class trails with manageable uphill sections and great downhill sections to cater for all MTB disciplines.

M.T. Hill Tours encourages the growth of Mountain Biking and Eco-tours in Thailand and our Mountain Bike Tours Thailand website is a free information site with free GPS waypoints for all central Thailand trails and information about mountain biking in central Thailand and Chiang Mai. Our all new English MTB forum has been set up to encourage groups of mountain bikers to get together and help to develop new mountain bike trails all over the country.

Senior SEO and area manager of IT and Web Design Thailand. Bangkok SEO services, search engine optimization and web design training consultants.

How do you stay lean without getting bulky when biking?

I bike every day and know that you get more bulk when biking, well at least for me because I gain muscle quite easily. Does anyone know of another exercise routine that can help counter that so I can have a more lean physique? I do yoga quite often, should I practice it more to help my muscles?

Answer
You aren’t going to gain a whole lot of bulk by biking. it’s cardio, and by nature, lots of repetitive muscle use in your legs, which promotes building strength, but not bulk.

Doing lots of cardio prevents you from bulking up because you’re burning a lot of calories, making it difficult to gain muscle mass.

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Filed Under: Cycling Tagged With: Biking, Develop, Mountain, Need, Trails

Why You Need a Bike Rack

May 3, 2010 By skg Leave a Comment

More and more people each year are discovering the joy of riding their bikes. Many now see mountain biking as a fabulous vacation getaway close to their own backyard. This can be a less expensive way to spend time with your family and friends while reaping loads of health benefits. When you travel with a bicycle, it’s very important to secure your bike properly with a bike rack. Some people think that if they have a pickup truck or an SUV, a bike rack isn’t necessary. While there is plenty of room in a truck bed to store bikes, allowing them to move around while you are driving is not wise. As you drive, the bike or bikes will shift around in the truck bed causing damage to your bicycles (not to mention the truck bed). They can get scratched and dented which will lead to premature rusting of the frame and may make them unsafe to ride. Even when the bikes themselves are safe in the backseat of an SUV, the dirt and grease from your bike may transfer to the upholstery and damage your truck. Aside from all of this damage, the rattling caused by the bikes during travel may drive you insane.

The best way to handle this when driving a truck or SUV is to purchase a hitch bike rack. This type of bike rack attaches to the trailer hitch on the back of your truck for easy transport. You can find these from a variety of companies and in many different price ranges. You can get them for up to five bikes and once you get one, you won’t be able to figure out how you ever lived without it. Before you go shopping, be sure to find out the diameter of the ball (the receiver) on which the hitch needs to fit. The best place to find a hitch rack (also called a receiver rack) is on the internet.

If you are uncomfortable with storing your bikes on the back of your truck or SUV or you do not have a trailer hitch, there is another option. You can invest in a bed mount which runs from one side of your truck bed to the other. This allows you to fasten your bikes in an upright position. This will keep them safe and quiet. This will work in an SUV, however it will take time to set up if you have to fold the seats down each time you go for a ride.

You can find bike racks at your local sports or cycling store. However, you will be able to find a better deal on the internet. With little to no overhead, internet sites are able to get you the bike rack you want for less money and no sacrifice of customer service.

Spending a little extra now on a bike rack will save you money and stress in the long run. Your bikes and your truck or SUV will last longer and stay in better condition.

Mike Dire is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. He is also a partner in an online bike rack store.

How does biking long distances affect your skill at running?

I go for a run about once or twice a week, so I’m not super serious about it, but I usually find myself taking my bicycle for short trips to the store or long rides by the ocean, and I find myself biking more and more. Obviously as you do it more your leg muscles gain strength and you get more used to cardio exercises, but does cycling a lot affect how you run in a positive or negative way? Thanks for the answers!

Answer
Cycling mostly affects you in a positive way for the exact reasons you stated. It’s always better to ride the bike than the bus, but walking is just as good for short trips.

Cycling requires more discipline than running since you can coast or pedal leisurely on the bike. With running, you have a pace that can vary, but you are ether running or walking, so it has more of a threshold that keeps you in the higher activity range.

Two specific thoughts about cycling:
* You have to avoid pushing slow revolutions of the crank. That can damage your knees and the intense, slow movement is like lifting weights. Typically, you should not do much weight training (or hard, slow revs on the bike) if you are a distance runner. Use a wristwatch to count the revolutions of your right foot. Seventy per minute is the minimum. Top long-distance cyclists cam easily do 120 revs per minute, but you have to work up to that over weeks of training, and it probably isn’t beneficial to your skill to go above 90 RPM.
* The movement is not the same as that of running, so it doesn’t build the same range of flexibility. Your gluts are not asked to push back in cycling like they are in running. On the other hand, your arms and shoulders get some intense isometric work without the flexing you get from swinging them during a run. Your thighs will likely increase in bulk from cycling, but your calves will not likely change. Cycling is definitely a quads-intensive activity.

If you are a weekend runner, it isn’t such a worry. You might even devote a third of your workout to cycling. If you are a serious, competitive runner, you can’t find any better way to spend 90% of your workout time than running.

The bike should be adjusted properly for best handling and range of movement. If the seat is too low, your knees will be strained. If too high, you can’t keep good balance. The distance from the seat to the handlebar stem should be such that you can keep a reasonable part of your upper body weight on your hands. Too little and you don’t have good control on bumps. Too much and you will get tired and loose feeling in your hands. Always wear cycling gloves for workouts to lessen the nerve-deadening effect and too give protection if you take a tumble. Your hands will hit the street by instinct when you fall.

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Filed Under: Cycling Tagged With: Bike, Need, Rack

5 Things You Need To Know About The Schwinn 231 Exercise Bike

May 3, 2010 By skg Leave a Comment

A Schwinn 231 Exercise Bike is the machine many people choose for personal use.  Now it’s one of Schwinn’s more expensive bikes, but then Schwinn bikes are mostly mid-range so it’s still not very expensive.  This recumbent bike is rugged and it’s loaded with features for the price, plus it’s from Schwinn.  Schwinn is known for value.  Here’s the story…

It’s A Recumbent.

The recumbent bike is a fairly new type of design.  Many people choose them over an upright for several reasons.  One of the main reasons is comfort.  See you’re reclining when you ride, so your weight is not bearing down on two small areas on your pelvic bones.  That’s why it’s more comfortable than an upright.  Another recumbent feature that attracts many is the ease of getting on and off.  It’s just a simple step through frame, so mounting is easy for most anyone even if you have an injury or disability.  This bike is noted for a comfortable seat.  It’s wide, stable and includes lumbar back support.  But there’s more…

It’s Rugged.

A bike that’s too light will rock and roll as you pedal.  What happens as the bike moves around is that it starts to come apart and loosen up.  All that rocking and swaying will literally tear the machine apart in short order.  That’s why a heavy, rugged bike will last much longer.  It’s not tearing itself up as you ride.  It’s more pleasant to pedal on a solid bike too, less swaying and more pedaling.  Now this bike isn’t nearly as heavy as a commercial gym type bike, but it’s well built and quite stable.  The customer reviews highlight those features.  So it’s quite stable, but is it fun to ride?

The Electronics Makes It Fun To Use

Like many other bikes, this one uses a magnetic system to produce the resistance.  What’s that do for you?  Well you can adjust the resistance to vary the pedal effort.  Now this type of drive is very smooth, but it’s also quiet.  It’s almost silent in fact.  So that way you can watch videos or listen to music while you ride.  That’s one way to fight boredom.  The other part of the electronics system is the programmable workouts.  You get 16 resistance levels you can dial in.  Then you get 10 workout programs that are already built in.  That’s what you need to fight boredom, lots of variation.

Schwinn Is Known For Value

But all the design features and options are no good if the thing won’t work.  You know it’s nice to have a guarantee, which you get of course.  But what you really want is a machine where you don’t need the guarantee.  You know, you just want something that works.  You never know, but these machines don’t seem to get returned very often.  At least that’s what the consumer reviews indicate.  Now my personal bike isn’t a model 231, but it is a Schwinn.  I’ve been riding the same bike for almost twenty years and it still works fine. 

The Schwinn 231 Exercise Bike isn’t as heavy as a commercial gym bike.  That makes it easier to move, but a little less stable.  This is a value packed exercise bike for home use.  It has lots of electronics so you can fight the number one problem with exercise bikes… boredom.

 

Al Bullington has been riding the same Schwinn exercise bike for twenty years. Get more details about the Schwinn 231 Exercise Bike plus other model reviews on our website. Get our free workout plan too at http://ExerciseBikeFitness.com.

What is the best work out to prepare for Mountain biking during the winter months?

I’d like to know what type of work out to do now to get in shape for Mountain biking this summer.

Answer
Get out there and bike! But seriously, if you’re really in a position where you can’t go out, get a trainer and ride in your home while watching some wicked videos (like Roam!) to keep you pumped.

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