Bicycles, shop, and parts
Bicycling is an activity that almost every person in the U.S. enjoyed as a child, and many continue to do so throughout their adult life as well. Bicycles can be enjoyed by almost anyone. This website is here to provide information for those pedal pushers along with those new to the sport of bicycling. There have been many advances in the sport and equipment becomes more sophisticated every year. Keeping up on the latest advice will help the rider stay informed and ahead of the pack.
Why do so many people enjoy bicycling? There are numerous benefits. One of the most positive benefits is the positive impact cycling has on the body. Cycling improves balance, stamina, strength, cardiovascular health, and it also burns calories. Bicycling is great for all ages; even seniors can enjoy the low impact exercise. Bikes are easier on the joints than jogging is.
Bicycling also reduces stress. No matter how stressful the day was, things seem to feel better after a good bike ride. There is something Zen-like to the peaceful rhythm of pedaling down the street. Stress is also reduced because traffic can be avoided altogether, and there is always parking right by the door for cyclists.
Besides the personal benefits bicycling is a huge positive for the environment as well. Riding a bike takes a car off the road. With fewer cars there is less pollution, the streets are less crowded, and the noise that goes along with traffic is reduced as well. Plus, with the energy and resources needed to make one car a hundred bikes can be made.
Cyclists also have more of a connection with their community, as opposed to just zipping through the streets in a car. Bike riders get to visually soak in more of their surroundings and interact with neighbors along the way. Imagine how much safer our neighborhood streets would be if everyone pedaled through instead of flying by at forty miles an hour.
The bicycle came about around 1869. While the actual first inventor of the bike is debatable, the first rough draft plans of a bicycle were drawn up by Leonardo DaVinci in 1490- but never left the drawing board. Early bikes had some funny names including velocipede and penny farthing.
Buying a bike can be an intimidating process for most. It’s easy to let a salesperson at a bike shop talk a buyer into something they don’t need. Before a buyer ever steps foot in shop they need to know a few things about a bike, like what the parts are. Be able to identify the frame, pedals, handlebars, braking system, gear system, and other components.
Once the buyer knows bike basics, they can keep up with the salesperson and the information he or she presents. Three questions to have in mind when a buyer begins shopping are: How tall is the rider, where will the bicycle be ridden the most (do they need mountain bike parts?), and what is the price range? These are the main factors in what bike to buy.
Discount department stores are not a good place to look for a bike. These bikes are not usually made with high quality materials and are heavier than they need to be. The low prices often fool buyers, but no decent bike will be only hundred and twenty bucks.
Always test ride several bikes before making a purchase. Notice the top tube length on the frame, a tube that’s too long will leave the rider stretched out and strained. A tube that is too short will make the rider feel cramped and limit the legs’ mobility. A worthy bike will have good handling and smooth shifting.
The material the bike is made of is important to the function and the weight. Aluminum alloy frames are stiff and good for trips that don’t last long, while titanium has more shock absorption and is more comfortable for long trips. Bike weight will definitely affect the ride, while a difference of a couple pounds won’t be noticed; a heavier bike takes more energy to move.
Feel free to browse through the site to get additional information on bicycling, bike parts, road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, and information on accessories like bike racks, seats, and trailers. This website’s goal is to keep riders up to date on all the information every rider should know, so check back frequently for updates.
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