Bikes

Bicycling in New Hampshire

Bicycling is a passion for numerous people in New Hampshire as the state is famous for its back roads best suited for bicycling. You can find a number of bicycling clubs and challenging roads to climb with your bicycle here.

The state provides a bike rider with dozens of covered bridges and challenging climbs in the White Mountains. The mountain has the Kancamagus highway that has a wide and paved shoulder ideal for long cycling. This highway has two lanes arcing over the White Mountain and is considered the best route to reach the mountain. It also boasts of a challenging side trip of a steep climbing to the Cathedral Ledge.

The highway is one of the National Scenic Routes which you can enjoy while you cycle through. During summer seasons there are number of road-side streams where bicyclers cans stop to cool off. However, bicyclers have to be careful as there is heavy inflow of tourists and recreational vehicles. From the top of the mountain bicyclers can have a rewarding view of the Saco River plain.

The entire terrain of this highway includes both 1,400 feet climb through Bear notch in 5 miles and quiet roads spanning the valley. Though route 302 in this highway is busy, bicyclers would not be facing much problem as it has a wide shoulder. However, bicyclers have to be careful while riding in the west side road, north of Cathedral ledge which has a narrow shoulder yet busy. As this stretch is free in the early morning times, bikers prefer to cross this area in the early morning itself.

Similarly, bicycle riders have to take caution while taking left to the covered bridges as they are generally blind turns. People who wish to pump up their adrenalin can take part in the annual Mount Washington Bicycle Hill Climb. It is an 8-mile long grinding cycling session to reach the top of the 6,288 feet high mountain.

Filed Under: Bicycle, Bikes, Cycling Tagged With: Cycling, New Hampshire, White Mountains

Cycling Safety Tips

Cycling is a healthy and fun filled experience when proper safety precautions are observed. Hydration, personal protective equipments and inflation of tire are the three areas where you have to concentrate for your safety during cycling.

Hydration means providing adequate quantity of water to the body. Whenever you cycle, lots of water in your body is lost through sweat. Hence it is essential to keep drinking water with you while cycling. You can either attach a bottle through a cage in the bicycle frame or carry a backpack with water.

Personal protection can be ensured by using protective equipments like bike helmet and gloves. Helmet has to be worn all the time when you ride, irrespective of the speed of your bicycling. Helmet which you use should meet the quality standards set by the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Another important thing is that it should fit you properly.

If your helmet has a crack in the expanded polystyrene foam inside, then you will have to replace it. Wearing helmet reduces the severity of injuries to the head, brain and the face thus protecting you from being injured seriously. Gloves can be worn in order to get a good grip of the handlebar and also to prevent your hands from abrasions and cuts while falling.

Apart from having safety equipments, you should also read and use them properly. For example, wearing helmet without fastening its strap is of no use as the helmet will fall off when you fall down thus exposing your head. Hence it is important to read the instructions given in the equipment completely to use them efficiently.

Flat tires are something which every cyclist will face. You should carry a patch kit with you so that you can repair small holes in the inner tube of your wheels. Similarly you should also carry a new inner tube and portable air pump in order to continue with the journey.

Filed Under: Bikes, Cycling, Sports Tagged With: Bicycle helmet, CPSC, Cycling

Importance of Safety While Bicycling

It is such a pleasant and blissful experience to ride your bicycle as the winds gush through giving you a fresh feeling. However, such a pleasant experience can become a trauma, if necessary safety measures are not followed. Injuries during cycling accidents may require you to be hospitalized and at times they can be more serious that you may also succumb to severe head injuries. Thus following safety rules is not only important for you but also for your family members.

Wearing bike helmet is the most important step you have to follow before you start your bicycle ride. Without helmet, accidents can cause severe head injury. Head injuries damage the brain the consequences of such accidents can be long lasting and devastating. Choose a light weight and properly fitting helmet for yourself. It should also meet the standards laid out by the Consumer Product Safety commission (CPSC). Remember to wear your helmet every time with the straps fastened. A good quality and correctly fitting helmet has to be worn every time you ride as it can reduce the damages caused to your head, face, and brain during accidents.

Apart from wearing helmet you should also check the condition of your bicycle to ensure safety. You will have to check the brakes regularly. You should also check whether the seat, tires and handlebars are fitting tightly, check the air and pressure in the wheels and also to regularly oil the chain. Another important step to be taken by you is to wear bright clothes and keeping reflectors so that you will be seen by other commuters. Take care not to wear clothes that might get caught in the bicycle chain. Similarly wear footwear that gives you a good grip on the pedals. You should also look out for hurdles on the roads like big puddles, gravel, curbs, storm grates and so on in order to have a safe riding.

Filed Under: Bicycle, Bikes, Cycling, Sports Tagged With: Bicycle, Bicycle helmet, CPSC

Popular models of Bikes

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Bicycles or bikes are of various models meant for various purpose bicycling. Based on their utility, certain models of bikes have created a niche for themselves among the bike riders in the US. Some of the hot selling models in the US are:

Mountain Bikes are available to the bike riders in plenty of options. The Cross Country mountain bike model is light weight but durable. Those who are interested in stunts and trail challenges go in for the Downhill mountain bike. Similarly Dirt Jump mountain bike is for those who wish to pull off the stunts.

Road bikes are meant for high velocity riding. These are generally made of slender tires and plunge handlebars. As these bikes are made of tough metals like titanium, steel and aluminum, they ensure the durability of the bikes. Most commonly bought road bikes belong to either sports road bike or fixed gear or single speed or performance bike categories.

Commuter Bikes come in different design and are easy for maintenance. They come in single speed or geared models with fenders for wet protection and racks to hold items.

Children Bikes come in a variety of designs and colors. They are either tri-bikes or pedal bikes. Some of the pedal bikes come with training wheels to ensure the bicycling safety of the tiny tots. New models of children bikes come with components that are designed to customize parts as per the growth of the kids.

Bicycle Motocross (BMX) belongs to the robust and compact type of bikes preferred by bicycling competitors. They are also used for making tricks, jumping and for skate park riding.

Cyclocross are racing bikes used for cross races. Their tires are twisted to withstand the pressures of riding on dirt and gravel. Due to this, such bikes are preferred for riding through rough terrains and woods.

Apart from these bike riders love to purchase recumbent bikes, folding bikes, tandem bikes and stationary bikes.

Filed Under: Bicycle, Bikes, Cycling Tagged With: Bicycle, Cycling, Mountain bike

Getting A Bike For Less

If you have been watching cycling on television and starting thinking that it might be something you would like to do then congrats on making a decision that will benefit you physically and mentally at the same time. Cycling is one of the best recreational sports anywhere in the world and you are making a smart move by putting yourself into the game. However, a simple browse online for road bikes probably revealed something that didn’t sit well with you: cycling isn’t always a cheap hobby. As a matter of fact if you are looking for a top of the line road bike it could end up costing you thousands of dollars. It’s a expensive thing to buy a bike but if you are crafty you can get a great bike for less.

The first thing you should do is look at cycle shops. Just like with cars there is always new models coming out with little tweaks and upgrades. This makes the older models worth less. Go online and check out their close out deals and see if you can’t get that bike you have had your eye on. As a new cyclist you won’t need all the bells and whistles but rather something that will move you from a to b.

Another thing is to check local bike shops. These guys always have models that they are trying to get rid of or they know of a person that is looking to sell a bike on the cheap. These people will be open to negotiating just like the owner will be. Don’t be afraid to approach and be up front. The worst case scenario is that the bike owner makes you a sweet deal on a new bike. Either way it’s a pretty good opportunity to buy a good bike for less.

Filed Under: Bicycle, Bikes, Cycling, Sports Tagged With: Cycling, Road bicycle, sport

Tips On Pricing A Bike

Pricing your bike for sale is not an easy thing to do. There is often a big chasm between what you want and what you can get for it. While you know how great your bike is and has been to you, you must also know that if you price too high you could drive off a potential customer before they even get a chance to look at the bike. Conversely, a price that is too low(but not low enough where there is no risk) is also going to serve as a detriment to your selling as someone is likely to figure that there must be something wrong with it to be selling at that price.

A good way to combat the problem is in the ad you place itself. Letting your buyers know why you are pricing a bike at such a price will make them feel more comfortable about being interested in it. You should be warned however that it usually works better with a lower price than a higher price. Telling someone you are selling a bike dirt cheap because you are moving and wonâ€™t be needing it is much different than telling someone you are jacking up the price because it has new tires.

Make sure you ask yourself the question of whether or not you would consider buying the bike for the price that you are asking. Donâ€™t ask as yourself, the bike owner, but rather as the other person. Knowing that there are many other bikes out there, see what you would buy it for. It also doesnâ€™t hurt to go online and see what other sellers are pricing your bike at. It could be a valuable task in making sure you are getting fair market value for your bike. Once you set the price then itâ€™s about waiting for someone to take it off your hands.

Filed Under: Bikes, Cycling, Sports Tagged With: Cycling, Motorcycle, Shopping

Buying A Used Bike

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Buying a used bike is a lot like buying a used car. You want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck. You don’t want to take it away thinking that you could have done better. Buying a road bike is not an easy task. When you talk about the used and refurbished bikes the picture gets rather muddled. So how do you know you are getting a good bike? There are a lot of things to consider when buying. Here are a few good questions to ask them. This should make it a lot easier on you.

How Much Was This Bike Used?

Never be foolish enough to underestimate the amount a bike was ridden. Even if the bike looks like it was on a shelf for the last decade that doesn’t mean it was. Ask them how often they used it. What you are trying to conclude is the kind of wear and tear there might be on the bike itself and the frame and the seat. Don’t be afraid to find out a rough estimate of how many miles they figure they put on their bike. If it’s over a thousand then you might want to go with something else.

How Was The Upkeep?

This might be the single most important question that you can ask. Just like a car, you want a bike that has been well maintained. You can accept one of two things: the first being that they fixed it up and kept up with it themselves or that they had it taken to a place. Of course if they have done neither then you should pass on the bike. If they have been keeping up with it then simple receipts showing that they did it should suffice and give you the peace of mind you need.

Filed Under: Bikes, Cycling, Sports Tagged With: Cycling, Road bicycle, Sports

Biking For Beginners

The sport of biking is growing in popularity every day. Prominent figures in the biking community are making the sport attractive to people who want to challenge themselves and find a great new hobby they can really get into. If you are a novice to the sport then you are sure to have a million questions to ask about how to get into biking. For that it’s simple. Take a look at a beginners guide to getting into biking.

The first thing you need is a bike itself. You will want to stay away from the higher end models. There is no use in getting a bike that you can’t say for sure you will be happy with in a year. As much as biking is a great sport it is not for everyone. You should stick with an entry level model. It’s a great way to get introduced to the sport without breaking the bank. Of course make sure you get yourself a helmet and possible bike shoes, if you want the most authentic experience and the best ride possible.

Don’t go overboard on the clothes you buy. Biking shorts will help because of the padding and that will give you a little relief from the bike seat(which are never comfortable) but stick to a tech shirt and shorts and that should be all you need. The clothes you see the professionals wearing are often very expensive. Don’t make the mistake of spending too much money.

Now that you are outfitted with the clothes you need and the bike itself you can get yourself into a riding group. If you do a quick online search of groups in your area you are bound to find one. Don’t be afraid to get involved. Having people with you is a great feeling. Don’t pass it up!

Filed Under: Bikes, Cycling, Sports Tagged With: Cycling, Mountain biking, sport

3 Reasons To Bike

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If you are interested in doing something that will be good for the body and also good for the mind then you should try your hand at biking. When people think of weight loss and fitness the first things that come to mind are running and weight lifting. These are both great sources of weight loss and a great way to keep the body in tip top shape but they aren’t the only way to take care of yourself. You need to get out there and give biking a shot. Here are 3 reasons why biking is worth your time and your money.

It’s Not As Expensive As You Think

Sure, the bikes that the pro cyclists use are pretty big time and cost a pretty penny but the truth is you can get a good solid used road bike for under 500. You can also get a mountain bike for far less. The advice is to go with the road bike. After that, it’s probably another 100 on equipment and you should be ready to go. The cost to ride on the open road and feel the wind at your back won’t be a cost at all. It’s definitely worth your time.

Build Friendships

The great thing about biking is the community that exists. There are so many different bike groups out there and you can join one just by doing a search. If you are in those biking groups then you can build friendships and find people who are just as passionate about biking as you are.

Get In Shape

It was mentioned before but biking is a great way to build strength and burn fat. It’s a great opportunity to build and strengthen your core which is crucial to being healthy. If you have the inclination then get out there and start biking.

Filed Under: Bikes, Cycling, New Bikes Tagged With: Cycling, Road bicycle, Weight loss

Bike Boom of the 1960s and 70s

Bicycles fell out of favor with a general public for a time after the 1890s bike boom. Bicycles were considered only fit for children and a toy. Bike riding as recreation had yet to take hold, and with the practical new motorized ways to get around in cities, adult cycling fell out of favor.

It made reasonable sense that bike riding to work or to get across town would face at least ebb around the turn of the century. Mass transit systems were starting to be put in place in the great cities of the world. Hopping on a subway to get to a 12-hour factory shift seemed like a far better prospect than expending the energy to ride a bike. The conditions of roads also left something to be desired. Paving was still in its infancy. And if a rider took a spill off of his or her bike the resulting injuries were far more likely to lead to something serious.

The popularity of cycling rose and fell with necessity. Bikes as a form of transportation enjoyed a brief spike during the Great Depression as economic necessity deemed it necessary to find an inexpensive manner to travel. In more modern times, it is similar to Cuba importing millions of bicycles after the collapse of the Iron Curtain. Without oil subsidies from the Soviet Union getting around on a bike seemed like a far better prospect that getting behind a car and pushing.

The final transition in the story of the bicycle in the United State took place in the 1960s and 70s. It was a perfect storm of innovation, economic crisis and population demographics coming together. From 1972-74 more bicycles than automobile were sold in the United States. A Mideast oil crisis caused gas prices to spike, bike technology allowed for tricks such as the wheelie and baby-boomers were coming of age. The bicycle had made a comeback. With millions in the hand of the public it had established its staying power for decades to come. The next innovation would be the invention of the mountain bike.

Filed Under: Bikes, Cycling Tagged With: Bicycle, Cycling, United States