Jan 26

Specialized do a number of accessories that could be worn or utilized to aid your bikes health. I will give you a brief breakdown of the products within the following bullet pointed paragraphs:

Specialized BG Gel Gloves - Specialized have a range of gloves. One of their best sellers is the Specialized BG Gel Gloves. They include built in gel pads which help you have maximum comfort and helps to lessen hand fatigue. Specialized gloves are also made to fit your hand perfectly with their new Body Geometry Gel padding.

Specialized Futureshock Pump - Specialized in addition have a variety of pumps. One of their flagship models is the Specialized Future shock Pump, that is a newly designed, cleverly made pump, packed with features. Additionally it is super light, small pump for easy handling and carrying over long distances. As will all specialized items this can be a well made, extraordinary item.

Specialized Skillet Helmet - Helmets are another item in specialized’s faute. They generate some ultra tough virtually bomb proof helmets which are designed to take extra punishment. Full Face helmets are also available as well as the particular extras bonus is that all helmets produced by specialized are CPSC-certified.

Specialized Borough Tyre - What’s a bike without a tyre? Specialized offer a vast variety of bike tyres which are amazing quality along with being good value for money. Whether you are a roady, mountain biker or a downhill cyclist Specialized will have a tyre for you. I mostly get my tyres from my local bike shop, Rutland Cycling.

Other Accessories - Along with the above items Specialized also create clothes, grips, bags bottles etc etc. They simply create virtually everything to do with a bike. This is why Specialized have grown into such a bike megabrand with such a good reputation.

Tagged with:
Oct 11

When looking at road bikes Australia, it is important to think what you are buying for, your budget and what environment you intend to go cycling. A professional cyclist will have different needs to someone who wants to get to work.

Generally the advice is to be wary of so called unbranded bicycles, often cheaper than the main manufacturers. These will often have cheaper parts that will break down quicker over time. More seriously, this can include the brakes. In this sense, the false economy does not just come down to paying out for more repairs, but could be very dangerous when you are taking your bike out on the road.

The more expensive models will be lighter and have more rigid frames. The mid priced range is generally sufficient as the main difference with the top range is that they are usually mostly lighter in weight.

When you have chosen your bike, the next question will be asked is how many gears do you want. This can seem intimidating and can seem like there is a right or wrong answer. As ever though, it is more about what you need rather than any hard and fast rule.

Generally, experienced riders usually prefer a two ring set of gears at the front of the bike and this will usually be the case with the more expensive models. This does not however mean that a third set is wrong and many riders find them better for the more gruelling rides, especially when going up hills. This set is often referred to as the granny gear. Over time, you will learn whether or not this is suitable for your cycling route.

With most manufacturers, there will usually be around 9 to 10 gears around the back of the bike. Usually though this is not crucial. In terms of gears, the front is the place to focus on. However, this is all irrelevant if the bicycle does not fit you, regardless of how expensive the model is!

There are a number of charts online that can show you the measurements that should match you to the ideal bike for you. This is especially important if you are purchasing online, as you will not be able to physically measure the model. Colour and style are important too, as it is part of that psychological comfort zone you need. Self confidence is a big part of any exercise but enormously important with something that should last as long as a bicycle.

Remember, finding the bike that fits is like having clothes that fit. It is not just about form and function, but about feeling comfortable and getting the right one to suit you and your budget.

Tagged with:
Aug 31

There is a misconception that picking the right bike is easy. Many people just think finding a bike that looks good and is comfortable is all there is to picking the right bike. However this is not the case, there are plenty of things you need to consider when looking for the right bike. There is more to it nowadays than there used to be. Cycling is increasing in popularity in many areas of life, such as sports, hobbies, transport etc. we now have many different bikes to choose from. Today more people are choosing to ride a bicycle as their primary forms of transportation. While many people cycle as a hobby. Here is how you choose the right cycling bicycle for your needs.

And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. No matter the reason you want to find the perfect cycle for you, you should keep certain things in mind when you are ready to go shopping. If you really want to choose the perfect cycling bicycle, you need to think about more than just what it looks like. This article is intended to give you a head’s up on what you should keep in mind when it’s time to buy your bicycle.

Fashion really does get involved when you make a choice. We all like one color or style more than another. You’d be silly not to pay attention to these factors when getting your new bike. If your bike is only for looks, put style elements and fashion choices as your ultimate decision-makers. Evaluating your choices according to safety and comfort will be the best first step. But once you have found the safest and most comfortable bicycles, there is no reason you shouldn’t narrow down your choice further by how the bike appeals to you visually.

You must make sure you get a bike that is the appropriate size for you. To do this, you will need to measure your inseam. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. This is for safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise.

You will also need to consider which handlebars you want on your bike. There are many different types to choose from, each better for specific roles. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. They are good for distributing your weight as you ride over a bigger area. If you plan to use your bike for racing you will likely want to go with a different type of handlebar, such a handlebar is thinner and allows you to lean over the bike while you ride, this makes you more streamlined and allows you to cycle faster. If you aren’t going to be using your bicycle very often, you might simply opt for a handlebar style that feels comfortable and makes it easier to store your bicycle while you aren’t using it.

If you intend to get a road bike then take 9″ away from your total inseam. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. Road bikes are meant for city cycling-the tires are thinner and work best on concrete paving. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. This is because the tires of a mountain bike are different than those on a road bike. These tires are designed to handle rocky and jagged terrain so are therefore thicker. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.

You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. They are now designed to offer better protection while looking a bit better, as well. It is important that you never ride your bicycle without also wearing your helmet. You’d be surprised at how many lives have been saved from that one simple thing.

It wouldn’t hurt to invest in some knee pads and elbow pads, as well as wrist and ankle guards if you plan to do some off-roading. If you plan to use your bike as a sole means of transportation, buy yourself some pants clips. These things are little clips that clip the pants leg up so they don’t get tangled in the chain or the gears. You have many things to consider when getting a bicycle. There are people who view the durability of a bike to be most important, this is especially true if you plan to use your bike a lot over rough terrain. Others need a bicycle that will help get them from point to point with very little chance of breaking down. For others, price is a major factor. Research bikes before you decide which you want, then shop around before purchasing. If you just get the first one you find it may not be the best suited for you and could even be a bad bike.

Lots and lots of different features and options are out there as you look for a new bicycle. From how safe the bicycle is to what it looks like, there are lots of choices to make. If you don’t have a lot of experience with cycling bicycles, you will probably feel overwhelmed and insecure as you start your shopping. Do your research and then you’ll feel better prepared to choose your new bike.Try to understand your choices before you go shopping. The peace it will offer during shopping makes it very worthwhile.

Tagged with:
Aug 23

Before walking into your local MTB shop with the rest of your savings account, it’s a good idea to ask yourself what do you intend to do with your mountain bike. What riding style fits your interest? Do you dream of jumping off mountain tops at the downhill state championship or tackling the local trails in your neighborhood? Are you a newbie MTB rider or a seasoned veteran looking to upgrade your wheels?

A new MTB is an investment so determining your riding goals is the first step to choosing the right wheels for you. With many riding styles out there, there are a multitude of bikes to match your MTB goals.

Buy the best MTB bike you can afford. If you see yourself as a long-term mountain biker, spending as much as you can is usually best. For example, buying a bike with a mid-level component group like Shimano’s XT will outperform its lower LX class.

If you decide to buy a mountain bike with a lower level component group now, and decide to upgrade later, your cost will be higher verses buying a new MTB with a mid-level component group. The reason is that bike manufactures receive volume discounts on components and pass those savings onto the consumer. An additional benefit is that the components are already installed when you purchase your new mountain bike so there is no need to pay for installation cost or do it yourself.

Go online or buy from your local MTB shop? The primary advantages of purchasing online are a lower price tag and greater selection. However, bike fit is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing an MTB. With different size torsos and legs, buying a mountain bike that is fitted to your body will improved your comfort level and power distribution to the pedals.

Purchasing from your neighborhood MTB store may cost a bit more, but they are the local bike fit experts when meshing a new MTB to your physical body. The disadvantage is MTB selection as local mountain bike shops are typically dealers for a few mountain bike brands. Visiting a number of local MTB shops may be best to find the mountain bike that is best for you.

Paying for a good bike fit from your local bike shop then ordering online with your MTB measurements is another option. After you receive your mountain bike, you can have your local MTB shop fine tune your bike fit. However, most mountain bike stores will include a bike fit if you purchase a MTB from them. Weigh which option will provide you the best MTB, bike fit, and lowest cost on your budget and time constraints.

Go online to the forums and ask your fellow mountain bike riders. There are expert MTB riders there who know and have specific knowledge of the mountain bike you are considering. Some have ridden or even own the model you are considering. There is nothing that compares to real world experience with the specific MTB model you are considering.

Below are five universal MTB styles to consider:

1. All-Mountain Bikes - If trails and climbing mountains is your thing, but also steep declines, you may want to consider an all-mountain bike. The geometry provides excellent stability in rough, steep situations as compared with the typical trail bike.

With suspension travel in the four to six inches range, an all-mountain bike allows you to go most places, plus take on light stunt work too. If you are a freerider or downhiller who also likes riding the trails, the all-mountain bike is for you.

2. Cross-Country Race Bikes - If flying down the trails is in your dreams, then a cross-country mountain bike may be the MTB for you. With steep angles for geometry, and a suspension travel that is between three and four inches, the XC mountain bike handles good, and performs well on moderate trails.

3. Cross-Country Trail Bikes - these MTB bikes are it if you are looking for an all around mountain bike. With three to five inches of suspension travel, these MTB bikes provide good comfort, and climb with maximum efficiency. If you’re a mountain bike rider who likes challenging terrain, this MTB may be for you.

4. Downhill Race Bikes - if you are looking for speed on the downhill, this is the bike for you. With six inches or more of travel and a well built frame, these bikes can take a pounding on the downhill. However, with the added weight, you may think twice about taking on a long climb.

5. Hardtail Bikes - If you like the pavement, or a smooth off-road course, a hardtail may be the best MTB for you. With front-only suspension, it is lighter and usually less expensive than most dual suspension mountain bikes out there.

When choosing a MTB, consider that each type has its strengths and weaknesses on the trail. Remember, when you have more suspension and a sturdier frame, you have more weight and tougher hill climbs ahead of you, but easier downhill’s.

Figuring out the mountain bike riding style that appeals to you the most, than working back to other styles may be the best approach to follow when you choose your new MTB.

Tagged with:
preload preload preload