Archive for March, 2009

The Starting Formula Of A Bmx Bike

Jarvis Malone asked:


If you're new to the whole BMX experience, you probably have got a ton of questions. Like, how do I know which bike is the best? Are some brands better then others, and which ones are the best? I'm sure the list goes on and on, and we understand that it can be frustrating. Thats what this article is all about!

First things first. Since BMX has many different types of bikes, you gotta decide where you're gonna be bmx'ing. Are you gonna be romping on the dirt? Or are you gonna be cruising the streets? Maybe you're planning on doing both. Not a problem with bmx bikes. You just gotta be concerned about upgrades at that point. So, with all these different ways to go with your bmx, lets get started.

We'll start with the wheels, because the wheels are very important. First, you need a decent pair of rims. As a beginner, all your new tricks that you're gonna be attempting are gonna play heck on your rims, which will lead to some bent rims, amongst other things. So, be on the look out for double wall rims with a cassette hub. While this is not super vital, it will save you some green in the long run. A factor that often goes unoticed has an effect on your braking abilities. That would be the color of your rims. If you got painted rims, it will cause the pad to have trouble stopping and slowing. Chrome rims, while more expensive, have the best breaking surface.

Of course, you can't have a bmx bike without the frame. This is the main ingredient of your bmx formula, and cant be overlooked. Getting this part right will make upgrading your bike in the future easier, not to mention once you get used to your bike its hard to get a new one. It may sound silly, but you become one with your bike. The things you want to look at when it comes to picking your frame is the top tube length, where the brake mounts are, and whether or not your frame is a stock frame. When it comes to the top tube length, you really just want to make sure you fit, as that is really the only thing that matters in this regard. As far as brake mounts, you really just want to make sure you have them, as sometimes frames can come without them. And stock frames are best explained as frames that are sold with complete bmx bikes. Custom frames on the other hand are created special with a little more care, and therefore typically better.

If you can manage to get these things right, you are on your way to assembling a sweet bmx bike. And if you do these things right, it will make the other factors of your bmx bike a lot easier, such as further upgrades or repairs.



 

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The Anatomy of a Bicycle

Roberto Sedycias asked:


A bicycle or just cycle is a human-powered vehicle driven by pedals. It has two wheels which are attached to a metal or in some cases hard plastic frame, one at the front and the other at the back.

History of a bicycle

The bicycle was first introduced in Europe in the 19th century. Presently their number is exceeding one billion throughout the world. They are used as a principal mode of transportation in some areas of the world, especially Netherlands and China. They have also developed as a very popular form of entertainment and recreation. Other fields of human activities that they have been adopted are adult fitness, children`s toys, police and military applications, cycle sports and courier services. Thus over the period of time the humble bicycle has assumed quite a few roles!

The basic configuration and shape of a common bicycle has been altered very slightly since the first model driven by chains was developed back in 1885. However, some subtle details have been made better with the growing use of computer and improvement in material technology. Using modern technologies have made it possible to produce specialized designs for different kinds and uses of cycling.

Parts and Construction of a Typical Bicycle

Wheels - it is the most important part of any vehicle. The initial wheels used a wooden hub with a steel axle, spokes made of wood and an iron tire which is fitted on the outside. The wheels used today have a metal hub, metallic wire spokes, a metal rim to hold the spokes and a pneumatic rubber tire on the outside. Another important part of the wheel are the bearings which allows free movement of the hub on the axle.

Frame - most of the bicycles used today has the diamond frame. It`s made up of two triangles, the front and the rear. The front triangle has the top tube, head tube, seat tube and down tube. Head tube is the part containing the headset of bearing to allow smooth steering, the top tube connects to the seat, and the down tube connects the head tube and bottom bracket. The rear triangle has the seat tube, seat stays and paired chain stays.

Drivetrain - it consists of the pedals, which rotates the crank arms, which in turn are attached to a sprocket or chainrings which drives the chain and makes the rear wheel rotate.

Seating and Steering - steering is made possible using the handlebars which turns the front wheel. For seating there are saddles on the top of the frame. The seating can be designed for comfort or to make cycling smoother and faster.

Brakes - the brakes used in modern bicycles are either rim brakes that uses pads to compress the wheel from 2 sides and stopping it, internal hub brakes that has the pads inside the hubs or disc brakes. Braking in bicycles is hand-operated by pressing the brake levers installed on the handlebars on either side.

Suspension - it is the system incorporated to make the cycling experience smoother.

Accessories - parts like mudguards to avoid spray from puddles, chain guards to save clothes from oils, kick stands to keep the bicycle upright while parked have become permanent features of a bicycle. Other accessories like front baskets, rear racks, space for head lamp, a pump, helmets, tool kit etc are also available as per ordered.

The use and development of bicycles have affected mankind in a bigger way than it seems. It has affected history in both industrial and cultural realms. In the initial years, bicycles and its construction were dependent on the technology that existed; more recently, its technology in turn has given forth ideas in different areas.



 

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Choosing the Right Bicycle

Cycling Bikes asked:


Choosing the Right Bicycle

As bicycle technology advances through time, choosing the right road bicycles can prove to be a difficult task. There are many things that you have to consider before committing to purchasing a specific bicycle. One thing you need to determine is the type of bike that is right for you and perfect for your need. You have to know your cycling needs, habits, the road you would be cycling on, the road types and the places where you aim to use your bicycle.

If you are new to the cycling world, you might find yourself overwhelmed at how many different types of bicycles there are available nowadays. If you walk into a bicycle shop, you would see an array of designs, brands, and different makes. If you are in such a situation, think of how frequent you would be riding your bike, what kind of riding you would want to do, and what is your budget. From there, you can choose on the different kinds of bikes.

Road Bikes

These bikes are meant for long distance cycling. They have narrow tires which are lightweight so it would be easy for you to save your energy. You don’t have to worry about staying on a static position for hours when on the road since road bicycles, especially women’s road bikes, offer a variety of hand positions.

Mountain Bikes

As their name implies, mountain bikes are more popular for off-road bicycling. Compared to road bicycles, these bikes are extremely strong considering that they would be used on tough roads and terrain. The tires have knobby treads and have good suspension designed to absorb shock.

Hybrid Bikes

When you would most likely use your bike for city riding, then hybrid bikes are for you. These bikes are actually a combination of mountain bikes and road bicycles. Its seats and handlebars are upright, almost like a women’s road bike but it offers more speed than a regular mountain bike.

Comfort Cruiser Bikes

These bikes are also known as touring bikes or beach bikes. They are known for their wide tires, upright handlers, and their gear box. They are used in a relaxed surrounding such as the beach. Unlike women’s road bikes and mountain bikes, these are designed for comfort loving people.

Utility Bikes

Their name says much about where they are usually used. They are made for commuting, running and shopping purposes. They usually have an internal hub gear with middle to heavy weigh tires and frames. Since they are usually parked somewhere, they are equipped with chain guards. Most of these bikes have a basket for commuter purposes.

Folding Bikes

Unlike road bicycles, these bikes have hinges or joints in the frame and handlebar. This permits the bike to be broken down and folded into a more compact size. The wheels are relatively small, of 20 inch or 51cm in diameter or less. They can be takes inside public transport and apartment buildings. However, they usually cost more than ordinary, non-folding bikes.

There are really no fast rules when it comes to choosing the right bike. However, whether you are looking to buy women’s road bikes or any other bicycles, your local bicycle shop would be there to help you and advice you in making the right decision.



 

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