Cycling with a weighted backpack isn't ideal, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Like marathon runners, long distance cyclists riding more than an hour require additional reserves, such as a hydration pack or energy snacks. Individuals commuting to work or school also find themselves pedaling with a weighted backpack, though the source of weight is different. Both types of backpacks affect your balance and momentum while riding. Carrying a weighted backpack is challenging for any cyclist and requires several safety and ergonomic accommodations.
Keeping your chain well-lubricated is essential to prolonging its lifespan. As you ride your bike, dirt and grime build up on the chain and other gearing components. if they are not removed, they will begin to settle in and bre...
Whether you're pedaling to work or cruising along the beach boardwalk, cruiser bicycles give you the speed of a road bike with the comfort and amenities of a plush bike. However, the bikes can easily cost close to $1,000. When ...
The best bicycles for riders over 60 are all about comfort. Because so many people age 60 and older have physical issues to contend with, riders should consider bicycles with features that cradle weak spots, such as bad backs o...
Beach cruiser bicycles, also called cruisers or cruiser bikes, are retro-styled bikes designed for comfort. Wide tires, an upright seating posture and simple gearing make cruisers an ideal choice for casual riders and light cit...
Bicycle clothing makes all the difference when it comes to cycling. High tech fabrics and padding change the way you feel as you ride, reducing chafing as you pedal and wicking away moisture as you perspire. While you can choos...
Those on a quest for the best folding bike often have different priorities. For people traveling extensively with their bicycles, they want a lightweight, versatile model. People who ride for recreational purposes often seek a ...
You must examine every component of your bike if you want to increase your cycling power and speed, including the rear derailleur. This component directs your bike chain to the different sprockets on the rear of your bike. When...
As triathlons continue to grow in popularity, the variety and quality of the sport's equipment continues to improve. A Tri bike uses bar end shifters, which are specifically designed to mount to the end of the bike's flat time ...
A Spinning® bike allows cyclists to train in inclement weather, and it provides cardio exercise for those looking to lose weight or stay in shape. But Spinning® bikes come with a variety of features. Selecting the bes...
Bicycle trailers permit your child to ride behind you as you go on leisurely bike rides. The trailer hitches to the rear of the bike, and your child remains buckled inside an enclosed compartment. Bike trailers typically are su...
A cycling backpack will allow you to carry all your essential gear on the trail or bike path. The best backpacks can hold a variety of items, including an extra tire tube, first aid kit, a change of clothes, energy bars and a w...
When you're buying a bike, choosing a specific category, such as a road bike instead of a mountain bike or a cyclocross bike, can help you narrow your options. You'll still find hundreds of possibilities within the road bike ca...
Working on your bicycle is an excellent way to save money and become more familiar with how your bike works. One of the most frustrating parts of bicycle maintenance is setting up the bike in an easily accessible position. The ...
A stationary bicycle is a great way to stay in shape. Effective and easy to use, you can enjoy riding one at the gym or at home. You can choose from different stationary bikes. If you're not sure which one to buy or work out on...
If you're prone to flats, then you seriously need to review your cycle and your bicycling habits to identify strategies to reduce your risk of flats. One strategy oft employed by cyclers is to install a tire liner to help prote...
The headlight refers to an essential piece of mountain biking gear. When navigating a trail in low-light conditions, the headlight will illuminate any hazards in the riding terrain. If you prefer to ride on the road, the headli...
Riding a bicycle can be pleasurable or painful, largely depending on the quality of your saddle. But what most riders would term a comfortable ride refers to the overall experience of easy handling, absence of bumps, and perhap...
When it comes to bicycles, one size doesn't fit all. The frame, crankset and other components must fit your height and leg length, which can be problematic for taller riders. Don't try to squish yourself into a smaller bike, wh...
Dynamo or generator lights offer riders an alternative to battery lights, but at a lower power level. Modern LED lamps make the dynamo approach more practical, giving out more light per watt than older incandescent bulbs. Light...
Your bike's gears are a set of moving parts whose care is extremely important to both the longevity of your bike as well as your performance. With the variety of gear lubes available for purchase, finding the right one is diffi...
Touring tires for road bikes face certain challenges that other types of tires don't. They need to guard against flats, offer low rolling resistance and be durable, but according to Mike Beck of Gregg's Cycles in Seattle, desig...
Many road bicycles were introduced into the market in 2008. Industry magazines tested the various models, comparing new technologies, value, performance and costs. If you plan on purchasing a 2008 road bicycle, beware that you ...
Ernest Hemingway said, "It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them ... " The best way to get a feel for the places you love is to experience...
Carbon composite bicycle rims are stiffer and lighter than comparable aluminum rims which means riders will expend less energy while transferring power to the rear wheel. According to Reynolds Cycling's director of sales and ma...
During a triathlon, every element of each of the three race segments plays a critical role in your final time and performance. For example, riding the best aerodynamic bicycle during the bike portion helps you conserve energy f...
When you're in the middle of your cyclocross race, much of your success comes down to the construction and handling of each component of your bicycle -- especially your tires. And because a cyclocross race often involves more n...
Cycling can be pursued as a recreational activity or a professional sport. Cyclists need basic, portable equipment such as hand pumps, because at some point, all bicycle tires must be re-inflated or repaired. Hand pumps provide...
But even within this narrow focus, you will find hundreds of disc brake models from which to choose. Thankfully, third-party bicycling critics have identified some of the best disc brake products available to cyclists.
What constitutes the best rated cycling jerseys depends on the season and type of riding. A summertime mountain bike racer looks for a specific set of qualities in a jersey, while a cyclist who commutes through the winter may l...
For bike commuters, the right lights can mean the difference between safe riding and almost-certain doom. You need to see and be seen to avoid crashing into things or having them crash into you. You also need to know that your ...
Some bicycles are tailored for long tours and others for tackling mountains, but road bicycles lie somewhere in the middle. They're perfect if you need versatility, whether you're interested in races or simply riding along a pa...
Mountain bikers pay significant attention to the types of tires they put on their bicycles. As the only surface that contacts the ground, the tires can greatly affect the speed and comfort of your ride. Choosing the best tires ...
Tubeless tires can help you avoid pinch flats and roll more comfortably over sharp rocks and bumps, giving you a smoother ride. They are costly and labor intensive to put on, but if you love rough and technical terrain or are a...
Through the progression of the sport, BMX has been broken into various riding disciplines. Selecting the best tires for your BMX bike will ensure you remain stabilized during trick-riding maneuvers. BMX tire manufacturers offer...
Tire width is not something that all cyclists consider when choosing gear for a bicycle, but it can affect the quality of your ride, depending on the conditions. When selecting a tire width, you must consider traction, aerodyna...
Tires can make or break your bike riding experience. They have a huge impact on your bike's performance. Even though a set of tires will last, on average, a half season, you shouldn't scrimp when it comes to purchasing tires f...
Riding a bicycle can be an enjoyable family recreation or a serious competition. Regardless of your bike-riding style, you handle and control the bike by holding the grips on the handlebars. Made from a variety of materials suc...
Bicycle rims are likely not on the minds of casual riders as they pedal out on daily commutes or weekend fun rides through park and bike trails. However, those who take their cycling seriously rely heavily on their rims to be s...
The Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycle was one of the fastest-selling models in the company's more than 100-year history, selling over 600,000 units in the first year of existence. Due to the bike's popularity, the company then launched...
When shopping for the best bicycle trunk rack, the most important thing to look for is a rack with a sturdy attachment mechanism. The best carriers strap tightly and securely to the trunk. A carrier with a weak strap mechanism ...
Trunk racks, hitch racks and roof racks are popular designs. Bicycles also can be carried on pickup truck bed mountings and spare tire attachments. Consumer Reports states inappropriate bicycle racks can create safety hazards, ...
A good rear bicycle light will make you and your bike more visible when you ride at night. Look for a light that has long- lasting, bright LED bulbs. A light that has a flash or strobe mode will make you more visible than a ste...
Once your little guy graduates from a tricycle, you can start looking at some of the best bikes available for boys. Desired features in boys bikes include rugged design, sturdy frame, lightweight for easy handling and simple sh...
Bicycles can be separated into several different categories, such as BMX bikes--used for sporting tricks--and mountain bikes. Professional road bicycles are designed or long distance rides on a road surface. Whether you're a pr...
The history of the beach cruiser bicycle began in 1933 when Schwinn introduced its World B10E Motorbike--a bike that, despite its name, did not have a motor. The cruiser concept gained popularity through the middle of the 20th ...
Road bicycles are characterized by drop or racing-style handlebars, thin tires and downtube shifters. They're lightweight and fast and extremely popular. Many cost as much as $5,000 as of July 2010. If you're just sta...
These bikes are often lightweight, have thin tires to reduce friction between the tires and the road, and typically feature tire and seat suspensions to reduce shock to the rider.
When it comes time to change a flat tube or replace a worn tire, you may need tools known as tire levers, or "irons," to help with the task. The levers can slide between the tire and rim to help pry the tire off. Various brands...
Bicycle technology has come a long way. Midlevel road bikes are great values for the money. A midlevel bicycle is one that will fit the needs of most everyone and typically share features with their higher-end race bikes cousin...
Jogger strollers or baby joggers, are ideal for active parents who want to get their workouts in without sacrificing parent-child bonding time. Most joggers feature mini bicycle-style tires, which, according to the American Chi...
Tires are a vital component of your riding arsenal as they are the only contact point with the road. Through the tires the rider will "feel" the road and receive constant feedback about the road. For example, if the road is wet...
Locks are the best defense against stolen bicycles. Three common designs of bicycle locks are U-locks, chain-link locks and cable locks. U-locks are made of steel shackle and lock into a crossbar. Chain locks are made of specia...
Bicycle saddles are a very personal preference as this is a key contact point that connects you with your bike and where most of your weight is positioned. Saddle features such as weight, cushioning, design and style vary widel...
Triathlons require specialized gear for each individual sport, and elite triathletes put extra attention on tires. The triathlon cycle tires can improve time on the bike, which can shave seconds off from the entire triathlon.
It should be functional and appropriate for her riding style, such as mountain biking or riding on sidewalks to school, and it should also have a bit of style to make her ride more enjoyable. A few makes and brands of girl bicy...
Road bikes have thin tires, a sleek design, light frame and, often, a high price tag. The Delta 7 Arantix IsoTruss costs more than $10,000. There's no need to spend that much to have a great time on the road, but there are exce...
There are many varieties of bicycles from which to choose, but such a wide choice can overwhelm the novice bike shopper. However, by deciding what type of rider you want to be, the selection narrows, with fewer bicycles matchin...
