Bike riding tips & more- Helpful tips riding your bike and more. Enjoy the articles and have a safe bicycle trip today!
Basic Bicycle Riding Tips
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rainier_Policarpio]Rainier Policarpio
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rainier_Policarpio]Rainier Policarpio
Many health conscious individuals, especially those young at hearts, consider themselves as bicycle fanatics. Their growing number is very much visible on our streets and thoroughfares. They say that this is such a positive way to keep them fit and reduce the cause of pollution as well. However, some of them are not quite aware about the extreme dangers in sharing their paths with those huge trucks and other speedy vehicles.
A bicycle is indeed on a mismatch and we can definitely predict what will happen if they were hit by these vehicles - serious injuries or even fatality. Thus, it is a wise act to know some precautionary measures to prevent these bicycle crashes.
Always consider wearing safety gears such as a helmet, kneepad and elbow pad.
Although wearing these things may be uncomfortable, you should keep in mind its benefits during accidents. These gadgets are intended to prevent serious injuries when worst event happen, so better utilize them.
Check your bicycle before travel.
It is always advisable to inspect your bike for some damaged parts especially on its wheels, break apparatus and chain. This will even lessen the possibility of breakage during your travel.
Always position yourself where the other motorist can clearly see you.
Some states provide bicycle lanes wherein the bikers may safely travel. But if you live in a state that does not have yet and still allows bikers to travel along with other vehicles, be sure to maintain a safe distance from motor vehicles - preferably at the exterior side of the road along with the traffic flow.
Avoid riding a bike at night and during bad weathers.
Since a bicycle is not fully equipped with lighting devices used in making signals and keeping their tracks visible, it is extremely risky traveling at night and during rainy days because other vehicles may not notice you.
Abide by the traffic rules and warnings.
Always remember that as a road user, you are also expected to follow the traffic regulations. Usually, bicycle crashes happen on intersections wherein motorists fail to follow the warning lights.
Stay conscious and concentrated on your driving.
Be aware of the road obstructions in your path and always slow down when making turns. Never get engage to active conversations with other drivers and do use cell phones when you are moving.
On the other hand, it is always necessary to consult a bicycle crash lawyer if ever you were involved in an accident. This is to understand properly your rights and what legal processes you may pursue in order to obtain justice and suitable damages from the responsible party.
Rainier used to work in a publishing company as a writer and eventually became an associate editor. He dealt in writing instructional materials for secondary and tertiary students. His passion in writing inspired him to read a lot and subsequently enabled him to gain more knowledge and skills.
If you have been involved in an auto versus [http://www.mesrianilaw.com/Bike-Accidents.html]bike crash accident, our [http://www.mesrianilaw.com/]Bicycle Crash Lawyers can be depended upon for the solution of your case.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rainier_Policarpiohttp://EzineArticles.com/?Basic-Bicycle-Riding-Tips&id=769245
Tips To Understanding The Basics Of Mountain Bike Gears And How They Work
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall]Gregg Hall
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall]Gregg Hall
Remember when you didn't think about the gears on your bike? Your bike had a bike sprocket connected to the pedals and a small sprocket connected to the back wheel an that's all you needed. Then you got a little older and got your first 10-speed. That bike had two sprockets up front and five on the back. In all likelihood, the shifters were a pair of levers connected to your bike frame near the handlebars. As time went on the shifters moved to the handlebars themselves and then became advanced-looking dials right beside the grips. And next thing you knew, instead of a paltry ten speeds on your bike, you were riding a 27-speed mountain climbing machine!
Why all these gears? To make riding faster and easier, of course. Whatever the number of gears your bike has, if it has 2 or more then there's a basic set-up which almost every bike employs.
First of all you have your front and rear sprockets. These, along with the chain, form the most basic components of the gearing system. To determine your gear ratio you compare the number of teeth on the front sprocket to the number of teeth on the rear sprocket.
If your front sprocket has 52 teeth, and your rear sprocket has 20 teeth, then you're looking at a ratio of 2.6. The higher the ratio the faster the gear. Typically the gears on the front, starting from the inside, get larger as you move out. On the back wheel, though, the largest gear is typically the farthest inside and they get smaller as you move out.
The next key component for your mountain bikes gears is the derailleur, or derailer. The derailleur is what moves the bicycle chain from gear to gear. A typical shifting system employs both a front and rear derailleur. Without the derailleur you wouldn't be able to shift gears. The derailleur consists of pulleys and the cage, which is the part which actually comes into contact with the chain. The pulleys are attached to the gear cables. There are separate cables for the front and rear derailleurs. The gear cables connect to the gear shifters.
There are a variety of gear shifters available today and they cover a wide price range. The gear shifter is what allows you to change gears. The first type of shifters were levers known as friction shifters. These worked simply by pulling the cables attached to the derailleurs.
Friction shifters can be troubling because the way they're designed you can easily get caught between gears and accidentally damage your gears or even wreck. The more advanced variety of shifter is known as the index shifter.
Index shifters have specific stopping points and are calibrated to perfectly shift from gear to gear. They remedy the drawbacks of the older friction shifters. Gear shifters may be placed anywhere from the frame to the handlebar base to the grips to models which seem to be part of the brake levers.
Mountain bikes have multiple gears to make it easier for you to negotiate difficult terrain. Higher gears are there to help you speed downhill or across the flats, and lower gears are there to help you surmount those difficult inclines. Remember, it's best to shift gears when you're not putting a lot of stress on your pedals. Shifting when there's heavy pressure on the pedals can damage your shifting system.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as cycling clothing at http://www.cyclinggearplus.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-To-Understanding-The-Basics-Of-Mountain-Bike-Gears-And-How-They-Work&id=338080
Eight (8) Tips For Bicycling Safely In Traffic
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mary_Marino-McDonnell]Mary Marino-McDonnell
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mary_Marino-McDonnell]Mary Marino-McDonnell
Bicycling is one of the most enjoyable forms of transportation - and can be the safest if the cyclist respects the rules of the roads and other motorists on the road.
The following tips are all suggestions for ensuring the safety of the cyclist - as well as any others traveling on the road either on another cycle or in motor vehicle.
1. Make the motorist know you are there - where bright colors at all times and have front and rear lights on your bike after dusk and before dawn.
2. Ride defensively and be predictable so motorists know that you know what you are doing and feel comfortable on the road with you. Be courteous and respectful of the rules of the road and conditions at any location.
3. Don't weave in and out of empty spaces on the side of the road between any parked vehicles. Others on the road cannot see you and predict what you are going to do. Cycle in a straight line parallel with the traffic and with parked cars.
4. Use hand signals for turns, lane changes and stops. Use your left arm with a finger pointed for left turns and right arm with a finger pointed for right turns. It helps gain mutual respect between the cyclist and motorists.
5. As with motorists, be aware of your surroundings as you ride your bike. Always be aware of other cars, children and pets by scanning each side street and residential areas.
6. When traffic is stop and go - you - the cyclist, can move as fast as the vehicles in the traffic. Don't weave in and out of the vehicles in traffic. Ride well into the lane when the traffic is stop and go. If you hug the curb, you are less visible and it is tempting for drivers to squeeze by.
7. Don't try to gain ground at red lights by passing a line of cars on your left. It is illegal and can cause an accident if the first car is making a right on red or if oncoming traffic has a green arrow allowing them to make a left turn crossing in front of you and the vehicles stopped along side of you. Wait out the red light and proceed with the same actions as a motor vehicle.
8. Be aware of sun glare in early morning and late in the day. Not only will it hinder your clear view of the road, but it hinders the motorists too and they may not see you. If possible, alter your route so that you don't ride directly into the sun.
In summary, always keep in mind, IF A MOTORIST CAN'T SEE YOU - THEY CAN'T AVOID YOU. Be aware of your surroundings and while pedaling always be prepared to brake.
By following these simple tips, your bike ride will be a safer and less stressful trip. Happy Cycling!
Mary Marino-McDonnell, the author, works as an online business entrepreneur after working 30 years as a comptroller/administrative director for a 10M firm on Long Island. She took her acquired business knowledge, together with the joint personal interests with her husband in health and fitness and started their own online bicycle business, http://www.bicycleaway.com The goal of Mary and her husband, Bill, with bicycleaway.com is to provide personal boutique-like service to all of its customers with bikes that are attractive, reliable and affordable. Check out our selection of
freestyle bmx bikes.
freestyle bmx bikes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Marino-McDonnell [http://ezinearticles.com/?Eight-(8)-Tips-For-Bicycling-Safely-In-Traffic&id=1643266 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Eight-(8)-Tips-For-Bicycling-Safely-In-Traffic&id=1643266
Tip to Find Your Important Cycling Strengths
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jakob_Andersen]Jakob Andersen
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jakob_Andersen]Jakob Andersen
Let me challenge you with this example:
If you e.g. are good at mountain cycling you should assess if this cycling strength is an ability you are happy with and if you can use this ability to your advantage, when training or in a competitive situation. Most would probably answer yes to pursuing this.
But if you are adept in the mountains, and you only train in the mountains in your Easter holiday once a year, then you ought to consider if your ability as a mountain rider is an advantage you should spend time and energy to improve!
On the other hand, the week during Easter could possibly be your highlight of the year and when your passion for riding is high you should mark this ability as important to improve even further. Therefore take your point of departure in your own situation and give yourself time to think things over.
Considering pros and cons to each of your strengths should be a natural part of your preparation to a new season as a bike rider using a structured training course. You should save your assessments and priorities concerning your own abilities together with your goals, training plan, journal and your statistics for the year in question.
You should train those points relatively frequently, which you have marked as important to develop in your important areas. You should focus on the important areas and not pay quite so much attention to the other points. This applies to your important strong points and your important weak points. Remember to take your outlook of cycling, job, wife and general life style into account before you mark the subjects.
This brainstorming can help you to get an overview and to point out the areas that should get your attention. Focus on your important points and tell people close to you about the list and show it to your parents, wife, girlfriend and perhaps your children. Improving your cycling performances demands an effort on your part, but often also demands acceptance and understanding from your closest relatives.
Acceptance and sharing your list of strengths and weaknesses creates respect between you and your closest relatives. This can create a mutual understanding that you are working together towards your desire to improve your performances on your bike.
You become better at the things you focus on and this also applies in cycling. This cannot be said often enough. http://www.improvecycling.com
The philosophy of Improvecycling.com is to educate and motivate you through serious articles, newsletters, tips & tricks and simultaneously give you the opportunity to receive professional help if you seriously want to improve as an health and fitness or competitive cyclist.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jakob_Andersen http://EzineArticles.com/?Tip-to-Find-Your-Important-Cycling-Strengths&id=1603579
Bicycle Clothing - Built For Safety
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters]Adam Peters
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters]Adam Peters
Mountain Bike Clothing
While most experienced bikers don't necessarily choose bicycle clothing for protection, there are times when an outer layer of protection will be quite welcome. For instance, mountain biking is thrilling and for riders at every level, very demanding. When inevitable fall happens, it would be nice to know that the shirt, shorts, etc. chosen for comfort and appearance are also durable enough to protect the rider from some scrapes and cuts. Fortunately, designers and manufacturers have taken this into account, using material for bicycle clothing that will provide some protection.
Those new to the sport, and those who take an occasional turn in the hills and valleys around their home, might choose the longer pants of a tracksuit, as well as a long-sleeved shirt and helmet. Some flexible gloves are a good idea, to protect the hands during a spill. The more experienced mountain biker, someone who rides as much as possible, might purchase bicycle clothing specifically for riding on rough terrain and unpaved trails. The three key factors to look for in this clothing are comfort, protection and fabrics that breath.
Cycling Jerseys And Shorts
There is another option for the upper half of the body when it comes to choosing bicycle clothing. Cycling jerseys are made specifically for the physical conditions and body function of mountain biking, road biking and so on. Most of the mountain biking jerseys are made of a special fleece called microfleece, though other brands use similar fabrics that are comfortable and quick to dry.
Cycle shorts usually have two layers of fabric in the seat area, primarily for the comfort of the rider. When a rider hits some serious bumps on the mountain trail, or spends a long time cruising on a paved road with occasional pedalling, this double thickness will be quite welcome.
Cycle Gloves
Not everyone considers wearing gloves while biking, though this might be a wise choice in mountain biking. Overlooked but essential, bicycle clothing should generally include gloves to protect the hands from blisters during normal riding conditions and to protect the hands if the rider and bike should happen to fall. Some experienced riders suggest looking at the back of a pair of good cycling gloves. This area should be aerated, to allow the hands to dry and to breath. In addition, this part of the glove is often double layered for protection the hands.
Consider as well, investing in good quality gear for wet weather. It may not be necessary to buy all the new stuff, or even most of, but some bad weather gear is always nice to have available.
Adam Peters is the editor of different articles with reference to cycle clothing for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com A website with [http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/clothes.html]tips on cycling cloth and bike clothing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters http://EzineArticles.com/?Bicycle-Clothing---Built-For-Safety&id=1531401
Safety Tips When Biking at Night
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Micah_Lacsamana]Micah Lacsamana
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Micah_Lacsamana]Micah Lacsamana
Cycling is fun, the feel of the rush of the wind across your face and the workout on your calves and hamstring is enough reason for you to go out on your bike no matter what time of the day it is. Whether you're wanting to go out on your bicycle for a quick trip to the convenience store or you're trying to burn that extra helping of ice cream you ate over the weekend or you're the ultra health buff wanting that cardio exercise you get from cycling, you should always put your safety first when you ride your bike after sunset.
Unlike going for a ride during the day, cycling at night, unfortunately, poses some safety issues any cyclists should be concerned about. Unless you emit a green glow, chances are other motorists might not see you readily until their headlights hit the reflectors on your pedals or seat.
Wearing brightly-colored clothing would help other motorists on the road see you at a far greater distance compared when you wear dark clothing. There are cycling gear now sold with neon orange or green color. These clothing, though, would only help if there is a little amount of light.
There are safety lights for bicycles now sold in the market. These lights attach at the base of your seat or to the frame or even on the handlebar provide the much needed illumination for other motorists to see you on the road. In a moonless night, you can even attach a as a headlight, allowing you to see where you're going and other motorists to see you as well.
These safety lights are battery operated and very light weight. The easy, no-fuss installation can be fitted to any bike of model and make.
So next time you decide to go cycling out at night, take time to consider road safety and attach along safety lights to your bicycle. A safe workout is a good workout!
Protecting yourself and your family from harm should be one of your top priorities. Although it requires time going out searching for the right gadgets to equip yourself with. Good thing you can just visit http://www.stunningprotection.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Micah_Lacsamana http://EzineArticles.com/?Safety-Tips-When-Biking-at-Night&id=1530531
