Trans Cycle

I'm pushing 40 and have never owned a car. For me the bike has always been my main mode of transportation. I didn't start out to be an bicycle evangelist but just kind of grew into the role. I see the bike as a tool to change the world. It doesn't pollute, it reduces traffic congestion, it's cheap and it's good for you. As a kid riding my bike was freedom and I guess it still is. On a bike I'm not constrained by long line ups of traffic. No matter how busy the roads are I've never experience stop and go in the bike lane. On a bike you can take short cuts through the park or a trail that isn't open to cars. When I talk to people about commuting by bike they say the car is faster. Depending on where...

In this article I am going to talk about what materials are used in bicycle frame production. The drawbacks and strengths of each material will also be covered. I am also going to discuss what factors are considered when making a frame. Let us start of with what factors are considered in frame construction. There are five main areas considered in frame construction. These areas are: 1. Material Density 2. Stiffness of material 3. Yield strength 4. Elongation 5. Fatigue and Endurance limits The first two areas deal with the how heavy the bike will be and the comfort of the ride. Numbers three and four deal with how well the frame will respond during a crash. The last one determines how much normal...

Road rash is a colloquial term used by many people to describe or to refer to skin and bone injuries that are caused be abrasion. In the majority of cases, the abrasion injuries are due to contact with road surfaces. The injuries are most frequently a consequence of cycling and motorcycling accidents. The term is applied to either a fresh or recent injury or the scar tissue left by an old one. Other uses of the term include injuries that are caused by longboarding, skateboarding, and inline abrasion accidents, particularly those that occurred at a high speed. Longboarding injuries are most frequently caused at high speeds. Preventing Road Rash One of the best ways to prevent road rash is by learning...

The fixed gear bicycle continues to gain popularity among the bicycle community. First popularized by bike messengers, the fixed gear bike, fixed wheel bicycle, or fixie bicycle, through the years has developed a cult following in many parts of the world. There are many reasons as to why fixed wheel bicycles have become a hit among cycling enthusiasts. But many people are captivated with the simplicity of these bikes, not to mention that fixie bikes are very much lightweight. Fixed gear bikes also generally come in cheaper prices as compared to other types of bikes and are easier to maintain with less parts than their bicycle counterparts. The anatomy of a fixed wheel bike consists of the sprocket...

1. Save Money. Cycling is one of the cheapest ways to travel. We will save petrol, tax and the cost of repairing a car. If you live in big cities you will avoid any potential congestion charge. A good bike can be got for just £150, this is a fraction of the cost of buying a car. 2. Keep fit. Cycling is a great from of exercise. It enables us to build up our aerobic capacity without placing stress on joints and on our heart. Cycling has been proved to improve our circulation, which is good for our heart. 3. Lose weight. If we drive everywhere and lead a sedentary lifestyle, it will be easy to put on weight, even with a moderate amount of food. However, if we cycle to work and do our shopping...

Bicycle century training can be a very daunting prospect. For someone relatively new to the sport, riding a bike for 100 miles can be a very daunting prospect. Many people wonder where to begin their training and what type of training they should be doing. In this article I will explain what you need to do in order to successfully train for a century ride. I have completed over 50 century rides in recent years and so have learnt a fair bit about long distance cycling along the way. The first piece of advice I can give is to ensure you have a good century training schedule. In much the same way as marathon runners always have a plan so should century riders. The demands training for such an endurance...

The creation of a bike trailer is a great benefit to any parent who enjoys going for a nice bike ride. With a bike trailer, it's now possible for parents and small children to get out there and enjoy the ride together. Most trailers can easily be assembled by attaching a metal tow bar. This guide will discuss how to install a bike trailer, which is quite simple. Start by loosening the rear wheel axle nut, on the left side of the bike. There may be a release skewer on the right side of the bike that needs to be released in order to loosen the nut on the left. Proceed to unthread the wheel axle nut on the left of the bike. If there's no skewer on the right of the bike, then you'll need a wrench to...

If you have one bicycle or have a number of them then you must be aware of the fact that in today's world it is important to have a reliable bicycle storage system. With the introduction of new technology and modern techniques the storage options are so many and they are very space saving than ever before. Now you can not just keep your bicycle in the garage because when you come back you will usually find the tires flat. Having indoor and outdoor bicycle storage is so important no matter where you live. If you live in an apartment or condominium then you can use the pulley hoist storage systems which will keep the bike off of the floor. You can use the space which is not used to keep the bicycle on...

p>OK so you have decided you want to join the ranks of endurance athletes and ride a century. It can be a little tricky deciding which ride to do or you may not be lucky enough to find an organized ride that is both local and at a good time. In this article I will discuss a great alternative to an organised ride - doing a solo or unsupported century. OK so your first decision should be if you need or want some form of support. Depending on your route, timing and expected weather conditions you may decide to go unsupported. In many ways this is a much more rewarding way to cycle 100 miles as it is just you and your bike versus the road. Of course you should ensure you are competent at performing...

One of the current debates about touring bikes is whether an aluminum or steel frame is a better choice. In the end, it comes down to personal choice. Aluminum is more rigid, which some people prefer. Steel flexes, which leads to a more comfortable ride for many. However - we also need to consider ease of repair should something happen to your bike. Welding aluminum requires specialized equipment that you will most likely only find in large cities. Steel is more easily repaired and you should be able to find someone who can weld your bike in any small town throughout the world. Some people say this is all a moot point - when was the last time you had your bike welded anyway? The chances of something...

When you first get a new bike it feels crisp and tight. Everything is smooth and it just flows when you pedals. Due to wear and tear this feeling slowly goes away. Your bike still works OK but it doesn't have that new bike feel. Don't despair, you can get that loving feeling back. Most of the things that slowly wear are easy to adjust or replace as needed. Some of my suggestions require specialty bike tools which you can get or get your local shop to take care of it for you. Clean and Lube your Drive Train and cables Grit in your chain and cables increases drag and noise. Give you chain a good cleaning on the bike with a snap on chain cleaning device or take your chain off the bike to clean it. If...

Bikes have different frames and manufacturers of bikes frames come up with new ideas on bike frame sizes, geometry, angles and all that! The most important thing is that the frame should fit the bike well. Though manufacturers manufacture different frames, there are a few dimensions with which one cant mess around with too much. It depends on the buyer what bike frame sizes, geometry, angles and all that stuff he chooses for his bike. If you buy top frames then you are surely buying a good quality one and he can choose from different colors. Understanding basic geometry well first: There is some basic geometry which one has to understand well and some dimensions which can never be messed with. With...

If you want to service your own bike, a few bike repair tips are essential. Moreover, if you follow the tips I will give you in this article properly, it will save you hundreds of dollars every few months. Bike Repair Tips - Know How To Clean Your Bike Keeping your bike like brand new is not simply a matter of checking and cleaning things regularly. You got to know how to clean the several parts so that you don't damage them and do harm to your bike. Applying lubricant, for instance, is more than just, well, applying new lubricant. Make sure you remove the old lubricant thoroughly first, as grit and dirt can form a grinding paste that can cause severe damage to your bike. Bike Repair Tips - Have...

Everyone knows that there are numerous different types of shoes and boots. By way of example you will find nylon shoes or boots, running and walking shoes, smart shoes and boots, and also professional footwear which includes road cycling shoes. At the very best the incorrect boots or shoes look wrong. Far more importantly though, if you are playing sports, those incorrect items could damage you. Your feet have to be looked after. They are the very most critical body component for mobility. Wearing the correct shoes will not solely care for the feet but in addition enable us to take advantage of the maximum potential in our legs. There are actually 7,800 nerves in just one foot. Several of those...

There's a lot to think about when preparing for a long bike ride, especially when you normally just ride around the block. The first thing to check is that your bike is in good condition and maintenance. You don't want something to go wrong when you are far from home. Having a routine fix-up session and being competent with basic bike maintenance can go a long way. You may also want to bring a patch kit and a bike bump: The most common problem is that you will get a flat tire. If you have a patch kit (or a spare inner tube), you can fix or change the tube on the road without causing yourself too much inconvenience. It's also important to eat and drink right before ride as well as during your ride...

Lately, it's as likely to rain as not. If you want to get out for a ride going with a fixed gear bike and fenders is the best way to deal with the English weather we've been having lately. With a rain jacket and helmet cover I stay comfortable even in moderate rain. The full wrap fenders keep the spray from the wheels from soaking me down. It's nice to ride straight through a deep puddle without getting a face full. For those not familiar with fixed gear bikes, they have a single speed that is direct drive. You can't coast on a fixed gear so if the bike is moving you are pedaling. If your balance is good enough you can even ride backwards on them. Fixed gear riding makes for a very efficient workout...

The Deda Dog Fang is a small plastic accessory known as a 'chain keeper' which attaches to your bicycle to prevent your chain falling off the inside of your smallest chain ring. Many pro mechanics are now fitting them to team bikes. The chain can fall off the inside chain ring on even the best adjusted bike. It may not happen often, but when it does happen, it always seems to be at the worst possible moment, for example on a steep hill. You have to stop to put the chain back on, you get oil stains on your fingers and then you struggle to get moving again. How much better would it be to be able to power your way into the hill in a high gear, confident that you could safely change to your small chain...

After bicycling with your children in a trailer, you may be wondering if your baby is now able to move on to her own trailer bike. The answer to that question is - maybe. Most children are able to ride safely on a trailer bike from about age 3 or 4, but it will depend on your child. A trailer bike (tag-along, trail-a-bike) is the next step up from a trailer. It is a one-wheeled contraption that hooks on to the back of your bike so your child can help you pedal. The basic requirement will be for her feet to reach the pedals - once she's that size, chances are she'll love being part of the team! Please consider all factors of the trail-a-bike - both advantages and disadvantages: Advantages: She is...

For most casual riders a wheel which is strong and durable while being lightweight and relatively cheap is the ideal combination. However, if you are a more serious rider then the answer to the question is a lot more complicated. Are you a hill climber, a time trialist, a track expert or a downhill expert? If you are racing then you might think the obvious answer is a fast wheel. But what is a fast wheel? Again, it depends on the scenario. A fast wheel in the world of hill climbing is going to be ultra light. But an ultra light wheel is not going to be fast at all on the track or during a time trial event, and it certainly won't be any good on gravel or a downhill course because lightness usually...

When looking at BMX bikes, there are many important decisions to be made. How much money do I want to spend? What is more important: a lightweight bike or a durable one? Do I want to ride mostly on the streets or in the dirt? Knowing the answers to these questions can lead to you finding your perfect bike. There are three styles of BMX bikes: classic BMX, jump bikes and freestyle BMX. What you will be doing with your bike gives you a good idea of which is right for you. If you intend to ride mostly on asphalt, choose the classic BMX (though it is dirt ready if you want to hit the track) or the freestyle BMX (sturdier, and equipped with road tires). Jump bikes are great if you want to ride on ramps...

The bicycle seat is not the only factor in getting a comfortable bicycle ride. Leg extension, Hand position, seat angle, and nose width are all important factors in bicycle seat comfort. Your leg extension is important because if your legs are not properly extended then you will not be able to put as much weight on your pedals. This will put more weight on your seat which will cause your backside to get sore quicker. Hand position is important because if your hands are really high or way back then all of your weight will be on your seat. The angle of the seat is important because the slope of the area of the seat that you are in contact with will effect how the pressure hits your backside. Most of...

Boardman Bikes are a relatively new entry to the Road Bicycle and Mountain Bikes market. The creation of former Pro Cyclist Chris Boardman in collaboration with the Halfords Bike and Car Store Chain. Formed in 2008 the Boardman Bike brand is going from strength to strength. Chris Boardman has brought all his knowledge to the Boardman Road Bikes range, As a former Olympics Gold Medalist on the Cycle Track and a long career as a top Road Racer not to mention his achievements for the world Hour record and stage wins in the Tour De France which culminated in Chris wearing the Yellow Jersey for Time trial stage wins. With a great and respected distribution chain with Bike and Car Stores Halfords coupled...

The old standby to teach your child to ride is to lean down and push them down the sidewalk. With the stingray bicycles you had a nice handle to hold while you were running. This has never been optimal. There are several problems. One, your child becomes dependant on you holding them up, two if you let go they usually look back to see if you are holding them up and fall down. If they turn sharp while you are running with them they can fall in front of you. When you fall on top of them it hurts both of you. It is really hard to run while you are leaning down. Do not run behind the bike pushing your child. The Simple Way to Teach your Child to Ride a Bike Start by finding a very gently sloping unused...

There are a lot of styles of road clipless on the market, making it tough to figure out what would be the right option. Save yourself the cost of experimenting by reading the low down on the different pedal systems. Over the last few years we've seen an influx of pedal redesigns from Shimano, Time, Look and Speedplay. Each of these has come with some improvements but they also have come with some changes that may make a pedal not work for you. Shimano Shimano is the only one of the bunch that has pedals made from metal, aluminum to be specific. This improves there durability, particularly across the platform that you cleat makes contact with. As the pedal and cleat wear you can get rocking so a more...

Bikes nowadays are not only used for transport or travelling. It is also used for fun, sports and recreation. There are times that you would like to take it to a place where you could relax and enjoy. You desire to escape the polluted city and go somewhere else where you could ride the bike, take it to the mountain, follow some trails and enjoy the fresh air. But, some people think that it is difficult to take the bike with them especially that bicycles eat too much space when placed inside a car. Plus dismantling it can be very time consuming and needs a lot of effort. But there is a device to save you from all that dilemmas. This is called a bicycle rack, bike rack or car rack for others. Bicycle...

Use A Repair Bike Puncture Tyre Sealant To Help You Get To Your Destination Are you the type of person who'd rather bike everywhere you go? Are you trying to save the environment and want to use your bike rather than your vehicle? If so, then you're going to need to ensure that your bicycle tyres are in good condition. Regardless of what kind of bike you own, those tyres are going to get you from point A to point B and you need them in good working condition. How can you ensure that they stay this way? When You Want To Use Your Bike: Keep Your Tyres Aired Up and Ready To Go The first thing you need to know is that your tyres, even if they're new, can have problems. They may unexpectedly have holes...

I was looking for bike locks the other day and I had found that there are thousands of them out there. From the Master Lock brand, all the way to the Abus brand. If you're looking to purchase the Abus brand, I wanted to tell you why you should consider this brand. Durability -- It's made of 7mm square chain, making it one of the strongest bike chains that I have seen online. While there are other brands that do compare, the Abus brands have a great look to them, because you can't see the chain. This cover on the chain can protect the lock as well. Features -- Most of their products come with a cool automatic locking padlock, which can be used as a reversible key. Great warranty -- If you're kind of...

As a biker myself, I love to bike, but I find my local area to get awfully boring after a while. There are only so many places that you can go. Thankfully for bike racks, I'm able to transform my car into a little bike towing machine. Now, if you're lucky and have a truck, van, or something else, you're going to find that you probably won't need a bike rack. I know there can be occasions when you need one for road trips, etc, but this isn't always the case. Now, when you're ready to pick out a rack, there are a few pointers that I want to throw your way. By following these pointers, you should be able to pick out a rack that's going to work the best for you. #1 What kind of bike rack are you going...

Bike repair videos can be heaven sent if you plan on servicing your own bike. After all, a picture says more than a thousands words, and that certainly counts for an instructional video. In this article, I will tell you about 3 things a good set of bike repair videos should deal with. Bike Repair Videos - Do You Have A Plan? Do you ride your bicycle once in a while, or rather everyday? Do you own a mountain bike, or an off-road bike? Do you ride your bike mostly in a rainy or dry area? It's not enough to know how a bike works. The devil is in the details, so you should get to know all about how to repair and maintain your bicycle, not just any bike in general. Moreover, you need to set up a...

If you are riding a bike in Boulder, you would be wise to invest in a helmet. That's because the number of bicycle accidents have nearly doubled in the Colorado city since 2007, the Colorado Daily reports this week. In 2009, 162 bike-car accidents were reported, up from 88 in 2007. Already in 2010, Boulder has had 40 reported incidents at dangerous intersections. These accidents have resulted in 3 fatalities over the last 5 years, with dozens sustaining serious injuries. Bike clubs and local city planners bemoan the accidents but say that cyclists must practice safe riding practices, obeying all safety signs and staying in their lanes. With the rise in local gas prices, cycling in Boulder has become...