Trans Cycle

Cycling is an activity that can be enjoyed as a professional sport, a mode of transportation, or a recreational activity. It is considered one of the top leisurely activities that Americans enjoy. Cycling is not only a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery around you but it is also an excellent form of exercise. The most popular type of cycling is road cycling, which is mainly on paved surfaces. One type of road cycling that is quickly gaining popularity is adventure cycling where cycling trips are extended into long journeys. Part of the appeal of adventure cycling is that it pushes the cyclist to their limits. It's extreme biking! And, naturally with anything extreme there are some...

Next to a road bike's chain, another common problem often experienced by bikers is a flat tire. Fixing a flat tire is not really as complicated as it may seem. Once learned, fixing a flat tire can be done in just minutes. Probably the best approach to learning how to fix a flat tire on a bicycle is by understanding the parts of the tire and how they go together. If you have a junk bicycle stored in your garage, you can examine the parts of its tires probably even disassemble and dissect the parts. The tire, of course, is the black round rubber that gets into contact with the road. The wheel, on the other hand, is the metal frame that holds and provides shape to the tire. The rim is that part that...

One of the most important items you will need when bicycling, especially at dusk or at night, is a good set of Bicycle Headlights. When I first started out on a search for bicycle lighting to do some early morning rides with I was bombarded with options. The light source ranged from LED to Halogen and prices ranged anywhere from $10 to $250 and on. I will try to touch on all the options below. LED: There are three types of LED headlamps offered depending on the environment you will be biking in; High powered single LED, Multiple LED and high powered multiple LED. The high powered single LED headlamp ranges in size from 1/4 watt up to 1 watt. In my opinion the 1/4 and 1/2 watt LED lamps are...

Biking is pursued by many people for different reasons. Some bike for the pleasure of it. Some bike for health and fitness benefits. Some bike for competitive reasons. Others simply bike just for the relaxation it offers them. The different reasons tell us that bikers have varied personalities. This variety is manifested in the physical appearance of their bikes; it can also be seen in the accessories attached to their bikes. Just as people express their inner selves through clothing and accessories, bikers also show their biking personality through the gadgets that they purchase and use. The "best bike gadget" can be considered a relative term. The best for one biker may not be as important to...

So you've decided to buy a fixed gear bike. Could it be the simplistic look, the better control, or the lighter-smoother-faster performance? Are you looking to commute, do tricks, race, exercise, or just plain kick it around the neighborhood? Whatever your reasons for buying a "fixie" there are a few things you must know before you purchase. You will need to know what type of fixed gear you want, how to size the bike for you, and what type of power you will need. Fixies, or a 'skinny bike", are the hippest bike going, and I am sure if you consider these points before you buy a fixed gear bike it will help you find just the right one for you. On the Road or Around the Track There are generally two...

Shimano 105 SPD-SL road pedals are designed to provide high end race technology at a reasonable pricing. Its wide platform design gives stability from foot to pedal and increased power transfer. Its double stainless steel body is designed to reduce flex and the wear tear of the pedal body. It has a low maintenance sealed cartridge axle units. It comes with an entry and release tension adjustment which allows the rider to adjust his or her own riding style. Its wide body provide the extra support especially while pushing hard on the pedals. The wider contact area makes clipping relatively quicker and comes very handy for commuting purposes. Its stainless steel cleat interface plate gives a stiff and...

The key to any successful 100 mile bike ride is preparation. In order to train your body to get as fit as possible you need to have a solid training plan to follow. The big mistake most people tend to make is simply going out and riding as much as they can in the belief that this is the best way to get as fit as possible. This is perhaps worse than under training for an event. During my time spent as a long distance cycle coach I have seen many a cyclist make this approach and end up with what is known as chronic training fatigue. This is where you feel constantly tired and your performances on the bike suffer. In addition when your body reaches this state you run a vastly enhanced risk of incurring...

The beach cruiser scene has been heating up recently, with more brands and brighter colors hitting the market. Cruisers provide a very comfortable ride while also being affordably priced. Basic Beach Cruiser bikes are available for under $90, plus shipping, on the Internet. It can be a lot of fun to buy these, and then assemble them the way that you want to, if you have the mechanical ability. All the really tough parts, like the gears are assembled already. Try different types of fenders, from Chrome, to different colors. You can have standard handlebars, or even get chopper style straight handlebars. A plain old beach cruiser bike is good too. I find this to be a great way to go to stores...

One of the growing trends in cycling is the ability to create your own bike built to your own specifications. You can do this by going to a specialist bike builder but that can get really expensive. One of the ways a lot of people end up with a custom built bike is through the gradual customisation of their existing bike. One of the first things that tends to be changed in the handlebar and this could be for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because the riding position isn't quite right for the rider, maybe they have to have too much of their body weight over the handlebars making them feel unstable or maybe the handlebars feel too far away to control the bike properly. The other reason is essentially...

Chainsets per say may sound a lot more complicated than they usually are. The growth in upgrades and innovations that have been made over recent years has made it more difficult to find that perfect chainset as you are always playing catch up. Nowadays, with there being numerous systems that have come to market, the most important factor is compatibility, but if you follow a few basic principles you shouldn't find it all that hard. The key rule is never try to mix and match the parts even with the same branded items, as you will end up with a hacked solution which is likely to break whilst your our riding. Keep it simple and but a whole chainset with cranks and chainrings attached, and if you want...

Pocket bikes seem like a crazy kind of transport. Flying down the highway at speeds of up to and over 40 miles an hour when you are no more than 4 inches off the ground and with your knees tucked behind your ears, does not seem like everybody's idea of a good way to get around town. But for those who enjoy them, they are the only way to fly. They have really taken off recently, with loads of different models on the market. Even though they only make around 10 hp, with a minimum amount of weight and maximum aerodynamics, so long as the rider hasn't been eating too many burgers, they can still zoom around at a good enough speed for most people. But although there are some very high quality pocket...

Europe gained some much needed distraction after World War II with the peaceful duels of the Tour de France, rapidly cementing its place as one of Euope's preeminent sports contests. Post World War Rivalries Henri Desgrange, the Tour de France founder, died in 1940. His successor was Jacque Goddet. The Germans tried to persuade Goddet to hold the race during the war years, but he refused. He considered the first race following the war, in 1947, to be an act of faith given the post-war shortages. Jean Robic of France won and this did much to improve the country's morale. The government even allowed the Tour to break the food rationing rules. Italian Rivals Go at it Full Swing The French win didn't...

BMX riding is an exciting sport. However, you should pay special attention to the BMX equipment which is an important part of BMX riding. Your BMX bike should be according to the type of riding you are doing. There are special BMX bikes for BMX racing, dirt jumping and freestyle. So, choose your BMX bike wisely. Besides this, your BMX bike should not have reflector brackets, chain guard, fenders and kickstand. This is for your own safety so make sure your BMX bikes does not these. Never attempt getting on your BMX bike without a helmet. There are two styles of helmets available and you can choose anyone one. There is the traditional bucket style helmet and the full face helmet. Make sure your helmet...

Beach Cruisers used to be seen only at the beach. The smooth curves, larger tires, and laid-back design of the cruiser have created the perfect bicycle for a comfortable ride and basic transportation. Riding a bike does not get much easier than on a cruiser. Style can really come in to play when you are not concerned about being the next Lance Armstrong or a downhill mountain biker. Surfers and beach goers have been riding this style of bike for years and the wave has spread across the land from one coast to the other, and from the Gulf of Mexico all the way into Canada as beach cruiser bikes are creating bicyclists by the thousands every year. Beach cruisers are a basic bicycle with wider...

This article will give you the Bike Seat Review which will give you brief information about the most comfortable and essential part of any bicycle; the bicycle seat. The bicycle seat is designed to tolerate the complete burden of the rider and is attached through a saddle. According to the history of bicycle seats, Arthur Garford is known as the father of the seat of a padded bicycle. He invented it in 1892. Just like a pair of shoes, which you buy after considering your foot characteristics, the bicycle seat needs to suit your body type and your specific style of riding. You should always go for a comfy seat that suits your body type. Moreover, the setting of the seat is crucial else it would cause...

If you are considering touring by bicycle then you know that your Cargo System is an essential equipment component. So, what should you learn about bicycle cargo gear; well, there are many different types, but you should be careful which set-up you choose. Loading too much on the front wheels can cause problems in steering at slow speeds and even high-speed wobbles going downhill on a bumpy surface, which you will encounter along the way somewhere if there are any hills at all. Some touring riders have complained that they catch the cross wind and make things quite difficult if not dangerous. Handlebar cargo systems are nice, as they can be used to hold maps, instructions and easy to get to food...

Long Distance bike riding across Louisiana can be a fun proposition and quite challenging. Depending on what time of the year you go there can also be a lot of pesky Mosquitoes too. One route is to take Shreveport to Vicksburg, Mississippi and as a crow flies it is about 175 miles, but remember we are riding a bike. The I-20 is about 178 miles and a straight shot, but remember we are not a car and cannot ride on the Freeway, nor would you want to. Another route would be to Orange, TX at the border to Waveland, Mississippi and that is about 265 plus the extra 15 miles into Mississippi on Hwy 90 or you could choose a pick-up like the big rest stop and vistor’s center just over the border. For...

If you looking for bicycle car racks then is most likely that you know what a mission it is to fit your bikes into the vehicle if you have to always dismantle them. But there is such a variety of racks on the market and can you even imagine where to begin getting the right one? Read on to find simple solutions but little known secrets to finding the best bike racks for cars. By keeping the following points in mind, you should be able to narrow down your search. 1. How many bikes you want to carry 2. Types of bikes 3. Type of car 4. Preference to where the bikes are loaded 5. Price 6. Terrain on which you will travel on 7. Needed access to the back door of vehicle Ok then, let's go into more details...

In the never-ending search for a perfect exercise/recreation vehicle, parents often turn to such unique items as jogging strollers and low rider bikes, for the purpose of including youngsters in the daily activity. Why low rider bikes and jogging strollers? Running/Riding Parents Let's look at the needs of a parent who wants to take a young one along for the ride (or run). Some parents know that they will continue running as recreation and exercise even after they have children. In order to do this safely it is often necessary to find specialty equipment. A jogging stroller is certainly one method of including family members. Specially designed bikes that can accommodate small children are also on...

Although many of the bike safety tips listed below are common sense it is amazing how many cyclists do not follow them. The list below is in no particular order of importance: 1 Lightening and Storms - do you wear brightly colored clothing during a storm so drivers can see you? If there are lightning strikes nearby sitting on bicycle is a risk, the metal frame and skinny bike tires conduct electricity and will not insulate you. Your first option is to seek shelter in a building or car and stay away from tall objects including trees, telephone poles and hilltops. If you are cycling across a large open area make sure you are not the highest point and get shelter in a valley, ditch or low lying area...

People enjoy bike riding to the extent of collecting them. Some even spend a little to customize them. It is a new trend to make our stuff customized to add some personal touch. Every bike lovers prefer to add some personal style to their used road bikes. You probably expect to spend something to spice up your collection. No matter how big or small your design would be, it is sure to be really worth all the money and the hassle. Redesigning your used bikes will turn them into some exciting collection. Aside from vamping up your bike design, customizing the parts is beneficial. Having your own customized cycle increases biking performance. It is an option to put your seat a little higher, adjust the...

Felt Bicycles are a high quality maker of top end Road Bikes. The Felt Bicycle Company is based in Irvine, California, USA and produce Road Bikes, Track Bikes, Cyclocross Bikes and Time Trial as well as mountain and BMX bikes. All Felt bikes are made to a very high quality and they cater for the top end of the cycle market. Felt Bicycles were founded in the early 1990s by Jim Felt and were originally distributed through Answer. In 2001 Felt Bicycles became a completely independent concern. Felt have developed a number of innovative Road Bikes and have a unique bike technology, which has enabled them to remain cutting edge in the High End Road Bicycle market. One such innovation is the Felt Bayonet...

Is there anything more aggravating than sitting behind a bicyclist in a turn lane and following them through the intersection at a glacial pace of 2 mph? If you have the sense to take your bike out to designated biking areas rather than ride in rush-hour traffic, you're one of us. And, whether you're packing up for a quick day trip or a longer jaunt through the back-country, there are 3 things that will make your trip smoother and instantly more enjoyable. A bike rack would seem like an obvious purchase for the biking enthusiast, but it's amazing how many people cram their gear into the back of a truck or SUV, enduring the hassle of removing one or both wheels. When selecting a bike rack, keep in...

There are a number of simple things you can do to your tires and wheels to improve the performance of your bike. By making these upgrades you will benefit in a number of ways, depending on what you choose to have done. Your bike will roll faster, it will have a smoother ride, and you will get less flat tires and more. Here are simple upgrades you can have done to your tires and wheels to increase your bikes performance. Improving your bike performance by upgrading your tires and wheels can be a simple and very helpful idea. You can put wheels on your bike that are lower in weight than you currently have. Even a slight drop in weight, will yield significant improvement. There are a number of...

Riding road is growing in popularity but that doesn't mean you need a road racing bike. You can ride on road with just about any bike but having one that is optimized for hard surfaces and your riding style will give you a more enjoyable riding experience. Depending on the qualities that are important to you, the best bike for riding road may be any of the following: Road Race Bike, Triathlon Bike, Sport Touring Bikes, Cyclocross Bike, Loaded Touring Bikes, Performance Hybrid or Comfort Hybrid. Read on to find what is best for you. Road Race Bike These are the sports cars of the bicycle world. Modern road race bikes are light, stiff and aerodynamic. The position is bent forward at the waist to...

Fast Pocket Bikes are shaped in form of mini motorcycles and therefore they are those cute little dynamites always ready to set the road on fire. Constructed robustly with aluminum or steel frame, it is so easy to have a go with these darlings on road. However, how much speed the bike will pick up depends upon the form and weight of the person riding the bike. The speed of these pocket bikes is a bit slower when compared to the regular motorbikes running on road. It all depends on the size. The miniature forms of these fast pocket motorbikes make you go a bit slower than usual. They are the trend, rocking the world with their speed and strength. The variety What is most fantastic is that pocket...

It's technically possible to adapt any bike into a road touring bicycle for short journeys, but if you're planning a long tour, then you are better getting a bike designed for the job, a road touring bicycle is designed to carry the extra weight of loaded panniers that you will need to take on your journey. If you're planning to do a number of long-distance tours then investing in a road touring bike is a good idea. Touring bikes are light but strong enough to carry the extra load required for a long tour. Your bike must carry all the essential items you need to be self-sufficient while you are on the road, especially if you are going to isolated areas. A road touring bicycle is built for exactly...

Millions of people worldwide are riding bikes, from the casual rider to the competitive athlete. So the question most will face is what is the best road bicycle for me? If you are thinking about buying a road bike then there are some things you must ask yourself to help determine the best choice for you. Why do I want to ride? How much should I pay for a road bicycle? What is the difference between the low priced bikes and the higher priced bikes? 1. Why do I want to ride Determining the reason why you want to ride a bicycle is very important and the reason why it is the first question we must ask ourselves. If you want to ride just as a casual once in a while thing then you may be able to get away...

I remember the first time I walked into a specialty bike store; this would be my first expensive (at least to me) road bike. My eyes were like saucers and my emotions soared as I saw every imaginable make and model hanging on the wall. Each of them representing the pinnacle of cycling, how could I possibly choose one from another? That was years ago, and I've owned multiple bikes since, but I have realized the most important question to ask yourself, how much cycling do you intend to do? If you'll answer this question truthfully, it will guide you in your choice and you can then almost automatically pick your perfect road bike. Of course this will need to be tempered with your age, physical...

A triathlon is a grueling event that consists of a swim, cycling, and ends with a run. If you don't have previous conditioning, you are going to find it hard to finish the event. Sometimes, for such events, it's all about energy efficiency. A good road bike can help you improve your overall timing. Here's why. Reason 1: More aerodynamic. Reason 2: More comfortable ride. Reason 3: Less weight to carry. Reason 4: Better power transfer. Reason 5: More competitive looking. Reason 1: More aerodynamic. A good roadie is definitely more aerodynamic. If you are thinking about completing a triathlon with a mountain bike, think again! Not that it's impossible, but it's going to be energy sapping. Your timing...

If you are a BMX freak, you should learn the tricks in the step by step process. Before performing those dangerous stunts, you should have a complete knowledge of it. Every technical aspect should be clear to you. The first thing you need to learn is a Bike. You should not choose a bike based on how it looks. Technically, all bikes are different. If you feel confused, you should regularly read reviews about it on Internet. When it comes to performing the trick, do not go to advance tricks first. All BMX tricks can be classified into three types. These types are beginner level, medium level, and advance level tricks. Tricks like bar turn, and kick out can be tried easily. They come under beginner...

There are 4 main systems that your road bike training should encompass. -Aerobic conditioning -Slow twitch muscle endurance -Lactic Acid buffering -Fast twitch muscle power Aerobic conditioning happens between 70-80% of your max heart rate. Your body adapts to training in this zone by Increasing the lung volume, and making your muscles more efficient at using oxygen. This is achieved by a process called capillarisation, which means that the number of capillaries going to a muscle increases, which means the muscle can use more oxygen, and work at a higher rate without going anaerobic. Slow twitch muscle endurance is trained between 65-80% of your max heart rate. This is where the bulk of your road...