June 28, 2009
Why Electric Bike Kits Are Becoming More Popular
An electric bike kit is simply an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. It converts an ordinary bicycle into an electric bike. The battery is simply recharged by plugging to the electricity mains. If you already know how to ride a bicycle, you don’t have a problem using the electric bike. Just pedal and allow the motor to kick in, then relax and enjoy your ride.
The electric bike kit has more advantages than the electric bike. In the first place, the electric bike conversion kit is very cheap. If you have a bicycle already, you can install an electric bike kit with a little amount of money. Purchasing a new electric bike could be very expensive. You don’t need to spend anything on fuel. You simply recharge when the machine runs down.
It is obvious that bicycle manufacturers greatly outnumber electric bike manufacturers. So, there are more brands of bicycles than electric bikes. Buying a conversion kit gives you a chance to choose any bike that suits your lifestyle.
A bicycle converted to an electric bike is lighter than an electric bike. You are also used to your bicycle, making riding easier and stress less.
The electric bike is recommendable for physical fitness exercises. If you are overweight and needs to burn some calories you can as well get an electric bike conversion kit. This kind of exercise mixed with pleasure can be very effective for management of certain ailments including hypertension, diabetes and arthritis.
You shouldn’t waste time at traffics. Install an electric bike kit on your bicycle and save yourself a lot of time, fuel and energy. During rush hours don’t use your car for short distance trips. Instead, make use of your electric bike. You will go through any available space on a traffic jam. You don’t have to worry about the need for parking space.
The electric bike kit is more economical compared to a new electric bike. If you already have any kind of bicycle, go ahead and get a conversion kit and enjoy the pleasure of riding.
Filed under Cycling by Garrick Baxter
June 26, 2009
Buying a Used Mountain Bike? My Top Five Essential Tips
In price sensitive times such as these buying a used mountain bike is a great way for beginners to get into the fantastic world of mountain biking and for seasoned pros to keep participating in the sport they love. There are literally thousands of mountain bikes available so which one is right for you? My five essential tips will help you out.
Freeride mountain bikes are great for showing off your skills and tricks, but due to their heavier construction they are not suited to long trails. Cross Country or XC bikes are very efficient because they are constructed from light weight materials. The most specialised of mountain bikes are the Downhill ones that are specifically engineered for exciting downhill racing.
If you will be mainly cycling along flat terrain avoid Freeride mountain bike as they tend to be heavy and are more suited for tricks and skills. Lighter weight constructed mountain bike are the Cross Country Bikes, also known as XC, and as a result these bikes are very efficient. Downhill bikes are specifically designed for downhill racing and should be avoided if you just plan to cruise along mountain trails. All Terrain bikes are great for almost all aspects of mountain biking and are specifically recommended for beginners.
I recommend that if you are just starting out that you consider an All Terrain mountain bike so that you will be able to enjoy most aspects of the sport. It is highly probable that once you get some experience under your belt you will buy a more specialised bike such as a Freeride or XC.
When you start to look for a mountain bike one of the most frequently asked questions is Hardtail or Full Suspension? Seasoned Pros will have their opinions on this but for the most part if you are just starting out I recommend a Full Suspension mountain bike. As the name suggests Full Suspension mountain bikes have rear and front suspension and are arguably more comfortable unlike Hardtail mountain bikes which only have rear suspension.
Check with your local bike dealer and at on line forums to see what type of mountain bike trails are local to where you live. Ultimately if there are no downhill trails closes by then you will want to avoid buying a DH mountain bike. Consider your local terrain and buy a mountain bike to suit.
Once you have decided what type of mountain bike you want consider buying a used mountain bike. Not only will you save money and be able to buy the additional safety gear such as a bike helmet and pads, but you will also be able to buy a bike that was previously out of your price range. Finally have fun, mountain bike is a fantastically accessible sport open to all and a great way to get fit.
Filed under Cycling by Lance B. Webb
Cycling is an excellent way to stay in shape while also enjoying the outdoors scene whether it’s through a mountain trail or through your city. However, road bikes can be pretty pricey depending on the brand and model you choose so here are tips to finding quality discount road bikes at reduced prices.
1. Search for clearance deals
If you are patient enough, you may be able to find great deals on older models while stores put them on clearance in order to make room for new inventory. You may even be able to negotiate for better prices with the store since they know that road bikes is an expensive purchase.
2. Shop at online retail stores
Finding discount road bikes for sale at online retailers is easy. You may even be able to negotiate better prices and they even throw in a few free accessories just by purchasing through them.
3. Shop auction sites for discount road bikes
Online auction sites such as eBay offer a wide range of road bikes and also some of the best deals available. Always make sure to deal with a reputable seller and that you get as much information about the bike as possible before finalizing the purchase.
If you know where to look, finding discount road bikes is not hard at all but be sure to always thoroughly inspect the bike for any damages. The last thing you want is getting seriously injured on a trail because you didnt properly check the bike beforehand.
Filed under Cycling by Brian J. Taylor
June 21, 2009
Historical Facts About Mountain Bikes
Today, one of the fastest growing sports in the world is mountain biking. It’s not only practiced by the elite professionals, but is also a wonderful way for the entire families to enjoy quality time together. What better way to keep fit and see the countryside?
Mountain biking was born in the 70s on Mount Tamalpais, better known as Mt. Tam, in California, USA. A group of enthusiasts consisting of famous names like Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Keith Bontrager and Otis Guy among others, started modifying the heavy Cruiser bikes to be used for riding down the mountain trails. The mountain bike was born.
In the early days, mountain biking was perceived as quite a risk. In fact, it was. First mountain bikers were purely downhillers. They would race only downhill, to get up a mountain they used a truck. Because the slopes were more than those first bikes could handle, they started modifying and improving, which lead to the first real mountain bikes.
The first real mountain bike made with all new components was build in 1978 by Joe Breeze. Other giants in the field like Gary Fisher, Tom Ritchey, Charlie Kelley and Charlie Cunningham just to name a few, soon followed.
Since the 70s much has changed. Technology and popularity has improved tremendously. In the 90s mountain biking really exploded. Few of the pioneers who rode down the rocky trails of Mt Tamalpais, would have believed how widespread their passion would become. Are you aware that mountain biking is an Olympic sport? It is.
Over the years many aspects of mountain biking developed and improved. New technologies, new materials and new styles were discovered. Performance was greatly enhanced. Nowadays you have all kinds of bikes that meet the demands of a variety of terrains and riding styles. Cross country, downhill, freeride, all-mountain, and trials. There is a lot to choose from.
Mountain biking started about 30 years ago as a crazy pastime. Today, it is a widely popular mainstream sport, recreational activity and a huge industry. From the adaptation of the Cruiser bicycles, mountain bikes have come a long way.
Filed under Cycling by Alex Preston


