June 29, 2009
The Bike Frame & Other Important Facts
The Bike Frame
Getting A Correct Bike Frame
There are a lot of things to factor in for a successful bike ride, whether it’s something you do every day or only once. The bike has many different parts to it, but your bike frame is the most important part. Although the geometry of the bike frame may get changed by the frame manufacturers when they want a different look, there are still some measurements that can’t be changed or messed with. If you’re new to cycling, you’re not really going to care all that much about fancy frames. However, if you’re an old pro at cycling and have been doing it for years, you may have an interest in the different styles of frames. Just recently I was contacted by a reader asking why bicycle articles never go into detail about frames. So, I thought I’d spend a little time discussing frames.
The Difference in Frames
There are more differences to bike frames than just the color. Although most of us make a selection based on color, there are many other variations that can be found in bicycle frames. For instance, the Orbea Orca frame and the Trek Madone frame have many differences between them. Some of the differences we tend to forget about are the overall frame geometry, tube lengths, frame angles, etc. The reason these items are seldom listed or discussed is because when it comes right down to it, when you get your bike frame, you’re going to have to be the one looking at it for a long time so you better like the color and design.
Basic Geometry of the Bike Frame
The basic geometry of the bike frame consists of the size of the chain stays, the distance between the bottom bracket axle and the back wheel axle, and the distance between the front wheel and the bottom bracket. These areas are the same for all bikes and are the basics of how they’re made and cannot be changed or the handling of the bike will be affected.
Another Important Dimension
The seat tube length is designed to fit the rider and can be adjusted by using a long seat pin to adjust the height of the saddle. The angle of the seat will be dependent on the frame size or, at least this is the case with factory made frames. The smaller the bike frame, the steeper the seat tube will angle. This may need to be adjusted for taller or shorter riders, however. The more relaxed the angle is, the more comfortable of a rider there is going to be.
Read full articles about bicycle geometry and bicycles available at this web.
Filed under Cycling by Alison Addy
June 27, 2009
Differences In Roval Wheel Styles
Roval Wheels
Roval Wheels have made quite a name for themselves in the biking world. Reviewers and bike shops have been trying them out as many of their customers have also. Although many wheel manufacturers have different styles of wheels, many of them have similarities. Roval has been making wheels in their factory since the 1970s and is still going strong. They use only the highest quality and production methods, known as Specialized, in all their wheels. A couple of their most popular wheels are the Roval Fusee E5 Wheel Set and the Fusee Star Wheel Set, both with excellent qualities. Fusee Star Wheel Set
Star Wheel Set
The technology that goes into the development of the Star Wheel is phenomenal. You’ll find that the aerodynamic performance of the hub provides less than half the frontal area, a quality needed to lessen the amount of wind drag. The characteristics of the hub that are responsible for the excellence are the 5-point star flange and the stiff 7075 aluminum. The alloy rims are seamless and low profile with a touch of aero in them, along with a perfect depth and width to give the smoothest possible braking. Other qualities of the Star wheel set worth mentioning are the wheels, which are part of a Shimano body with 10-speed cassette. At first it caused problems but they were eliminated and the ride was very good. The custom-made spokes are Aerolite butted with hidden nipples and a self-alignment system. All in all, this bike has a superior quality.
Fusee E5 Wheel Set
The wheels of the Roval Fusee E5 are somewhat lighter than the Star wheels and makes climbing hills much easier. Although some riders think that weight is not that important for climbing but it’s very important. It’s very hard to compare these two bikes because they are so similar in quality and performance. Both are fast, light and are capable of riding with a crosswind without causing a problem. The E5 seemed to take corners a little better as well as more precise than the Star. However, when you’re riding directly into a head wind, the Star is the one you want to be riding as well as when you’re making your descent. In other words, the Star is harder to get up the hill but will provide the better ride going back down.
Final Word
Making the final choice on which of these two bikes to get will be difficult. If you want an all-around fast set of wheels, you’ll want the Fusee E5. This bike performs well all the time as well as providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The matching colors and designs look beautiful. If you want a bike that rides excellent, has a unique appearance that will make heads turn and don’t plan on riding into a crosswind, then the Star is the bike for you. Happy Shopping!
Read full articles about roval wheels and bike wheels available at this web.
Filed under Recreation-and-Sports by Alison Addy
June 26, 2009
Demerits of Overtraining
Many riders adopt the philosophy of hard work produces good results in order to become better riders. These riders spend long hours in lifting, training, stretching and focusing on improving their performance. Training always helps to enhance the performance. However, overtraining might not be a very good idea. Overtraining can result into injuries which might keep you away from the sport for a long period of time. You should be able to balance both recovery as well as training in the best possible manner. Usually, overtraining occurs when you are not able to balance training and recovery correctly.
Response of your body to training is complex. Everything from when and how hormones are released from your body to Blood cell adaptations, heart, lungs, bones, veins and muscles is alerted when your body adapts to training. Appropriate amounts of recovery along with correct training stress will result into improvement of performance. You should avoid a situation where there is limited recovery and excessive training as it will lead to negative reactions from your body parts. One of the biggest factors that you need to take care of is the hormone levels in your body.
If you increase your training load to an extent where the stress level goes very high then the training will not help you improve your performance. It is very obvious that every athlete has his/her own natural ability levels. You should be able to give your body proper amount of rest if you are going to exceed the ability of your level while training. By giving appropriate amount of rest to your body you will be able to improve your natural level of ability. There are many cyclists who overtrain their body and at the same time they do not provide enough rest to it. This will result into decrease in the level of your natural ability.
There are many other factors which can result into overtraining. You should avoid performing the same routine activities during training sessions everyday. This can result into overtraining. Avoid training when you are physically unfit or have any medical problems. You should not take part in frequent competitions as this can drain you both mentally as well as physically. One of the most important things that you need to take care while you are training is proper intake of liquids. Dehydration can result into overtraining.
Poor performance in competition or workout sessions, reduce maximum heart rate, increase heart rate while sleeping, heavy feeling muscles, lung infections, lack of motivation, decrease in ability to concentrate are some of the symptoms of overtraining.
Read full articles to know more about vo2max training and cycling training available at this web.
Filed under Training by Alison Addy


