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February 8th, 2010

On Getting in Shape with an Electric Bike

Posted by admin in Bikes + Touring

We all want to do more exercise but so much can get in the way. You see people packed into gymnasiums doing workouts, and think : well, I must drive to the gym, pay up my membership costs, then get to do some exercise. It just seems like a lot of hassle, can’t I do something that’s not going to throw away my precious time - maybe something that’s actually pragmatic?

You may then consider buying a bike, as bicycling is a great means to improve your health. You can bike to work or to the shops, so it’s rather pragmatic. It’s also very cost -effective - there’s no gasoline called for and the running costs are next to nothing. It’s also environmentally friendly. And not forgetting the minor detail of actually getting fit too.

Still, many people are put off getting a bike because it’s just TOO much effort. As bizarre as that sounds, it could be because they might be aged, suffer from particular ailments, be aged, or live in a very hilly location that make pedaling too much effort for their capabilities. And for some individuals, it’s not realistic bicycling to their work simply because they sweat too much through the exertions of cycling.

This is where e-bikes, or electric bikes come in. E-bikes let your legs have a breather on the severe hills simply by twisting your hand on the handlebar and letting the electric motor take over - pedalling is no longer required then. Then when you feel up to it, just start pedalling. You get modest exercise and clean air without breaking a sweat. E-bikes are also very cost-effective to run requiring only a daily battery re-charge if you cycle about 30-40k a day, although most individuals need only two re-charges per week as they’re not doing this kind of distance. You can find a local supplier of electric bikes by searching on the web.

These days the actual cost of buying an electric bike have dropped in price, so you can find yourself saving a lot of money on fuel, bus fares, gym memberships etc. by buying and on a regular basis using an electric bike.

January 6th, 2010

When Looking to Purchase a Motorcycle Cover

Posted by admin in Bikes + Touring

Your first step in buying a motorcycle cover is deciding if you are going to use it indoors or outdoors. If you choose an indoor cover, most can only be used indoors. They provide a nice soft touch to your motorcycle. They do a great job keeping the dust off, but most if not all are not weather resistant or waterproof. Also most indoor covers can not be put on a hot motorcycle. They do not offer the lower heat panels to protect from the exhaust pipes. If you are sure it will only be used indoors your best bet would be the Dowco Duster motorcycle cover. A less expensive and lightweight cover the Dowco StoreAway motorcycle cover should be fine. If you know the motorcycle will be stored outside then an outdoor cover is your best choice. There is a wide choice of outdoor covers including the two best. They are the Dowco WeatherAll Plus or the Nelson-Rigg Defender 2000. Both of these covers offer lifetime warranties and are 100% waterproof. Also both of these covers offer a heat-resistant panel at the bottom so the cover can be put on a hot bike. Dowco also offers the Weather All a lighter weight cover then the weather all plus but with all the same features. For a cruiser type motorcycle you can try the Nelson-Rigg Falcon cruiser cover.

After you have chose what type of cover you need, sizing is next. Motorcycle covers are sized by the make and model of your motorcycle, not how tall or how long it is. When choosing the sizes always go by the application charts. There is a rule however. If you have added any extras i.e.: windshields or saddlebags it is best to go up to the next size. Motorcycle covers are made to fit tight so wind and the elements can not get in. They fit at the longest point of the motorcycle which is at the axles. With this in mind the lower half of your wheels will be exposed. Motorcycle covers are not made to go all the may to the floor. If this is something you want in a cover you should also go up a size. Just remember if you do go up a size it will fit looser on top. Hope this helps in deciding on a cover for you.

December 31st, 2009

How To Choose The Proper Bicycle

Posted by admin in Bikes + Touring

There are many different types and styles of bicycles. You will need to decide on the type of biking you will be predominantly doing in order to help you narrow down your choices. Below are just some of the types of bicycles available on the market today.

The first bicycle we will mention here are what are considered by some to be comfort bicycles. These are the type used by most weekend recreational bike riders. They usually have a comfortable shock-absorbing seat and shock absorbing front forks and wide pedals.

Another type of bike which is a bit more rugged than the comfort bike is a trail bike or light duty mountain bike. These bikes can take a bit more rough stuff than the bikes mentioned above but are not meant for serious mountain biking.

Touring bicycles are for those who go long distances and faster than recreational bike riders. These bikes are built for riding on the pavement. They are light weight bikes with more shock absorbency than comfort bikes.

Cruiser bikes are heavier than the comfort bikes with fatter tires. They are good for the road, or riding in the sand.

A true mountain bike has a stronger frame and components than any other bike as they are intended for off road and rugged terrain. The tires on a mountain bike are knobby and wide for more shock support. The seat and handlebars are positioned to allow for the rider to lean over while maneuvering the bike.

Recumbent bicycles are becoming very popular with older riders and those who have some limits in physical ability. The rider reclines while pedaling in a feet forward position. The seat is much more comfortable than on any other bicycle. Recumbent bikes sit low to the ground and have multiple gears.

Talk with family and friends who own bikes to get their opinion on what may be the best investment for you. If you don’t think that you’ll stick with bike riding long term and if you don’t plan to do more than weekend riding you don’t need to spend a fortune. Visit several bicycles shops and talk with the pro’s before making a decision. You can get many years of enjoyment if you choose the right bike for you.

This article courtesy of www.bicycle-questions.com

November 25th, 2009

From Tri Scooters to BMXs - Learning to Ride

Posted by admin in Bikes + Touring, Fun With Children

Got a young kid at home? Well then perhaps you should think about getting a tri scooter. Tri scooters are excellent for the general development of youngsters assisting them to get to grips with control and get them ready for their future experiences with a cycle when they are become more skillful.

Tri scooter makers take utmost care to make the products appealable to the kids while still keeping safety high on the agenda. And what appeals better to youngsters than their popular junior TV characters?

Iggle Piggle tri scooter - Iggle Piggle travels to the garden in a boat every day to meet up with his assorted crew of buddies. Constructed employing the same style as in the imaginary cartoon world, the scooter will be a great pal for Iggle Piggle fans.

In The Night Garden Upsy Daisy tri scooter - Iggle Piggle’s mate from the night garden, Upsy Daisy, is here now. The rag doll with bright outfits and the loudhailer appears as the logo on the handle of this very aesthetically designed scooter.

Mookie Peppa Pig tri scooter - Peppa Pig and her friends teach the youngsters about normal life like playgroup, visiting grandparents and going to the playground. If you have recently introduced your child to the Peppa Pig, it is a good idea to let your kid begin on wheels under the watchful gaze of Peppa. A great design ensures your kid stays glued to this trike.

Thomas & Friends tri scooter - The captivating train engine, Thomas with his buddies, Barney the friendly dinosaur, Bob the builder, Angelina ballerina, Pingu, Fireman Sam and Rainbow Magic have been a favourite with the youngsters for well over thirty years so far. After having found his niche on bed sheets and mugs, Thomas features for the first time ever on a tri scooter. A pretty design apt of the red coloured train engine and a big plaque and stickers make the scooter impossible to resist for children. A must have if you’ve a fan of Thomas in your home.

iScoot tri scooter pink - Also known as a Bobby board, this one is for the truly young ones, the three year olds. A radical design that features 2 wheels on the front and the 3rd at the back. Made of very light material, the tri scooter is just what your kid would desire to get his first lessons in balance and coordination.

Though themed differently, all the tri scooters come high on safety and comfort. The frame has been kept easy to handle and the design is really cartable. The feedback for the scooters have been very positive with buyers adoring their ability to engross the youngsters attention while still teaching them some extraordinarily valuable lessons.

March 9th, 2009

Lowrider Bikes History

Posted by admin in Bikes + Touring

Lowriding began as a cultural element of Chicano Americans, part of the street culture of the American barrio where Mexican immigrants maintained a lively urban culture.Lowrider bikes, one of the most splendid and unique products of this culture, are a cross between the Harley and the cruiser bike, decorated with paint and chrome and streamers, found in any all-American hometown parade.

As you might surmise, lowriding bikes hug the ground.The highest points on a lowrider bike are almost always its two hand grips, just like you might find on its motorized cousin, the Harley motorcycle.The seat of a lowrider bike is down at wheel level and its pedals are sometimes higher than the seat!These bikes are typically a highly individualized creation.Most of them are ridden with enormous pride by their creators, although you can buy some standard models and a few elaborate models in a good bike store, especially in cities of the American West.

Despite the fact that these bikes originated within the poverty of the barrio, lowrider bikes are anything but cheap.Makers of these one-of-a-kind creations regard their bicycles as much as an artwork and a mechanical marvel as a means of transportation, though part of the joy of creation has always been parading them down the street when completedthese are not pieces of art meant for life in dusty museums, for the most part.Each part is usually carefully selected for its utility as well as its beauty, with the resulting bike a breathtaking example of technical and artistic ingenuity.

Lowrider bikes are becoming a presence in more and more cities, perhaps made more “respectable” among the affluent bicyclists who drive the market by the increasing popularity of their cousin, the recumbent bicycle.As the baby boomer generation ages and feels increasing twinges of back pain riding on the dropped handlebars of road bikes, expect to see more and more lowrider and recumbent bikes alike.

And once you get your first basic lowrider bike, don’t be too surprised if you find yourself flipping through the real or online pages of a lowrider parts catalog musing, “Hmm.I wonder how that golden sprocket would look on my bike?”Lowrider bikes have a tradition of creative embellishment and technical improvisation that calls out the artist and the inventor in many of us.

What, really, could be better to evoke, especially if you’re already a bike rider?

Find further information on lowrider bikes at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com , your online resource on road and mountain biking reviews, the hub of cycling information.