The Awesome, Lightweight Mako Bike Tool
The mako bike tool is definitely one of the coolest looking bike tools that I’ve ever seen. This is probably one of the many reasons that it was a Best in Show winner at the latest Outdoor Retailer show. Attached to a reflective lanyard, The MAKO bike tool comes with 5 sizes of metric box wrenches, four 1/4″ driver bits, 2 spoke wrench sizes and even a bottle opener for your post-ride brew.
Although there are a few notable omissions (tire levers, chain tool), this ultra-compact lightweight tool definitely deserves a spot in your arsenal.
Made from aerospace titanium and weighting in at only 19 grams, you don’t have to worry about it adding any precious weight to your ride. What more could you ask for?
Get yours here: Mako Bike Tool, or check out the other innovative multi-tools by PocketToolX: Click Here
Would you carry one?
4 Ways to Enjoy Cycling Today
Because of our dependence on cars, cycling is not nearly as prevalent as it has been in the past. This is partially because of the inherent risks, but also because of our natural affinity to our cars. It doesn’t matter what reason you ride, there is a certain beauty to getting out to ride. If you are looking for an excuse, here are 4 ways to to enjoy riding your bike.
- Commuting
Whether you are commuting to work, the store, school or wherever, bicycle commuting can be a great way (or excuse) to get out and ride. Because you have to commute to where you are going anyway, you don’t have to make any ‘special time’ to ride your bike. Build in a few extra minutes and take your bike. You’ll find that you appreciate the extra scenery and experiences that you come across along the way. - Cross Country (Mountain Biking, Trail Riding, etc.)
If you’ve never been out on a trail, now is the time. Although “Mountain Biking” is often seen as hard or challenging, it is really just as difficult as you want it to be. With a little searching, you can find a trail of any difficulty near you. Riding amongst the trees is not only great exercise, but also a great escape. - Cyclocross
Cyclocross is perhaps one of the most vigorous, dynamic and challenging forms of cycling. It combines a short course with various obstacles, terrains and challenges that will require you to dismount, carry your bike, and remount on the other side. Be prepared to be exhausted, and covered in mud. - Riding the Road
When you think of cycling, you probably thing of the typical road rider: Helmet, Spandex Shorts and a Jersey. While this uniform can make your ride more productive and comfortable, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not comfortable in this type of garb, by all means wear what you’re most comfortable in. The important thing is to go out and ride. Go on a family bike ride, a midnight bike ride, or a leisurely ride through town.
How do you like to ride? Let us know in the comments!
Stop Lagging Behind | 6 Easy Ways to Increase your Cycling Speed
by johnthescone
To some, speed seems to come easy as they pedal by. For most of us, however, speed is something we work hard for, grasping on to every bit of help that we can get.
How do they do it? Do they have better equipment? Is there some sort of magical formula to flying past your fellow cyclists?
Not really. But, there are a few things that you can do to help yourself out. Here are six:
- Work Your Core – Put together a core routine, but don’t just stick to sit-ups and crunches! Try something new. Try some cross-fit, running, and weight-lifting. FitDeck has a great Core Blast Workout deck that will keep your body guessing with a different workout each time. You’ll be shocked at how much a stronger core will help your speed.
- Interval Training – Interval training helps you to increase your power output for a longer period of time. By mixing in an interval workout with your standard ride, you increase both your endurance and the power level you can maintain during your ride.
- Bike Fit - A good bike fit is essential not only to your speed, but to your overall health and safety. If you don’t know anything about bike fit there are many websites out there that will give you an overview of what you need to know. Your best bet, however, is to visit your local bike shop. They fit bikes every day and know exactly what to look for.
- Hills – Find a hill that’s a challenge, but not one that you can’t overcome. The ideal hill will be one that you can climb gradually at a steady pace. Once you find this hill, climb it repeatedly, upgrade when necessary and repeat.
- Cadence – Cycling Cadence is the rate at which you are pedaling, or RPM. There is not enough time to go into detail here, but the ideal RPM for each rider is different. What you want to do is find a balance between resistance and RPM. Find a pedal rate that’s fast, but not too fast, with just a little resistance. And stay there. You’ll find that not only your speed will rise, but also your endurance.
- Don’t Give Up – Every time you throw in the towel because you think you’ll never get faster, you lose valuable ground. Be persistent, build your base, and you will get to where you want to be.
All of these tips are helpful. What is most important, however, is perseverance and discipline. Be Strong, Ride Often and Keep a Good Ride Log and you can’t go wrong.
How do you increase your speed?
Let us know in the comments!
