The Ultimate Commuter: Focus Urban 8
If you commute to work by bike, one of your main concerns is probably your appearance once you arrive. While you can brush off and forget sweat and messy hair, grease stains can ruin even the toughest pair of pants. While mud guards and other protection can do a pretty good job, the fact remains that derailleurs and chains are dirty, fragile and require lots of maintenance.
Focus Urban 8 Belt Drive
The solution? Bikes like the Focus Urban 8. With a clean, stripped-down look, the Focus Urban 8 packs in style along with features. Featuring an eight-speed internal hub, connected to a carbon belt, which requires little maintenance and no lubrication, the Focus Urban 8 simplifies your commuter ride to the max. Disc brakes are included to ensure you have complete control on your way.
While I could probably ramble on for a while about this, I’ll wait until I try one out. Take a look at the details at the Focus Urban 8 Official Site
If you’re looking to buy online, I have not yet been able to find a merchant that sells them. You can find other great Bikes by Focus online. Click Here to see what’s available.
Pulling a Bike Trailer: Take Your Family Along for the Ride
Getting our Joyrider Ready for a Ride
As long as you can ride a bike, you can pull a trailer. The trailer provides additional resistance, creating a more effective workout than simply biking alone. Pulling a trailer is especially beneficial for your legs, helping to tone and shape (something every new mom can appreciate!). You are sure to incinerate calories while having fun.
Most bike trailers have a seating capacity for two children, with a standard weight limit of 100 pounds. Basically, any child from 1 to 5 years of age can ride. Children are safely buckled in with a 5 point harness. Be sure to find a helmet that properly fits, as childhood is the time to teach bike safety. We are currently using the Schwinn Joyrider Bicycle Trailer and Jogging Stroller, and love it.
Our boys love “go go going!” as our two year old says. They can literally ride as long as I can pedal, or until we switch the trailer to my husband’s bicycle. We purchased an additional coupler for less than $10. This allows for virtually seamless transfer of the trailer without taking the back wheels off to move the equipment. We often go to a local park with miles of paved trail, and spend the evening riding. Then the boys play while we recuperate from the ride.
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The Chariot CX2 is top of the line in the bike trailer world. Sleek and stylish, it provides a smooth and effortless ride on 20’’ rear wheels and suspension system. Conversion kits are also available for the CX2 to convert it into a jogging stroller, cross country ski trailer, and hiker. Weather is no deterrent, as the CX2 comes standard with a 2-in-1 weather cover, providing sun and precipitation protection, as well as functioning as a bug guard. The spacious cabin comes with removable fleece liners, perfect for cold weather. In the summer, these are easily removed. The rear storage bag has specialized compartments for your wallet, cell phone, and keys. The fabric of the chassis is photo-luminescent for added visibility, and a strobe light kit is available for additional visibility. Basically, the Chariot CX2 is the best you can get. |
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A more affordable quality option is the Burley Bee trailer. A simple trailer, the Bee has standard features such as a 5 point mesh harness, washable mesh seat bottoms, a 2-in-1 weather and bug guard, reflective trim, and a safety flag. The Bee is lightweight and easy to move, at less than 20 pounds. It is perfect for the novice rider. |
Pulling a bike trailer is an enjoyable way to exercise that involves your family. By getting your kids involved, you are teaching them a lifelong appreciation for exercising, specifically cycling, and encouraging them to be physically fit. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect they’ll acquire is a love of the outdoors. Be safe, and have fun!
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!
