DIY Cycling » Cycling

The Ultimate Commuter: Focus Urban 8

Frank — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 17:36:55 +0000

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.

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Pulling a Bike Trailer: Take Your Family Along for the Ride

Frank — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:46:45 +0000

Getting our Joyrider Ready for a Ride

If you are searching for a fun, interactive way to include your family in an exercise routine, a bike trailer may be the perfect solution. With your little ones securely in tow, you can benefit from a demanding bike ride outdoors while enjoying the fresh air.

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.

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.

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

Frank — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:10:14 +0000

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

Stop Lagging Behind | 6 Easy Ways to Increase your Cycling Speed

Frank — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:19:17 +0000

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!

Stop Whining and Ride in the Snow | 4 Tips for Snow Cycling

Frank — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:35:25 +0000

Photo by Shoupiest

I’ve heard it a thousand times: “I’d love to get out and ride, but it’s snowy outside!” Honestly, I’m just as guilty as the next person.

Now, as significant snowfall descends on Oklahoma for the second time this winter (unheard of!), I’ve decided that it’s time to stop whining and get out on the snow. For inspiration, I used an acquaintance who commutes by bike year round, regardless of snow or ice.

Here are a few tips to get you out on the snow:

Studded Tires – For great traction in the snow, break out a set of studded bicycle tires like the Continental Spike Claw Studded Mountain Bike Tire. They keep you stuck to the road and can even be quite fun.
Bundle Up – But not too much! It may take a few tries, but remember that after a few minutes in the saddle it could get quite hot.
Ride a Trainer – I know, this isn’t exactly the same as riding in the snow. However, it’s a great way to stay in the saddle. If you want to pretend you’re outside in the snow, you could even ride facing a window…

Get a Ski Bike – I’ve honestly never ridden one of these, but they look like a blast! Get a snow bike or modify one of your old bikes with some skis. Or, if you live in a place that gets regular snowfall, most ski resorts have them for evening fun on the slopes.

Don’t forget: Stay warm! Stay safe! Have fun!

Do you ride in the snow? Have any good stories? Let us know in the comments!

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Choosing a Cycling GPS

Frank — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:56:40 +0000

By Henrik Moltke

The entrance and explosion of personal GPS units has changed the way we navigate the world. Do you own one? Have you used one. Chances are you’ve at least seen one.

What, then, does this mean for athletes? What does it mean for cyclists?

Here’s what it means: Enhancement. Sport GPS units provide athletes with the opportunity for better benchmarking, tracking and enhancement. Using them adds flexibility and possibility to your cycling workout that you never had before. You can track elevation changes, speed, routes, cadence, heartrate and tons of other variables that can affect your training.

Which one, then, should you use?

This is an important question to answer, as there are many units available. Each unit offers different features making them better for different types of cyclists. I’ll give the most popular units an overview to help you determine which GPS is right for you.

Bike GPS

Here’s the rundown:

Garmin Edge 205

For the most basic of GPS monitoring, the Garmin Edge 205 measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned and altitude. It displays this data in real time on its screen as well as storing it for later review.

Garmin Edge 205

Features:

Easy to install – Snap to your ride and go.
High-sensitivity GPS receiver tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for distance and speed information.
Virtual Partner – Create a virtual partner to race against
Set courses to easily race against your previous workouts
Auto Pause – pauses the timer when you slow down or stop and resumes when you speed up again, so you can focus on your ride, not on starting and stopping your GPS.
Auto Lap – Automatically start timing on a new lap when you pass a certain location

Pros: Easy to use, basic functionality, Virtual Partners, Laps
Cons: No directions, on-screen maps
Who’s It For? All cyclists looking to up their training. This unit is especially perfect for a beginner
How Much? $170 new at Amazon

Garmin Edge 305

The Edge 305 isn’t that different from the 205, honestly. The biggest difference between the two is that the 305 comes with a wireless heart monitor and cadence sensor, which are invaluable for any serious training attempts.

Garmin Edge 305

Features:

Easy to install – Snap to your ride and go.
High-sensitivity GPS receiver tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for distance and speed information.
Virtual Partner – Create a virtual partner to race against
Set courses to easily race against your previous workouts
Auto Pause – pauses the timer when you slow down or stop and resumes when you speed up again, so you can focus on your ride, not on starting and stopping your GPS.
Auto Lap – Automatically start timing on a new lap when you pass a certain location
Heart Rate Monitor – Keep track of your heart rate and export this data for analysis
Cadence Monitor – Monitor your cadence with the self-calibrating cadence sensor

Pros: Heart and Cadence monitoring, Easy Install, Benchmarking
Cons: No Maps, Routing
Who’s It For? Serious cyclists and anyone looking to take their training to the next level.
How Much? $258.97 New at Amazon

Garmin Edge 605

The Garmin Edge 605 combines the computer data and tracking with advanced mapping and navigational capabilities. You don’t have to worry about where you’re at, when you can rely on the included base maps and additional maps to guide you. The screen is easy to read in sunlight, and the unit rugged. You can even add topographical maps for off-road riding.

Garmin Edge 605

Features:

Easy to install – Snap to your ride and go.
High-sensitivity GPS receiver tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for distance and speed information.
Virtual Partner – Create a virtual partner to race against
Set courses to easily race against your previous workouts
Auto Pause – pauses the timer when you slow down or stop and resumes when you speed up again, so you can focus on your ride, not on starting and stopping your GPS.
Auto Lap – Automatically start timing on a new lap when you pass a certain location
Heart Rate Monitor – Keep track of your heart rate and export this data for analysis
Cadence Monitor – Monitor your cadence with the self-calibrating cadence sensor
Advanced Mapping Capabilities
Turn-By-Turn Directions

Pros: Turn-By-Turn Directions, Easy to Use, Advanced Mapping
Cons: May be too feature intense for some riders
Who’s It For? Commuters, Day-Riders and Tourers. This GPS is perfect for anyone going on extended trips or riding in unknown territory.
How Much? $349 New at Amazon (Doesn’t include HR and Cadence Monitors)

Garmin Edge 705

The Garmin Edge 705, like the 605, measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, and records this data for your review. Where it differs, is that it also includes a barometric altimeter to give the most accurate elevation readings. This unit is by far the most robust, giving you access to the most accurate ride-data available. You can also share this information wirelessly with other 705 users.

Garmin Edge 705

Features:

Easy to install – Snap to your ride and go.
High-sensitivity GPS receiver tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for distance and speed information.
Virtual Partner – Create a virtual partner to race against
Set courses to easily race against your previous workouts
Auto Pause – pauses the timer when you slow down or stop and resumes when you speed up again, so you can focus on your ride, not on starting and stopping your GPS.
Auto Lap – Automatically start timing on a new lap when you pass a certain location
Heart Rate Monitor – Keep track of your heart rate and export this data for analysis
Cadence Monitor – Monitor your cadence with the self-calibrating cadence sensor
Advanced Mapping Capabilities
Turn-By-Turn Directions
Accurate Elevation Change Readings with Barometric Altimeter
Share Ride Info Wirelessly
See Your Power Output with ANT+ Power Meters

Pros: High Accuracy, Robust Features
Cons: High Price, but you get what you pay for.
Who’s It For? This unit is definitely for serious riders. It’s perfect for race training and its rich features make it perfect for long rides and tours.
How Much? $479.95 New at Amazon

Well that’s the rundown. Did I leave anything out? Let me know!

Which GPS do you use on your rides? We’d love to hear in the comments.

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The Simplicity of Cycling

Frank — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:34:32 +0000

Just You and the Road

photo by Noize Photography

One of the things I love about cycling is its simplicity.

Sure, there are some concerns you have to take into account. They are, however, mostly secondary.

Cycling gives you a chance to unwind, a chance to actually take in your surroundings. It is only as demanding as you want it to be.

It doesn’t matter what kind of gear you have. It doesn’t matter what kind of bike you ride.

Do you ride a road bike? Good. A mountain bike? Good. Do you have a utility bike? Good.

Cheap, expensive, new, old. It doesn’t matter.

What matters, is that you’re out riding and for a brief moment in time, it’s just you and the road.

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How Can We Make Cycling Safer For Everyone?

Frank — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:15:53 +0000

I very often go cycling by myself, or with a small group. I also bike very frequently pulling my son in a trailer, and this always brings my most safety-conscious self to the forefront. I find myself thinking “what is this car going to do?” “are they going to see us?”

Bicycle Safety

That being said, the trailer actually makes me more visible, and I have had very few bad experiences. I have, however, had a few close calls that made me think twice.

I think that it’s safe to say that many more people would ride if they thought riding a bike was safer. How, then, can we make cycling safer for everyone? How can we do away with the machismo attitude that claims that cars own the road? Here are just a few thoughts:

Our streets would be more bicycle friendly if. . .

Everyone followed a few simple rules and common sense
This could go a long way. Simple traffic rules, safety conventions and common sense actions could help bridge the gap between driver and rider, which could enable them to finally “share the road”.

Everyone paid more attention
Distracted driving is definitely an issue. Some of the closest calls I’ve been in have been because of distracted drivers. Whether they’re on their cell phones, texting, or just flat out not paying attention, distracted driving endangers everyone.

Everyone was more visible
This is along the lines of simple rules and common sense, but it is an important one. Ride with traffic, not against it. Wear visible colors, switch your reflectors out for lights, USE lights (especially when it’s dark or dusky), and stay in the lane. Most bicycle accidents happen to cyclists who started out on the sidewalk. Why? Because people in cars don’t pay attention to the sidewalk. When you make the transfer to the road, or to cross a street, you’re much less visible on the sidewalk than if you were in the road to begin with.

Everyone was more aware
As is often the case, ignorance is a huge part of the problem. People don’t realize that cyclists have their place on the road. Cyclists aren’t aware of correct etiquette (signaling, positioning, etc), and drivers aren’t aware enough to look for the signals. Ignorance is the issue, and education is the solution.

Have you had some close calls? Share them with us in the comments.
Do you have more ideas to help create cycle friendly streets? Share those too.

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(photo by faster panda kill kill)

5 Cycling Books That Aren’t Just Training and Maintenance

Frank — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:29:13 +0000

It’s a fact: for all intensive purposes, books on cycling can be boring.

You’re constantly bombarded with fitness and training advice. The others are all about maintenance.

While these things are important, it’s sometimes good to step away from the technicalities and enjoy a book about cycling as much as we enjoy cycling itself.

(disclaimer: at least one of these books fits the fitness/maintenance category. . )

Here are 5 picks:

Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne

Bicycle Diaries chronicles the fascination of former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne as he cycles across the world. In the book he gives insight and thought about places such as Sydney, Australia; Manila, Philippines; San Francisco; and New York. He shares his thoughts on the good sides and bad sides of bicycle transportation as well as everything from urban planning to art. His love of cycling stems from the freedom you feel and have on two wheels, which has caused him to become very active in bicycle advocacy in recent years.

The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want by Edmund R. Burke

I warned that not all of these were as care free as I would have you think in the first paragraph. This is the only one, however, so don’t stop here.

As its name suggests, The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want by Edmund R. Burke is a comprehensive guide put together by two of the country’s top cycling experts. Learn how to achieve the strength, skill, and strategy you need to bike long distance. Discover how to cycle efficiently, choose the right gear, and train for a ride of any length.

The Rider by Tim Krabbe

The Rider delivers a single bicycle race, kilometer by kilometer. The book bares the sport to its essential, causing you to feel like you are actually a part of the race. As far as the book is concerned, it is the race.

Cycling’s Greatest Misadventures by Erich Schweikher

Twenty-seven true stories. In this book both pros and amateurs share freak accidents, animal attacks, sabotage, idiotic decisions, eerie or unexplained incidents, and other strange occurrences. Check out the wild, unpredictable side of cycling in this book. You won’t be disappointed.

The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st-Century America by Robert Hurst

Robert Hurst covers everything there is about riding a bike on America’s modern streets. His piece-by-piece account of cycling will make you want to ditch your car. His practical tips and insights share not only safety, but how-to and cultural interpretation. See the big picture of riding in America.

These are just 5 of the many books out there. What are some of your favorites?

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12 Bicycle Photos You Just Can’t Miss

Frank — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:00:53 +0000

Maybe you ride every day, or maybe you haven’t ridden years. Do you ride with your kids, competitively, for fun? Everybody rides for different reasons, which only lends beauty to cycling.

Take a moment and remember the times you’ve ridden; remember the people you’ve ridden with; motivate yourself to ride more or ride again. Let these photos remind and reinforce the beauty in cycling.

Enjoy.

Bicycle Punk

by Paul Keleher

There's a Fixie on the Wall

by wing_clipper

Enjoying the Sunset on the Beach. . . With Your Bike

by Kıvanç Niş

Bicycle Station

by pasotraspaso

Definitely Not In A Hurry

by laffy4k

Vintage Monark | Clean and Simple