Cycle hire

Mountain Bikes
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Cycle hire
Author: Krystal L. L.
Jersey is the most cycling-friendly holiday destination in the world. The island is best savored by riding a cycle. There are several agencies for cycle hire in Jersey.

There are quite a few reasons why you should get on to a cycle to go around Jersey. It is a small island with winding country lanes. Local traffic rules mark some roads as 'Green' meaning they have greater priority for cyclists and pedestrians. Most roads have speed limits. Hence, one can pedal around with ease. The weather is usually salubrious except during peak summer. The state tourism department has a special package of environmentally responsible initiatives. These include cycle tours with trained guides. Going around in a cycle affords you the luxury of choosing where to stop and where to pass by. In that sense, your tour is totally personalized.

Whether you take the guided tour or go ahead with your own itinerary, cycle hire in Jersey is the best option. The roads are well laid and one can travel by the beaches and move seamlessly on to rugged cliffs to get stunning views.

Zebrahire is a well-known car and cycle hire agency in Jersey. It provides a range of mountain bikes, tandems and back-pedal-brake bikes. It also provides baby seats on bikes and insists on helmets for children. Cycle hire is easy and emergency breakdown service is excellent. Bookings are available over telephone and most hotels in Jersey would gladly help you in this regard.

There are a couple of precautionary steps to be adopted though. If you suffer from a specific medical condition that could be aggravated by cycling, please obtain adequate medical advice. As Jersey is warmer than mainland UK, keep adequate stocks of sun block products. A pair of sunglasses is essential. If you intend traveling with children, ensure their safety with baby seats and helmets.

Cycle hire can be an enjoyable way of exploring Jersey provided you follow the rules and drive responsibly.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Isabel Rodrigues is the author of this article. For more information about the subject please visit www.zebrahire.com

...

Cool Sites Every Cyclist Should Bookmark

Mountain Bike
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Cool Sites Every Cyclist Should Bookmark
Author: Levi Bloom

Cool sites are out there, but sometimes they are hard to find. Not anymore! This article lists some of the most useful, interesting, or fun websites that every cyclist should bookmark.

So here's the list:

www.mtbreview.com Find reviews of about every mountain bike, part, or accessory available.

www.bloombikeshop.com I may be a little biased towards this site, but hey, it has repair and maintenance information, product reviews, articles, a photo gallery, and a bunch of other cool stuff.

www.bicycling.com The website of BICYCLING magazine.

www.mountainbike.com The website of MOUNTAIN BIKE magazine.

www.nashbar.com An online store that has a good selection of hard-to-find items and always has stuff on sale.

www.roadbikerider.com Cool tips, articles, and books for road bike riders. They also publish a weekly e-zine.

www.velonews.com The best source for road race coverage and news.

That's it for now, but this article will be updated regularly to ensure that all the cool sites are listed. (And that the uncool aren't)

--Levi Bloom is the founder and owner of Bloom Bike Shop. You can find more advice from Levi on his website at http://bloombikeshop.com " http://bloombikeshop.com

...

Cant Transport Your BikeThat Excuse Doesnt C

Mountain Bike
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

"Can't Transport Your Bike...That Excuse Doesn't Carry Much Weight Anymore"
Author: James Sanford
Want to ride around the park without having to ride on busy streets to get there? Want to keep the kids out of mischief by bringing their bikes on holidays with you? Haven't got an SUV or station wagon where you can throw your bike in the back? Then you need a bike rack for your car.

Bicycle car racks for the family car are pretty much a necessity if you have a bike and love riding. Whether you take your mountain bike into the hills on the weekends, or if you just want to take your road racer for a quit ride through the park, the safest way to get you and your bike there is with a quality bike car rack. Bicycle car racks come in many designs, so there'll be one to suit your bike and car.

Firstly, the two main types of bicycle car racks are:
1. Roof mounted bike racks, for carrying your bikes on the roof of your car, and
2. Rear mounted bike racks including hitch, bumper and trunk mounted, for carrying your bikes on the rear of your vehicle.

If your car has roof racks, you might consider a roof mounted bike rack. These racks fit onto your existing roof racks allowing you to carry up to three bikes on the roof of your car. With roof mounted bike racks, you have the option of a rack that secures the wheels of your bike in place, or a rack that secures the front forks and rear wheel of your bike.

The advantages of roof mounted bike racks include no loss of visibility. However, you need to load your bike onto the roof so a roof mounted bike rack may not be for everybody, or every car. Also, you may need to factor in the extra wind resistance, especially if you're taking your bikes on long trips.

Rear mounted bike racks can be mounted onto your tow hitch, trunk, rear bumper or your spare wheel depending on your vehicle. Some of these are secured using straps which won't appeal to everybody, while the hitch mounted racks offer a greater level of security. You can generally hold up to three bikes on these rear mounted racks, depending on the type. The advantages of rear mounted racks are that you don't need roof racks, your bikes are easier to load and unload and it can be a cheaper alternative. One disadvantage is that your rear visibility is usually reduced.

When it comes to transporting your bikes, you can find a bike rack to suit your bike, your vehicle and your own needs. Now there's no excuse for not getting out there on your bike. Wherever it is you love to ride.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information, reviews and tips on bikes and bicycles visit James Sanford's website www.bikingheadz.com , the complete online buyers guide on bikes and bicycles .

...

Biking For Health And Fitness

Mountain Bikes
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Biking For Health And Fitness
Author: Ryan Larson
There are many different types of bicycles available on the market today, the comfort bicycle, which is used by many recreational bike riders, a trail bike or light duty mountain bike, crusier bikes, recumbent bikes and heavy duty mountain bikes. No matter which type of bike, or biking interests you biking is a great way to increased stamina, improved cardiovascular strength and all around better fitness.

Recumbent bikes have become very popular for the middle aged and older riders. On a recumbent bike you have a very comfortable seat that you can lean back in, quite like sitting in your favorite reclining chair. Your butt is very comfortably cushioned. Your feet are out in front of you, quite like when you're driving your car. Recumbent bikes are the fastest type of bicycle. One reason is that with your legs extended forward and pedaling in front of you, you are able to move much more weight with much less effort than on a conventional bike where your legs are underneath of you. Beginning recumbent riders will tell you it takes a while to develop what are called "recumbent muscles" but once you do you'll never go back to an ordinary bicycle.

Mountain biking is a popular activity that is enjoyed by a wide age range of people. Heavy duty mountain bikes can be quite costly, so it may be best to go to talk to a mountain biking organization about bike rental. You may only decide you need a light duty mountain bike which would also be good for regular riding. Not all mountain biking trails are killers and for experts only - they had to start somewhere too! Mountain biking trails are rated somewhat like ski trails, the easiest is green, an intermediate is blue and difficult trails are pink. Go slowly, mountain biking can be hard on the joints, and you'll need to learn how to handle the bike to minimize chance of injury.

Whichever type of bicycle you choose, just do it! Biking is a great way to achieve an aerobic work out and burn calories at the same time. The best part is that anyone can ride a bike and it's a great family recreation to be enjoyed together.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

This article courtesy of www.bicycle-repairs.com

...

Bike Survival Kit

Mountain Bike
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Bike Survival Kit
Author: Blue Sky Cycling
Ride Safe (The Tools Every Biker Should Have Along for the Ride)

It's actually quite easy to do routine maintenance on your own bike. And having the right tools for the job can mean the difference between enjoying an all-day ride and having to pack your bike up and head back home when something goes awry. So, what tools do you need to take along for the ride? First and foremost, you should have the tools to repair a flat fire. Next, invest in the tools needed to maintain your chain and brakes.

Bike Survival Kit

A basic bike survival kit should include:
Tire patch kit
Pump
Chain tool
Screwdriver
Spare tube
Wrenches in various sizes

A more extensive bike survival kit would include:
Chain cleaners
Solvents specifically designed for bike chains
Lubrication

Things to Check for Before You Hit the Road

Brakes: Ensuring your brakes are working well is vitally important. Make sure you check your pads often to prevent rim damage and to ensure that your bike actually stops when it is supposed to. Adjusting the tension is also important.
Chain: Degrease the chain and re-lube it. Clean rear sprockets with a brush tool.
Gears: Check derailleur gear action and cables. Degrease chain and re-lube. Clean rear sprockets with brush tool.
Pedals: Make sure the axle spins freely. Check bottom bracket axles for looseness.
Steering: Make sure handlebar and stem is tight.
Frame: Check for damage. Make sure the seat is adjusted appropriately for your height.
Wheels: Make sure spokes and nipples are tightened and wheels are trued.
Check tire pressure and condition. If your suspension fork is quick release, make sure they are tightly fastened, and don't forget to check tire pressure.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Blue Sky Cycling is committed to bringing you the hottest mountain bike parts and mountain bike accessories on the market today for the lowest possible prices. We guarantee it! Feel free to email us at: info@blueskycycling.com or give us a call: 1-800-585-4137. This article was written by the expert staff at Blue Sky Cycling. Please retain all links.

...

Bike Buying Tips

Mountain Bikes
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Bike Buying Tips
Author: Blue Sky Cycling
The Right Bike for You

Want to buy a bike but don't know where to begin? Maybe a friend of yours recommends getting a certain bike, while another biking buddy insists that his bike is the best choice for you. Who do you listen to? How about neither? What you need to do is sit down, relax and figure out what your priorities and preferences are to determine what bike is going to work best for you. Here are some points you will definitely want to consider before you pick out your new set of wheels.

What's Your Riding Style?

Start by asking yourself why you want to ride to begin with. Is it for exercise? Do you want to fly through the air for the thrill or the sport of it? Where are you going to ride? Through city streets or back road trails? Once you define your style of riding, it will be easier for you to choose the kind of bike you need.

There Are a Variety of Bike Options Available

Although there is a multitude of bike styles, the following are some of the most popular:

Mountain Bikes: These are durable bikes you can take off the road. Mountain bikes have fat tires, comfortably wide handlebars, and low gears for easier navigation of hills.
Road Bikes: If you plan on doing long rides, pavement riding, this is the bike for you. Road bikes are built for speed, have thinner tires and handlebars, and are overall, much lighter in weight.
Hybrid Bikes: This type of bike combines the features of mountain bikes and road bikes. Hybrid bikes are perfect for those who want to experiment with all styles of riding.
Cruisers: These bikes are generally one speed and are constructed for literally just that—cruising.
Comfort Bikes: These are specialty mountain bikes or hybrids that offer more upright riding and softer seats. These bikes are essentially designed for riders who desire more comfort in their ride.

Size Matters

Some bike models offer up to eight different sizes. To determine the right size for you, measure your inseam—this will determine the right size frame, in terms of stand-over-height. Like a pair of jeans, the right fit is important.

Ask Questions

Don't be afraid to ask advice about what you don't understand, such as quick release, bike maintenance, what kind of equipment you need, etc. Knowing what you need to know is the difference between easy riding and not so easy riding.

Buy a Bike You Like

Take even the smallest details into consideration when buying a bike: how it rides, size, how it looks, color--everything. After all, it's your set of wheels--ride it proudly.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Blue Sky Cycling is committed to bringing you the hottest mountain bike parts and mountain bike accessories on the market today for the lowest possible prices. We guarantee it! Feel free to email us at: info@blueskycycling.com or give us a call: 1-800-585-4137. This article was written by the expert staff at Blue Sky Cycling. Please retain all links.

...

Bicycling Gear - Seven of My Favorites

Mountain Bike
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Bicycling Gear - Seven of My Favorites
Author: Kathryn Mosely

My days of running for pleasure and exercise ended when I moved to the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. I had been living in the relatively flat Willamette River Valley where there were miles of level bark running trails. Now in the Gorge, I encountered rocky, steep trails that were torture to my hips and knees. It was time to find a replacement for running.

The Gorge of the Columbia River is a recreation mecca that's especially attractive to mountain bike riders and windsurfers. Swimming doesn't appeal to me, so I decided to check out mountain biking. In the end, that was among the best decisions I've made, but I began with caution. For one thing, I didn't know if my interest would last. That's why I started by getting a low-end bike (that had some serious weight problems) It was a clunker, looking back on it now. I also held back on investing in some of the biking 'gear'. It's not that I'm cheap - it's just that much of it seemed to be for hip-ness instead of usefulness.

However, after using a few of the items, I understood that while the gear might make you look 'cool', it also really does help you function better. Here are 7 of my favorite pieces that I didn't think I'd care about (back in my post- runner/pre-biker days) and now I wouldn't dream of being without.

1. Padded shorts. If you mountain bike, road bike, or both, make the investment in having these. Purely and simply, your ride will be more comfortable.

2. Well-vented helmet. You've got to buy a helmet anyway, right? If you don't wear one you're crazy. Spend the extra bucks to get one made of the super-strong material that affords lots of vents to help keep you from over- heating. And in the case of helmets, you get what you pay for: the higher-end helmets are easier to adjust for a better fit.

3. Pedals and shoes with cleats (clipless). After a bit of a learning curve on how to release quickly and be able to lock-in going up hill, clipless becomes as automatic as shifting gears. You especially notice the benefits when you're road-biking; you're gaining on the entire stroke instead of only the downward push.

4. Hydration pack (a backpack with a water-bladder - Camelbak brand is an example). My first one was a gift, or I might never have tried one. Now I love having 100 ounces of water easily available, instead of that goofy move where you have to reach down and get the water bottle out of the rack, lift your head to drink - losing sight of the trail, and then fumbling the water bottle back into the rack. No wonder I hardly ever drank enough during rides and ended up slightly dehydrated every time. I also appreciate that the pack holds my keys, cell phone, energy bar, and rain jacket.

A suggestion: You'll still want to keep a full water bottle on your bike. It's good defense against dogs that chase you. Get good at your aim and you can land a squirt without missing a stroke. It's very satisfying, and the dog will run away.

5. Safety goggles - yellow. Of course, you should have protection for your eyes, but I wondered about the necessity of yellow or orange lenses. Seemed like poser- gear when I began to see them around. Then I used a pair. What difference in visibility! The yellow lenses really do brighten up shady trails and they help you a lot during overcast or lower-light times of day.

6. Half-finger gloves. The palms are padded, so that feels nice on long rides. The best part is what they do for you on wipe-outs, which are bound to happen. I've gotten lots of scraped knees, but my hands always come out feeling fine.

7. The Bike. Once I realized that biking was not only a great alternative to running for the sake of my joints, but it was more fun in general, I gave the clunker away. Then I invested in a good bike - lightweight frame and components, with suspension. It's a pure delight to ride on a well-made machine.

Kathryn Mosely has written extensively on subjects related to cycling and fitness. She contributes to http://acerbike.com " News from Acer Bike , the best on-line biking information resource. Be sure to see all of Kathryn's articles at: http://www.acerbike.com/arch/ " http://www.acerbike.com/arch/

...

Bicycle Rims And Wheels Your Bike Cant Go Anywher

Mountain Bikes
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Bicycle Rims And Wheels, Your Bike Cant Go Anywhere Without Them
Author:
The first bicycle wheels were from a horse drawn cart, made of wood with a metal band round the bicycle rim, very hard and very uncomfortable to ride. Then a man called Dunlop (Scottish) invented the pneumatic tire, this along with Macadam (another Scot) inventing the tar road surface made cycling a lot more comfortable.

The bicycle rim, like the bicycle frame hasn't changed much in design, its still round and always will be. From the first wooden rims the next were made of steel, then alloy and now if you can afford it, carbon. Of all bicycle parts the bicycle rim can make a big difference to how your bike handles. First the weight of your rim affects your sprinting and climbing as the weight will low you down, for a long, flat effort the weight isn't so important as when you get the wheels rolling the weight can help to keep them going. The shape of the rim can be important also, a flat rim is best for climbing as aerodynamics are not so important on a hill, a deep section, aero, rim will help you cut through the air, but in a cross wind could cause you handling problems.

Bicycle Rims Materials

The different materials used for rims are very important also, steel is heavy and if damaged can be difficult to pull back into shape, but because its so strong it is quite difficult to bend in the first place and steel is cheaper than all the other materials. Alloy is probably the most popular rim, it can be made in any shape and profile, flat or aero, but not too deep as it would then weigh too much, most deep section rims are of a alloy braking section nearest the tire which is then mounted to a carbon deep section for lightness and aerodynamics and a very beautiful looking bicycle rim. As with most things if money is no problem you can go for the best, this would be an all carbon rim, strong and very light, but there are a few problems with these rims, first they don't brake so well in wet conditions and you must use special brake blocks for carbon and they can be expensive, also the rim has to be perfectly round and not have any bulges in the rim wall as this will make braking quite erratic, carbon is a difficult material to work with and must be well looked after.

Types Of Rim To Consider

There are also two types of rim to consider and this depends on which kind of tire you want to use, first there are tubular tires these are glued on to the bicycle rim, cost more and are difficult to repair after a puncture, but for racing they feel and ride wonderfully. Clincher tires have improved a lot recently and are nearly as good as tubulars for performance and are easily repairable and more reasonably priced. Most manufacturers make all styles in both systems.

So which should I buy? Not an easy answer, as there is so much to choose from, years ago you went to your local bike shop, picked out which hubs, spokes and rims you wanted and he would build your wheels, but now most rim makers also manufacture there own wheel sets, Mavic, Shimano and Campagnolo are probably the best known, check out there web-sites for all there new goodies, there are other brands and if you go to your local cycle shop or look in the bike magazines you'll find them. There is a lot to choose form, but they are all round.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Alastair Hamilton writes regularly technical articles on road and mountain bikes to some online bike magazines. Find interesting reviews on bicycle wheels at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/bike-parts/bicycle-wheels.html and about rims, to move the wheels at www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/bike-parts/bicycle-rims.html

...

Being Prepared On The Mountain Bike Trail

Mountain Bikes
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Being Prepared On The Mountain Bike Trail
Author: Travel Guy
When you go out mountain biking, there are certain things you should take so that you get home every time. Tools, supplies and food are the essentials. The key is to take what you need but not more - nobody wants to be hauling extra weight, but you can be prepared with just a few things.

Most important is to have a spare bike tube along with the tools required to change it. There is nothing worse than a flat tire, especially if you are well into your trail ride as it can make for a extended walk back. You could run out of daylight if your flat occurs in the late afternoon. Nobody likes getting stuck in the dark, especially when a bit of prevention and planning can avoid this. Bring along a spare inner tube with the proper valve type, either the schraeder or the presta. Make sure you also have 3 tire levers to remove the tire and a bike pump. To really be on the safe side you could also carry a tire patch kit in the event of a second flat tire. Change a tire at home so you don't have to figure it out while you're out on the trail.

Mountain bikes are put together with allen bolts so make sure you carry a folding set of allen wrenches. Extended rides over bumpy trails can tend to make bolts loosen up. You also may want to make adjustments while on the trail to your brake or gear levers. Allen keys sets are quite small and inexpensive. If you know how to use a chain tool it wouldn't hurt to bring one along in case your chain let's go or requires adjusting.

Make sure you bring enough food and water for your mountain bike ride. A great compact snack to bring along are powerbars, as they prevent you from running out of steam. If you ride when you are tired your risk of becoming injured is greater due to lack of attention. A good supply of water is critical to keep yourself properly hydrated. You can carry frame mount water bottles or use a bladder setup like a Camelbak. In addition to carrying your water, a Camelbak has storage space for tools and spare tubes.

Always make sure you are dressed appropriately for your mountain bike ride. Keep in mind you will warm up quickly after starting your ride, so don't wear a heavy jacket that you'll end up removing it after 15 minutes. It's best to dress in a series of light layers. Keep in mind that if it's wet or cold, your feet and hands will feel the cold the most. Wear riding gloves and socks suited to cycling. Your local bike store can assist you in selecting the correct gear for the kind of riding you will be doing so try and establish a good relationship with them.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

For more informative articles on mountain bikes and mountain biking visit www.mountain-bikes-biking.com

...

All About Bicycle Parts

Mountain Bikes
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

All About Bicycle Parts
Author: Alastair Hamilton -
A bicycle is a simple, machine, but it involves a lot of mechanization. A bicycle is made up of many parts put together. Perfect synchronization in the functioning of all the parts is essential for the efficient working of the bicycle. Modern day bicycles include many new elements, but a standard bicycle has the same main parts. The basic parts of a bicycle comprise; the frame: A bicycle's frame is made up of many tubes welded together.

The front fork holds the front wheel and is movable.

The wheels: wheels include a hub, the spokes, metal rim and rubber tyres. The brakes: they include the actuators on the handlebar, brake cables, brake pads and calipers. The chain and gears: they consist of the front chain wheels, the rear freewheel, the shift levers on the handlebars and the cables. Other bicycle parts include the seat, seat posts, handlebars, handlebar stem, bicycle lights, dynamos, cranks, and pedals.

Gears and ball bearings

Most racing bicycles have gears. Gears basically serve the purpose of reducing the size and diameter of the wheel. Gears adjust the direction of rotation. Multiple gears on a bicycle helps change the distance the bicycle moves forward with each stroke of the pedal. A mountain bike has 24 gears. Chain wheels are the gears at the front. Most bikes have 2-3 chain wheels. The freewheel, at the rear, has 5-9 gears on it. It spins freely in one direction and locks in the other. This enables the bike to coast, when not pedaling. There are front and rear derailleurs to change the gears.

Ball bearings in a bicycle serve to reduce friction. Ball bearings are found in the front and rear hubs for the wheels, the pedals, the fork tube, the bottom bracket and in the freewheel. These bearings need to be periodically cleaned and greased. Expensive bicycles have sealed bearing cartridges that don't need lubrication.

Materials used

Bicycles need to be strong and lightweight. Alloy steel is used for making the frames and fork tubes. The handlebars, seat posts and brake levers are made of aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloy frames are affordable. Carbon frames, titanium and advanced steel alloys frames are also available.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Alastair Hamilton is a successful writer who contributes adding articles on for road and mountain bikes to www.bikecyclingreviews.com .An online magazine where you will find information about clothing, accessories and bicycle parts .

...