I Love Bicycling

I Love Bicycling is a website that is geared towards cycling for beginners with road cycling tips, training articles, nutrition tips, weight loss, how to’s and bike repair articles.

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Road Tire Review: Vittoria Open Corsa G+ 25mm

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You either love or hate the natural sidewalls on the Corsa.
You either love or hate the natural sidewalls on the Corsa.

Vittoria is a brand long synonymous with racing. Founded in 1953, they have been the rubber of choice for many world champions and have a pedigree few can argue with. Vittoria is expanding their offering this year getting into both carbon and aluminum wheels and introducing rubber into the lineup with a Graphene additive claiming to increase traction, decrease rolling resistance, and improve durability.

Vittoria Open Corsa G+ Initial Impressions

Out of the box, the new Vittoria Corsa’s feel similar to the previous generation of their tires. What is different is the tread. It is more linear than the familiar ‘arrow sipened’ versions which was the benchmark previously. The general feel of the tires is very supple, which is a feature that supports the theory that it is better to have a lower PSI, fatter tire gripping the ground, then the previous idea that narrow and hard is faster.

A departure from the traditional "arrowed" tread in years past.
A departure from the traditional “arrowed” tread in years past.

I mounted them on a set of H Plus Son rims, which offer a wider inner rim width(23mm inner). This tends to offer more tire performance compared to the traditional 17mm rims offered in the past. The wider rim allows the tire to have a more ‘flat’ profile when leading into the brake track, instead of a ‘balloon’ shape.

Riding the Vittoria Open Corsa G+

The tan sidewalls are a striking feature that leads to a ‘love it or hate it’ attitude with most people. Personally, I think it ads some class to otherwise muted bikes, and provides a distinctive look. Riding the Open Corsa is fantastic. They provide almost tubular-like quality, and with the help of the 25c width, offers a heavenly ride. The grip is fantastic. Whether it is from the Graphine compound or the wider 25c width, I was never in a spot of concern.

A more modern approach to Vittorias labelling.
A more modern approach to Vittorias labelling.

The Graphine feature Vittoria is exclusively using claims to lessen rolling resistance unlike any other tire on the market which of course leads to free speed. This is difficult to feel during real riding situations, but testing from independent testers confirm Vittoiras claim.

With over 1500km on the Corsa, it has had normal signs of wear and tear. Keep in mind this is not an all weather training tire but rather a speed-at-all-cost tire for racing. Corsa of course means “Race” in Italian. Because of this, durability is expected to suffer slightly. Over my time on these tires I experienced a single half inch cut on the tire, but continued to ride on them. The cut has remained the same size, and it didn’t result in a flat. Overall, I feel that their durability and wear are on par, or better than most other tires on the market in this range, and I wouldn’t hesitate to BUY a set for myself.

The Open Corsas looks, proven speed, durability, and weight, point them to being one of the best tires available on the market that can improve your ride.

Levis Commuter Jeans-Why You Should Own A Pair

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Levis Commuter Jeans

You may or may not have heard about the new Levis Commuter Jeans series, but here is why you need a pair now! The Levis Commuter jeans series was started with the urban commuter in mind. Levis took everything into account when designing this new line for men and women. Levis created a pair of jeans with the fit, material, and durability in mind for the urban commuter. The Levis Commuter jeans feature advanced fabric to keep them dry and has added strength for durability. The fabric, while strong, is also designed to stretch for extra comfort while riding to work. The Levis Commuter Jeans are performance built for cyclist, meaning they are designed to fit the typical build of a cyclist’s body.

Regular Pants Just Aren’t as Good

Regular pants are not quite as functional for the everyday cyclist commuting to work. Regular pants tend to “ride” up while cycling, and the Levis Commuter jeans are supposed to decrease this from happening with their superior design for cycling. Regular jeans are also going to stay wet much longer than the Levis commuter jeans series, and no one wants to walk around work with wet pants. Also, if you happen to crash on the way to work, regular pants will tear while the Levis stand a much better chance of surviving the accident. Regular pants certainly do not contain 3M reflectivity properties, which helps to increase visibility like some of the Levis Commuter jeans.

The Men’s Jeans!

For the men, the Levi Commuter jeans come in two different cuts, the 511 slim fit and the 541 athletic fit. The 511 slim fits come in a variety of different colors such as dark moss, mourning dove, and grey denim. The 541 athletic fits come in a few different colors as well like black, grey and indigo denim. Levi says the 511 slim fits sizing has a “higher back rise for coverage while riding”, “slim through hip and thigh” and “slim legs”. The Levi 541 athletic fit has “higher back rise for coverage while riding”, “more room in seat and thigh” and a “slightly tapered leg”.

The Women’s Jeans!

For the women, the women’s Levi Commuter jeans series is called the High Rise Skinny Jeans. They are offered in black and morning dove, to provide a professional and stylish look. They are water and dirt repellent and have the Reflective 3M Scotchlite tape on the cuff. They also have deeper pockets, and the fit is skinny through the hip and thigh. They also have skinny legs, which help prevent them from getting caught in the crank and chain.

Levis Commuter Jeans

Financing A Bike – Ways To Do It

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financing a bike1

Purchasing a new bike can be as easy as walking into a bike shop and chatting with the owner for a half hour or as complicated as buying a house. Likely the more expensive the bike, the more likely it is to get a bit complicated. Unless money is no option or you have been saving for awhile, financing a bike is great option. There are also many options as to how you are going to be financing a bike, such as a credit card, a bike specific loan, or a bike shop pay as you go program. Lets decide which option is best for you!

Credit Cards

Going the credit card route for purchasing a bike is one of the more risky ways of purchasing a new bike, if you miss a payment, but lets hope that doesn’t happen. Credit cards offer great rewards for big purchases and sometimes will reward you for a quicker payoff. Some credit card companies even offer periods of zero to low interest rates, a great tool to capitalize on if you are sure the debt will be paid off. A good reminder that just because your credit card has a $10,000 limit, doesn’t mean you need to max it out when financing a new bike.

Bike Specific Loan

Trek offers a deal which is called a credit card but we will call it a bike specific loan since they own the credit card. They offer special six and twelve month financing plans as well as payment plans for up to 60 months. There is no annual fee with this card, and it is accepted at over 1,000 Trek retailers. Unitus Credit Union of the Pacific Northwest, for example, offers low, fixed-rate bike loans. Unitus is onboard with promoting a healthier lifestyle, and believes cycling is a great way to do that. Unitus has made financing a bike simple, easy and available to almost anyone. Check your local banking options to see if you qualify.

Pay As You Go

This is one option that makes buying at a local bike shop that much better. Try financing a bike at a large department store, doubt it happens, especially as easy as the local bike shop. Financing at a shop can be very simple and normally just requires a talk with the owner or manager and you can be riding a new bike today! Typically a down payment is required and normally a cash down payment will make financing a bike a little cheaper. Local bike shops are understand financing a bike is difficult, but they are there to help!

Buy a Used Bike

Sometimes financing a bike is illogical, but purchasing a used bike makes perfect sense! Maybe you can’t afford your dream bike right now, but there’s no reason you can’t get rolling on something used. Normally if you are purchasing a used bike you can get more bang for your buck anyways. Bike shops may allow you to finance a bike that is used; over the next couple months you can pay back the debt or even work there in your free time!

Bike Insurance

The worst part about financing a bike is that you really don’t own the bike yet. Yes you can ride it, race it, do whatever you want but you are still paying back the debt. If an accident occurs and the bike is broken you are still required to pay the loan back. This is where bike insurance can save you from making payments on your broken bike. Velosurance offers insurance that covers theft, crash and vehicle damage at a low monthly rate. The monthly rate is based on how much you determine your bike is worth and they will cover up to that amount.

5 Cheap Mountain Bikes Of Quality

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Why would someone spend several hundred dollars on a cheap mountain bike versus less than $200 from their local department store? Well the answer is simple to bike enthusiasts, but maybe not as clear for the average consumer shopping for cheap mountain bikes. Hopefully the reasoning below will persuade you to buy a bike from your local bike shop and not the big chain department store. After you’re convinced to purchase a quality mountain bike, several of the top 5 cheap mountain bikes will be listed below as a guide to aide in your decision making process.

cheap mountain bikes

You Get What You Pay For

There are countless horror stories of accidents that have happened because someone was riding a cheap department store mountain bike. These accidents and consistent frustrations are caused by two main reasons. First, a cheap department store bike is going to use the cheapest possible aluminum and metal. Under stress, this super cheap metal causes the products to bend and break after very little use. Once these parts begin to break or not function properly, you will be forced to take the bike to your local bike shop and pay for repairs. These repairs will NOT be cheap if you purchased the bike from a department store and didn’t purchase the bike from them. Also, most local bicycle shops offer free tune-ups and repairs for a quite a long time if a bike is purchased from them. A great perk when tune-ups and repairs typically range from $75-$150!

The second significant reason a cheap mountain bike from a department store is a terrible idea, are the “mechanics” that build these cheap mountain bikes. The word mechanic is used very loosely in this sense considering most of these people have not been properly trained or went to school for bicycle maintenance. The department store employees are typically paid by the amount of bikes built, so you can imagine how well they are put together. At your local bike shop there is a far greater chance you will get an employee that truly cares and is not concerned with building the most number of bikes possible in a given amount of time.

Top 5 Cheap Mountain Bikes

Bulls Cobra Disk 29

bulls bike

This made our Top 5 Cheap Mountain Bikes list because it is a lightweight aluminum 29er, that is stiff, lightweight, and capable of anything. This bike is outfitted with a combination of Shimano XT and Deore. It is 10-speed, and has a 100mm front fork. This mountain bike’s geometry is best suited for cross-country, marathon riding because it is a hard tail making it extremely efficient climbing and nimble enough to handle technical descents.

Price: $899

Polygon Bikes Siskiu29 6

This is an aluminum 29er cross-country mountain bike and is “specially designed to roll over obstacles with greater ease and float up over obstructions without much effort to the rider”. The frames cables are internally routed, not a common addition to find with a lower priced mountain bike. This bike has Shimano Deore 20 Speed, a common group of components on this level of a mountain bike. It has an 11-36 cassette, meaning it can make climbing hills easy and still have an enough to push you on the flats. This is a great mountain bike for a rider looking to get into mountain biking and potentially do a couple local races to test the waters.

Price: $850-$900

GT Verb Comp

This 27.5 full suspension mountain bike is built for playing and having fun with your buddies. This bike has 120mm of front suspension and an adjustable rebound rear air shock. This bike is decked out with Deore components, disk brakes, and wide handlebars for more technical descending.

Price: $1,080-ish depending upon build.

Giant Talon 29er

This is one of the most common cheap mountain bikes purchased, it is a hardtail 29er has a 3×9 drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disk brakes. The 100mm Suntour front fork has a lockout option and preload adjuster. This bike is equipped with Maxxis tires and a KMC chain. This bike is ideal for the rider looking to ride more gentle trails and just begin to explore the world of mountain biking.

Price: $850

Norco Bigfoot 6.3 Rigid

 

How could we leave off a more affordable fat bike? Fat bikes are growing very popular, especially in places that have harsh winters. This rigid fat bike is a great starter bike. It is an aluminum frame and 1×10 Deore drivetrain. It has mechanical disk brakes and alloy 80mm rims, greater for people just beginning to experiment with fat mountain biking.

Price: $899

 

The Tech That’s Helping You Get A Better Ride Than Ever

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biking tech

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If you want a better biking experience, you need to look beyond the kind of bike that you get. You should also be looking at some of the technology that is majorly changing how the hobby works. In this article, we’re going to be looking at just that. Tech that helps you have the best possible bike for your build. Takes you to new places. Tells you new things about your ride. Keep reading and hopefully, you’ll see something that could transform how you bike.

Get the Perfect Fit for You

As we’ve said, a great experience is about more than the bicycle you’re riding. But it needs to start there. Choosing a good fit for you can be difficult. Something that looks and feels right could end up completely wrong when you’re actually taking it out there. Nowadays however, there are ways to get the most informed choice you can. A series of bicycle stores, including Circle City Bicycles, are making use of new computerized fitting tech. A body scanning CRM can help you choose the bicycle that’s perfect for your proportions using only lasers. No more having to worry about that choice. Even seasoned pros can get surprised by finding out how much easier a good fit is.

Track Training Seriously

Speaking of pros, one of the most important items in their arsenal is a bicycle power meter. But they’re not just for pros either. Do you use a bike just for fitness reasons? If so, getting a good read on how you are pushing yourself is great for motivation and tracking progress. Why train if you’re not going to use real data to help you get better results for next time? If you want to train, then power meters are a lot more reliable than other methods. Using heart rate is inconsistent as it’s heavily correlated with the condition your body is in; rested, fatigued, perhaps heavily caffeinated. Instead, looking at the power you’re putting into the bicycle is a lot more reliable.

Mountain Biking, Cycling, Mountain Bike, Bike, Sport

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Ride Anywhere and Everywhere

Tech shouldn’t be just for making your current ride easier or more measurable however. It should also be about opening new paths for you. Gravel cycling has somewhat exploded in popularity as of late. You might be excited to give it a go, but you don’t want to wreck an unprepared bicycle. Instead, look at making changes to your bike’s suspension to make the ride a lot less rough. Tubeless tires can also be a change that reduces your risk of getting a flat from uneven, pinching terrain. If you’re going gravel cycling, then you should definitely make sure you bring a saddle bag with adequate tools to get yourself out of a situation on the side of the road. In it, keep all you need to tackle the various bolts and fittings of your tyres. You want to prevent malfunctions, but it’s smarter to ride with the knowledge that they’re quite likely.

Plan routes you’ve never done before

It’s not just new terrain you want to tackle, either. You also want to see new places, to go further than you have before. Google Maps is good for a lot of this, but it’s not specific for those who bicycle. It doesn’t always take into account roads you shouldn’t be on, like dual carriageways. Similarly, it doesn’t always show bicycle lanes. Instead, you should be looking to try out some of the apps that can help you. Of course, battery life on mobile devices is an issue to be considered. For those who want route planning that won’t kill their battery to keep open, BikeBrain is recommended.

Ipad, Map, Tablet, Internet, Screen, Multimedia

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Know Everything About your Ride

As we’ve said, if you’re serious about cycling, then data can help you. While you’re riding, measuring your power is helpful data to act on. But it’s not all there is. You might want to get a good overview of the session after you’re done as well. That’s where tools like Strava come into play. Strava logs all workouts (including bicycle rides) and lets you look over it after you’re done. For those looking to see how their condition is improving, the ability to compare and compete against yourself is an important part of that. You can even compare and compete with other athletes who have done the same route or workout as you.

Get Some Sounds On

Music is a great tool for any kind of physical activity. It increases endorphin. It, puts your body naturally in sync with the beat, pushing you further. It keeps you from getting tired for longer. But whatever you do, don’t start wearing earphones or headphones when you’re out biking. Awareness is crucial to safe cycling. Instead, look at some of the options designed specifically for your bike. Bicycle speakers are easily attached to the handlebar and come with a variety of options. Wired or wireless. Shuffle options, storage space options. What exactly you’re willing to spend for is up to you. However, if you want a bit of added stimulation to your cycling experience, then music is definitely a good way to go.

Drinking Water Filter Singapore

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Stay Hydrated and Cool

As with any exercise, staying hydrated when cycling is obviously important. Fitting a water bottle to your bike frame is far from anything new or exciting. However, when you go to take that drink, there are few things less refreshing than a mouthful of warm water. That’s why it’s a good idea instead to consider some of the newer tech that’s keeping water bottles cooler for longer. For example, take a look at things like the Podium Ice. Improved insulation means that the bottle keeps any liquid inside at its initial temperature (or close) for a lot longer. Four times longer than regular insulating bottles. Perfect for those who prefer to go on those longer endurance runs.

There’s tech for all kinds of occasions. For training and fitness purposes. For adventuring and exploring. Even for enjoying a relaxing ride with some music to keep you company. We hope that some of the suggestions above will help you get what you need with a little help from tech. Whether it’s comfort, fitness, or fun.

5 Best Messenger Bags

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messenger bag

Before the internet exploded in usefulness, reams of important documents got to their destinations in big cities inside a messenger bag. Yes, the internet supplanted even the venerable bicycle in some tasks. The messenger bag still lives on with the ever increasing number of people cycling to work. It is a great way to transport your own things and make your own personal deliveries.

What Makes a Messenger Bag Great

Why would you choose to use a messenger bag over a backpack?

  • You can slide the bag around in front of you while sitting on the bike to reach in and grab something. There is little chance it will fall off of your shoulder.
  • It is easy to pack any size load. If you have only a little bit to carry, it packs down well. If you have a large load, there will be a way to fit that too.
  • It is easy to strap really large loads to the outside of the bag if needed.
  • When properly loaded, the bag rests on your back, not on your shoulders (this does not work so well when you are walking with a messenger bag, though).
  • Tradition. It is what people on bikes use. When you use one, it is like a secret handshake, especially if yours is really beat up.

Key Features of a Messenger Bag

There is a lot that separates a good messenger bag from a bag that happens to sling across your shoulder.

  • A wide shoulder strap. It will distribute the load better than a skinny strap.
  • A cross strap that holds the bag in place. It goes from the side opposite the shoulder strap to the shoulder strap itself. This keeps the bag from sliding around.
  • Weatherproof. If you ride, you will eventually get caught in some bad weather. Whatever you are carrying should stay dry. How would a messenger look if they showed up with soggy documents?
  • Spacious and without restrictions. The bag should not have too much structure that it can limit what you load into it. You want to carry a laptop and work clothes? That will fit. How about ten folding tires, ten tubes and ten water bottles? That will fit too.

The Bags

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag

Timbuk2 is one of the original messenger bag manufacturers to bring them to the masses. They are well made and should last for years. They make lots of different variations depending on your needs and desire for more structure. The classic is just that; it has all of the features you will need in a messenger bag without anything extra.

Patagonia Black Hole Messenger 24L

patagonia messenger bag

With responsible manufacturing practices and detailed craftsmanship in all they do, Patagonia’s messenger bag will serve you well for years. Again, it has a spacious design to carry all that you need, along with a highly waterproof coating and wide shoulder strap with cross strap.

Chrome Unisex Night Series Citizen Messenger

chrome messenger bag

Chrome’s bag has all of the necessary features of a good messenger bag with a bonus – the should strap has a seatbelt-like release buckle. Getting a bag up and over your head with an awkward or heavy load can be tricky. The buckle gives you a quick exit.

R.E.Load Civilian 215 One Strap Weatherproof Messenger Bag Standard

The Civilian is a burlier choice with a heavy exterior shell and liner to keep your load safe. It also is a bit larger than the others in case you need to transport a lot of your things at once.

Banjo Brothers Messenger Bag

This bag has all the features you should be looking for in a slightly smaller package and a much smaller price. It is not as flashy as the others, which is part of why it is less expensive, but it should get the job done.

Load it Up

Selecting the best messenger bag for you comes down to personal size preferences. Lots of companies produce quality bags with all of the right features. Figure out how much you need to carry to choose your perfect bag. Then you will be able to carry your load protected from the elements confidently.

Choosing Cycling Socks – 10 Great Options

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cycling socks

Cyclists and their socks! Who would have ever thought cycling socks would be such a big deal? It makes perfect sense though. Most riders wear the same cycling kit or with little variety every day, so changing up ones sock game is a fun way to add some style and variety to the everyday outfit. But to choose which socks requires a lot of thought and consideration. First, lets get to know several cycling sock companies and then we can break them down and figure out which model is best for you!

So Many Brands of Cycling Socks

With so many brands of cycling socks it may be difficult to choose which ones you like best. Hopefully these brief descriptions of a few of the larger brands will make the decision easier. Swiftwick socks are made in the USA and focus on comfort and quality. Their socks feature managed compression, chemical-free wicking, blister-free, and anti-odor, these are the four pillars they build each pair of socks to. Defeet International socks are also made in the USA and prioritize operating at a higher level to produce one of the best cycling socks on the market. Pearl Izumi yields not only great cycling socks, but also other clothing to keep you matching from head to toe! Sock Guy is the go to sock company when looking for custom socks, they have a 4-5 week turn around and are manufactured right here in the USA. Now that you know a couple of the featured brands, lets get into the actual socks!

Racing Socks!

These cycling socks are designed with performance in mind; they offer breathable material and an attention to performance over style! The Swiftwick Aspire socks have a thin cushion bed, and offer compression to different anchor points in the foot. The Louis Garneau Men’s Coni Cycling Socks are made from Coolmax fiber, and are supposed to wick moisture and increase the speed they dry out. Pearl Izumi’s Elite Socks feature the ELITE Transfer material to also dry out quickly, and have “compression for a performance fit”. All of these racing style cycling socks have two things in common. One, they are super good at drying out quickly to keep your feet cool while competing. Secondly, most of these socks come up one-quarter of your calf to give you that pro look.

Swiftwick Aspire Socks

 

Louis Garneau Men’s Coni Cycling Socks

lg sock

Pearl Izumi’s Elite Socks

 

 

Wool Cycling Socks!

Wool socks can be a real lifesaver in the winter months, keeping your feet warm and dry. DeFeet makes some of the most popular wool cycling socks on the market. They are called the Woolie Boolie sock. They are durable and provide a great deal of warmth; these socks are made out of almost 50% American Merino Wool. These socks come up six inches to provide you with a great deal of warmth. The Sockguy wool cycling sock is twelve inches high and features a mesh upper panel above your feet to allow your feet vent out and breath. Giro also makes a six-inch sock out of merino material. Giro offers these socks in very stand out patterns and colors.

DeFeet Woolie Boolie

Sockguy Athletic Cycling/Running Wool Sock

SockGuy Wool Crew 12in Red Eye Skull Cycling/Running Socks (Red Eye Skull - L...

Giro New Road Merino Seasonal Wool Sock

giro sock

Compression Cycling Socks!

Compression socks are nothing new in the world of endurance sports, but finding the right pair may not be so easy. Compression socks are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), the larger the number the more compressed the socks will feel. The Swiftwick Twelve is 15-20mmHg and features their anti-odor technology and will help to reduce swelling during recovery. The Louis Garneau R-Compression cycling socks decrease recovery time between workouts and have “stretch zones at the heel and toe”. The Mojo Coolmax recovery cycling socks offer 20-30mmHg, a bit more compression than competitors, although more is not always better with compression. VeleChampion compression cycling socks are not as well known as competitors, but provide the same great benefits other cycling compression socks provide. They are made from 75% nylon and 25% lycra and aid the recovery process by helping to push blood back to the heart.

Swiftwick Twelve

Louis Garneau R-Compression

Louis Garneau R-Compression Socks Size: SMALL BLACK

Mojo Coolmax

VeleChampion Compression Cycling Socks

 

Top 10 Mountain Bike Brands

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mountain bike brands

Mountain biking is one of the most popular disciplines of cycling and the selection of mountain bike brands out there is enormous. Knowing what kind of riding you plan to do will help decide which brand of bike is best for you. Some of the biggest companies such as Trek, Cannondale and Specialized offer a top of line reliable mountain bike with some of the best technology in the industry. Smaller mountain bike brands such as Niner, Felt, and Santa Cruz offer high performance machines that are a bit more niche marketed toward the high-end consumer market. Below are the top 10 mountain bike brands in our opinion, in no specific order.

The Big Mountain Bike Brands

Specialized

specalized

Specialized offers a full array of bikes depending on the type of riding you plan to do, from cross country to downhill to fat bikes, they have you covered. “From ultra-lightweight XC hardtails to our World-Championship-proven FSR suspension designs found on our trail and downhill bikes, you’ll find the ideal setup for your riding style”. Specialized is one of the largest bike companies in the world, based in California, and focus on technology and innovation. Specialized is a market leader with a lot of other company’s modeling their bikes and ideas after the innovative designs Specialized comes up with.

Cannondale

One of the most innovative designs on the market, Cannondale created the lefty fork making it one of our top ten mountain bike brands. Cannondale’s signature green color schemes and asymmetrical fork give it a stand out look for a top-performing bike. Cannondale’s mountain bike line is focused mainly on cross-country and is making a strong surge in the enduro category of mountain biking. Cannondale has coined many acronyms for any new innovations they develop such as Ai, Si and hologram. All of these new innovations are only available on Cannondale bike’s and makes them some of the best mountain bikes you can purchase.

Trek

Top Fuel 9.9 Race Shop Limited

Trek has the most models available to select from. Trek offers one of the largest women’s specific lines and models from beginner mountain bikers to world cup racers. “Our lineup has every rider covered, from those just beginning to push their limits, to those racing or going for serious air. If you’re seeking a ride to expand your horizons in expansive environs, look no further.” Trek is based in Waterloo, Wisconsin and has always had a strong focus on values and creating the most elegant machine possible.

Niner

At Niner their passion for mountain biking is evident in every product they create. Niner is a relatively new company compared to some of the bigger brands previously mentioned, but that has not stopped them from creating one of the best mountain bikes on the planet. Niner is primarily focused on their mountain bike line, and has become one of the most recognizable bikes amongst different mountain bike brands. Their passion and commitment to making exquisite mountain bikes is seen throughout every bike they design.

Felt

“At Felt, our mission remains as it’s been since the beginning: to design, develop and deliver the best bicycles in the world. Period.” Felt is a company that truly stands behind their statement above; they create quality bikes based on constantly innovating their designs. Felt’s full suspension trail bike is probably one of their most popular mountain bike designs. Felt’s main focus is on performance and creating fast durable bikes.

 

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is one of the top mountain bike brands available. Santa Cruz only offers mountain bikes, so you can rest assured all of their energy is put into creating the best mountain bike possible. Santa Cruz started like many tech companies in Southern California in 1993 in a single car garage. Now they offer 16 different mountain bike line ups with one of their most popular being the women’s Juliana line. Santa Cruz is known for being a little bit weird and out there when it comes to mountain bikes, but that’s one reason people like them so much!

Giant

Being the largest bicycle manufacture on the planet makes their name Giant a very fitting name. Giant mountain bikes can be found anywhere in the world, and their shear size has helped them become one of the biggest mountain bike brands in the world. The size of the company has helped them create some of the best designs because of the amount of resources they are able to own.

Scott

Starting as a ski company Scott has always been focused on creating the lightest most efficient mountain bike possible. Their mountain bikes have won many world cups and races around the world. In the early days of carbon fiber, Scott broke the world record for the lightest mountain bike frame, something uncommon in the early days of mountain biking.

Yeti

No not the overpriced cooler, the mountain bike brand that is based on passion and creativity. Yeti has created a culture that is focused on having fun and making you feel comfortable and enjoying your time on the bike. Yeti has a simply philosophy, they build bikes they want to ride. With this kind of passion and attention to detail many companies could learn a lot from Yeti.

Kona

Kona found inspiration from the Hawaiian Islands and offer an extensive list of mountain bikes to choose from. Their list of bikes is so long it would be close to impossible not to find a bike that suits you. They even have a place on their website to help you pick out the perfect bike, because of the wide array of lines they offer. Kona is certainly one of the best mountain bike brands because of this.

How to Handle Road Rash

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road rash

Sooner or later everyone will experience road rash, it’s a part of cycling, and almost a rite of passage into the cycling world. Road rash is never pleasant and can ruin what should have been a great day out on your bike. How you first handle your wounds will make all the difference in the amount of time it takes to recover. Treating the wounds correctly will save you a lot of pain and suffering if done the right way. Below are a few important tips when dealing with road rash to help make the process less painful and get you back on the road quicker.

Cleaning the Wound

Deciding if a trip to the emergency room  is necessary can be a difficult decision, but if you think stitches are needed  it’s best to let the professionals take a look. If you think the wound is not as severe and can be handled on your own with a couple trips to the pharmacy, the first step is to properly clean out the wound. Make sure to use clean drinking water and lightly scrub the dirt away. Be gentle with the road rash as the less hard scrubbing you can do the less agitated the wound will become which then can heal quicker. Another tip is to use a water bottle full of cool water and spray the wound out to avoid touching the open wound.

Bandaging the Road Rash

The severity of the road rash will decide what kind of bandages are best. Before bandaging the road rash, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound to decrease the chances of it getting infected. For less severe road rash some gauze and tape is all that is needed to cover the road rash properly. For more severe road rash applying a Tegaderm patch will be your best option. Remember to changes the bandages as needed and to clean up any drainage from the wounds to avoid messing up your clothes and bed sheets.

Keep An Eye Open

Any change in color or swelling in the days after the initial crash could be a sign of infection. If you believe the road rash is infected do not hesitate going to the doctor’s office to have someone take a look. Sometimes no matter how diligent you may be with changing the bandages and applying antibiotic ointment the wound may still get infected. In this case an oral antibiotic and more serious bandaging should take care of the infection.

Avoid the Sun

To reduce the chance of having a lifetime scar, try to avoid the sun or apply a sunscreen to the wound once it is completely closed. Also, moisturizing the wound will help to avoid scaring. There are plenty of anti-scar creams available at the drug store so don’t hesitate picking one up and giving it a try; that is unless you think the scars are a sign of toughness. One of the more obvious tips to avoid scarring is to not pick at the scab, although it’s tempting. It is one of the worst things possible for your road rash. This can reopen the wound to bacteria and will greatly increase the chance of scaring and infection.

Common Myths About Road Rash

There are several myths out there about how to handle road rash, such as letting the wound air out and that alcohol will properly disinfect the wound. Letting your road rash air out is only exposing the wound to more bacteria and increasing the chances of infection. The open air is only delaying the healing process. Keeping the wound covered is a much better choice. According to WebMD, “Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean an injury can actually harm the tissue and delay healing. The best way to clean a minor wound is with cool running water and mild soap. Rinse the wound for at least five minutes to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria”.  Many people do not know this about rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, but remember to stick with just clean water when dealing with road rash.

Hopefully the tips in this article never have to be used, but more than likely, they will. Now at least you will be prepared when dealing with road rash. If crashing is a common thing for you, a first aid kit stocked with all the necessary treatment options may be a wise investment. Also, always remember to wear your helmet, road rash can easily heal but your brain is a bit more fragile!

 

What A Cargo Bike Is And How Functional They Are

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cargo bike

A cargo bike can open your world. You can haul things you thought you never could by human power and leave your car parked (or even get rid of it!). You will avoid gridlock, get secret training miles, save money, and become a local celebrity.

Cargo bike is a loose category of bike; there are many variations of cargo bikes. There are cargo bikes with carrying capacity in the front, others in the back and some on the sides. There are also additions for your current bike to allow it to carry a larger load. Find what cargo bike suits you and get to hauling your groceries, kids, building materials, furniture, pets, camping gear, whatever you desire.

Cargo Bike Typologies

Long Bike

Green

Long bikes are the most common cargo bikes you will see in North America. They look like a normal bike up front with an extended tail to the rear wheel. The tail accommodates larger panniers and seats for kids. The wheelbase is extra long, making for an extra stable bike, although you will not be able to carve the turns like a standard bike. Depending on the bike and cargo configurations, you can carry up to two or three small humans and four or five bags of groceries.

You can also convert your current bike into a long bike. It may be the economical choice if you already have a bike around that you are not using. Putting a few hundred dollars into a conversion kit will get you a cargo bike and save you a significant amount of money.

Utility Bike

A utility bike looks very similar to a standard bike except that the frame is beefier to handle heavy loads with racks integrated into the design, be they front, rear or both. The benefit of this design is that it maintains most of the agility of a standard bicycle. The downside is that it will not be as adept at carrying heavy loads as some other designs.

Bakfiets

CETMA cargo bike

A bakfiets, or box bike, is a Dutch design that puts a box (or platform) between the rider and front wheel. It creates a long wheelbase and a low center of gravity, making the bike incredibly stable once it is up to speed. Below that threshold it can be a bit cumbersome, but fortunately the speed of stability is generally very low. It is the gold standard for hauling anything. An additional benefit is that kids sitting in the box get an unencumbered view of their ride and they can easily pass things to you from their comfortable seats.

Trailers

A trailer is another inexpensive way to convert your standard bike into a cargo hauling machine. It easily attaches and detaches from your current bike. It will dramatically alter your ride, though. You will feel like you are getting pulled back when climbing and pushed forward when descending.

What to Expect

Be aware that due to the extra weight you should temper your speed expectations. Give yourself extra time to travel; pedaling a seventy pound bakfiets is quite a different experience than an eighteen pound road bike. The same goes for stopping too; it takes a bit longer to stop so much weight. Give yourself a bit of a cushion.

Handling is also different. With the longer wheelbase of long bikes and bakfietsn come wider turning radii. Look out for curbs and anything else you need to get around and make sure you can get your rear wheel past whatever it is.

If you are riding with kids, remember that it is not only your skin on the line. Dial back any risk taking and be a good role model for proper cycling behavior.

Expect drivers to give you more room, or at least strange looks. People do not know what to make of a cargo bike because they are currently quite rare (although that is changing, and who would not want to see even more?). If it was in the sky, it might as well be classified as a UFO. Some people think it is cool, others not. Know that you will draw attention.

Electric Assist?

An option that comes on many models of cargo bikes is electric assist. This could be very helpful in hilly areas or if you are carrying large loads. That extra boost should get you over whatever difficulty you encounter without having to get off the bike. It will add more weight to the bike, but should be more of a help than hindrance.

Carry that Weight

Cargo bikes are a great way to haul whatever you need around town. The initial investment may seem like a lot, but when you factor how much less you will depend on a car along with how much time you will save not stuck in traffic and the bonus miles, it is a clear win.

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