Monthly Archives: September 2014

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Bicycle Shock Absorbers

September 22, 2014 1:39 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

If you’re just an average Sunday bicyclist, chances are good you never thought much about your bike’s suspension system. But if you’re a serious cyclist and performance is your gig, then bicycle shock absorbers are something you’re going to want to know something about. They play an important role in how your bike responds to different terrain and how comfortable it is to ride on rough surfaces.

Back in the day, 1869 to be more exact, one of the first true bicycles was called rather affectionately “the boneshaker”. It doesn’t take much reach of the imagination to figure out how it earned this moniker because it was extremely uncomfortable to ride. And that can be contributed to its construction. It was quite a cumbersome beast sporting wooden wheels and a wrought iron frame. While its creators did have the foresight to know suspension was important, it was nothing more than a long flat spring upon which a saddle-type seat was affixed. If you had to travel a very rough road, a-bouncing you would go.

That’s quite a throw-back when you consider the technology involved in the suspension systems of bicycles today, especially on high-performance mountain and hybrid bikes. And, even though you can find them on any type of bicycle, nothing is more important than the shock absorber. If you’re really venturing out for some rugged 2-wheeling the right shocks can mean the difference between a terrifying ride and soaring with the eagles.

What do bicycle shock absorbers do?

The most obvious is they allow the wheel to move up and down when it meets an obstacle without jarring the rider.

The shock also helps to control the speed of the axle when the wheels hits something and then returns to its original position. This motion is known as “dampening”.

No shock compensation can also desirable, especially during long climbs, and some shocks come with a lock-out feature. This enables the shock aborber to be frozen into place and give no motion compensation.

The 3 different types of shocks.

- The Air shock uses compressed air as the spring. It’s easily adjusted by adding or releasing air and also comes with the lock-out feature.
- Spring shocks utilize exactly what their name implies: a metal spring. In the middle of the spring there is free-flowing fluid which aids dampening. These are also adjustable but don’t come with the lock-out ability.
- Elastomer shocks use compressed rubber or rubber-type material which compresses and rebounds. The tension can also be adjusted.

Shock Maintenance

Much like a car, and depending on how heavily used your bicycle is, your shock absorbers will need to be serviced. This ensures they continue performing at their peak. You should from time to time check them thoroughly for any signs of leaking oil and test the damper performance. Clean the boot and wipe off the outside and apply a small amount of bearing grease if needed and lube the wiper. This will lessen the need for costly repairs.

We’ve definitely come a long way from the boneshaker. Riders can choose the perfect bike suspension to fit their comfort and performance needs. Bet you never thought there was so much that went into bicycle shock absorbers. The builders of that first bike must be rolling in their graves.

Posted in: Accessories, Mountain bikes ⋅ Tagged: , , ,

Comfortable Bicycles

September 8, 2014 1:13 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

As we all know that there are a lot of things that can help us to travel long distance such as Bike, Cars or by using public transport such as Bus, Train, Etc.bus when we have to cover a small distance then we can choose either bike or bicycle.bicycle is one of the best way to cover small distances. Nowadays there are many kind of cycles in the market as per our age and as per our requirement.

If someone has to go to a long distance there is a special bicycle, there is also a different bicycle used in bicycle races.bicycles can have a starting cost from 2000 to 20000, in which there are bicycles of all the types such as small cycles, racing cycles, Atlas cycles, gear cycles and also the mountain cycles.every bicycle is different from each other such as the small cycles are used by kids of small ages and size and the main quality that it can have is that it can have 3 and 4 tyre that will support the rider and helps him\her to makes the balance and also give confidence to the rider. Racing bicycles are one of the most adventurous cycle to be used by the racers.

The driving of these bicycles are very easy and smooth and can help the driver to drive it fast and can eventually win the race but the main disadvantage it can have is that it is not as comfortable as the others can have. The most frequently used cycles used in India and also in some part of Asia is the Atlas bicycles- It is best known for his comfort it gives to the rider, it is also one of the most smooth running cycles and also is the most economic bicycle used in the last five to six decades.It does not cost too much during the purchase and also after the purchase.

These atlas cycles are also of mainly two types that is one is the typical atlas cycle and other is modern Atlas cycle. The other cycle is the gear cycle such as the DTH, these are the bicycles used by the teenagers, the main quality of these cycles is that it has gears that help the rider to ride it easily and quickly the racing cycles also have gears that runs them fast. Gear cycles is one of the most famous and eventful discovery. There is also a modification done in them that is they also add the front suspension on the bicycles which help them to run in the bad routes.

The most famous cycles are the mountainous cycles because the are cute and awesome looking and also does not cost too much as compared to the other cycles such as racing, gear cycles and others they are also most widely used cycles in the world now a days and one of the most comfortable cycles.the cycles are also different for both boys and girls, Lady Bird is one of the most leading bicycles company that creates the cycles for the girls…..

Posted in: Bike Seats, Comfort ⋅ Tagged: , , ,

Best Bicycle Saddles

September 1, 2014 1:10 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

Seen as a tool for sporting, leisure, transportation and many other purposes cycling is for sure part and parcel of almost all societies In fact, it is said that riding a bicycle is one of the best exercises that one can possibly do. There is no doubt that cycling or biking is a worldwide activity used for revenue creation and leisure in equal measures. In some countries, there are more bicycles than the number of people, just so that the population can use them to stay fit. In others, there are more bicycles than the number of motor vehicles just so that the population can use them as hired transportation means. Some towns have streets that are constructed to have lanes specifically for cyclists. Such countries have enjoyed the simple benefits offered by this method of transportation such as easy parking, reducing traffic congestion and quick access to locations through back street roads.

It may seem very easy owning a bicycle and learning how to ride it compared to motor vehicles but the most important thing is ones comfort when riding. The most important item on the bike for every cyclist is the saddle which is popularly known as the seat. Once the cyclists discomfort is caused by the saddle, the riding experience will be very awful. Having uncomfortable saddles has led many potential cyclists quit riding. Some mostly women have had to go through different genital surgeries. Riders have even ended their cycling careers and some have changed to a less painful sport. This makes you see how important it is for one to have the best saddles on their bike.

The best bicycle saddles are hard to choose especially for the new riders who will not easily know the comparison. Once you are new in cycling, it is advised for one to purchase a new saddle that will be suitable for you. When shopping for a saddle there are several possibilities that one should consider. The bicycle seat should not be too high as your weight won’t be balanced and this could cause irritation to your sensitive parts. One should find an adjustable bike saddle that will enable you tilt forward and backward when loosened as this will relieve pressure.

Since your saddle is for sporting, a long, narrow and softer saddle also known as the performance saddle is preferred for you. Saddles are also made of different qualities of cushions which are gel, foam and the saddle pad. The foam cushioning is the best for bike saddles as it provides more support and it is best when firm. An additional cushioning of the saddle pad will provide more comfort combined with a pair of padded shorts or underwear.

Choose a bicycle saddle that will protect your perineum area. Saddles with a slit at the center will reduce the pressure thus providing comfort and airflow in long rides. When shopping for the best bicycle saddles, you need to test them before purchasing. Choose the best rails for durability, flexibility and strength. The titanium rails are the best. Cyclists require seats suitable for their forward position as it’s also the best position for fast peddling. This is why the narrow saddle is perfect for most riders in sports.Try lots of seats for you to get the best and also always dress appropriate for cycling to avoid getting saddle sores.

Posted in: Bike Seats, Saddles ⋅ Tagged: , , ,