Author Archives: Dan

All you need to know about Bike Pedals and Cleats.

February 19, 2014 12:21 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

To appreciate mountain-biking in the best way possible, you’ll want to buy some mtb footwear. Regardless of ones biking expertise, an appropriate pair of shoes will assist you to bike safely, far more adequately, and competently. SPD are a normal design of pedal for mtb shoes, but you’ll discover that this footwear works extremely well with standard pedals and toe clips too.

Mountain Bikes originally did not have SPD pedals, making it quite challenging to remove their feet quickly out of the toe-clips should they need to. This was incredibly dangerous, considering that the biker was, at times required to fall together with the mountain bike in the event of a crash. When SPD pedals were developed, mountain biking become much safer.. Cyclists have the ability to rotate their foot and pull it free from the pedal, or when there is adequate pressure, the cycle shoe and bike pedal will disassemble while not having to rotate the feet.

For those who cycle recreationally but have a bike that doesn’t have SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics), then you’ll definitely have to purchase some mtb shoes that will work with clipless pedals nonetheless. The only thing you will be required to do is hold the cover together while attaching the cleats. This gives you the possibility of using clipless pedals in the future if you want to. If you own clipless pedals, then make sure that your specialty bike shoes are compatible your pedals.

Be careful that your shoes don’t have shoelaces that could end up becoming tangled up in the chain, also allow more space in the shoes for swollen feet, and, more important than anything else, they must be comfy to wear. If you want to put more power in your pedaling technique, then should purchase MTB shoes having a firmer sole. If you’re going to be on your feet and walking a lot with your biking shoes, you should opt for a more flexible shoe-sole. You might be unsure which MTB footwear meets your needs, then go to evolution cycles and we’ll be happy to help.

In the cycling business, you’ll discover that specific manufacturers specialise in certain areas and not in others. Manufacturers of other types of sporting goods, often producde a range of different sporting merchandise, yet cycle manufacturers generally focus and concentrate on a particular division of cycling. They always try to produce the highest quality version possible of that specific product. One example of this is Endura. They are well-known for their cycling clothing for both men and women.

With all of the different kinds of cycling that you can do, you will find that there are also different kinds of bikes for each of these. A cross-country bike will be differently designed than a mountain bike, for example. Given all the different cycling styles available, you’ll notice that there are a all sorts of different bikes available for each different style. For example, mountain bikes are completely different to a cross country bicycle. The same is true for cycle gear and clothing, Endura makes a range of cycle clothing, including aerodynamically designed clothes and loose-fit shorts and jerseys for the casual cyclist. If you’re someone who bails alot when cycling, then try loose-fitting clothes to add extra cushioning when you hit the ground.

VIEW OUR RANGE OF PEDALS AND CLEATS

Posted in: Components

How To Fix A Bike Tyre – Replacing or Repairing the Tube

February 10, 2014 1:24 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

It’s an inevitability that at some point while you’re happily riding along your bike tyres will spring a leak or have a full on blow out. Many mountain bikers say if you’ve never experienced either of these you’re not doing it right. As long as you’re properly prepared it’s not something that you need to live in fear of.

Hopefully, if the puncture is small enough, you can simply repair the inner tube, but in some cases the tear is too big to repair. In those cases you’ll need to replace the tube entirely. This is why it’s so important to always carry at least two extra tubes with you when you go on a ride. Here’s an additional tip: Test inflate your back ups before you take them with you to ensure that they don’t have any defects. The last thing you want is to think you’re prepared for a blow out only to discover that you’re back up won’t work.

Aside from extra tubes there are a few small pieces of equipment that you’ll need to repair or replace your bike tyres.

  • Multi-tool – A multi-tool will be important for getting your bike tyres off.
  • Tyre Lever – Please take the extra effort to buy a tire lever, which helps you remove the tube, and don’t use a stick or other improvised tool for getting the tyre off the rim. If you do, you risk scratching the rim of your bike or further damaging the inner tube.
  • Repair Kit – These will usually contain sanding paper, patches and glue (if the patches are glue-less)
  • Replacement Tubes – Carry two with you when you ride at all times.
  • Portable Bike Pump – You won’t be able to get far in your repairs without one of these.

Repairing or Replacing a Bike Tyre Tube

First, you’ll want to release the extra air left in the tube. Simply, press the inner valve in until the tyre is completely deflated. After you’ve done this you need to remove the tube. Use your tyre lever to gently pop out the tyre. Be careful not to puncture the tube with the lever. The goal is to gingerly insert the lever inside the rim between the tyre and the tube. Once the lever is in place you simply drag it along the rim. This will push the tyre outside the rim and allow you to slip it off the wheel. Gently remove the tube and set it aside. Try to keep it lined up in the same direction of the tyre. This will help you find the puncture should you find the damaging source in the tyre.

Now you’ll want to check for the source of the damage. Very carefully run your fingers along the inside portion of the tire feeling for anything sharp. Use a gentle touch to avoid accidentally stabbing your finger. If you find the source remove it and realign the tube with the tyre. This will help you find the puncture in the tube. If it’s small enough you can follow the directions on a patch kit to repair the tube.

If the damage is too much you’ll have to replace the tube. Make sure there’s nothing left in the tire that would damage your new tube. Once you’ve done this partially inflate the tube to give it a general shape. Insert the tube into the tyre, make sure that it is fully covered and inside the tyre. Then, locate the valve hole in the rim, and start pushing the tyre back under the rim. It should be fairly easy until the last portion of the tyre. You may need to use your tyre lever here to push it fully in.

Inflate the tire. Tip: Pinch your fingers along the length of the tyre to ensure that the tube isn’t caught beneath the rim at any point.

If you are prepared, getting a puncture or a blow out doesn’t have to ruin your ride. Just follow these simple steps and get back on the saddle.

free shipping

Posted in: Bikes, Cycle Safety, DIY Bike Repair

Who offers Free Shipping on Bikes in New Zealand?

January 23, 2014 10:50 pm ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

The cycle market is pretty competitive here in New Zealand and I’m surprised that more companies aren’t offering free shipping on thaeir goods. I’ve been through every major Bike Store in New Zealand and have actually only managed to come up with one company who offers free shipping throughout New Zealand (even Waiheke Island and the Chatham Islands!)  Evolution Cycles – They have over 40 positive reviews on google and the last time I rang, the guy I spoke with on the phone was extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Bike Barn claim to offer free shipping around New Zealand but if you take a look at their website it says “on orders over $50″ and “excludes bikes” Excludes bikes?… aren’t they supposed to be a bike store?

After a little bit of research, Torpedo7, Avanti Plus, Hedgehog Bikes and others don’t offer any sort of Free Shipping. There actually aren’t any bike stores that come close to Evolution Cycles’ offer of Free Shipping NZ Wide.

So I guess Evolution Cycles is the answer to the question: Who offers Free Shipping on Bikes in New Zealand?

Posted in: Bikes, News ⋅ Tagged: ,

Cycle Safety – Is it the best solution to Auckland’s congestion problem?

January 21, 2014 11:02 pm ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

Auckland is long overdue when it comes to suitable transport options. Public transport is a mess, the roads are always congested and cyclists aren’t as safe as they used to because of the growing population, and to make matters worse, most of the ideas been thrown around are not just bad, they are downright hilarious.

Gary Froggatt, the President of the Auckland Tramways Union thinks that we should put number plates on the back of every bike… What was that Gary? How about we put a number plate on your back so we are able to easily identify people who dream up ridiculous policies?

Number plates obviously don’t stop people from driving badly. Over 1 million traffic infringement notices are handed out each year to New Zealanders. It could just be a bad idea, or another way for the council to make money from people who actually take care of the environment.

For years, many European cities have adopted the concept of building safer roads and paths so that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians all have their own space and can do their thing without being in danger, or endangering others.

In the year 2000, a study showed that if one-fifth of drivers switched to a bike, the Auckland traffic congestion problem would be halved. With the rising price of gas, record peaks in pollution, and new electric bike (e-bike) technology available on the market today, it’s surprising that more Auckland motorists aren’t opting for the cheaper and in some cases (faster) option. Well it’s not actually surprising considering the current state of Auckland’s road infrastructure. Yes, it is a big job but it’s something that needs to be done the right way before they pour millions of dollars down the proverbial drain.  Evolution Cycles actually offer quite a decent range of Electric bikes with free shipping anywhere in New Zealand – view their range hereElectric Bikes

Hamilton is also taking its time, but it appears that they are actually heading in the right direction and have made a lot of progress over the last 4 years. I can’t speak for other cities around the country but I’d love to hear your opinions and ideas in the comments section below.

Posted in: Cycle Safety, Electric Bikes ⋅ Tagged:

Bike and Car Collide in Accident in New Zealand – No Helmet

January 20, 2014 4:01 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

Not so many days ago, a person was seen riding his bicycle without wearing a helmet. This person went through a red light and a car hit him. Both the cyclist and the driver of the car died in that moment of the accident. This news is all over New Zealand at the moment and it has stirred up, yet again, the huge debate regarding the law requiring all cyclists to wear bike helmets.

This particular news story is just one of the many in the last couple of years related to bike accidents. When the NZ Herald sat at the same lights with cameras they found that some of the cyclists were wearing helmets while some were not, some even ran red lights!

Although helmets seem like a no-brainer to a lot of us, there is still a great divide as to whether a helmet is necessary or not. We might say that this gear is a great help in ensuring protection and safety, but some believe it’s the other way around. For instance, the medical journal BMJ created a poll back in 2011 regarding this matter, and results show that 68% oppose to mandatory helmet laws.

In addition to this, a recent Canadian study compared rates of cycling-related head injuries before and after they passed the helmet legislation. After the researchers analyzed the data from 1994 to 2008, they found out that helmet legislation did not significantly alter the overall rates of head injuries. But on the other hand, another study analyzed US cyclists who were severely injured or killed during the time of January 1999 to December 2009. The researchers compared the injury and death rates among cyclists age 16 and younger in states that have mandatory helmet laws to states that have none. They concluded that injury rates were about 20% lower in states with helmet laws.

These researches created a division all the more among cyclists. They have opposing ideas due to the fact that it is inherently difficult to measure whether the differences in injury rates are due to the helmet legislation or not. However, one thing is for sure. No one can argue that bike helmets can reduce injury. It is, after all, designed to be so. But while legislators of this law have nothing more than good intentions, or so we believe, the negative consequences outweigh the benefits of riding with a helmet. Making it mandatory for cyclists to wear a helmet can result to a decrease of riders. You can no longer ride your bike without wearing this gear; because otherwise, the police might fine you. Opponents also fear that these laws would portray the bicycling is a potentially dangerous activity for people when, in fact, it is not. It is a form of recreational activity known to have a lot of health benefits. But instead of highlighting the benefits of such laws like it should be, it is somehow scaring cyclists away.
Certainly, we cannot doubt the protection and safety that helmets give us. However, it is only most useful when it comes to low impact accidents as no helmet can protect us from large collisions. The only way to reduce any form of vehicular accidents is by looking at the bigger picture. This includes disciplining motorists of all vehicles, informing them about bike and traffic laws, providing bike lanes, and organizing street and road traffic. Wearing helmet can only do good when it comes to falling off your bike and hitting your head on the ground. Anything worse than this, you can only pray that you don’t get any head injuries.
At any rate, this is not to discourage you from wearing a helmet. It is still recommended of you to wear one especially when you’re riding your bike across the streets and along the highways where many vehicles are around. When it’s just a stroll on the park or a quick ride around the neighborhood, you may not wear your helmet. At the end of the day, this gear serves as your last line of protection even if it only gives you limited defense. You never know that it might actually save you in the event of an accident. But let’s be real, if we want to increase our safety and protection while we are riding our bikes, mandatory helmet laws can only get us a few steps ahead. In reality, we will need more than just bike helmets to get us completely guarded.

 

Thanks to Amy for writing this Article.

Posted in: News