Bicycle Tips
When it comes to Bicycle, we've been there, done that, now serving 120 tips in 19 categories ranging from Bicycle Accessories to Sport Bikes.
Benefits Of A Folding Bicycle
For anyone who enjoys riding a bicycle but lacks adequate storage space, a folding bicycle may be ideal. A folding bicycle can be kept in a car trunk, so the owner can stop and enjoy a ride anytime. People living in small apartments can keep a folding bicycle tucked away in a closet, away from pathways.
Many people fear that leaving a bicycle outside invites theft, no matter how well the bike is secured. Keeping a folding bike indoors solves that problem. People living in a boat or motor home can easily get around whenever they want, yet store the bike easily in minimal space.
There are several models of folding bicycles, most of them using smaller wheels than conventional bicycles. Usually, a long seat stem allows for a height comparable to bicycles that use standard 26-inch wheels. Most models fold in the middle, along the seat stem.
Bicyclists and Road Safety
Riding a bike is beneficial because it is exercise, and it conserves fuel; however,it must be done in a safe manner. Knowing proper protocol while riding in the street with motor vehicles is a must.
-Ride in the street about 2 or 3 feet from the curb.
-Always use hand signals before turning or stopping.
-Always obey stoplights and signs.
-Ride in a straight line... no weaving.
-Make eye contact with other drivers before turning.
-Watch carefully for cars.
For more information on riding your bike safely, contact your local Department of Transportation and ask for their published bike safety guide.
Compact Crankshafts
A bicycle's crankshaft drives the chain of your bike as you pedal. Most bicycles come equipped with either a double or triple crankshaft. A triple crankshaft gives you a greater lower range of gears, allowing you to pedal uphill.
Compact crankshafts are not new, but are just coming into popularity. They also give you a better lower range, but take away a bit at the higher range, unlike the double or triple crankshaft. The upside is that it is lighter weight than even a standard double. The downside is that you don't get as great a lower end as a triple would give you and you do lose that bit at the high end.
So, if you need better low end gears on your racer, but don't need all that a triple would provide, a lighter, compact crankshaft could be your answer.
Winning Purse of the Tour de France
Held every July, the Tour de France has long been thought of as the toughest of races. Just to compete in it is a triumph in and above itself. For the winner though, the purse of 2 million French francs is quite a reward. In American money, it equals about $600,000. This purse is shared by all team members and personnel. But the winner will also inevitably earn millions in product sponsorships and other related commercial endeavors.
Multi-Tools
If you look online for a list of tools you'll need to maintain your bicycle, you'll be surprised at how long the list can be. There's a tool for everything and those prices can add up. To start your collection, start off by buying tools for parts that need frequent maintenance and slowly build up to lesser-used tools.
*A number of manufacturers make a multi-tool that can handle a wide variety of repairs while keeping your clutter under bay.
Third Hand
There are some bicycle adjustments that are too hard to accomplish without a helper. That's where the third hand comes in.
The third hand is a tool used to hold brake shoes closed while adjusting your cable. It's designed to be used with all brakes, caliper, and cantilever. Best of all, it is so inexpensive and incredibly easy to use.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Carma Spence-Pothitt |
