bikes

Surly Bikes 101 – the Who, What, And Why?

Posted on January 19, 2010 at 8:45 pm


Who? Surly Bikes are manufactured by a Bloomington, Minnesota based company that goes by the same name (Surly). The company was established in 1998 and first started producing diverse bike parts such as the dingle cog, Surly Singleator chain tensioner, and others, in addition to frames, forks, and complete bikes. Surly is also credited for playing a hand in establishing the Single Speed World Champions. What? Currently, Surly manufactures a number of models. Those models include the following: STEAMROLLER This Surly bike is designed as a single speed road bike and available as a complete bike from Surly. The frame and fork are made of 100% CroMoly. Handlebars are made of aluminum. The bottom bracket is Sugino. The cog and hubs are Surly. This is the one the fixies tend to gravitate to. And for obvious reasons. CROSS CHECK This was the original complete bike offered by Surly. It’s a versatile bike that’s not just intended for fixed gear fanatics. Both the frame and fork are made of 100% CroMoly. The stem is Kalloy and handlebars are Salsa Moto Ace Bell-Lap. For more details, check out the Surly website at surlybikes. com. LONG HAUL TRUCKER This bike is designed for what you’d think it would be designed for – long haul riding. It can handle long rides with significant weight. Both the frame and fork are made of 100% CroMoly. The headset is Ritchey Logic Comp, the stem Kalloy, and the handlebars Co-Union Cork Mix. A very versatile bike. KARATE MONKEY The Karate Monkey is a new mountain bike from Surly. A very versatile bike, you can handle multi-gear or single speed set ups, as well as disc brakes or rim brakes. Both the frame and fork are made of 100% CroMoly. The handlebars are Surly Torsion bars, stem Kalloy, and headset Ritchey Logic Comp. BIG DUMMY Probably the most unique bike Surly has made to date, the Big Dummy is designed as a pure transport vehicle. It was designed in conjunction with Xtracycle. You can carry up to 400 lbs of cargo. Included are Xtracycle V rack bags and snapdeck. Both the frame and fork are made of 100% CroMoly. The handlebars are Surly Torsion bars, stem Kalloy, and headset Ritchey Logic Comp. Why? Surly bikes are very durable, versatile, and offer a number of bike variations guaranteed to satisfy various types of bikers, fixies, and mountain goats. Crafted to last a lifetime, there’s no doubt a Surly will be the only bike you’ll ever need to buy. That is unless you want to diversify your bike riding activities. Surly sells their bikes as complete bikes or parts. So if you want a Surly frame and want to Frankenstein the rest together, go right ahead. If you want a serious bike, don’t bother with craigslist or the swap meet. Go straight to the source. Surly bikes will cost you a decent coin but you’ll poop easier knowing you have a bike that will outlast your bowel control.

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Exercise Bikes Online

Posted on January 19, 2010 at 4:30 pm


When you finally decide to actually purchase an exercise bike, its important to first figure out where you are going to put the bike, this is so you can figure out what type of bike you want as well as how much room you will need for the bike. The second thing your going to want to do is think about whether you want an upright, semi-recumbent or recumbent exercise bike. The bike that you do choose should be comfortable enough for you to sit in but should also have good posture and an adjustable seat option as well. if you are going to buy a bike online, obviously you aren’t going to be able to test it out first so the second best thing is to look fir reviews online. Thankfully fir your sake I have found a few highly reviewed bikes that are available online, so go ahead and take a look at the following products available to you right now online:Stamina CPS 9200 Indoor Cycle Exercise Bike -The CPS 9200 Indoor Cycle exercise bike gives you the feel of a real road bike with it’s weighted flywheel that builds speed link an outdoor bike. Strong and durable steel construction lets you stand up and pedal hard while the support of the rock-solid base keeps you steady. Deluxe Conversion II Recumbent Bike and Rower -These are awesome because its like a two in one machine! It is constructed with an extruded aluminum rowing beam and steel construction for increased durability. With eight levels of resistance and an easy-to-see LCD screen which keeps track of distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse (measured by sensors in grips), the rower bike will motivate you during your low-impact, comfortable workout. The Stamina recumbent bicycle is very quiet, has a cushioned, foam-padded seat and seat back, and foot-straps which hold your feet firmly in place for the ultimate comfort. Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike -With the Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike, you work all major muscles in your thighs, buttocks, and hips while getting a great cardiovascular workout. In addition, the Elite Total Body Recumbent bike tones your upper body muscle groups with rotating handlebars. InTone Folding Recumbent Bike -The InTone Folding Recumbent Bike tones your thighs, hips, and buttocks while you get an effective low-impact cardiovascular workout. With the easy mobility of the unit and it’s folding design, the InTone Folding Recumbent Bike is portable and easy to store. Other features of this bike include; a quiet motor, a cushioned seat and seat back, and foam-padded grips, providing for a very comfortable, low-impact workout. The adjustable seat can fit all heights, and allows for you to workout in a semi-reclined position, eliminating back and shoulder strain. The LCD monitor tracks workout time, speed, distance, and calories burned, so you will remain motivated as you meet your goals!

Custom Mountain Bikes For You

Posted on December 23, 2009 at 6:49 pm


Choosing the customize your mountain bike can help you add some personality to your bike. It will give you the opportunity to make your bike the one that you will love for many years to come. Bicycling has become quite popular as a sport and for fun over the last decade. This popularity has increased the demand for custom bikes for both kinds of riders. Custom bikes will cost more money than a mass-produced bike, but it comes with great benefits over the mass-produced varieties, which makes it well worth the additional money. The custom bikes are made to fit the measurements of your body and your particular style of riding, which can offer you additional control, speed, and comfort. If you do not have an “average” build, then you will find that a customized bike will give you the opportunity to have a bike that fits you-whether you are tall or short or skinny or large. Your personal riding style and body type are very important things that the custom bike manufacturer will take into consideration. There are other items that they take into consideration, too, however. One of the things that they consider is the type of biking that you are going to be doing. If you are just going to be riding it for fun with your children, then you would have different needs than someone who is going to be downhill racing and training. The time length of your ride and how much you are going to be riding is another thing that most bicycling customizers consider. By knowing the things that they may have questions about, you will be better prepared to help the bike manufacturer to make a bike that will perfect for you and your needs. A custom bike will offer you the chance to make your bike into one that expresses your personality visually. You can have your racing or mountain bike made with your choice of colors and components to help it express your originality. The more stylish bicycling choices, like low riders, choppers, and cruisers, offer you a larger window to make it into a very strong visual statement about you. These types of bikes give you the flexibility of decorating, stretching, or compacting the frame to help make it into the unusual personality touch that you want and desire. You will find that this is an excellent way to make the bike match both your lifestyle and your tastes. It should be simple for you to locate a custom bike manufacturer, because they have become more and more popular. You can even look on websites to help you get ideas of the different options and styles that you can choose from to customize your bike. The websites also offer easy-to-follow instructions to help you to measure yourself to order a customized bike for yourself. This is a wonderful idea if you cannot locate a store to order a customized bike. Use the websites as an informational source to help you determine how you want to customize your bike so that it meets your desires and your dreams!

Big Pocket Bikes – Enjoy Racing on Tracks

Posted on December 1, 2009 at 8:32 am


Big pocket bikes are designed to be used for street use as well as racing. Therefore they are bigger in size compared to the original pocket bikes.

The original pocket bike

Original pocket bikes are known as mini-motos. They are small sized motorcycles of about 47 inches long and 18 inches tall. They are usually run on gas.

Pocket bikes are speedy bikes. The smaller varieties reach the speed of 35 kilometers per hour. The racing models can reach speed up to 45 miles per hour whereas the higher end ones can be as fast as 50 miles per hour.

Pocket bikes have many similarities with ordinary bikes like the disc brakes, tires, fairings, light perimeter frames and swing arms. The smaller versions are portable and can be easily carried under your arms.

The bigger version of the pocket bikes

Whereas the original pocket bike is small and sleek, and has a 50cc engine, the bigger pocket bikes have a 100cc 4 stroke engine. They also have bigger structures and are bulkier. They are also known as midi motors or midi bikes.

You are not meant to use the small pocket bikes on the streets as they are only meant for racing. So due to popular demand, the bigger version has come into being for use on the roads as well.

These larger bikes are double the size of the authentic pocket bikes. And can reach the speed of 65 miles per hour. However, large they may be, they are still smaller compared to mopeds but sleeker to look at.

Points to remember while using a pocket bike

1. It is obligatory to have a motorcycle license to be able to ride on your bike on the street in some states. Enquire in your states licensing office for the legal age.

2. Bigger pocket bikes are not as easy to ride on, as they require greater balancing skills, so be sure to practice on the bike prior to hitting the road.

3. Be sure to have proper lights and rear view mirrors on your pocket bikes

4. You have to follow all the safety rules and be very cautious while riding on these bigger pocket bikes.

The rules vary from state to state so what applies in one state will be not applicable in the other. If you find that bigger pocket bikes are not allowed by law to be ridden on your streets, please follow the instructions. If you waive the law then you stand a chance to be fined and even jailed. The authorities have good reasons to frame laws in order to prevent accidents and injuries. So, have all this in mind and thoroughly enjoy a good ride.

Lightweight Folding Bikes For The Convenience Of Your Everyday Transit

Posted on December 1, 2009 at 6:17 am


The arrival of the lightweight folding bikes was welcome news for most every day commuters. Actually, these bicycles can easily be folded, packed and stowed away neatly; they are so light that you can carry them with you effortlessly.
No wonder that these days many people are choosing to travel on their lightweight folding bicycles instead of using cars and motorbikes.
Specialty
Made from lightweight Aluminum, the different folding bike models are not inferior to regular bikes in terms of performance and durability. Lightweight folding bicycle models of different sizes and styles are available in the market. You will need to select one fit for your requirement and style of riding.
Electricity-driven folding bikes have also been launched by some manufacturers and if you are one of those reluctant bicycle-riders, you can simply whiz around on them.
Pricing
As far as prices are concerned, you can surely strike good, cheap deals if you shop around, doing a little bargaining. Shopping online provides you the opportunity of checking the prices being offered by different dealers in a matter of moments.
Following below are some super-performance lightweight folding bicycle models:
Airframe Folding Bicycle
Befitting its nomenclature, the Airframe folding bicycle with its high-grade alloy frame (if not as weightless as air) weighs just 23. 2 lbs. Designed by Graham Herbert, this commuter bikes unique scissor action enables you to fold the bike into a very compact size (110 x 46 x 31cm), making it easy for you to carry and store the bike. Other features of the Airframe bike include an adjustable handlebar/saddle heights, folding pedals, puncture resistant Schwalbe marathon tires and 4 or 8 speed Shimano Nexus hub. Free carry-bag / Pannier bag is also being offered with the Airframe bike.
Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bicycle
The Dahon Speed D7 weighing only 27. 1 lbs. is a popular portable bike (it folds to 33×64x81 cm in just 15 seconds). The hand-welded frame of the bicycle is one of the stiffest frames. The Dahon Neos rear derailleur of the bike gives it superior ground clearance and so the bike will not snag on the ground even when you go past sharp bends.
Dawes Kingpin Folding Bike
Dawes Kingpin, made by the market-leaders Dahon, is another lightweight bike weighing around 30 lbs. The bike has two folding pedals and Six Speed Shimano Tourney gears. A great looking bike, it is an ideal means of transportation for commuters, campers and even caravaners. There is a provision for free of cost delivery within the bounds of UK.
Mezzo i4 Folding Bike
Weighing 25 lbs. , Mezzo i4 folding bike is yet another extremely lightweight folding bike. With its automatic self-locking catches, the bike folds in just a few seconds and the hinge-free mainframe gives you smooth, effortless ride. Other specifications of the bike include alloy-made frame and pedals, Mezzo 16×1 3/8 tires (with Kevlar puncture protection) and Stainless Steel Silver spokes.

Learning About Mountain Bikes

Posted on December 1, 2009 at 1:56 am


At this article you will read what mountain biking is as well as how to get the information on various kinds of mountain bikes.
The most commonly used Mountain Bikes are:
Downhill Bikes:Most prominently used for competition in which one goes down the hill. So with that speed, bikes need to be with tough frames and with heavy-duty brakes such as disc or hydraulic brakes.
XC Bikes: This is another kind of bike which is highly used for competition in which one can go both down and climb hills. So its frame should be light but reasonably tough. Brakes used in this particular bike are v-brakes and light disc brakes.
Hybrid Bikes: This category of bikes is a good option for those who want to ride on both mountains and road.
These bikes either run on front suspension or on full suspension (which is a combination of both front and back suspensions). Various kinds of brakes employed in these bikes are:-
Rim Brakes: They are both light and powerful but their power decreases in muddy terrain where they become slippery.
Disc Brakes: They are light and powerful and are not affected by weather.
Hydraulic Brakes: They are very powerful and don’t need much maintenance, but are expensive than other brakes.
Frame Materials: The bikes can be made of aluminum, steel or titanium. These are very important elements of the bike as their composition determines the weight, strength, responsiveness and life of the bike.
Size: Like conventional bikes, mountain bikes come in small, medium and large sizes. But different manufactures use different reference point of measurement therefore sizing is not always consistent.
Latest Trends:
All Mountain Bikes: The “All Mountain Bikes” are characterized by 5-6 inch (125-150 mm) rims to take on very rough conditions.
29er Bike: This uses 700cc-sized rims and is suited for tires of 2 inches (50mm) width or more, so that it is able to roll over the obstacles.
Singlespeed: This is a blend of simplicity with innovation in suspension design.
Some of the other trends includeStable Platform Value Suspension Technology. Here the compressor shim stack has been replaced with a pair of overlapping cups. It also employs VPP suspension designs to balance different forces thereby eliminating unwanted compression without limiting bump absorption.

Learning More About Lowrider Bikes

Posted on December 1, 2009 at 1:44 am


Article that tells about the main attraction of Lowrider bikes, with the new trends in low riders, also related to Cruiser or Beach Cruiser style bikes.
A low rider bike is also known as chopper bicycle and is a highly customized bike. It is a very popular bike and its styling is inspired by both low rider cars and chopper motorcycles (that’s how the name comes). Bikers take it as a pride to ride a low rider bike. They have long, curved banana seat with a sissy bar and long upward-swept handlebars known as apehangers.
Who Ride These Bikes:
Low rider bike is not just a bike; it represents an urban culture of those people who want to be a part of it. These bikes are preferred for the fact that people ride them to relax themselves after a long day work. As a result, you will see a large number of such bikes over the weekends or public holidays, when a lot of people take them out for enjoyment and refreshment. These bikes are made in such a way so that it keeps a low profile.
It’s not just the boys who like to ride low riders; ladies also love to take a ride on low riders. Girls are often attracted towards these beautiful low riders and form a substantial percentage of total riders riding low riding bikes.
Main Attraction of Low Rider Bikes:
It can be personalized in any imaginable way for instance the frames can be twisted, wheels, spokes, peddlers can be painted etc.
The suspension fitted can be either Air Bag suspension or Hydraulic suspension, which allows the rider to alter the ride hide at will.
The most interesting aspect of low rider is its capability to fit sound system, boom boxes, I-pod, mobile phone and even the neon lights.
Latest Information about Low Rider Bikes:
The best selling bikes are: 20-inch original w/logo Low rider Bike w/Bent Fork and 20-inch classic Low rider Bike. The stock bicycles are mostly popular among makers of low riders and the most popular of these are:
American produced- Schwinn Stingray.
British produced- Raleigh Chopper.
The new trends in low rider bikes are also related to Cruiser or Beach Cruiser style bikes.

Equipment For Mountain Bikes

Posted on November 28, 2009 at 4:10 pm


The categories of equipment for mountain bikes include a great number of subcategories. These subcategories include the bikes, frames, accessories, biking apparel, and even the separate components that make up the bikes. There are a number of items that you can get for mountain biking, so it is imperative that you know what you want. You first need to determine what kind of biking that you do. Do you mountain bike for fun or are you into it for racing? If you have just started your mountain biking adventure, then your first purchase will need to be a bike that will meet your needs and wants. Clothing that is specially made for mountain biking is much looser than the other clothing made for cycling. The difference between mountain biking apparel and other biking apparel is very noticeable and easy to see. All kinds of cycling have one thing in common, however, and that is helmets. Helmets should be worn anytime you are on your bike. This will help to protect your head from the many hazards that may be on the trail. There are accessories that can help make your biking safer for you, too. One of these accessories is mountain bike lights. If you are going to be riding at night, then you will need some kind of lighting on your bike, whether it is LED lights or other lights. Lights enable mountain bikers to enjoy the trail at any time of the day or night. You can find your mountain bike supplies at your local bike shop or online at many different bicycling retailers. You can find everything that you need-from knee guards to full body guards to helmets to other apparel and accessories. The shops will be able to assist you to find mountain biking gear for any level of rider, from the casual to the more extreme enthusiast. Protective gear is essential in mountain biking, especially. It will help you to withstand the rigors of mountain and downhill racing. Many different body armor pieces help to protect different parts of the body to make sure that you will be protected if you have an accident. This gear is specially made to protect you without taking away from the experience and fun of mountain biking. The most important thing that you need to purchase to help keep yourself safe is a biking helmet. A helmet can keep you alive in this sometimes dangerous sport. No matter how small the race, biking helmets are required to help keep you safe. To keep your hands free from burns or blisters, you may want to choose some gloves. They serve a functional use as well, because they help to give you a much stronger grip on the handlebars for maximum control. Mountain biking demands comfortable clothing. Most races occur during the summer, so shorts and t-shirts are the most commonly seen clothing, but during the winter months, you may see pants and sweatshirts. You are sure to find the perfect clothing to ride in no matter what time of the year to help you be comfortable and to look cool.

A Look at the Different Types of Powerlite Bikes Available

Posted on November 25, 2009 at 4:54 pm


Powerlite BMX bikes are available for bidding in eBay stores. The list of powerlite bikes are as follows:

Powerlite BMX SPITFIRE 20:

This is a powerlite race bike with 20 inch race frame. The frame is made up of aluminum alloy and so it is durable and light weight. It has powerlite race rims, light weight seat and handle bars. The colors available are silver and red. These bikes never compromise quality for less weight. This bike is designed with GT black window crank and GT pedals.

BMX race bike powerlite:

This is also a 20 inch race frame bike with so many exciting features. It has Chris King front and rear hubs. It has powerlite bend bars and pro max brakes. The oval carbon fiber forks are the extra features of this bike. This bike won in lot of races and competitions. The quality and performance are superb in this bike.

Powerlite 16 inch BMX pit bikes:

The handle bar of this bike is made up of powerlite black and the hubs are ACS red anodized. The GT seat design assures rider’s comfort. The red anodized pedals work well in all surfaces. The gold pull brakes are used here.

BMX museum. com provides a list of powerlite bikes. The powerlite 3 bar 26 inch cruiser is stripped and chromed. It has good tires, DT spokes, brass nipples and anodized pedals. Powerlite 26 inches BMX cruiser Dirt biter has ACS hubbed 26 inch rims and red aluminum cruiser bars. As the name itself suggests this bike is suitable for riding on dirt tracks.

Powerlite 24 inch 3 bar BMX bikes are stylish and reliable. It is one among the classic Cruiser powerlite BMX. Powerlite mini BMX has durable aluminum frame and T6 aluminum bars. The grips are ODI Mini mushroom nugget and the head set is Chris king. It has mini caged pedals.

Powerlite p19 model BMX bike has 3 piece cranks and powerlite bars. It is suitable for junior riders. The powerlite seat is well designed to grant user comfort. The new frame and fork design are the added features of this bike.

Powerlite p28 is a lower line powerlite bike. It will offer powerful grips and user comfort. The top class quality and performance are the superior features of this bike.

Powerlite XL is designed with powerlite frames. The pedals are designed with NOS KKT lightning style. The ACS hubs and Comp tires are used here. The GT chain ring is used. The seat clamp is powerlite double clamp model.

Powerlite expert is an expert race bike made up of light weight and durable aluminum. It has comp x tires and red line aluminum fork lifter bars. The carbon fro cranks are used here.

Powerlite BMX bikes are reliable and therefore old models are also getting nice bids in the online stores. You can also get some parts for your powerlite bikes separately here. The bikes are cheap and you can also bid your favorable prices. The products available are in good condition and the payment can be made easily after getting the product.

Why Haro Mountain Bikes are Very Popular Among the Professionals

Posted on November 25, 2009 at 12:30 pm


Mountain bikes which are designed mainly for mountain biking. They are usually ridden on dirt trails and many other unpaved surfaces. When compared to road bicycles they are better and rugged enough for such unfriendly terrain.

It would not be easy just walking into a shop and selecting the bikes. Each bike in the store serves different purposes. One needs bikes that will fit his personality well come at price within his budget and also he needs to enjoy riding it. Comfort and safety are also other important factors. Most important of all, the bikes must be worth the money.

These Haro mountain bikes have broad, knobbier tires for more grip and absorption of shock. In modern bikes, suspension for front wheel has become the custom while suspension for the full front and rear is becoming more and more general. In few Haro mountain bikes, the handlebars are fixed with bar ends, but riser handlebars which are made such that they oppose to a flat straight handlebar are becoming increasingly popular because a very few riders use bars with their ends extended.

These bikes usually have 26 inches or 559 mm wheels, but many bikes are available in the markets, which have 29 inches or 622 mm wheels. This is the diameter universally used for other normal road bikes which is also known as a 700c.

Some important varieties and colors of Haro mountain bikes are:

BMX HARO F1C

Colour: blue

Colour: yellow

BMX HARO F1

Colour: black

Colour: orange

BMX Backtrail HARO X1

Colour: blue

Colour: black

Colour: orange

BMX HARO F2

Colour: double plat

Colour: green

Colour: black

Colour: red

BMX HARO PARTIAL 16

Colour: black

are very popular among the professionals. It is a very stylish bike designed mainly for mountain biking. The important features of this bike are:

They are very light in weight, they provide better climbing and acceleration, they are laterally stiff, they give us a submissive ride and absorb vibrations and most important of all they are drop-dead gorgeous. They provide more comfort and style.

The components used for making the bike are efficient and very strong. One can also upgrade a few areas to lessen the weight or make it look more stylish or even to improve performance of the bike. But if the buyer is on a budget then the bike has an excellent built with stylish looks.

Haro mountain bikes feel very stiff while ascending and gives optimum performance. Riding is highly comfortable and enjoyable. They have a rugged and resilient structure that means they would last long. They are very popular among the top riders.

It is very convenient because of the simplicity in its design that makes it very easy to repair. The bike has enough strength to go on epic rides but it may get a little uncomfortable. Overall Haro mountain bikes are one of the very best available in the market. It is available in many price ranges affordable for all. Go for Haro bikes for great performance and an enjoyable ride.

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