You are really going to want to choose a bicycle that fits your body perfectly, comfortable, and also fits your budget. You can buy an extremely expensive bike, but if it does not fit your frame, then it is completely worthless when it comes to meeting your bicycling needs.
The final issue that you are going to want to consider when it comes to bikes is whether you want a bike that has a classic road geometry to it, or to choose one that is more specifically triathlon oriented or forward oriented in nature. The difference that plays an important role in this decision is where your center of gravity is going to end up being in relation to the bottom bracket on your bike.
A road frame bicycle is going to put it further back. On the other hand, the standard triathlon frame is going to move you forward instead. The justification for this is that being more forward is going to make it simpler for you to get into the right position for aero bar, as well as saving some of the power from your legs so that the run, which comes after the bicycling portion of the race, is not as overwhelming and arduous as it would have been if you would have had to pedal harder or with more power.
Generally speaking, if you are more flexible, then you are going to want to go for a position that is more relaxed in nature. This is where you are going to be able to generate the biggest amount of power. If on the other hand you are older and more stiff, especially in your glutes, then you might want to be considering the forward option that the triathlon geometry bike is going to provide. This is because this is where someone with less flexibility is going to be capable of generating the biggest amount of power. Some bicycles will allow you to opt for both, and this is going to allow you to test drive different positions until you have figured out which one is going to work out for you the best over a period of time.
The biggest and most important investment that you can ever make when it comes to bicycling gear is to have a good set of wheels. Make sure that you are relying upon your bike expert to guide you through the right wheel options based on your weight, your frame size and the conditions of the race. Make sure that you are choosing aero rims and a minimum number of spokes. Do not sacrifice the integrity of your wheels for the sake of speed. Choose the right wheels for your bike, the right bike for your body, and you will do just find in the end.
Photo Credits: kisocci
Originally posted 2009-09-18 03:20:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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A bicycle is a two wheeled vehicle driven by human power using 2 pedals. The wheels are generally attached to a metal frame, one in front, and one in back. Sometimes the frame is made of carbon fiber, or hard plastics.
The first bicycle was originally introduced in the 19th century in Europe. Presently, bicycles number around one billion across the entire world. In some areas of the world, they are the primary mode of transportation for the people, most notably in China and the Netherlands. Bicycles have also grown to become a popular entertainment form of recreation. Bicycles in one form or another have been adopted into many roles and facets of life, such as toys, military and police applications, courier services, cycle sports, etc.
The basic config and shape of the bike that we know has not changed much since was developed in 1885. Particularly of late, subtle details have been improved via use of computers and the improvement of materials used to make the bicycles. The general use of modern technology has made it easy to have specialized designs for different types of cycling.
The Parts and Construction of a Typical Bicycle
Wheels: The initial wheels of the first bikes used a wooden hub and a steel axel, the spokes were wood, and the “tire” was iron tacked on the outside. Today, the wheels have a metal alloy hub, steel or aluminum spokes, the rim is metal, and the tire is a treaded pneumatic that fit into the rim. Today’s wheels use bearings inside the hub which provide a smoother and freer roll.
Frame: The vast amount of today’s bikes use the diamond frame, which looks like 2 triangles attached together. The front half has the head tube, the seat tube, the top tube, and the down tube. The head tube contains a pair of bearings for steering. The top tube connects to the down tube, which the seat fits into, and also connects to the bottom bracket, where the cranks and crank bearings are found. The rear half of the frame is the seat and chain stays.
Drivetrain: The drivetrain is the pedals, crank arms, crank axel, chain, and front and rear sprockets.
Sitting and Steering: Steering is done via the handlebars which are connected at the head tube. Sitting is provided by a saddle that sits atop the seat tube. Bike seats come in many shapes and sizes for different type of cycling, and so do bicycle handlebars.
Brakes: Today’s bikes use one of three types of brakes. Side pull brakes, which activate by clamping against the side of the rim when you pull the brake lever, disc brakes which have a pair of padded calipers that grab a brake disc when you pull the lever, and the coaster brake which engages when you pedal in reverse.
Suspension: A relatively new system on bicycles, there are many means of accomplishing suspension systems on a bike. Front suspension is usually a simple dual spring shock system, though some bikes have a single short but stiff spring shock between the top of the forks and the axel going up into the head tube. Rear suspensions vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Loss of power due to “pedal bob” has caused the introduction of spring shock suspended seat posts to allow for a smooth ride without this loss of power.
Accessories: mudguards, chain guards, kick stands, baskets, rear racks, bike pumps, locks, drink bottles with holders, all of these are accessories that can be had for a bicycle.
Photo Credits: indywriter
Originally posted 2009-10-16 03:11:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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