December 4th, 2011 — Biking, Swim Bike Run
Bicycling is something which has been growing in popularity lately. Many people have been taking to the sport purely for race biking. This has been fueled by a higher interest in such televised races as the Tour de France. Many people have found an interest in how the sport has changed over the years. This includes the science behind the bicycles, the clothing which is worn and the fuel which is used to power the cyclists.
The First Races
It was not a long time after the invention of the bicycle that race biking was invented. This seems to be a natural progression seen most anywhere. These first races were competitions between cyclists to see who could cover a preset course spanning from one city to another. They started in the mid to late 1800’s. These are the races which have grown into such races as the Tour de France as well as races in Italy and Germany. The races which have gained recognition include ones which are on American soil as well. Every country has been responsible for creating some of the best cyclists the world has ever seen.
The Science of the Bicycle
The first bicycles used for race biking were nothing more than conversions of the standard bicycle. They used steel frames and thick rubber wheels. Everything about the bike was heavy right down to the chains which were used. Nothing about the bicycle was comfortable at this point and there were not as many gears being used for such things as climbs. Over the years, lighter and more durable metals have been found to build bikes from. There has also been a switch in the effectiveness of the brakes and the contours of the frame itself.
Even the handlebars have undergone a complete revolution. The original handlebars used for race biking were little different from the regular handlebars. The shape eventually included an extension which rolled under. This allowed the cyclist to grab lower and create a more aerodynamic shape. The handlebars which are used today even include a brace which can be used for resting the forearm and elbows while racing. This allows you to have good aerodynamics while taking pressure off of the back muscles. The rider uses skeletal support to ride the bike and be in greater comfort for a longer period of time.
Better Fuel for Greater Performance
Outside of the bike itself, the fuel which is involved in race biking has undergone many changes. It used to be the only thing racers would bring along with them was good old water. These days there are formulas which will replace enzymes lost during the race. You can even stow away packs which will give you carbs and food replacement for long term races. The one thing which has not changed here is the use of water to hydrate. Water has still been found to be the best way to keep your body going even after you have been racing for hours on end.
Photo Credits: mikebaird
Originally posted 2010-03-28 10:59:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 30th, 2011 — Biking, Clothes and Gear, Swim Bike Run
One thing which cyclists can agree on is the idea that no two people agree on the best road bike. This worries many people who are in the market to buy a new bike. They want to choose a bike which is best suited to their needs. The only problem is finding out which bike is best for them. This is a big decision because good road bikes can cost thousands of dollars. Most people will have to ride the bike they purchase for years to come. It is possible to buy a road bike you will love if you keep a few different factors in mind.
Buy a Bike Your Size
A grown adult would never buy a children’s bike to ride. It is just as ridiculous to buy a full sized bike which is the wrong size for you. Buying the best road bike starts with having an expert measure you. Only by knowing your measurements can you find the bike which best suits your needs. This is because of the reach you have from the seat to the handle bars as well as from the seat to the pedals. Being measured only takes a few minutes and will help to save you from riding a bike which is all wrong for you.
Weighing Your Options
All bikes have a different weight. The weight of the best road bike will make a difference depending on how it is being used. Some people believe the lightest bike is always the best. This is not true if you are doing a lot of downhill riding. It is also not true if the weight of the bike is substituted for strength and durability. Pay attention to the weight of the bike, but always pay attention to what factors helped the bike to achieve the weight it has.
Ignore Everything but the Frame
When looking for the best road bike, it is important to remember everything but the frame can be replaced. Do not decide on a bike based on the gears which are used or the brakes. Do not even pay attention to the seat or the handle bars. The only thing which matters is the frame. All other components can be replaced if you do not like them. Many people will be strictly the frame and add on the components they like. While this is not always a possibility, check into it if you are particular about the components you use.
The Importance of Price
When searching for the best road bike, most people are not worried about the price. This is good seeing as you should be expecting to make a major investment. This attitude will prevent you from making a decision based more on economy than what will be the best decision for the way you ride. The only time price should enter the equation is if you find a few models which are similar in every way other than price. Then, by all means choose the one which will allow you to buy some new shoes while you are at it.
Photo Credits: Global Jet
Originally posted 2010-03-30 03:07:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 13th, 2011 — Swim Bike Run, Triathlon Tips
Competing in a triathlon is one of the most challenging experiences you can hope for. This is why so many people look for good triathlon tips. This is because while many will be happy just to finish, others would like to move up in the rankings as they compete in more competitions. There are many tips out there, but it is not always easy to find the gems of wisdom. This is because not all tips work for all people. There are tips, however which work for everyone. Following these tips will help you to perform better in your next event.
Train with Your Race Bike
You probably spent a lot of money on a good triathlon bike. This is why you do not train with it. You want for the bike to last you as long as possible. Actually, one of the best triathlon tips goes directly against this mentality. You see if you are used to one bike from your training, you will not do as well in the actual race. This is because the gears will catch in different places and the overall bike will feel differently. Training with the race bike will allow you to become intimate with the bike you will use in the race. This will help you to perform much better and prevent unnecessary problems.
Allow Your Body to Rest
Among the most ignored triathlon tips is in regards to resting your body. People will feel inclined to work out as much as possible up to the date of the race. This is a problem because you can injure yourself. Even at extreme fitness levels you can cause deep muscle tearing if you do not allow your muscles time to relax. This means taking at least one day off completely from any training. You will be stronger and have greater endurance if you do so. You will also have an easier time of avoiding injury.
Swim in the Water You Will Race
Completing swimming drills in a pool is good to build strength, but you should make every effort to train in the water you will race in. This is one of the triathlon tips which are not possible for everyone to do every day. You should do this as often as possible for the reason that you need to learn the proper cadence for your swimming. This can only be learned when you enter the body of water like you will in the race and are allowed to swim continuous.
Find a Good Pace
It is easy to spot someone who did not look into triathlon tips before the race. This is because they will attack the swimming portion with all the energy they have. This will cause many people to drop out quickly once they get on their bikes. Find a good pace in your training and stick with that when you start the race. Keep your pace throughout the race. The only time you should actually sprint is when you near the end of the race.
Photo Credits: Grayskullduggery
Originally posted 2010-03-18 10:47:34. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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October 25th, 2011 — Biking, Swim Bike Run
A good part of understanding your triathlon training and performance is having a grasp on the lingo. Here is a guide to cycling terms that you should know in order to get the most out of your experience.
Derailleur - When gears are shifted on a bike, the derailleur is the mechanism that changes which gear sprocket the bicycle chain is on.
Devil Take the Hindmost - Devil take the hindmost is a race type in which the last rider across the finish line in each lap of the course is eliminated from the race, this type of race is also known as a miss-and-out.
Disk Wheel - A disk wheel is a spokeless solid wheel used for its aerodynamic properties, mostly in time trials but also in other types of races.
Domestique - The domestique is a rider in long races who has the responsibility to retrieve items such as water and food to pass along to their teammates from the support vehicle.
Draft - Drafting is a way to decrease a cyclist’s wind resistance by riding closely on the tail of another cyclist.
Drops - On handlebars that are turned down, the drops are the lower portion.
Echelon - An echelon is a formation used by groups of cyclists not competing with each other. By riding in a diagonal pattern with each rider downwind of the one in front of them the lead rider lowers the wind resistance of the whole group. To spread out the extra effort, members of the group take turns riding in the lead.
Field - In a race, the field refers to the main mass of riders.
Field Sprint - A field sprint usually occurs towards the end of a section of a long race, it is when riders within the main group.
Fixed Gear - Seen in track bikes, a fixed gear is what is known as direct drive, where the rear cog is linked to the chain ring, with this configuration a rider cannot coast as the pedals will spin whenever the bike moved.
Flyer - A flyer is when a lone rider makes an unexpected attack.
Force the Pace - Forcing the pace involves speeding up to force the rest of the group to speed up as well.
Full Tuck - The full tuck provides an improvement in a riders aerodynamics by having the rider assume a crouching position.
Gap – The gap is described as being the amount of time that is between riders or between groups of riders. This can also refer to working to increase a lead and widen that gap.
Granny Gear - Used for making difficult inclines, the granny gear is a name for a mountain bike’s lowest gear.
Hammer - To hammer is to ride at the very limit of an individual’s capabilities, or to ride extremely hard.
Hammered - To be hammered is to be completely exhausted.
Photo credits: Futurilla
Originally posted 2009-10-29 03:20:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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