Bike Parts

Bike Parts and Gear

Getting around in these energy conscious times causes a lot of concern to people, environmentalists and lawmakers everyday. The cost of fuel is rising as well as the cost of living while wages are staying roughly the same which is leading more people to find alternative forms of transportation such as riding the bus, carpooling and bicycling to work and play. Bikes are the only method besides walking that doesn’t increase the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. Well it does contribute a little because the bicyclist is breathing harder.

Riding a bicycle is a skill that is never forgotten and is easy to learn. It is good for the rider’s health and good for the environment. It doesn’t cost anything and in most cases it is just as quick as driving, especially in urban areas rife with traffic lights. There is no costly insurance, registration, licensing or fear of getting pulled over and harassed by the police when riding a cycle. With a good bike helmet it is one of the safest activities allowed. Add a bicycle rack to any car and the bike can easily be taken on vacation or delivered to remote trail heads.

Road bikes are designed to be fast and light. They are geared high to achieve high speeds and have a frame and handle bars that promote a forward aerodynamic position. They are not the most comfortable bikes to ride, but for long distances nothing compares to their lightness. No one wants to take a cruiser on a hundred mile ride no matter how comfy it is, it is still heavy.

Mountain bikes are another story. On roads they are slow and with knobby tires they are loud as well. They are highly maneuverable and often suspended in the front, sometimes in the rear as well, making them great for winding twisting and rough terrain. The bicycle parts are made to be both light and tough which makes them more expensive than similar road bike parts. They are also more complex to accommodate the varying suspension and trail conditions. While some are incredibly light that is reflected in the price with some bikes exceeding $5000. Be careful with light bikes that seem too good to be true, they are often weak and under engineered to lower weight and costs.

An electric bike can aid the rider when traveling up hills or on long distances. These aren’t bikes with no pedals and an electric engine, they look just like a regular bike but often with a plastic enclosed frame. They can be charged from a wall socket or by pedaling and braking. Most simply lower the resistance of the pedals while riding so less energy has to be exerted by the rider.

Some bike gear to consider while riding are gloves to protect from blisters and road and trail vibrations, biking shoes with clip in cleats to maximize stability and power transfer to the wheels as well as improving control of the bike, and a water supply such as a camelback which offers an instant hands free water source. Other useful gear includes a bicycle trailer for transporting multiple bikes, or when attached to a bike it is used for children or other supplies. Remember to keep your head up and eyes down the road or trail.

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Bike Parts and Gear

Getting around in these energy conscious times causes a lot of concern to people, environmentalists and lawmakers everyday. The cost of fuel is rising as well as the cost of living while wages are staying roughly the same which is leading more people to find alternative forms of transportation such as riding the bus, carpooling and bicycling to work and play. Bikes are the only method besides walking that doesn’t increase the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. Well it does contribute a little because the bicyclist is breathing harder.

Riding a bicycle is a skill that is never forgotten and is easy to learn. It is good for the rider’s health and good for the environment. It doesn’t cost anything and in most cases it is just as quick as driving, especially in urban areas rife with traffic lights. There is no costly insurance, registration, licensing or fear of getting pulled over and harassed by the police when riding a cycle. With a good bike helmet it is one of the safest activities allowed. Add a bicycle rack to any car and the bike can easily be taken on vacation or delivered to remote trail heads.

Road bikes are designed to be fast and light. They are geared high to achieve high speeds and have a frame and handle bars that promote a forward aerodynamic position. They are not the most comfortable bikes to ride, but for long distances nothing compares to their lightness. No one wants to take a cruiser on a hundred mile ride no matter how comfy it is, it is still heavy.

Mountain bikes are another story. On roads they are slow and with knobby tires they are loud as well. They are highly maneuverable and often suspended in the front, sometimes in the rear as well, making them great for winding twisting and rough terrain. The bicycle parts are made to be both light and tough which makes them more expensive than similar road bike parts. They are also more complex to accommodate the varying suspension and trail conditions. While some are incredibly light that is reflected in the price with some bikes exceeding $5000. Be careful with light bikes that seem too good to be true, they are often weak and under engineered to lower weight and costs.

An electric bike can aid the rider when traveling up hills or on long distances. These aren’t bikes with no pedals and an electric engine, they look just like a regular bike but often with a plastic enclosed frame. They can be charged from a wall socket or by pedaling and braking. Most simply lower the resistance of the pedals while riding so less energy has to be exerted by the rider.

Some bike gear to consider while riding are gloves to protect from blisters and road and trail vibrations, biking shoes with clip in cleats to maximize stability and power transfer to the wheels as well as improving control of the bike, and a water supply such as a camelback which offers an instant hands free water source. Other useful gear includes a bicycle trailer for transporting multiple bikes, or when attached to a bike it is used for children or other supplies. Remember to keep your head up and eyes down the road or trail.