Here's the easiest way to keep your bike in perfect condition:
1. Wipe down the frame with a clean rag.
2. Wipe and lube the chain.
3. Inspect the tires for tears, or embedded objects waiting to work their way in and give you a flat.
4. Spin the wheels to make sure they're true (get any wobbles fixed before your next ride or it may get thrown out of whack).
5. Check the brakes to make sure there's at least 2mm of pad left above the wear line. Any less, replace 'em before the next ride.
Extra tips:
The best way to clean a chain is: Drop it into a 2-liter plastic bottle filled with a couple ounces of undiluted citrus degreaser, screw on the cap, and shake vigorously. Fish the chain out with a spoke, rinse in water, and your chain is spotless. Time for a new chain when 12 links of your chain, measures more than 12 inches.
Proper handlebar position is essential for good form and a smooth ride. For road bikes put the top of the handlebar about 1 inch lower than the top of the saddle. For mountain bikes, position the brake levers so that your wrists don't bend when you depress the lever.
Shoes: Stiffer soles translate to pedaling efficiency (flexing dissipates energy). Unless you mix riding and walking, get the stiffest sole you can find and your need for speed will be a cinch!
Full Version: Bicycling Time Again
most of this is good practice when biking... but there is some stuff that i disagree with up top. (being a avid biker)
"Time for a new chain when 12 links of your chain, measures more than 12 inches."
this is not always true. some chains (depending on the chain type in the high end bikes (over $350) are bigger than that brand new never installed.
"For mountain bikes, position the brake levers so that your wrists don't bend when you depress the lever."
this is not true... you should have your levers adjusted so that your wrist do not move. and your bars should not be higher than about 1.5 inches MAX of of the frame. if it is a higher end MT. bike it will have a thread-less fork system which will have the proper spacers inset.
"Shoes: Stiffer soles translate to pedaling efficiency (flexing dissipates energy)."
this is VERY true. if you plan to do a lot of riding you might want to look into a clip-less pedal set. what is this ... its a shoe and a pedal combo. the shoe is created of different materials depending on the shoe quality. some will have a stiff plastic bottom some will have a carbon fiber bottom. and then there is a pedal that goes with the set. if you look online at some of the bike stores (www.pricepoint.com) you can find some good deals on these shoes and pedals. They will range from $50 for a pair of shoes to $240 for a pair (mine were $140 and they are no more than what anybody needs) and the pedals range from $20 (good pedal for a beginner at this system) to $300 (mine were $140 and once again no more than what anybody would ever need)
also there is road shoes and MT. shoes so make sure you get the right ones for your riding style (this goes with the pedals also.)
tony
"Time for a new chain when 12 links of your chain, measures more than 12 inches."
this is not always true. some chains (depending on the chain type in the high end bikes (over $350) are bigger than that brand new never installed.
"For mountain bikes, position the brake levers so that your wrists don't bend when you depress the lever."
this is not true... you should have your levers adjusted so that your wrist do not move. and your bars should not be higher than about 1.5 inches MAX of of the frame. if it is a higher end MT. bike it will have a thread-less fork system which will have the proper spacers inset.
"Shoes: Stiffer soles translate to pedaling efficiency (flexing dissipates energy)."
this is VERY true. if you plan to do a lot of riding you might want to look into a clip-less pedal set. what is this ... its a shoe and a pedal combo. the shoe is created of different materials depending on the shoe quality. some will have a stiff plastic bottom some will have a carbon fiber bottom. and then there is a pedal that goes with the set. if you look online at some of the bike stores (www.pricepoint.com) you can find some good deals on these shoes and pedals. They will range from $50 for a pair of shoes to $240 for a pair (mine were $140 and they are no more than what anybody needs) and the pedals range from $20 (good pedal for a beginner at this system) to $300 (mine were $140 and once again no more than what anybody would ever need)
also there is road shoes and MT. shoes so make sure you get the right ones for your riding style (this goes with the pedals also.)
tony
Ditch the training wheels - from Rich Conroy, bicycle-education-programs manager for Bike New York. BY JULIEK NAPP - June 2006 Parents Magazine
A Remove the pedals.
Riding a bike is all about balance—and believe it or not, the easiest way for your child to learn that basic skill is without the pedals on his bike. You may also need to lower the seat so that he can put both of his feet flat on the ground. Tip: The old rule "righty tighty, lefty loosey" only works to loosen the bike's right pedal. You'll need to turn your adjustable wrench in a clockwise direction to remove the left one.
Watch him balance.
Have your child push off the ground with both feet two or three times. Once he gets going, he should try to balance by lifting both legs out to the sides as he coasts. Once he can balance and roll around confidently, he's ready for pedals.
Tip: Tempted to hold on to the back of your child's bike seat? Don't do it!
It'll give him a false sense of balance, and it'll give you a major backache.
Tumble Recovery
No matter what you do, your child will fall from time to time. Don't let him get discouraged. Remind him that riding a bike takes practice and that even adults and pro cyclists have spills. Be encouraging—he'll be pedaling around in no time!
A Teach the power position.
To get a good start, your biker should begin his ride in the power position, with his left foot on the ground and his right leg bent so the pedal is at two o'clock. This way he's at the top of his stroke—when he pushes down on the pedal, he'll gain momentum and can start pedaling normally.
Show him how to stop.
Many beginners simply drag their feet on the ground as they come to a shaky halt. Instead, teach your child to use the foot brake by moving the pedals in reverse, rolling to a stop, and then finally putting his feet down.
A trick for turning.
To avoid falls, the inside pedal should be up so it doesn't hit the ground when your child leans into a turn. For example, as he turns left, he should make sure the left pedal is at the top of his stroke.
Helmet how-to.
About 75 percent of fatal head injuries to kids on bikes could have been prevented if they had been wearing a bike helmet, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. Follow our checklist to make sure your child's helmet fits correctly.
Be sure the straps are taut and fit around his ears in a "V" shape.
The helmet should rest low on his forehead, no more than two finger-widths above his eyebrows. It should never tilt back at an angle.
The chin strap should be snug against the throat. Tighten it until only one finger can fit between the strap and his throat.
Lights can help make your child visible even on gloomy days. Soup up the spokes with lights that blink while they bike. Your child can spell out their cool biker nickname by using stickers on a reflector license plate.
Don't forget the horn or bell, it could come in handy. Try to wear white clothes at night too for drivers to see you.
*****
Good luck and let us know how your bike adventure goes.
A Remove the pedals.
Riding a bike is all about balance—and believe it or not, the easiest way for your child to learn that basic skill is without the pedals on his bike. You may also need to lower the seat so that he can put both of his feet flat on the ground. Tip: The old rule "righty tighty, lefty loosey" only works to loosen the bike's right pedal. You'll need to turn your adjustable wrench in a clockwise direction to remove the left one.
Watch him balance.
Have your child push off the ground with both feet two or three times. Once he gets going, he should try to balance by lifting both legs out to the sides as he coasts. Once he can balance and roll around confidently, he's ready for pedals.
Tip: Tempted to hold on to the back of your child's bike seat? Don't do it!
It'll give him a false sense of balance, and it'll give you a major backache.
Tumble Recovery
No matter what you do, your child will fall from time to time. Don't let him get discouraged. Remind him that riding a bike takes practice and that even adults and pro cyclists have spills. Be encouraging—he'll be pedaling around in no time!
A Teach the power position.
To get a good start, your biker should begin his ride in the power position, with his left foot on the ground and his right leg bent so the pedal is at two o'clock. This way he's at the top of his stroke—when he pushes down on the pedal, he'll gain momentum and can start pedaling normally.
Show him how to stop.
Many beginners simply drag their feet on the ground as they come to a shaky halt. Instead, teach your child to use the foot brake by moving the pedals in reverse, rolling to a stop, and then finally putting his feet down.
A trick for turning.
To avoid falls, the inside pedal should be up so it doesn't hit the ground when your child leans into a turn. For example, as he turns left, he should make sure the left pedal is at the top of his stroke.
Helmet how-to.
About 75 percent of fatal head injuries to kids on bikes could have been prevented if they had been wearing a bike helmet, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. Follow our checklist to make sure your child's helmet fits correctly.
Be sure the straps are taut and fit around his ears in a "V" shape.
The helmet should rest low on his forehead, no more than two finger-widths above his eyebrows. It should never tilt back at an angle.
The chin strap should be snug against the throat. Tighten it until only one finger can fit between the strap and his throat.
Lights can help make your child visible even on gloomy days. Soup up the spokes with lights that blink while they bike. Your child can spell out their cool biker nickname by using stickers on a reflector license plate.
Don't forget the horn or bell, it could come in handy. Try to wear white clothes at night too for drivers to see you.
*****
Good luck and let us know how your bike adventure goes.
My first wheels - Sandra Gordon, author of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products
Read This Before You Shop
Take you child shopping with you to make sure the tricycle fits her well. She
should be able to turn the pedals easily while sitting squarely on the seat, and her knees shouldn't hit the handlebars.
Look for a heavy-duty trike with large tires, a low center of gravity, and a wide wheelbase, which helps prevent tipping. The front wheel should also turn easily.
Buy according to manufacturers' age recommendations, but keep in mind that most kids don't have the coordination to ride a tricycle well until around age 3. If you're buying for a child under 3, get a tricycle with a push bar.
You may want to put a tall flag on the back of the trike to increase visibility.
Read This Before You Shop
Take you child shopping with you to make sure the tricycle fits her well. She
should be able to turn the pedals easily while sitting squarely on the seat, and her knees shouldn't hit the handlebars.
Look for a heavy-duty trike with large tires, a low center of gravity, and a wide wheelbase, which helps prevent tipping. The front wheel should also turn easily.
Buy according to manufacturers' age recommendations, but keep in mind that most kids don't have the coordination to ride a tricycle well until around age 3. If you're buying for a child under 3, get a tricycle with a push bar.
You may want to put a tall flag on the back of the trike to increase visibility.
MORE BIKE SAFETY TIPS, you may not know 1. Store helmets in a cool place
When helmets are kept in warm places, such as car trunks, heat damage can occur. (You'll see small bubbles on the surface of the foam liner.) Damaged helmets are less effective at protecting heads.
2. Light up your bike
Manufacturers are required by law to equip bikes with reflectors on the front, back, wheels and pedals because they make riders more visible to drivers. Don't let your child remove them to make his bike look "cooler."
3. Make sure tires are full of air
Flat tires aren't just a nuisance—they can cause kids to lose balance and control, leading to crashes. Pinch the sides of tires once a week to make sure they're properly inflated. And when buying new ones, opt for tires and tubes made with "Slime," a substance that automatically seals the tire closed if it's punctured.
4. Turn off the phone
Tell your teen to keep their cell phone on silent mode or vibrate when riding. Loud rings can startle and distract riders from the road. And remind them to never talk on the phone while riding, pull over and park the bike this will give them a chance to stretch and give their attention to the caller without worries of cars driving by.
5. Listen up
Some cars (especially hybrids) are so quiet that you can't always hear them coming. Tell your child to leave his iPod at home and to look over his left shoulder frequently if riding on the road. A bike mirror is also helpful for keeping track of cars. It is better to pay attention since it is their life and safety on the line.
***
Written by Rachel Moser
Source: Sean Coffey, a 20-year competitive cyclist and a Bell Sports consultant.
From Womans Day magazine 5/30/06
A new bike and finding one that fits your body is a beautiful thing.But 55 percent of female cyclists suffer from neck pain and 30 percent have back pain. Make these tweaks to your bike and you'll make a much better match.
***
The handlebars -
Problem: If they're too high or low, you may have to lean forward, overextending your arms, hands, and neck.
Fix: Measure the seat's height. Handlebars should be even with the seat or 4 cm lower.
***
The frame -
Problem: If it's too small, you won't be able to extend your legs. If it's too
large, your knees may lock.
Fix: If you have to lower the seat so there's less than a fist's length of post showing or raise it beyond the post's limit line, the frame is the wrong size.
***
The bike seat -
Problem: If it's too far back, you may have to lean forward to reach the handlebars, straining your arms.
Fix: Adjust the seat so your knees are directly above the pedals. If you're still leaning, move the handlebars so they're closer to you.
***
The pedals -
Problem: If your feet are too far forward on the pedals, your lower back may arch, which can cause pain.
Fix: Use the balls of your feet to pedal. Maintain this position by using toe clips.
Extra safty for you, if you ride a bike, out swimming or enjoy walking, here is a company with safty in mind. www.roadid.com
Anyone who wants to have some form of ID on them at all time, might like the Wrist ID, or Shoe Id, and even an Ankle Id. What a great safe gift for any child too.
Or how about a Firefly safety light - this safety light has a durable plastic clip enables you to securely attach it to your waistband, belt or even your shirt collar. Wear it whenever you go out at night and be seen by motorists from up to a mile away.
Anyone who wants to have some form of ID on them at all time, might like the Wrist ID, or Shoe Id, and even an Ankle Id. What a great safe gift for any child too.
Or how about a Firefly safety light - this safety light has a durable plastic clip enables you to securely attach it to your waistband, belt or even your shirt collar. Wear it whenever you go out at night and be seen by motorists from up to a mile away.
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