Where can I find information on different types of road bikes?

Posted on 25th February 2010 by admin in bikes

I have a cheap mountain bike now, but I’d really like to get more into the biking world. I am a student and use my bike to ride to campus, but I’d like to do some more recreational and long term riding. I was looking at road bikes, and I read about hybrid bikes (which seemed like a good choice because they could go on road and trail). But I have no idea where to start looking for information about different kinds of bikes, or what brand I should buy.

You want to get a shop quality bike that fits you. Stay far away from Walmart and other department store bikes. Fit is very important.

Google " bike shops + your zip " to find all of the local bike shops in your area.

Visit those shops and talk with them they will have road and hybrid bikes in a wide price range to fit you budget. It will give you an idea of what you want to look for.

Don’t worry about brand they will all be very close at the same price range. Some shops cater to high end clients and some to the every day customer so visit them all.

Should the mountain bikes wheels be bouncy?

Posted on 22nd February 2010 by admin in mountain bikes

I have a Rallye 24′ Mountain Bike. I pumped it with a hand pump meant for bikes obviously, and its bouncy when i ride it. Its probably a stupid question but should it be bouncy?

Is the bouncing caused by the tyres or the suspension?
If it’s the suspension, then you’ll probably just have to live with it, because the suspension is unlikely to be adjustable.
If it’s the tyres, you may need to put a bit more pressure in them. If they’re too soft, you may get punctures if you ride over pot holes, when the tube gets pinched between the wheel rim and the road.

What is the difference between a mountain bicycle and a normal bicycle?

Posted on 22nd February 2010 by admin in mountain bicycles

I’ve heard of different types of bicycles; Hybrid, mountain etc. I’m super confused, what is the difference between bikes with thin tyres and the ones with thick tyres and rough threading? also whats a hybrid bike/mountian bike and which will be best for someone who lives in a rainy city with alot of tared roads and stuff? (sorry i’m asking so many questions in one :(
A good way to explain the differences between types of bikes is to think of them like you would think of cars.

Road racing bikes- These are the bikes you see with the extremely skinny tires and drop handlebars. The people riding them are often wearing tight lycra clothes. These are like the formula one cars or the supercars of the cycling world. They are highly specialized to only do one thing- go fast on paved roads.

Old ten speed bikes- These are what most Americans think of when they think of ‘normal’ bikes. Some have drop bars like racing bikes, some have other styles of bars. The tires generally aren’t wide, but they aren’t super skinny either. They are inexpensive bikes for just normal riding around. They are pretty much all found on the used market these days. These are the 1991 Honda Civics of the cycling world.

Cruiser bikes- These are the bikes with more curvaceous frames, like an old schwinn from the fifties. They are generally, as the name suggests, just for cruising around and having fun. Some love the style, some don’t. These are like the lowriders of the cycling world- not for going fast, just for having fun, and looking good to those that like the style.

Touring bikes- These are very stout road bikes. Many have drop bars, but certainly not all. They are designed specifically for long distance trips and carrying loads in comfort. They use wider tires. You can generally take a touring bike off road on well groomed trails and fire roads. They are like the suburban or the range rover of the cycling world.

Mountain bikes- These are bikes that are designed specifically for off road use. They generally have tires with a knobby, agressive tread. The cranks are higher up off of the ground for more clearance. Many have some sort of sprung suspension, either at the front or at the front and rear. They aren’t as good at riding on the pavement. These are the Jeeps of the cycling world, ranging from a stock jeep to one of those heavily modified lifted jeeps with mud tires.

‘Hybrid’ bikes- These are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. The goal was to create a bike that was the best of both worlds, but for the most part, they are the worst of both worlds. They aren’t as good on the road as bikes specifically designed for paved road use, and they aren’t as good off road as a mountain bike. They are like the crossover SUV’s of the cycling world- pretty much not very good at any of the tasks they were designed for. They are often also known as ‘comfort’ bikes, but they are only comfortable for short, occasional rides.

Cargo bikes- These bikes, such as the xtracycle, the surly big dummy, the kona ute, and the madsen kg271 are designed for carrying a LOT of stuff around. They are like the pickup trucks of the cycling world.

Cyclocross bikes- These are very similar to road bikes, but they use tires that are more akin to mountain bike tires. They are used for a form of racing called cyclocross racing. These are like the rally cars (subaru impreza, mitsubishi evo) of the cycling world.

Roadster bikes- Often called Dutch bikes or English bikes, these are large, very heavy bikes designed for transportation. The most notable feature of this style of bike is the fully enclosed chaincase around the chain, so you don’t have to worry about snagging your pants. They generally last forever. They are very comfortable to ride. These are like the old large sedans of the cycling world.

Tandem bikes- These are ‘bicycles built for two,’ although you can also get them for three or four people if you are willing to shell out LOTS of loot. These are kind of like the minivans of the cycling world, in a loose sense.

Folding bikes- These are small bikes that fold up so you can put them in the trunk of a car, or take them on a train or bus, or stash in the corner of your office at work. They are like the smart cars or the geo metros of the cycling world.

I am sure I have left something out here, but those are the basics.

In general, wider tires are more comfortable. Smoother tires give better performance on the road. You can get wide smooth tires, just like you can get skinnier knobby tires. If you live in a place that is rainy, the most important thing you can have on a bike is a good set of fenders that cover as much of the wheels as possible.

Good luck!

The owner of a bicycle shop reported his inventory of bicycles and tricycles in an unusual way. He said he co?

Posted on 22nd February 2010 by admin in bicycles

The owner of a bicycle shop reported his inventory of bicycles and tricycles in an unusual way. He said he counted 126 wheels and 108 pedals. How many bikes and trikes does he have?

If we use b as the number of bikes and t and the number by trikes then using his count we can create the system of equations
2b + 3t = 126 <– each bike has 2 wheels, and each trike 3
2b + 2t = 108 <– both have 2 pedals each.

Solve that system and you’ll get the number of bikes and trikes, the elimination method works fantastically here.

Can exercise bicycles help improve leg strength ?

Posted on 19th February 2010 by admin in bicycles

I am trying to make my legs stronger and was wondering if those exercise bicycles in the gym can can help me gain muscle. I know that bikes usually increase your muscular endurance, but could it help with gaining muscle as well? I know the alternative is lifting weights, but i prefer bikes.

cycling is the best way to tone your arse lol

it will burn all the floppin fat in your butt and give you a muscular hips and make your hourglass figure

but gradually increase the resistance

but i prefer cycling lunges switch that works best for me i dont know what you call it but when you make a lunge then you jump and switch on the same spot.

Do Regular Bicycles (like long distance cycles) Have Shock Absorbers or Just Mountain Bikes?

Posted on 16th February 2010 by admin in mountain bicycles


Road, commuter, touring, and fitness bikes don’t have shocks. They are not needed, add weight and absorb pedaling energy. Comfort, hybrid, and mountain bike can have shocks but some don’t. The better shocks will allow you to lock them out so you don’t waste energy when they are not needed.

Starter on my 83 CB550 is done, what bikes use similar one so can get a replacement or where can a starter?

Posted on 16th February 2010 by admin in bikes

What bike/bikes have a starter that is compatible with my CB550 nighthawk it is expensive to buy the part that is specifically for my bike. The current starter is completely gone and can no be rebuilt, bought the bike this way, the starter is now the only thing keeping it from running. I have already replaced the starter relay.

oldbikebarn.com - starter brush kit. available for most older bikes, call them if you can’t see what you want, not all kit equivalents are liste, but they are tops in support!

What are the differences of road bikes, mountain bikes, and bike paths of Trek Bike?

Posted on 7th February 2010 by admin in mountain bikes

Hi. Im trying to get a new bike from trek bike under 1000 dollars. Im just going to ride it on roads, hills and I don’t know the differences between road bikes, mountain bikes, and bike paths.Please tell me.

Go to the Trek web site.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/

How well do Specialized Tricross bicycles compare to Touring bikes?

Posted on 7th February 2010 by admin in bikes

The goal is trans-continental tour. Bikes I’m looking at are the Trek 520, Surly Long Haul Trucker, and comparable in price Specialized Tricross. Going west to east, solo, front and rear panniers, and I’m 6′ 170 lbs.

A comment regarding the Specialized. Wheel base is a little short. May or may not have heel clearance for your rear panniers. Gearing is not quite low enough for my taste. I would exchange the 12-27 cassette for at least an 11-32. You will be hauling at least 45 to 50 pounds of racks, panniers, and gear. Plus 28-30 pounds for the bike and your 170 pounds. Grand total of upwards of 250 pounds. Plus water. All being propelled by your legs, lungs, and heart.
As far as training, hit the weights. Can’t emphasis enough the importance of strength when you are riding day after day. If you are carrying any extra weight, do your best to be as lean as possible. Any and all extra weight will conspire to sap strength from you and contribute to fatigue.
I rode from Seattle to San Francisco. 3 weeks covering 1000 miles supported. Bike was about 7 pounds too heavy and I was about 25 pounds too heavy despite losing weight prior to my trip. I was very fatigued by the end of the trip. Your trip will be twice as long carrying more gear. Are you using an Adventure Cycle mapped route?
Also something to consider. Use a lighter weight bicycle and carry your gear in a B.O.B. trailer. Trailer carries the bulk of the weight, so you can use a lighter bicycle. No need for a heavy front tire and rim.
Good Luck

What are the bicycles that you use your hands to pedal them?

Posted on 7th February 2010 by admin in bicycles

Hi,:) My little brother was in an accident and is paralyzed from waist down. I think some great therapy and upper body workout is critical in recovery for him. I’ve seen these guys pedaling bikes around with their hands and I think it has two wheels in the back? What are they called? Price? Any feedback is appreciated. ; )

They are called hand bikes or hand cycles.

http://bike-on.com/