Mens Bicycle - 3 Essential Expert Tips to Know When Buying a Mens Bicycle

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One of the most important steps is to conduct a needs analysis-of yourself. What type of cycling do you plan to do? Which features and components would best suit your biking needs? Do you plan bike short, moderate, or lengthy distances? These are all important considerations, to ensure that you find the best mens bicycle for your particular needs. Starting your search for a men's bike based on your own needs, will help to narrow down your search.

Secondly, you can conduct your search either online or offline. The main benefit of searching online is that it's either to compare different bikes and features. You also can avoid traffic jams, long lines in stores, and pushy salespeople. However, there are also some benefits of shopping offline. There are no shipping costs, and you can test ride different cycles. This latter benefit is particularly useful, as making a final decision about which bike to buy will be much easier.

The third and final important step is to determine which bike and features best meets your needs. Road bikes are excellent for racing on roads and for lengthy distances. The frames are usually comprised of lightweight aluminum or steel, and are available with 24-30 speeds.

Meanwhile, front-suspension mountain bikes are ideal for smooth or somewhat rugged terrain. They're perfect for dirt jumping and need less upkeep than other types of bikes. These bikes tend to be fairly lightweight and less bulky than other all-terrain bikes.

If you want a more rugged cycle, then consider a full-suspension mountain bike. These are perfect for off-road biking and particularly up steep inclines and on rugged terrain. They feature robust frames and huge, chunky tires.

Then there's a hybrid bike, which is ideal for roads or level dirt. If you need a cycle for ride of moderate lengths then this is the perfect bike for you. Features of this type of cycle include a large frame and somewhat narrow tires. As with the physical features of this bike, the price is also moderate.

Finally, the comfort bike is another common mens bicycle variety. This is also ideal for casual rides on roads or dirt surfaces. Typically, this variety of two-wheeler has roughly 18 speeds and an affordable price tag.

When shopping for men's cycles, it's important to know what to look for. While the crossbar on a man's bike is parallel to the ground, those for women's bikes are slanted downwards. However, some women whose bodies aren't "standard" often choose men's bicycles.

The essence of a bike is the frame. While "standard" bikes tend to be composed of steel or aluminum, high-end bicycles include titanium or carbon fiber. It's important to consider the pros and cons of each material type. The main features that you should consider are the weight, sturdiness, and flexibility of the materials. The best material is the one that best accommodates your riding needs.

Another important component of a mens bicycle is the handlebars. The main options you have are a straight handlebar and a dropbar. You can usually find straight handlebars on mountain bikes, comfort bikes, and hybrids. Meanwhile, dropbars are common for road bikes and racing bikes.

Then there are the gears and brakes. Typically, the more gears you have, the easier it will be to ride on a variety of terrains. While road bikes tend to have a caliper-style brakes, mountain bicycles usually have disc brakes.

Another important matter to consider is the mobility of the cycle. Many of today's bikes include a quick-release axle that allows you to easily remove the back tire. Then you can mount it onto a bike rack, or place it inside your vehicle.

Following these tips will help you to choose the best men's bicycle for your cycling needs. While using this methodical approach will take more time, it will ultimately be worthwhile. Be a man with a plan and an outstanding bike!

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Bicycle Racks For Cars - Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Car Bike Racks

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The trend of buying bicycle racks for cars has been increasing quite dramatically in recent months. This is not only to do with the high cost of gas but, the growing popularity of a very family orientated sport. The problem is that there are also a lot of returns of bike racks because people buy the wrong bike carrier and end up with scratches or loose racks and are generally unhappy with their purchase.

So if you are thinking of getting car bike racks anytime soon, read through this article to find out what common mistakes you can avoid when buying a bike carrier.

1. Choose The Correct Bike Rack for Your Car
There are 5 main types of bicycle racks for cars and trucks. They are the roof mount, hitch mount, trunk mount, tire mount, and truck bed mount. The type of rack you buy will depend on the type of car you have among a few other things.

If you have a car with a hatch back and no hitch receiver, your choice would be narrowed down to a trunk mount bike rack or the roof top bike rack. Now, you need to check that the model you are going with, will fit the car you drive. Also make sure that the rack includes all the extra's like locks, extra bars or straps if you need them. More expensive racks often have good padding for protection, life time guarantees and good customer support, but they don't always include all the parts you need.

The fine print and reviews of most products will soon let you know.

If you have a hatch back, but want a hitch mount bike rack, because of the reason that you need access to the trunk, then all you need to do is get a hitch receiver fitted. Before you rush out and buy a hitch receiver make sure you know how many inches it should be so that your rack fits it. Also be sure to get the hitch mount bike rack that is as swing away type or can be lowered. Some models are fixed so you won't be able to open your trunk anyway!

2. What Type of Bike Do You Have?
A 4 bike rack will carry 3 bikes comfortably but you often find the 4th will only just squeeze in if not at all. This is because the carrier is designed for general frames and not for ladies bikes, kid's bikes, a tandem and so on. Be sure to ensure that your bike frame and size will be best suited to the rack you choose.

3. Choose a bigger rather than a smaller rack
Bikers get so into their riding that they often rope the whole family in. So if you are planning on only getting a bicycle carrier for one or two bikes, maybe think of getting one for 3 bicycles. They are not that much more expensive and you will most likely find yourself inviting a friend or family member along because you have the extra space for friends.

4. Be Careful of Damaging the Paint Work on Your Car
This happens to those people who buy the trunk mount bike rack that come with straps. This doesn't imply that this type of rack is a bad one, just takes the necessary precautions to prevent scratches. You can buy some cheap rubber padding and put it between the frame and car for extra care. Also make sure the car is clean and dust free when you attach the rack to avoid the sandpapering effect. Lastly choose a rack that is going to fit your car properly. A bad fit will mean it will be a tad loose and end up rubbing badly. If you do have to get a trunk style bike rack, then choose one that doesn't rest on the back bumper. That will help you out a lot.

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Bicycle Tires

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A bicycle is one of earliest modes of transportation developed by man. With the invention of the wheels, man was mobile and continues to be. Wheels have undergone numerous changes to help people attain great speeds by themselves or when combined with motorized gadgets. The efficiency and utility of bicycle tires is determined by their ability to convert the force produced by riders. This undemanding mechanism helps riders move forward. It is important to use bicycle tires that are recommended for a particular bicycle frame. Bicycle tires are available in varying sizes and widths. Tires are ranked as per their rolling resistance, uniformity of speed in a straight line and ability to remain upright at turns.

Bicycle tires help balance a bicycle when riders are off their seats while attempting to create extra speed through side-to-side maneuvers. This is common when racing or hiking. At a professional level like this, bicycle tires that are used are very different from regular counterparts. Bicycle tires are likely to wear off because of local weather conditions. Tire size, tread patterns, rubber compounds, and frequency of bicycle usage regulate wear and tear of tires. In case of a puncture, bicycle tires can be repaired in a matter of minutes by mechanics. Tubeless tires offer maximum resistance to punctures.

Bicycle tires may be of regular or off road varieties. Users need to be attentive to air pressures within attire and have them filled as and when required. When inflating bicycle tires, they need to be checked with accurate meters. This helps fill an accurate amount of air and prevents chances of tire bursts and accidents. Bicycle tires are available at showrooms and with local mechanics. Potential customers may opt for online shopping to find a creditable bicycle tire source. Apart from the regular design tires that are fitted in a bicycle at the time of purchase, owners may choose to replace them with broad width tires that are stylish and preferred by many.

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Bicycle Tubes - $2.99 Special or the $10.00 Deluxe?

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There is no rocket science to buying bicycle tubes, but if you’re the type that loves off-road riding or cruising 20 miles outside of town you may want to buy with a few extra features. Of course maybe your real passion in life is changing a tire in the mud hole on the side of the highway or pushing your bike back to town. What features might keeps you riding? Here’s a list.

Size of Bicycle Tube: If weight is not a big issue, buying a tire that is wider then you will need gives more puncture protection. If the tube is not inflated to its maximum capacity the rubber wall thickness will be greater than normal and thus less prone to damage.

Material Used: The most common bicycle tube is typically made of butyl rubber, a synthetic version of the real thing. It is much less expensive but not as flexible, thus more prone to pinch flats. It holds its air well and rarely requires refilling and easy to purchase in any and all of the local bike shops and hardware stores. Butyl tubes typically weigh 100 to 150 grams.

There are some specialty ones as well. Some manufacturers make a thick-walled version with a significantly thicker rubber layer on the tread side to resist glass and thorn damage. Other tubes are made with more sophisticated technology to shave 10 or 20 grams off the weight.

You’ll pay twice the price for a natural latex rubber bicycle tube but with its greater elasticity it will last longer. Natural rubber is more resistant to punctures and pinch flats. As an added bonus it weights significantly less giving you greater peddle efficiency. Some, like the Michelin bicycle tube weighs as little as 65 grams when using natural latex. As with everything it has its down side. Natural rubber is somewhat more porous than butyl, thus tends to lose air pressure over time. Be sure to bring a pump for top ups!

Tire Sealant: Additives are available to inject into your tire. In fact some tires like the Slime Self-Sealing Tube come with a tire sealant already inside. The compressed air inside the tube drives the sealant through small puncture wounds and seals the hole on contact with the outside air. You’ll never know you ever had a puncture. It can be added afterwards to some tubes but it depends on the type of tube stem. Presta valves are usually a no-no as the sealant clogs the valve.

Tire Liners: You can add a thin strip of Kevlar or plastic between the tire and tube to offer an extra layer of protection, but they can be a pain to get in place when changing your tube, so I’d prefer to use a tire sealant or heavy walled tube to start with.

Types of Bike Tire Tube Stems: There are typically two choices of tube stems, the Schraeder valve and the Presta valve. The Schraeder valve is the old fashion design you are familiar with on your car tire. It is readily available, can be filled up with the standard gas station pump, and always has a valve stem that can be removed if you wish to add tire sealant.

Presta valves are newer; more aerodynamically designed and require smaller port holes in the bike rim. This is particularly important to the road rim manufacturer. The road rim is so thin that the port hole can affect significantly the rigidity of the rim, creating a weak spot where the valve penetrates the rim. The smaller the valve the smaller the hole. Thus presta valve rule here! They do have other advantages as well, but also do have their own problems. Nothing is ever a clean win!

Visit for a more complete discussion of the pro’s and con’s of the various types of bike tire tube stems and bicycle tubes in general, or for that matter anything in connection with bicycle riding.

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Bicycle Designs & Styles - Choosing Between Custom Made Cycles and Factory Built Bikes

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Currently there are many types of bicycles available. Even so, the standard safety bicycle design developed in the 1800's is the basis of our current bicycle designs. The types of bicycle most commonly used today are mountain bikes, cruisers, touring bicycles, racing bikes, BMX's and utility bikes. The class a bicycle falls in hinges on a number of elements; style of construction, number of passengers, gearing and propulsion.

Mountain bicycles were intended for trail and mountain riding where the terrain is tough. The frames are constructed to resist the rough treatment of riding in natural settings. In addition, special tires and gearing make it easier for riders to get the power they require to keep moving.

BMX bicycles are another unique style. These cycles usually have little 16 - 24 inch traction treaded tires. They are small framed, making them easier to maneuver and much faster. BMX bikes are usually used for racing and even for doing fantastic tricks.

Racing cycles are designed for road cycling and they are all about speed. They're light weight and have excellent handling. Racing bicycles use drop handlebars, positioned lower than the saddle. This puts the riders body in the best possible aerodynamic posture. The closeness of the derailleur gear ratios permit the rider to pedal at the most effective cadence.

Touring bikes are unique in that they have racks mounted on them to carry the riders gear. These racks are attached to the frame of the bicycle in front and back. The wheel base is also longer than on a standard bike, which makes it able to carry more weight. Also, features such as wider tires and additional water bottle mounts are commonly incorporated.

Tandem bicycles carry two or more passengers at once. Tandem refers to the way the seats of the bicycle are set up, and not to the number of passengers it will carry. All the passengers of a tandem bike pedal, providing power. In most tandem set ups, the front rider controls the steering just like in a standard bicycle.

Low rider bicycles are normally home-built, extraordinary customized bikes. They have normally got an old-school curled banana seat with a extremely tall sissy bar. Ape-hangers are the norm for handlebars, giving the bicycle a "chopper" look & feel. They're normally chromed to the limit and have glittery, high spoke-count wheels.

Recumbent bikes & trikes are designed so that the rider is reclining back in a low-statured position. Also commonly referred to as 'bents. The seat supports the passengers back and the legs are extended forward to the pedals. The seat and pedals are usually at the same height. Tires used on recumbents are commonly smaller and farther apart than they are on an upright bike. Recumbents can be guided using either over- or under- seat steering.

There are other types of human powered vehicles referred to as "bikes" too. Though they are not technically regarded as bicycles, they work on the same general principles. They include unicycles, tricycles and quadracycles. Fun to ride, no doubt, none of these styles are used very often.

Despite the multitude of bicycles that are commercially available, there are always those that want to construct their own. Building a bicycle, trike, or tandem at home is fun and not awful hard. In fact, nearly anybody with a can-do attitude, a a couple of tools and some simple instruction could build a decent bicycle.

Bike building can be done in a shed or garage and it's an excellent small project. For individuals that want a custom-made bike without the custom built cost it's an excellent choice. The bicycle you make could bring back a old-time style or lead the pack into the future of bike construction.

Whether you decide to ride a factory built bicycle or a unique custom bike, the important thing is to get out there and ride! Next time, we'll discuss the important topic of bicycle safety.

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How to Choose a Bicycle Car Rack

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There are several types of bicycle racks for cars. Trunk mount, Roof mount, Spare Tire mount or Receiver Hitch mount. Trunk mount bicycle racks for cars are the most common.

Advantages To Trunk Mount Bicycle Car Rack

Trunk Mount are usually cheaper than other types of racks.
Simple installation. Easy to store when not in use.
Often they are great for hauling one or sometimes two bikes.

Disadvantages to trunk mount bike racks

If your car is dirty and you put a trunk mount on, the dirt under the rack feet will act like sandpaper and ruin the paint.

Some Trunk Racks do not get the bike far enough from the car so the bike can rub on the car.
You cannot attach the upper rack straps to a glass window. If your car's back window opens and there is not an attachment point above that that is metal you cannot attach a trunk rack. Some of the older Camaros, Firebirds, Toyota 4 Runner have this problem so you either need to use a receiver hitch rack or a roof rack.

If your exhaust pipe points directly at the tires on your bike it can overheat the tire and ruin it.
Many racks do not separate the bikes well and the bikes will rub the paint off of each other.
You cannot access the back of the vehicle when you have bicycles on the rack.

Advantages to Roof Racks

The bikes are well separated so they do not rub on each other or the car.
You can pull a trailer and the bikes will not be in the way.
The roof racks protect the finish on your car really well.
Often there are a lot of other accessories to carry canoes, skis, snowboards etc. to fit the roof rack.

Disadvantages to Roof Racks

People have been known to forget the bikes are on the roof and run into the garage. This is really hard on the car, bike and sometimes the garage.
Usually Roof Racks are quite expensive. Often it will cost over $400 for a two bike roof rack.
Putting the bike on the roof can be a chore sometimes.
The extra wind drag from the bikes above the car will significantly affect your gas mileage.
Installing a roof rack can be a chore.

Putting your bike on a roof rack can be difficult.

Advantages to Spare Tire Racks

Sometimes they are the only rack that will fit the vehicle.

Disadvantages to Spare tire racks

They do not fit many cars.

Advantages to Receiver Hitch Racks

Easy to install.
Less wind drag than Roof Racks.
The bikes are kept away from the car so they do not rub on the paint of the car.
The rack only touches the car by slipping into the Receiver and either bolted or pinned to the receiver.

Receiver racks are easy to move from vehicle to vehicle as long as the vehicle has the right size receiver. Check out my Receiver Hitch Tips page.

Disadvantages to Receiver Hitch Racks

If your vehicle does not have a receiver it usually costs around $200 or more to have a receiver put on.

You cannot haul a trailer when your rack is on your car.

Like the Trunk rack and the Spare Tire Rack when your bikes are on the rack it is often hard to get into the back of the car.

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