Category: bike

riding a bike

A Buying Guide for a Bike

2020-06-02 bike by Justin Mazzola

The current market has different types and models of bikes that buyers can choose from. These include comfort bikes, mountain bikes, commuting bikes, and hybrid bikes. The type of bike chosen depends on the kind of biking that the user wants to do. Some of them are designed for road riding, while others are designed for long-distance travel or trail riding.

Picking the right bike can be a daunting task because of the many choices available in the market today. This write –up is going to guide you find and buy a bike that meets your needs and budget. Let’s have a look at the essential factors that you must consider when shopping around for a bike.

Where to Buy

new bikes

There are many dealers out there that sell quality, affordable bikes.However, these dealers have a limited selection, and their products are the most expensive. On the other hand, online retailers are known for their prior-year sales and aggressive pricing.

Where to Ride

As mentioned earlier, there are different types of bikes. You should figure out what you want to do with your bike before choosing a new bike. Are you planning to ride on natural-surface paths or paved surfaces? A fitness bike or a road bike is a practical option for riders who want to ride for exercise or who ride on paved surfaces. On the other hand, cruiser or comfort bikes are ideal for casual rides.

Understand the Bike Anatomy

a bike

It is essential to understand different components that make a bike. The main components of a bike include the frame, drive train, wheels, brakes, contact points, and suspension. The frame is the main component of a bike. In fact, it is the part that connects the other parts. It is either made of steel, carbon fiber, or aluminum. In general, you should understand how the various components work and the kind of materials that make them before purchasing a new bike.

Pricing

A rider should consider his/her budget before selecting a bike. Quality bikes are costlier than poorly assembled or cheaply made bikes. One can get the best value for his/her money by shopping around for a bike that will last. Quality bikes are light and come with better suspensions, light wheels, and sturdy metal frames.…

bicycle tour ride trail

Mountain Bike Gear Must-Haves For Safety Ride

2019-10-11 bike by Maddu Alexa

Mountain biking is an exciting outdoor recreational activity. It is known to be a fun and exciting way of exercise. Mountain biking is a low impact sport. It has less impact on your joints than any activities such as running. Cycling is also considered a non-load bearing sport, which means that the act of sitting takes the pressure from your joints and reduces the risk of injuries.

Since this is an outdoor activity, you need to wear protective gear to prevent injuries. Mountain biking planet has several quality gears and accessories that you can choose from.

Here are some essential gears for a smooth and safe ride:

Mountain Biking Footwear

There are many types of MTB shoes you can choose from, depending on your style of riding. You can select from freeride shoes or all-mountain shoes that are generally compatible with clipless pedals. Called clipless because they lack a toe clip, these pedals secure your foot, allowing more control and power when riding.
shoes pedal gear

Helmet
The helmet is vital safety gear. Every rider should wear a sturdy helmet to reduce the severity of head injuries, such as concussions. Helmets are built with a visor to help block the sun as you ride. It protects you from the trees so you can focus on the trail and not be distracted by glare or flashing lights.
safety gear helmet

Eye Wear

Eye protection is necessary when you are riding. It protects your eyes from trail dirt and debris. As well as helping you see more clearly in both dark shadows and bright sunlight. When it comes to eyewear, do not compromise the quality. You can opt for contrast-enhancing lens technology, frame structure, or colorway and other features for your eyewear. Having mountain bike sunglasses that function and fit perfectly will make your ride more enjoyable and safer.

Bicycle Repair Kit and First Aid Kit

When riding, you need to bring a small repair kit. You can attach it to your bike or put it in a small bag in case you face mechanical trouble or a flat tire on the trail. Your repair kit should include the basics tools such as multi-tool for bicycles, extra tube, tire levers, patch kit, a mini-pump, and some cash. Keep an identification card with an emergency contact number in case you have a severe injury or any other emergency.

It is smart to bring a few first aid essentials when riding. You will never know when you or another rider might encounter small accidents that can cause abrasions and wounds. Prepare various sizes of bandages, tape, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes handy. You can also include an eye drop solution, a small pocketknife, moleskin, energy gels, whistle, and trail foods.…

bike

The Top 10 Best and Most Secure Hitch Racks

2019-06-28 bike by Maddu Alexa

Choosing the best hitch bike rack is a very challenging decision to make. That is because there are several mountain bike hitch rack and selecting the best that suits your needs is very hard. Some tips are essential, and one should know them before choosing the hitch rack. Since many towns do not have trails for riding the mountain bikes, it is crucial to choose an excellent bike hitch rack that will help you transport your bikes to the best place for bike hiking. For instance, if you are going for bike hiking with your wife, friend or even your children, it is essential to ensure you choose a good hitch bike rack that will help you transport the number of bikes you have. The best hitch racks for your mountain bike include;

 

1. Thule t2 Pro Xt 2 Bike Rack

The Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack is among the best and secure hitch rack. This type of hitch rack has been rated well by past users, and it can hold a maximum of two bikes. It is made in a way that it is simple to use and also its size is right. It contains cable locks that help in securing the mountain bikes in the correct positions for easy transportation. some fantastic additional features for this fantastic hitch rack are such as the integrated cable lock and lock knob, hand switch lever and auto-attach system which are of high quality, offers maximum security, has several user-friendly features and high strength to supports the mountain bikes.

 

2. The Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack

This type of bike rack has a very appealing design and enhanced stability. The box for this bike rack contains nonintegrated hitch lock and instruction user manual. This rack is designed to fit bikes with size 20’’ to 29’’ tires. It can carry a maximum of 2 bikes. It contains adjustable front tire cradle, co-molded tire strap and intuitive front tire ratchet which makes it a fantastic bike hitch rack.

 

warranty3. Yakima Products Hold up Tray-Style Bike Rack

This type of bike racks has a side to side adjustability, which makes them great bike racks. According to the manufactures instructions, the bike rack needs few adjustments to ensure the bike is positioned well in this bike rack. It has durable carbon frames which offer firm support.

 

4. The kuat racks Sherpa 2.0

Here is another type of bike rack that is designed to fit different bikes with smaller tire sizes ranging from 3” to 47”. The hitch rack is designed in a way that it can be installed easily in several types of vehicles. The stand contains a pivot with foot assist that offers firm support. Also, this rack has a pivot lever that can be easily folded or activated by foot.

 

5. The Swagman xtc2 Hitch Bike Rack

The Swagman XTC2 is among the oldest bike rack s made by the swagman company. This bike rack has soft grip arms that enables one to fold the center arms and enhance the rear view of the vehicles comfortably. Also, the bike rack is painted to preserve the color of the frame.
Some of the other best-ranked bike racks include
6. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack
7. BV Bike Carrier Tray-Style Hitch Rack
8. Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
9. Swagman Chinook Hitch Bike Rack
10. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider Bike Rack
Therefore the above discussed are the best bike racks which offer excellent secure and robust support. According to the guide from thexfire.com. Hence by choosing one among them, definitely you will have gotten the best bike hitch that suits your needs.…