Archive for August, 2009
When mountain bikes go flat
Tags: bike gear, mountain bike clothing, Mountain Bike Gear, mountain bike helmets, mtb gear
Posted in Mountain Bike Gear on August 31st, 2009
There’s more to mountain biking than just mountain bike helmets and mountain bike clothing. Together with the exercise that it gives and the scenic views one gets upon reaching the peak comes the responsibility of looking out for oneself and the bike itself.
Mountain biking is a tad more dangerous than road cycling in the fact that the terrains are uneven, unpredictable and rough. Mountain bike tires are more susceptible to damage than most bike tires are. This is why a mountain bike gear is not complete without the basic tools and skills in repair and fixes necessary – an example of which would be a flat tire.
If you encounter a flat tire, remove the wheel with the flat tire from the bike. Check for any object that may have caused the deflation and remove it. You have to remove the tire from the rim by using tire levers to make things easier. Take out the tube and find the hole. You can either feel the air leak by hand, by ear as it hisses and the most popular way of dipping the tube in the water and looking out for bubbles. This is where your kit from your mtb gear comes in handy. Apply a thin piece of adhesive to that particular area and let dry by adding pressure for a couple of minutes. After making sure that the holes have already been sealed shut, place the tube back into the rim and re-seat the tire. Add air to your tire by the use of a pump and your tires are as good as new.
No matter how complete your bike gear is, if you don’t know how to fix your tires, you’ll still end up getting stuck.
What do you wear Post-Cycling?
Tags: bike gear, Cycling Helmet, cycling jerseys, cycling shirts, Cycling Wear
Posted in Cycling Apparel, Cycling Wear on August 26th, 2009
You’ve got the perfect bike gear. 
You’ve got the perfect cycling wear complete with cycling jerseys, shorts, shirts.
You’ve got the beautifully crafted cycling helmet.
You proceed to go on your tracks, slowly speeding up.
You catch your breath in between.
You feel the air caress your face.
You feel the sun prickling your skin.
You feel the sweat trickling down your spine.
You feel the strain in your leg muscles with every pedal that you make.
You’re getting nearer the destination as time goes by.
You see it right before you, almost within reach but not quite.
You’re tired.
You’re hungry.
Most of all, you’re swimming in your own sweat.
The triumph you get upon reaching your destination is incomparable. The fact that you did it, with perseverance, strength and endurance makes the whole trip completely worth it.
But after the glory is over and you just want to celebrate your friends.
You stop.
What do you wear? What do cyclists wear after cycling? When your cycling shirts, jerseys and all are damp with sweat, what else is there for you? If your cycling wear is so complete, where are the post-cycling shirts?
In Apres velo, we have the answers.
Enhancing the cyclist in You
Tags: bike gear, cycling jerseys, cycling shirts, Cycling Wear
Posted in Cycling Gear, Cycling Wear on August 24th, 2009
Cycling isn’t an easy game. You have to be prepared before you face the challenges head on. Without it, you’d be completely lost.
The preparations go as basic as choosing the right bike gear for you. You have to get one that will fit the kind of terrain you’d most likely travel. You must also check the materials used on the frames, aerodynamics, the number of gears and of course, the weight.
Next on the list would be the cycling wear. You have to make sure you are at ease and comfortable with the cycling shirts, shorts or cycling jerseys that you’re wearing. You will be in them a long time so any discomfort is a big no-no.
For training, it is advisable to drive at normal speed for a longer period of time. This will improve your cycling and help in toning your muscles as well.
Look out for your health. Make sure you are eating healthy foods and not much soda. Vegetables are highly recommended. Sleep also helps a great deal so make sure you get 8 hours of sleep every night.
Cycling is a sport that helps one’s physical state as well as the mental state. With the right gear, clothing, exercise, food and training, cycling will bring as much benefit as any other workouts can bring. Cycling is a sport and a healthy regimen all rolled in one.
Mountain Biking made safe
Tags: mountain bike clothing, Mountain Bike Gear, mountain bike helmets, mountain bike jerseys
Posted in Bike Helmets, Mountain Bike Gear on August 18th, 2009
Mountain biking is cycling taken to a higher level. Instead of the standard and simple terrain, mountain biking is done off-roads and in rough terrains. This is why mountain bikes have higher durability factors. They also have higher risks of accidents. Hence, you must follow these safety tips to be sure you come back safely:
• Before going on a trip, you must familiarize yourself with the trail. You must know every curve, bend, condition of the terrain and any other necessary information. This will help you anticipate and prevent any danger possible.
• Let your family or friends know where you are going. Tell them your plans: the what, the where, the when, everything.
• Make sure your mountain bike gear is in top shape. Inspect and check all parts of your bike. You cannot afford any small damages once you’re in the middle of your trip. Check the brakes, suspensions, gears, chains and nuts and bolts.
• Bring the necessary equipments for the trip. You should have multi-tools, tire repair kits, sleeping bags, flashlights, cellular phones and of course, first aid kits. These will aid you in emergency cases.
• Always wear the right clothes. Mountain biking has required mountain bike clothing as well. They are made comfortable and functional so you can have a good riding experience. For cold conditions, wear mountain bike jerseys.
• Wear mountain bike helmets.
• Be in shape. Make sure you are physically fit and have trained before going on this trip. You will need strength and endurance to be able to make it through.