Posts Tagged ‘bike gear’

When mountain bikes go flat

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.

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What do you wear Post-Cycling?

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.

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Enhancing the cyclist in You

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.

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What Cyclists Wear and Need

Cycling GearThe group of items that should make up every cyclist’s gear is clothing. A cyclist needs a quality bike helmet. A bike helmet that doesn’t fit perfectly increases your risk of getting a serious injury so it is best to make sure that it fits properly.

What a cyclist wears depends on whether he or she is riding for sport or on a competitive scale. The average cyclist will be comfortable in the usual cycling apparel, which consists of comfortable shorts and tops. The advanced riders, on the other hand, need cycling skinsuits to decrease drag and improve their speed.

For cycling accessories, protective eyewear or sunglasses is important since covering the eyes protects you from the sun’s blinding glare as well as those unexpected bits of debris that fly through the air. Next on the list is cycling gloves and these are a must for both safety and comfort. A cyclist’s hands need special attention regardless of the season because they are exposed to cold, wind, rain and the rays of the sun. If a cyclist goes down due to an accident, for instance, his hands are usually the first to make contact to the ground. A cyclist should not forget to include socks and sports shoes in the list of cycling gear.

One very important item that a cyclist should bring with him is a tool kit that includes a bicycle pump together with a puncture repair kit with patches. Bringing these ensures a safe activity for beginners and veterans.

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