One look at the modern roads say it all. Inevitable traffic jams, smoke, noise, and air pollution are adamant, not to mention accidents left and right.

Cars take thousands of lives each day worldwide in automobile accidents. Some are results of driving under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages, while some are just too tired to be on the road. Instead of heading off to a place for some rest, the drivers will continue driving, so they are most likely prone to accidents.

Automobiles are also harmful to the environment. Cars leak liquids, and owners drive off without wiping the stain, leaving it for wildlife to taste. How many animals fall prey to these vehicles and become road kills in an instant?

Humanists, environmentalists, and animal lovers alike now have the solution for all the death, pollution, and killings. The answer comes with two wheels - bikes and how they can save your life.

Why You Should Start Using Bikes

No pollution is involved with cycling. It does not emit smoke, leak liquids, and is very quiet. Bikers also contribute to saving a space in a crowded parking lot as more than a dozen bicycles can fit in one slot of a car.

For pet lovers, you can tie your pet's leash on your handlebar and pedal to an easy pace so that your furry friend can run beside you. It cuts out the work for you.

For your pockets, cycling can help you save more money. No insurance has to be paid annually, and no license is required. No fuel bills either as your bike will run to the speed of your pedaling. The maintenance costs about a quarter of what you spend on cars per annum, and a bicycle, once well taken care of, can last for years, if not decades.

In a crowded mall for instance, your bicycle can be parked anywhere. You don't have to roam the parking area for agonizing minutes after minutes with the stress building up. You can just park it on one corner, secure it with your lock, and leave it to be ready for you until you're done shopping.

How Your Health will Benefit from Using Bikes

According to a reliable source, a cyclist's fitness level is equal to his health ten years ago. It can make you feel younger as you are still well in control of your limbs by the exercise, giving you power and building your stamina.

Irked by the way motorcycles pass by your car in the midst of a traffic jam during the rush hour? It can give you that same sense of power. Now, you can weave in and out of traffic, so you'll reach your destination faster.

It also reduces the risk of heart disease as your heart is healthy and receives proper exercise. In addition, it builds up your muscle legs to give you more power and strength. If you're a soccer player, then at least now you've got that strong kick you've always wanted.

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Cycle equipment

The longest portion of any triathlon event is the bike leg. This is also the most technologically complicated area of equipment purchase. Money can easily be wasted and expensive equipment can become obsolete if you are not knowledgeable.

Know your bike type

Bicycles come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and areas of best use. The storage compound for bikes at a race (the transition area) can be filled with mountain bikes, hybrids, racing bikes and specific tri-bikes. All allow you to get from T1 (the swim-to-bike transition) to T2 (the bike-to-run transition).

Frame size

When choosing a bike, it is vital to get the right size frame as, unlike many components, such as the three contact points (the handlebars, saddle and pedals), it can't be changed. Sizing your ideal frame size is best done by a bike shop or tri store. You can ask advice and the helpful staff will often pass on some useful tips and tricks, so try to develop a good relationship with them.

The bike frame size that is easiest to measure starts from the centre of the bottom bracket, up the seat tube, to a point where the middle of the top tube intersects - known as centre-to-middle. Manufacturers, mechanics and athletes all vary in how they measure frame size, but, as a ball-park figure, take your inside leg measurement and then multiply by 0.67. For example, 91cm x 0.67 = 60.97 or a 61cm frame.

The exact seat height can be varied by moving the seat post up and down. Similarly, change the distance of the handlebars by changing the stem length. Start with the right frame size and you will be more comfortable, safer and more likely to enjoy your time in the saddle. Correct set up is vital and is well worth the investment in time and money. The bike needs to put you in the right position; don't contort yourself to fit the bike. As bike speeds are higher than running, heat loss is greater and impacts with the ground harder, so it pays to buy a pair of cycling shorts, a cycle jersey and gloves. Longer or thicker 'longs' are needed if you intend to ride outdoors in winter.

Top Tip
Equipment that saves you time removes those wasted sessions and kit failures. Well-fitting goggles, quality tyres and inner tubes plus well-kept comfortable running shoes should be your top kit purchases.

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With an increased awareness in global issues and the rising costs of fuel, many are turning towards cycling as a main source of transportation. Particularly in cities where individuals are only a short distance away from their place of work and sources of entertainment, bicycles offer a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly way to travel. Winter brings challenges to cyclists, but with bit of knowledge and awareness, riders are able to ride their bikes year round.

1. Stay Warm to Stay Riding

One of the main reasons that an individual might choose a motor vehicle over a bicycle in the winter is climate control. Frigid temperatures can make cycling seem unbearable. However, with the correct gear, a person can remain quite comfortable in some of the coldest weather conditions. Ski goggles are a great way to protect the eyes from extreme conditions. Tight fitting knit and fleece caps coupled with a helmet will allow the head to maintain most of its warmth.

The proper footwear is important as well, as regular cycling shoes do not provide the needed warmth in very cold conditions. Instead, regular snow boots are a good alternative.

Another great tip is to keep body parts as close together as possible. For this reason, mittens are a good replacement for gloves as it allows the fingers to stay in close contact allowing the hands to stay warmer. Whatever apparel is chosen, a rider should be sure that he or she is comfortable and can make good contact with handles and pedals.

2. Good Tires Are a Must

Another factor to take into consideration when cycling in winter is tires. A good rule to remember is that the wider the tire, the better the traction. More tire allows more contact with the ground. A cyclist can purchase studs or chains of their tires, but this will make riding on pavement much rougher. However, chains will greatly improve traction on ice or snow. Some riders find that lowering the pressure in the tires will allow for more traction when riding in poor cycling conditions.

3. Be Seen in the Dwindling Light

With winter comes a decrease in the amount of daylight, often times resulting in an increase in the amount of time a cyclist will have to ride in the dark. For this reason, it is very important for any rider to inspect his or her bicycle and make sure that the reflectors are clean and visible. Additionally, lights should be installed on both the front and the back of the bicycle. Drivers are more likely to be distracted in the winter and visibility could be reduced, so a rider can never be too safe. Lights and reflectors are the best protection in the dark of winter.

4. Practice Proper Bike Maintenance to Stay Safe

Keeping a bicycle clean and well lubricated is important in regard to winter riding. Fenders and mud flaps can protect both rider and bicycle from dirty, slushy, and salty roads. While any grease will be suitable for a bicycle, some might find benefits in using a grease designed for low temperatures. While a bicycle does not have to be winterized for the cold weather in the same way that an automobile does, it is a great idea to re-grease the bearings in the fall in order to prepare for the extra dirt and grime of winter riding.

5. Keep It Steady

Finally, it is important that a cyclist maintain their ability to control a bicycle in winter. A cyclist should remember to pedal their bicycle smoothly and avoid in quick jerking motions. As a general rule, slow and steady will be better in the winter than speeding up and slowing down. If a cyclist does find that they are sliding, they should try to correct with small movements and avoid any major swerving. Much like in a vehicle, over-correcting could easily lead to a crash.Generally, snow will require more effort to pedal through, but will allow for better traction than ice.

Winter is a time in which temperatures drop and weather often deteriorates. However, this does not have to deter a person from choosing to cycle during the cold weather. Whether it be bitterly cold temperatures or a barrage of winter precipitation, following these cold-weather riding tips can allow a rider to enjoy the perks of cycling throughout the cold weather months.

Darla Blackmon writes for EverythingLongBeach.com, a website for the Long Beach community that covers news, arts, entertainment and health. Riders on Long Beach bikes rarely have to worry about cold weather. But, she's prepared just in case.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/5-top-winter-tips-to-help-bicycle-riders-get-through-the-cold-1696100.html

There are a number of reasons why cycling is one of the most popular ways to get into shape. You can see the local stores, parks and scenery, as well as get out and enjoy the fresh air. You can divert your mind so that you do not even feel that you are getting tired doing an exercise. At the gym you will see that TV’s are often put in front of cycling machines for diversion purposes.

You may burn off your additional calories by using a cycle. If you work out for about an hour and are putting a steady strong effort into your cycling you might expect to burn around 400-500 calories. Your calves, hamstrings and quadriceps receive a workout when you do this exercise. Because these muscles are larger they will need more energy and enable you to possibly burn more fat and lose more weight. You could also be able to develop the muscles on your legs and hips so that you will achieve a great looking body.

The muscles that protect your pelvis and spine also usually benefit from this form of exercise. The risk of injury to your lower back can be greatly reduced when you strengthen these muscles. Lifting and carrying things might even become easier and your posture could improve.

Cycling may also be good for your heart. The cardiovascular system’s health is increased when you exercise enough to raise your heart level to its maximum capacity for a longer period. When you walk, jog or run vigorously, you can also achieve this goal but it often places more strain on the hips, knees, ankles and feet. If you wish to introduce this form of exercise into your workout schedule, you may consider using a heart rate monitor. One of these devices will help you to understand your MHR (maximum heart rate) and get the most out of your exercises.  

Changing the difficulty levels is also worth considering when cycling. This will enable you to get a change of scenery and also give additional work to your heart and muscles. Different trails with more hills and forested paths could be a good choice for this. No matter what you select it is good to consider different challenges and above all have fun.

Darrin Tebbe of Bodytronics is enthusiastic about fitness and provides a variety of fitness electronics, like pedometers, on the company's site. Visit us today to learn more.

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It’s plain and simple: cycling is good for you. It not only helps you individually, but has positive effects on society as well. It is a good habit to inculcate to live a healthy and longer life. Riding a bike is making a statement about who you are and what’s important to you.

Cycling increases fitness and overall well being; let’s find out how.
• Cycling requires full lower body and upper body strength. It builds your stamina and endurance.
• Safety is another important aspect of any workout. You need to choose activities that are good for your body. Out of all the other cardio vascular activities, cycling is the safest, as it offers good support while working out.
• It is not as strenuous as running on a treadmill or working out on an elliptical machine. If you cycle, you will not be prone to muscle soreness and joint pains. Spinning classes have become a new sensation in gymnasiums all over the world.
• Cycling is good for the heart. It makes the heart stronger and lowers the resting pulse.
• If you need to lose weight, it doesn’t get better than cycling. You work every inch of your body. Cycling increases your metabolic rate and helps burn fat. Cycling is great way of breaking someone into a new exercise programme.
• Cycling can turn you into a mini explorer and encourage you to take some time out. All you need is your bike, proper cycling clothing and a spirit to move out and explore familiar streets and routes. This will help you with stress management and just make you feel good about everything around you.
• With everyone trying to go green, consider cycling to help Mother Nature. Cycling short distances will reduce pollution and also lessen traffic congestion. In fact, many countries all over the world are promoting short distance biking. Cycling short distance will help you save money on commuting and fuel.
• There are many cycling clubs in cities all over the world. This is a great way to workout, help the environment and make new friends. Join a bike club and be part of all the fun!
If you are considering biking, then you require proper cycling apparel. The right cycling clothing and accessories are very important for a safe and comfortable ride. You can find the cycling apparel you need at the website www.fusionsportsuk.co.uk of Fusion Sport, UK.

Joseph Magliaro is a Sports & Fitness Consultant working in the industry for 15 years. He has authored a book and owns a Sports Clothing and Equipment store. He is a blogger and loves to travel.

www.fusionsportsuk.co.uk

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For cycling enthusiasts, acquiring tools and accessories that will aid them in riding is certainly a necessity. That may be the same reason why most bicycle parts and accessories manufacturer created devices that will help riders improve their performance. One particular example would be the wireless bicycle computer.

Nowadays, there are several brands, models and types of this particular product. There are those that have a trip ride timer, a 12/24-hour clock, total odometer, speedometer, trip counter, etc. There are 5-function, 8-function, 9-function, 10-function and 18-function units. There is a wireless bicycle computer that has specialized sensors that can measure the biker's pulse rate. There are some that has a cadence and speed transmitter. Aside from keeping a record of the rider's speed and trip mileage, there are units that can keep a record of your bicycle's next service schedule. And due to the wireless technology, gone are the days that you have to strap this tool around the fork, stem, handlebar, etc. This technology also reduces obstacles when you're biking. There are models that have a screen display suitable for biking at night time.

So if you are considering to buy one for yourself, it's best to compare units first on the internet. There are product-specific sites that are committed in finding the best and the widest variety of cycle computers. Reading testimonials would also make your canvassing easier. Look for one that will not only suit your budget. Choose a unit that has several important functions, this way you are assured that you can assess your performance as well as keep track of your improvements.

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Dawes bikes have been in the cycle manufacturing business for over a 100 years now. They offer a decent collection of road cycles. The Dawes Bicycle company was founded in the year 1906 in Birmingham, UK when Charles Dawes merged business with a cycle company that was originally called Humphries & Dawes. The Humphries were in the business of manufacturing motorcycles, which they continued doing while Dawes concentrated on Road Bicycles for the Racing Cycle market. By 1926 Dawes Cycles was fully established and it focused on the production of cycles. Dawes Cycles are famous for their quality as they are hand built by an extremely skilled and experienced workforce. One of the best selling Dawes Cycles in the cycle market was the Dawes Galaxy a Road Bike which was especially built for Touring, and that is still being made today and also the Dawes Super Galaxy. The new range of Dawes Road Cycles includes the Dawes Giro range with the Giro 200, Giro 300, Giro 400 and Giro 500 and all of them differ slightly to cater to a wide range of consumers and wallets. The current best selling road cycle is the Giro 500 the frame is built from double butted alloy 6061 with carbon stays and an Alloy Steerer with carbon blades. The finishing kit of the Giro models, are all of the best quality. The Sportif Ultra Ti comes form the Dawes Sportif range, the price of the Sportif Ultra ti is similar to that of the Giro 500. The Sportif Ti is made from hi tech Titanium and built for comfort with a low weight and Sportif/Audax geometry the ride characteristics of the Sportif 3AI/2.5V are superb and give comfort that only titanium frames can give- rigid, and comfortable with carbon forks, Shimano Ultegra compact gear set and WH-RS20 wheels. So, if one is looking for high quality hand made cycles with a long tradition of comfort and service, then Dawes Road cycles are the answer which would help you in the sport of road cycling.

Dawes Bike Offerings
Dawes was one of the first companies to produce a complete single speed mountain bike, the Edge One.
Some vintage Dawes cycles have a distinctive curved seat tube that parallels the rear wheel closely, in order to reduce the wheelbase.

This British brand of bicycle has a long heritage of making great quality bikes. From tandem to folding bikes, and even BMX and freestyle bikes, Dawes has what you need. You can even convert one into a Dawes fixed gear bike (why not!). Check out these different styles and offers and figure out if Dawes is the bike brand for you. You just might find what you're looking for.

Types of Dawes Bikes

12" Wheel (2 1/2 to 5 yrs)
14" Wheel (4 to 6 yrs)
16" Wheel (5 to 7 yrs)
20" Wheel (7 to 9 yrs)
24" Wheel (9 to 11 yrs)
BMX - Dirtjump
BMX - Freestyle
Leisure Bikes - Comfort Bikes (26W)
Leisure Bikes - Fast City
Leisure Bikes - Folding Bikes
Leisure Bikes - Hybrids
Leisure Bikes - Traditional
Leisure Bikes - Trekking
Mountain Bikes - Front Suspension
Mountain Bikes - No Suspension (Rigid)
Mountain Bikes - Womens
Racing - Cyclo Cross
Racing - Road Racing
Racing - Single Speed
Tandems
Tourers / Audax

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The more common injuries seen in cycling are either overuse problems due to the poor set up of bike to cyclist, or because the training is one dimensional and the athlete does not incorporate other elements necessary for developing their all round fitness.

Common Injuries:
Most of the conditions listed below are related to overuse/overtraining. An overall remedial approach would be to decrease the amount and type of training.
Other changes need to include a stretching regime and an increase in rest days. As noted previously, the bikes set up needs to be taken into account as well.

Ulnar Neuropathy:
Or hand numbness, this is related to pressure on the handlebars for extended periods of time.
Adjustments to the cyclists position is essential, this will enable the pressure
to be taken off of the area and redistribute the weight of the body appropriately.

Overtraining:
Athletes sometimes in order to reach a goal forget to rest and allow the body to have enough time to build on the effects of the training. Too much
of something is not necessarily a good thing, and in this case, less is
best.
Some of the signs and symptoms of overtraining are: tiredness, pain in muscles and joints, a drop in performance despite the amount of training, increased incidence of injuries, insomnia, headaches, moodiness, irritability, depression, loss of enthusiasm for the sport, decreased appetite, decreased immunity seen by an increase in
colds.

Piriformis Syndrome:
This is related to overtraining, in particular working the area of the gluts. Piriformis is an external hip rotator, and if overstressed can build in size to the point of putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain or numbness down the leg or in the hip.
Other factors that need to be taken into consideration are postural and biomechanical behaviours as well as the set up of the bike.

Knee Pain:
This can be difficult to diagnose unless you have an appropriate level of
knowledge and training.
It can range from ligament problems (ACL, PCL, LCL, MCL), meniscus tears, to conditions such as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, and Chondromalacia.
Accurate diagnosis is key, immediate treatment if acute is to apply R.I.C.E.

Achilles Tendinitis:
It is a chronic overuse of the tendon which crosses the posterior portion of the ankle joint.
Further recommendations are to stop speed and hill training, and to include remedial massage techniques to increase length and decrease tension
of the tendon.

Bike Set Up:
Usually speed and efficiency is the prime reason for the setup of the athletes bike, it is quite different from the more casual rider, who is not entering a triathalon or duathalon. The basis for their set up is more likely geared towards comfort. In both cases it is vitally important that the set up is appropriate and does not unduly stress areas of the body.

Whether you are just starting out or have been cycling for years, the right set up for your body type and particular discipline is essential to remaining injury free.
There are a vast range of bikes such a mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrids.
The appropriate position is based on the body parts that make contact with the bike. The three points that determine this are the hands, feet and seat. The relative position of each of these will affect the efficiency and comfort of the bike.

There are several variables that will determine the position of each of these; the crank length, distance from crank centre or bottom bracket to the saddle, saddle angle, seat tube angle and saddle offset, distance from saddle to handlebar, relative height of saddle and handlebar, handlebar width and handlebar drop on road style handlebars.
Even if your client has been cycling for years, or competes at a semi professional level, they may never have had their set up evaluated and not realise how much more comfortable and efficient their ride could be. The fitting is best left to professional bike fitting services unless the person has the relevant knowledge.
If they are running into problems, this is definitely one area that should be assessed.

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Product Description

Whether you are a recreational cyclist, an XC mountain bike racer, a bicycle road racer or a triathlete, 101 Cycling Workouts is a must-have guide to help take your cycling to a new level.  Rejuvenate and refresh your cycling training with a wide variety of workouts you've never thought of before.  Add challenge to your training by trying new workouts that will develop you into a better and more fit cyclist. 

These workouts will add depth to your training by working on all the physiological systems of a complete cycling training program, including endurance, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, strength, speed and power.  Additional non-cycling workouts and gym workouts are included to supplement your training on the bike.   Use these workouts to train harder, smarter and more efficiently by making the most of your vital training time. Introductory chapters discuss how to use these workouts and how to incorporate them into a structured training plan.

Review

This e-book contains 101 training workouts for road cyclists. It is intended to provide you with a menu of many possible rides and workout options as you plan your training rides and program. There is no reason to be bored or reach a plateau in your training if you use even half of these workouts. Workouts are grouped according to the type of physiological system trained, so you can easily find workouts for the given objective of the day. Remember, every ride or workout should have a purpose: to improve some aspect of your cycling fitness. Each chapter gives you multiple workouts to target each particular physiological system.

This book can also serve as a companion to training plans and other books which offer a training outline but don’t provide specific workouts, or a wide enough variety of workouts. So try a variety of workouts offered in this book. Just remember to ask your physician before beginning a strenuous exercise program. You won’t like all of these workouts, but you will also find some that become favourites. The important thing to remember is to continue to stress your body in new and different ways.

That’s how you will improve, by continually changing up your routine and throwing different workouts at your body. The workouts contained within this book can do that for you.  

Verdict

101 Cycling Workouts is essential for your cycling library!

Get one and enjoy!

Rating

Rating: 5/5

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Bicycle accidents are easily preventable if you understand the rules of the road. Still, even when all precautions and laws are obeyed, a bicyclist is still at risk for an accident.

Being in the right is not enough. You don't want to be dead right. Defensive driving is important for motorists and even more important for cyclists.

Bicycle accidents can be rather severe and you should know your rights if you are involved in one so that you can be fully protected under the law.

Safe Bicycling Laws

Bicycle safety starts with a bicyclist understanding the laws regarding safe bicycling. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, knowing the laws can be of great help. Of course, knowing and following the laws are the best way to prevent accidents and to protect yourself if you are in an accident. If you are on the bicycle and you are obeying the laws then you will be the one in the right legally, after an accident.

Bicycle laws vary from state to state and usually correspond with that state's driving laws. There are laws regarding the equipment and laws regarding the road.

Generally, bike equipment laws include that the bicycle has working brakes, handlebars are in a proper position and the size of the bike fits the rider. After dark, bike riders are required to have a light on the front of the bike and a reflector on the rear and on pedals.

Road rules for the bicycle rider include obeying all traffic signals and signs, signaling when turning, riding as close to the edge of the roadway as possible and obeying all other traffic laws.

Prohibited Activities

In addition to the rules and laws the bicycle rider must follow, bicyclists must also refrain from certain activities while on the roadways. These restrictions are for the safety of both those riding a bicycle and for other vehicles on the road.

Prohibited activities include:

- hitching to a vehicle

- using a seat that is not permanently fixed

- riding with additional passengers not in a legal seat

- riding without both hands on the handlebars

The Department of Transportation or local authorities have the right to prohibit or restrict bicyclists on any roadway or area. These areas will have signs in place to warn of the restrictions.

If you are riding a bicycle and you are not obeying the laws, then you can be found at fault in an accident. That is why understanding the bicycle laws and regulations in your area are very important. The first step in keeping yourself safe while riding a bicycle is understanding these laws and following them.

Of course, even laws and regulations cannot completely guarantee that you will be safe. If you feel unsafe or unsure when riding your bicycle you have to be careful and get out of the situation. You need to look out for yourself. On the roadway, bicyclists are the ones that are at the most risk of being severely injured in an accident. It is always wise to try to avoid dangerous situations while riding on the roadways. Obeying the rules and staying alert while on the roadways is the best way to avoid a bicycle accident.

Rex Bush handles personal injury cases in Utah. For info on injury issues visit his website: Personal Injury Utah. Should you hire an injury lawyer? Visit this page: Utah Injury Lawyer.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/bicycle-accidents-what-you-must-know-1369197.html