Are you aware that cycling is one of the only 5 sports that was featured in all the modern Olympics?  Well it is.  Do you know that the record for most wins in the Tour de France was made by an American Lance Armstrong, having won 7 times?  Are you aware that the world’s oldest professional cyclist Dutchman Fred Rompelberg is also the holder of the Absolute Speed World Record Cycling?  These are just few facts relating to bicycle and professional cycling.  Though you may consider these fun facts to be trivial, you may find the most prestigious bicycle races in the world to be an important fact especially if you are someone who intends to join it or an avid follower of these races.

Bicycle racing is something that exists since middle of the 19th century.  It is only at the start of the 20th century though that it took the form that it has at present.  Some of the first bicycle races ever established still exist and are in fact considered to be the most prestigious worldwide.  Of the many bicycle races held yearly, few of the most famous are the Grand Tours, the Olympic races and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).  Fast gaining popularity are the cyclo-cross racing and the mountain bike racing.

The Grand Tours are made up of three world renowned races, the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia (or simply Giro) and the Vuelta a Espana.  Even non-cyclists have heard of the Tour de France, the most famous of the three.  This race, founded in 1903, takes three weeks to finish, is made up of 20 stages and covers about 2,000 miles.  The cyclist with the shortest time in each stage wins the race.

The cycling races held in the Olympics started as early as 1896.  Some of the cycling events have already been forgotten but new ones are now held.  Today’s Olympic games have bike competitors vie for road cycling, mountain bike races, track cycling, off-road competitions and BMX.  These races are fought according to gender and some are done in teams.

The UCI races are composed of several prestigious races that is popularly referred to as the UCI ProTour.  It replaced the UCI World Tour in 2005 and now includes the Grand Tours and other sought after cycling races such as the Criterium de Dauphine Libere, Paris Nice and Tour de Suisse and other one day races like the Clasica de San Sebastian, Milan-Sanremo, Ronde van Vlaanderen and other famous races.  Cycling is generally a summer sport and most of these races are held either in spring or in fall.

Bicycle riding is a great way to spend time with the family and to get exercise. Why doesn't everyone ride a bicycle nowadays? For one, they are intimidated when it comes time to buy a bicycle. Here are five helpful tips for choosing the perfect bike for you.

Once you learn how to choose a bike, buying subsequent bikes is a piece of cake. You can't just see a bike that is shiny and new and say that it is for you. Most important of all is the fact that the shiny bike will stay in the garage until it tarnishes if you don't like how it handles.

1. Where will you be riding your bike? This question gets the ball rolling. There are bike shops, fitness stores and department stores carrying bikes but just a few main types of bikes: mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, cruising bikes and road bikes. How often you will ride and the route that you choose determines the best type of bicycle for you.

2. How tall are you? This factor is important because a short person doesn't want to have a bike that will cause them to hit the crossbar every time they try to stop the bike. Ouch! A bike that is the wrong size for you can mean cramped legs and sore knees or stretched muscles. For the answer to this question, you'll actually have to sit on a bike or at least stand next to one.

3. Ride a bike. Don't let the first bike you ride be the one you purchase from the store. Ask a friend for their bike to "test drive" in advance.

4. Buy the best bike you can the first time. In a recession especially, people have the tendency to stay on the cheap side. Listen; there are some things that don't pair well with "cheap." A bike and a car fall into that category. You will be riding this bike alone or with a carrier for your child. You want to know that you can depend on your bike to keep you safe while you ride. You don't have to spend 300 bucks but get the features you need for the best price.

5. Visit a bike shop for advice. When you want to know something you go to the experts. Those who sell bikes for a living know about bikes. Go here first to get sized for a bike, learn the type of bike you need and find out all the nuances of bike riding. You might decide not to buy a bike from a specialty shop because of the price but you will now be armed with the knowledge to choose a bike from another store without being taken for a ride.

Choosing a Bicycle Seat

Bike riding can be fun but that fun will become irrelevant if you are uncomfortable. The one part of the bicycle that riders complain about most is the seat. If the butt is not feeling good, nothing else matters.

When you buy a bicycle, the seat is not missing. You will get a seat but it won't necessarily be the seat that is best for you. Don't be afraid to replace it. In fact, if you don't replace it, your bottom will pay the price.

1. Take a look at your bottom. This is not a joke. Most bicycle seats are small and quite firm as a standard. Competitive cyclists like these seats because there is less movement as you pedal. Constant rubbing can cause chafing which is not good for long rides or any ride at all. If you are fuller in the rear, a wider or softer seat may be in order.

2. Examine the seat shape. Most seats have the same basic shape but there are subtle differences that are important. Seats that slope down on the sides do not support larger bottoms. It is hard on the tail bone and your lower back. Some seats look more like butterfly wings and provide more support by sloping up slightly. Seats with a center channel helps to keep you stationary on your bike without a lot of movement from side to side.

3. Consider a gel seat. Maybe a bigger seat is not the answer especially if speed is your choice. A larger seat makes it harder to pedal faster. Seats are narrow in front for that reason. If the seat fits your bottom and the shape is fine, adding a gel seat can keep your bottom cushioned on longer rides for greater comfort. Gel seats are a great way to stay comfortable when taking a spinning class as well or bouncing up and down on a mountain bike.

4. Learn to adjust your seat. Sometimes the problem is the height of the seat. A seat that is too high means you are straining to reach the pedals. This downward pressure puts more pressure on your bottom on that seat. Can you imagine how much that would hurt? Adjust your bicycle seat so that you can touch the pedals and still maintain a ninety degree angle with your body as you pedal. If the seat is still too hard or it hurts, then look at other possible solutions.

5. What are your riding needs? If you are just riding on occasional outings, a wider seat is acceptable. You aren't trying to pick up speed or win a race. A narrower seat helps with maintaining speed in competition. A small hard seat can put bumps and bruises on your butt if you are riding over uneven terrain.

A properly fitted bicycle seat is important for all riders. Shop well now to avoid lots of pain later.

There is more to bike riding than just riding. That's the easy part. Choose your bike wisely to get the best for your money.

The recent string of consecutive victories by Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France has made the sport of cycling and road bikes more popular in the public's eye. Cycling's new audience is drawn to the feats of endurance, the incredibly high speeds, and the competitive finishes. The fact that riders are able to achieve such speed and agility on such a seemingly light and flimsy machine owes to the road bikes' unique design.

First of all, its light frame reduces the amount of weight riders need to carry up steep inclines. Secondly, thin tires reduce friction and improve aerodynamics, allowing the rider to reach the highest speeds. Finally, the curved handlebars encourage riders to assume a crouched position, reducing wind resistance. And while these are the basic features of a road bike, improvements can be made: lighter metals can be used for the frame or electronic gear shifters can be attached.

Races can be structured in a variety of formats. The Tour is an example of a stage race in which the winner is the rider who accumulates the least amount of time by the final stage; other honors are awarded to individual stage victors, the best mountain climber, and the best sprinter. Races can also take place in a single day. These courses can range in length from several kilometers long to a relatively short circuit that is repeated. Short circuit races are called criteriums and are more popular in North American racing circles.

Cycling owes its roots to a German by the name of Karl von Drais. His 1817 two-wheeled contraption relied on feet for locomotion. Improvements in later years substituted metal for his wooden frame, provided pedals, and mounted rubber tires on wheels with wire spokes. Road bikes eventually transformed shapes to accommodate new styles of riding; mountain bikes can ride on dirt trails and the BMX bike can perform tricks. And while road bikes have come to be used for a variety of activities, including leisure and commuting, their most exciting purpose remains under the skilled hands of a racer.

If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you." ~T. Alan Armstrong

T. Alan Armstrong expressed it perfectly. Passion is what life is all about. It is what we here at We Keep You Cycling believe in. Cycling isn't just our business, cycling is our passion. We strive day in and day out to get you the best cycling gear possible so you can feed your passion as well.

We build quality tools to empower you. We write informative product descriptions to help you make informed decisions. We do our best to make your cycling experience, and shopping experience, as pleasurable as possible.

We also believe in world class service and support. We promise you that every item we sell is brand new so you know each and every bike party you buy from We Keep You Cycling is still "from the factory" quality, and still has that new bike part smell. We offer real time order tracking, fancy zoom images on our website so you can really see what you're buying before ordering, and of course, same day shipping on all orders placed before 3PM Pacific.

We know that credit card security is crucial, so we provide the highest in credit card protection available. Your credit card is checked against Visa/Master Card's 5x5 security system and we never store the numbers. We provide real time inventory so you will never see the word "backorder" on your receipt. We are able to do this each and every time because we process your order within minutes of receiving it (Monday-Friday) and our inventory update is simultaneous.

Some of our exclusive cycling products include a Tread Life Estimator that will give you accurate estimates on your remaining tire tread life. We offer a Life-Size Saddle Fitting and Comparison Tool to compare before you buy and our exclusive Cheek to Cheek kit which helps you determine your sit bone width, to get you on the right saddle.

If you have any questions or suggestions on how we can make your biking experience more enjoyable, please let us know. We love to talk about bikes!

And here is a little shameless plug of our recent accomplishments:

· Near Real Time Order Processing - within minutes of receiving your order we've processed it and are shipping it
· View Saddles by Make, Type & Width (WKYC Exclusive) - combined with Life-Size helps narrow down your selection
· Cheek-To-Cheek Sit Bone Measuring Tool (WKYC Exclusive) - Determine your sit bone width at home
· Life-Size saddle Fitting & Comparison Tool (WKYC Exclusive) - compare saddles in your home before you buy
· WKYC Writes & Photographs products - Provides real product insight and excellent photography
· Tread Life Estimator (WKYC Exclusive) - providing accurate estimates on tire tread life
· Same Day Shipping - all orders placed before 3PM Pacific ship same day

What I love about cycling is the fact that it's very enjoyable, it gets me outside seeing places that I might not otherwise see, and is very beneficial to my health. So, as well as being a lot of fun, cycling is also a great way to get fit and can result in many health benefits too.

So in what ways is cycling good for you?

There are a number of ways in which your body benefits from cycling, though perhaps the most important in terms of helping to extend your life are the cardiovascular benefits.

Cycling is what's known as 'aerobic' exercise. Aerobic exercise uses, and improves, the consumption of oxygen in the body. While this in itself may not sound like anything special, it actually results in a number of benefits... In terms of the heart, cycling can strengthen the heart muscle which means it's stronger and can pump blood more efficiently. It also strengthens the muscles used for respiration, and hence helps the flow of air in and out of the lungs. The whole of the body's circulation is improved, which helps to reduce blood pressure, and the number of red blood cells in the body is increased, which helps the flow of oxygen.

All of these factors will help to improve the function of your heart and respiratory system, which should in turn decrease your chances of suffering from heart disease.

There are other health benefits too though: Aerobic exercise works by breaking down glycogens in your body and producing glucose. Glucose is then broken down by oxygen to produce energy. If we cycle for a longer period, and work ourselves a little harder, all of the glucose reserves in the body will be used. When this happens our bodies instead turn to our fat reserves, breaking down fat in order to produce energy. Of course we all know that when excess fat is broken down this should in turn result in losing weight.

Probably more obvious to many people are the muscular benefits, because cycling can tone many of the body's muscles. This in turn will give you more strength and flexibility, and you're bound to notice this even in your every day life, as many tasks will become easier as you get fitter.

Finally there's the fact that cycling can be enjoyed by many people for whom other sports are not possible. Jogging or running have a higher impact on the joints and can't be enjoyed by many people who suffer with arthritis in their knees, for example, whereas cycling can.

I recommend you spend a little money on a cycling computer. You hook this up on your bike (don't worry, it's not a complicated procedure!), and then depending on the model you can keep a track of various things whilst cycling. Try to find one with multiple functions - most obviously these will be: distance travelled on this trip, time travelled, distance travelled in total, current speed, average speed, and calories burnt. Do bear in mind that the calorie counter is just a guide, but it's satisfying to see the numbers increasing all the same!

If you use the cycling computer whenever you go on a ride you can keep track of all your statistics. You can then use this information to monitor your increase in fitness levels. You should see your numbers improving after several weeks of regular cycling.

These are just a few of the benefits of cycling off the top of my head. The simple fact is that cycling is an enjoyable sport which will get you fit and in shape while having fun. If you're not doing so already, go out there and get yourself a bicycle and start cycling. And have some fun getting fit.

Those who are cyclist and ride cycle on mountain fairly often a good pair of shoes makes for a smashing investment. Shoes are essential for a cyclist to have a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Inappropriate shoes lead to injury and getting tired fast. Thus, Cycling shoes are one of the most important parts of cycling. Picking out a pair of shoes for the first time we have put together a handy little guide to picking the perfect cycling shoes. These shoes with a fair old bit of grip on the heels gives you more protection around the ankle and are made of a thicker, more flexible material to help the foot cope with uneven surfaces.
Most shoes that are being made now usually have carbon outer soles which stop your foot flexing and increase the power that you can push through the cranks. Picking the perfect cycling shoes offer the benefit of saving weight on the climbs because of lightweight.

Cycling Shoes are specifically designed keeping in mind the need as well as comfort of the cyclist. Foremost they are lightweight and comfortable so that a cyclist must enjoy his ride and don’t have to worry. Cycling shoes are formulated with new technology and materials and plays a promising role to enhancing the cycling experience.

There is a wide range of shoes having styles and designs, allowing the buyer to find the perfect shoe for a cyclist. Quality running and cycling shoes are fit well and look good too. Grip is another area that differentiates better shoes from good ones. Spikes and anti-slip pads help in maintaining firm hold of the pedal.

When you decide buy a pair of cycling shoes, you have to consider few points such as sole materials; it is the most important part of shoes that eases out the major pressure points and will also reduce the weight to a large extent and also help in transferring power. To reduce the sweat produced inside the shoes while riding on cycle mesh is provided on the upper part of the shoes.

While selecting the shoes for the purpose of cycling even on the mountain the most important thing you need to remember is the weight along with the mesh and the sole of the pair of shoes.
Thus, Cycling shoes are formulated keeping in mind all the above mentioned qualities so that a cyclist must relaxed while cycling whether on road or on mountain and might not get tired soon. And you don’t have to forget about the color and style while selecting the shoes having technical specification as well. Infact, cycling shoes are available in several colors so that matches the cycle color and adds a zing to overall look.

Information on Bicycle saddles, Bicycle tires, Bicycle seats.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/cycling-shoes-fit-well-and-give-you-more-protection-with-good-looks-1106396.html

Bicycles provide one of the most efficient methods of transportation in terms of energy usage. When you live in an urban area or if you live in a suburban area that is well planned then you can potentially use a bicycle as your primary source of transportation. In fact, it is a growing trend to only own a bicycle and not own an automobile for those living in urban areas.

In fact, you can often get around faster on a bicycle in such areas as opposed to in an automobile due to the fact that gridlock makes it almost impossible to get around in a car. Better yet though, not only will a bicycle let you get somewhere very quickly and efficiently but the operating cost of a bike is extremely low. Given this, you should consider using a bicycle for some or all of your transportation needs if it makes sense. It is great for the environment, your pocketbook, and your health.

If you are looking for a bicycle but you also want to keep tight control on your budget then you should consider used bicycles. You will likely be able to find some very well maintained used bicycles that will meet your needs.

Mountain biking can be a great deal of fun. Like every other sport though, there is an element of risk that comes along with it. Being prepared for any situation is the best defense. There are a few items that every bicyclist (really any outdoor enthusiast) should have. It's a good rule of thumb that the farther you travel from home, the more supplies you should have with you.

As a bicyclist you should have a first aid kit, a bicycle tool kit, a cell phone and food and water. These items will make sure that in the event of an emergency you will be safe and get home as soon as possible. A cell phone is incredibly important so that you can call for help in an emergency. You may find however that you are in an area without service. If that occurs, you will need to depend on your other supplies.

In case of an accident, a small first aid kit will help treat minor wounds such as cuts and scratches. You can carry a regular first aid kit or find bicyclist specific kits. Make sure that they include the following: band-aids, antiseptic, tweezers, pain reliever, tensor bandages and moleskin. If you have any known allergies such as bee stings, be sure to carry an epee pen. Likewise, if you are asthmatic, you should also carry your inhaler. Even if you don't plan to be away for a long period of time, the unexpected can always occur. If you take any sort of medication, make sure that you bring it with you on any mountain biking excursion.

You should also purchase a bike specific tool kit. Minor repairs may need to be done while on your route, having the appropriate tools will save time and headaches. In addition to tools, you may want to carry and extra bike chain. As any seasoned biker can tell you, it is very easy to bust a bike chain while you are riding. A spare can be easily switched out and you will be back on the road in no time. Finally, an air pump and other tools for fixing a flat tire are great tools to have on your journey. These kits include lightweight tools that will fit easily on your bike. Make sure it includes and Allan key or small wrench, a chain breaker, a tire gauge, a Swiss army knife, and some strong tape. If you are new to mountain biking, ask a seasoned biker what they have encountered on their trips. They will most likely have some great stories, and some wonderful suggestions as to what you should have on hand.

One last thought, though no less important, is water and a small snack. In case you are stranded, having water and something to keep your energy up is imperative. Try an energy bar or something else that includes protein and complex carbohydrates. Now that you know all of the necessities, you are ready to head out on the trail. Being prepared will ensure a fun, safe experience.

Mike Dire is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. He is also a partner in an online bike rack store.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/bicycling-preparedness-1076215.html

Bicycling is quickly becoming one of America's favorite sports (not to mention it's popularity outside of the U.S.). If you are new to the sport, welcome. You are about to embark on a challenging, exciting new adventure. Bicycling is a wonderful way to get in shape, travel, save money and have fun. There are some basics you need to learn before you hop on. One of these basics is the different kinds of bikes out there. This article should help you make an informed decision about what type of bicycling is for you.

What you will use your bike for will have the greatest impact on what type you purchase. For those individuals who are looking to bicycle simply as a way of losing weight, a stationary bike may be the best bet. Stationary bikes come in both regular and recumbent (you will sit lower and put less stress on your bike) and are used indoors entirely for weight loss and exercise benefits. You can find these in a variety of prices and styles. If you aren't sure that a stationary bike is for you, you may want to attend a spinning class at your local gym to find out if you enjoy this type of activity.
Some people will choose to use their bicycles for transportation. If this is the case, there are two types of bikes to look for. The first and most popular is a commuter bike. These bikes are strong and sturdy and often have racks to hold things. They can be found in one speed and geared models. Another bike called a folding bike, allows the rider to fold the bike for easy carrying and storage.

For people who wish to ride with small children or families, there are children's bikes and tandem bikes. Children's bikes are smaller in size and come in many styles. You can add training wheels to these for little ones just starting out. As a family, you may want to try out a tandem bike. This allows several people to ride together and helps you keep track of everyone as well as bond as a team.

For the more experienced rider who is looking for a challenge, there are mountain bikes, BMX bikes and Cyclecross bikes. Mountain bikes are lightweight and durable. They are built to handle rough and uneven terrain. This type of bike will allow you to explore trails that would not have been possible on a regular bike. BMX bikes are compact and extremely strong. They are used for tricks and competition. Cyclecross bikes are also suitable for uneven roads but are generally used for racing.

Be sure to figure out what type of cycling you would like to do before shopping for a bicycle (and set a budget). Doing your research beforehand will give you the best chance at a wonderful cycling experience. Speaking with professionals and fellow bikers is another way to ensure that you will purchase the correct bike for your needs, and have the best experience possible.

Mike Dire is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. He is also a partner in an online bike carrier store.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/types-of-bicycles-1068713.html

Playing it Smart with Responsibility and Safety with your Personal Mountain Bike

Riding bikes can be both fun and a great way to increase your physical strength. Mountain bikes are the most common types of bikes. There are plenty of other bikes that are available to cyclists like BMX bikes, tandem bicycles, Cannondale Bicycles, unicycles and tricycles. All of these bikes are usually used for various amounts of activities that include racing, exercise and physical endurance.

When it comes to riding mountain bikes and other bicycles there are plenty of things that you should know before you decide to start pedaling bicycle. You should be familiar with the upkeeps, bike safety, stopping properly, preventing accidents especially with road racing bicycles.
It is a great idea to check out the pedals of your bike before you decide to purchase one. Make sure that pedals have some solid grip that can help your shoes get a good grip so that you can break easily without having your feet slip off the pedals. This is a great way to prevent an accident. Make sure you understand basic maintenance tips when it comes to bicycles and mountain bikes. It is fairly easy to maintain a bike. The chains and tires are easy to take care of. You might also want to purchase a some biking clothes so that your experience is a lot more comfortable and you need to purchase a bike helmet for your safety!

Weather you are buying a new mountain bike, a used bicycle or a group of road bicycles it is good to do a little research. The research will give you knowledge and help you become a responsible biker.