Prepare For Cold Weather Cycling Training, Running

Training and exercise does not have to stop in cold weather, if some precautions are taken before hitting the street.

Cold Weather Running Advice

The vast majority of people who are in fair physical condition can ride a bicycle or even jog during cool or warm weather. But cold weather brings on a completely different set of situations, most of them hazardous if the individual is not prepared. Running during a training period or getting cycling training in cold weather is OK if the individual takes a few precautions. At the most basic level, a runner or rider heading out in cold weather must dress warmly and protect exposed skin wherever possible. Breathing problems and frostbite are two common problems that can arise because of too little preparation.

What To Do

Something as basic as a scarf around the neck and a handkerchief over the nose and mouth can be enough to bring the runner or rider back home safe and sound. Covering the mouth and nose with a cloth or handkerchief makes a huge difference in the intake of cold air. Extreme cold means that the material should be thicker. Some runners and riders may feel that it isn’t necessary to pay as much attention to water intake in the winter as it is in the summer. But this is a misconception. The body will sweat a bit more because it may be wrapped in more clothing. That alone makes it necessary to stay hydrated. A supply of water should be taken along, even in winter.

For anyone having breathing problems or bronchial irritation due to illness or cold air, it is best to just stay inside until the condition improves. In addition, the runner or someone in cycling training should be more aware of traction problems (feet or tires). Sometimes it is just not a good idea to run when there is ice and snow on the ground. That’s common sense. Trail shoes will help because they have a different sole design than other running and riding shoes. A slower pace may also be necessary. Dress For Cold Weather

Layers of clothing are always the best answer for cold weather. This allows the runner or rider to shed a layer if he or she becomes too warm, or add a layer if necessary. Socks may need to be a bit heavier and a hat should always be worn in cold weather. Most of the body heat lost during exercise goes through the head. The keys are: be in shape to start with; dress warmly; stay dry; use caution. With these things in mind the individual can run or ride year round.

More information about warm cycling clothes and winter bicycle clothing available here.

November 21 2008 | bicycle | 1 Comment »

Turn Your Road Bikes Into A Work Of Art

A brief look at the increasing popularity of custom bicycles. Read on to discover how riders are turning their bikes into works of art.

With the surge in popularity of cycling both competitively and for fun, custom bikes have increased in demand with novice and professional cyclists alike. Even though they are more costly than their off the shelf counterparts, there are lots of advantages to buying a custom made bicycle. Custom bicycles are made to fit your exact body measurements which means a greater amount of comfort and less wear and tear on your bike. Custom built bicycles are especially perfect for those with not so ‘average’ body types who tend to find that they just can’t find an off the rack bicycle they can get on with.

It is critical for the custom bike manufacturer to know your riding style and body type if they are to make a suitable bike, but there are other things they will need to know too. Before deciding to have a custom bike made the cyclist needs to decide how they are going to use their bike as this will have a major effect on the design decisions the manufacturer will make. A bicycle used every day by a man to and from work will be hugely different in design to that of a racing cycle to be used by the same man. Other points that should be considered are the frequency and length of time the bike will be in use as well as the different types of terrain it will be ridden on. If you let your manufacturer know all of your requirements it will help him in making the best possible bike to suit your needs.

Custom bicycles give riders the chance to express their individuality. Even the more performance oriented bikes, such as racing and mountain bikes, can be customized with different colors and components chosen by the individual. However it’s the low riders, cruisers and choppers that are the works of art , and give the cyclist the opportunity to make a huge fashion statement.

Recently it has become increasingly easy to find companies who manufacture custom bikes, due to their resurgence in popularity. A lot of custom bike builders now own websites that allow riders to view all of the many components and options available in order to build that bike they’ve been dreaming about. If a rider has no local stores there are many websites that will work with people on a long distance basis, meaning that this dream can become a reality for anyone with a computer.

Get more info about lowrider bikes and custom making bikes at this web.

November 19 2008 | cycling | No Comments »