It is not at all an easy task buying bicycle handlebars. A number of things have to be considered like the thickness of bars, materials, shape, drop width etc. To make your ride comfortable and easy and not torturous, you have to consider all the above mentioned things.
Level of thickness Before, almost all handlebars had the same size of center section. When stem and alloy bars were invented, all bars would fit, irrespective of the stem you had. Nowadays you get standard sized or oversized middle sections which are more comfortable to hang on to while climbing. You are barred from holding centre if the heart rate monitor and the cycle computer are placed in the middle section. Both sizes are made by bar and stem manufacturers, and it is a good idea to go in for standard sizes.
Types of materials: Earlier stems and bars were made of steel, but nowadays carbon and alloy are used. Track sprinters still use the steel ones today as steel is considered heavy and strong. This kind of heavy weight can be carried only by track sprinters. Different quality alloys are available which are basically light. You have to decide on the stiffness and price as alloys are expensive because they are flexible and light and comparatively durable as compared to other materials.
Bicycle handlebars made of carbon are becoming very popular these days as this material is strong and light. But, they can get easily damaged or snap if you crash. All you have to then do is throw them away. Available in different sizes and shapes some of them have a flat, aero top section which is very comfortable for resting your forearms.
Also important is the depth and width of bicycle handlebars. Narrow bars will constrict your breathing as well as your chest, and it they are wide you may find it difficult to control the bike. With wider bars a small rider finds it difficult to ride with the bike wobbling. Smaller riders need shallow bars with less-drop while bigger riders call for a longer drop.
Only round bars were available earlier. Today there are flat sections put onto the lower section of the drops. You can place your forearm on certain places. But many find this uncomfortable. A round bar is more comfortable as there are many ways in which you can rest your forearms on the bar.
Still looking for information about bike reviews??, Alison Addy is a syndicated editor and writer of bikecyclingreviews.com. Read additional info about cycling or bike handlebars at http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/0406handlebars.html
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May 19 2010 | cycling | No Comments »
When a woman wants to purchase a bike, she is sure to have a number of queries, before she picks the one that suits her best. There is a huge selection of bikes available in the market, rightly designed for women only! Among the most popular bicycles for ladies, Trek, Specialized, Scott, Orbea, Giant and Cannondale are some of the best and most beautiful ones. All the above mentioned bikes have the length of the main tubes, the head angles and the seat designed specifically for ladies. They perform just as well as any other race bikes and are designed to fit the body shape of the woman well.
Check out the equipment fitted into each one and also check the frame design of each bike. You are sure to love them all. If you are not able to make up your mind then it is important to go through a number of reviews first and then make the final decision. If you want to buy Trek Madone 5.0, it is available in four sizes. With no compact design, it has fairly standard designs and angles, a sloping top tube which is much longer than the seat tube, which is a feature usually seen in most bicycles for ladies. You get less of a step over with the frame having a horizontal top tube. Carbon is used to make the forks and frame.
Giant SCR2.0 and Cannondale Synapse Feminine:
The Giant is one of the cheapest and most popular cycles. It is designed to give you a hard work out with its 10 kg weight. Carbon composite forms, alloy sloping frame, frames of three sizes and angles are based on the Giant formula which has been copied for many years. 8 Speed gears of Shimano Tiagra, parts of Giants own brand, with FSA triple chain set, San Marco saddle and Alex rings, make the bike unique.
The Cannondale Synapse Feminine is available in four sizes, with steep seat angle, sloping frame design, relaxed head angle and alloy frame with carbon forks. The relaxed head angle allows a longer top tube and a shorter seat tube. To keep the price reasonable, a blend from other pieces – 9 speed gears and Shimano 105 is used. It weighs approximately 9.3 kg and is available at an affordable price with it Fi’zi’k feminine saddle, Mavic rims and triple chain set.
Orbea, Specialized and Scott:
The Orbea Diva TPB is the most expensive bicycle, available in two sizes only, with a frame made fully of carbon, and forks with comfortable angles 34/50 tooth chain rings, Zeus Ziclon compact chain set, Shimano wheels, ITM pieces, Selle Italia lady saddle etc. Specialized weighs 8.3 kg, comes in five different sizes and is designed with carbon, Specialized Zert inserts, well proportioned, sloping top tube, compact design, FSA chain set, Shimano 105 10 speed. The features make the bicycle sporty as well as economical. Out of the six popular ones Scott is the favorite, available in five sizes, with forks and carbon frame to suit the woman’s physique. Weighing at 7.8 kg, it is the lightest, with 10 speed Shimano 105 gears, wheels of Mavic Aksium, Continental tires, Ritchy hanle bars, Shimano triple chain set, the bicycle is affordable.
So you are you interested on bike reviews, Alison Addy contributes editing long articles on bike reviews for bikecyclingreviews.com . A website with tips on women’s bicycle and cycling.
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May 17 2010 | cycling | No Comments »