by Alison Addy
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.
About the Author:
So you are you interested on bicycles, Alison Addy is a syndicated writer of http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . More
articles on lowrider bikes and custom bikes at his web.
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November 19 2008 | cycling | No Comments »
All too often we go for a bike ride without giving a thought to safety. Using a helmet may seem obvious, but there’s more to it. Here are some pointers that you would do well to keep in mind.
Gear Up for Bicycle Safety
Bicycles may be the smallest wheeled objects on the road, but in the eyes of the law, they are vehicles nonetheless. As vehicle operators, cyclists must follow the same rules, laws and regulations as other drivers. Legally, the only difference between a bicycle and the average car is a few thousand pounds. But, when you’re sharing the road, it’s a big difference. That’s why proper protection is crucial.
No cyclist should purchase a bike without also buying the necessary safety gear. With the right accessories your journey will be more comfortable, more fun and above all, a lot safer.
The number one rule of safe cycling is to wear a proper helmet. Riding with a helmet is the law in some places, and it’s simply the smartest way to ride. There are many helmets available on the market, and some offer a higher degree of protection than others. Ask for assistance at a professional cycle shop to make the best choice. Look for a helmet that is not only comfortable, but is constructed of top-quality materials to provide the best protection. Saving a few bucks on a cheaper model is no bargain if you suffer head injury from an accidental fall. It’s important that the helmet you choose fits properly to prevent neck pain, and is well-ventilated to provide adequate heat release on during long, hot rides. If you ride without protection because you don’t like the look or feel of a helmet, or if you just don’t believe that you’ll ever get into a cycling accident, take a trip to a group home or hospital. The results of head injury are truly devastating, and it can happen to anyone.
Hydration packs are a wise component of safe biking gear. Many bikes come stocked with water bottle cages, but water bottles can be dangerous to use as they can easily cause riders to lose speed, control and their direct line of sight. For this reason, many riders avoid taking water along for the ride, and quickly become dehydrated. It is essential, however, to keep hydrated during long rides and on hot sunny days. Hydration packs, on the other hand, give cyclists the benefits of fresh water, without the hassle of a water bottle. Hydration packs also have spaces to store keys and other necessities like energy bars, a rain jacket and a cell phone. As far as that water cage goes, it’s perfect for storing an extra bottle of fresh water in case of an emergency.
Any cyclist who’s ever taken a bug or a bit of debris in the eye will tell you that eyewear is a crucial component of your safe biking gear. Not only does good eyewear protect your eyes from debris, it also shields the bright sunlight. Serious riders purchase proper cycling goggles, while others opt for less expensive sunglasses. So long as it is good quality eyewear that fits properly, the choice is really yours. Lenses should be orange or yellow to brighten the road or track, light up dark and shady. In the evening or on overcast days, these lenses really do wonders for your visibility on the road.
As far as clothing goes, any comfortable attire will suffice for the recreational and casual cyclist. Extreme cyclists and long distance riders, on the other hand, will choose padded cycling shorts. The soft material prevents chafing and rashes, and the padded seat means a more comfortable ride.
Many cyclists are surprised to learn that half-finger gloves can be considered safety gear. These gloves are padded to protect the palms, yet allow the fingers to move freely. Cyclists who wear these gloves are less likely to develop calluses and rashes, and so can ride for extended periods of time without pain.
In comparing models, look at the individual safety features of the bikes. Don’t be afraid to invest in a more expensive model, especially if you’re cycling for health reasons. The added safety and security of choosing a lightweight bicycle with good suspension is worth the extra investment.
Bicycles are the smallest vehicles on the road, yet cyclists are expected to share the lane and the responsibilities with all other traffic. Accidents can happen, and cyclists can’t afford to take chances with safety.
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October 26 2008 | cycling | No Comments »