How to Find the Best Bicycle Frame

By Alastair Hamilton

Whether you're shopping for a bike or just admiring them, the first part you notice is probably the bicycle frame. The frame is the heart of a bicycle, as well as its art.Including the basically triangular core structure that supports both seat and handlebars and the extensions that attach to the wheels, the color and the geometry of the bicycle frame not only affects the beauty of the bike, but its strength and speed as well.The pleasure and success you derive from bicycle riding will be strongly impacted by having the right frame for your physique and your purposes.

Naturally, your bicycle frame will take into dramatic account whether you ride primarily on roads or off-road.Not only are so-called mountain bike frames made of noticeably bigger "tubes," they are made of more shock resistant materials, with stronger weldings. Road bike frames have a smaller triangular geometry and the main consideration in their material is its weight.Everything on a road bike is designed to keep the rider's resistance to a minimum in order to promote fluency and speed, while a mountain bike is designed with the primary goal of shock absorption and maneuverability in mind alongside speed-influencing factors.

Even among these two main divisions, you will find major differences in bicycle frames.Road bikes used primarily for touring or recreational riding will have frames with a more relaxed geometry and more total horizontal spread front to back, while racing bikes will tighten that structure for a shorter front to back bike length.A tighter triangle and less distance between the bicycle frame and the tires acts to decrease the resistance of wind and road for a racer, as well as to increase the bike's ability to respond to the quick, minute maneuverings road racing requires.

In addition, your unique body shape and weight will also affect what kind of bicycle frame is best for your comfort and accomplishment.Standard frame measurements, made along the seat tube of a frame, take into account the length of your legs, but the relationship of your torso length and arm length to the length of your legs is also extremely important to comfort on a bicycle, and the length of the top tube of the bicycle frame must also be examined.Two riders of identical height may need completely different bicycle frames.The best thing you can do is to shop at a bicycle store where knowledgeable riders earn their living and where you are allowed to try out a bicycle before buying it.

Alastair Hamilton is a successful writer who offers a truly unique depth of experience in competitive cycling. Reach further articles on bicycle frames at http://www.bike-cycling-reviews.com, the hub of cycling information.

Bicycle Frame - Best Bike Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alastair_Hamilton

Basics To Buying Bicycle Car Racks

By Lee Dobbins

You should have a bicycle car rack because terrific bicycling areas are always not within easy cycling distance. Carrying your bicycle on your vehicle is an excellent means to spread out your bicycling escapades. This makes it very easy to discover traffic-free streets, impressive trails or take your bicycle with you on vacations.

If you do drive regularly to bike, then you will be pleased to know about how recent bicycle car rack innovations have made transporting your bikes much easier for you.

Not all cars are can fit all kinds of bicycle car racks, which is why it is very important to buy the right bicycle car rack to fit your car as well as your needs.

Things to consider when buying a bicycle car rack:

• Your vehicle model. Generally, you can not find a bicycle car rack that will match or install two cars; therefore, if you possess two or more cars, choose the one car that you will most likely use.

• Your car load. Will you possibly be carrying 3 or 4 bicycles in the near future? How many family members are there, who are or will be joining you on your biking adventures? If you need to carry more bikes than you presently do, make certain to choose a bicycle car rack model with carry-load that is more flexible.

• Positioning of the bicycle car rack. Depending upon the model and make of your car, there are many bicycle car racks that can suit your needs several of these add more access or functionality to your vehicle.

• Durability. Spend your dollars based on primarily how long will you be using it or you require it to stay with you; good quality bicycle car racks can last up to several years, however if you need it only for a very rare trips, just buy the lower priced variety.

Familiarize yourself with your bicycle car rack choices:

1. Roof mounted bicycle racks. If positioned securely, roof mounted bike racks will carry a minimum 4 bicycles and can even accommodate more reliant on your car type.

This type of rack also can provide a utility for fastening a “roof-box” that can hold your sports equipment, luggage, and bicycles under cover, preventing bicycle damage with the clamped, upright position.

This type of bike rack is slightly expensive because of the benefits it brings and you may need to utilize a tiny ladder in order to get your bicycles on and off from it.

2. Front bumper racks. These bike car racks are normally not recommended and only are suitable for cars with a “high-front end”.

If positioned excessively high, these types of racks can get in the way with the driver’s vision. Take note that you need to confirm that these are accepted in your state, because in some locales, they are considered illegal.

3. Rear bicycle car racks. These are the most commonly used of all forms of bicycle car racks. Normally, you can carry 3 bicycles and it is attached with the use of metal hooks and straps.

As bicycles are usually carried very closely together, using “foam pipe-insulator” that this type of rack features as protective cover is recommended.

4. Tow ball bicycle mount. This type can carry up to 5 bicycles and is generally set up with a “square mounting post” placed into a “square pipe” attached to your car’s underside rear that tilt down if empty to permit for rear doors and tailgates.

5. “Rear ball-hitch” bike racks. This type of set-up usually can only accommodate a 2 bikes maximum due to limitations in weight and generally clamps against or bolt through the “hitch-ball” mounting outlet on the vehicles hitch tongue or bumper.

6. “Sports car interior”. If your car has enough room for it, this type is much safer and cheaper option as thieves have fewer chances of getting or stealing your bike or its parts.

You can buy brackets to make sure your bicycles does not move or swing around while inside your car.

Now that are well informed with the basics of buying a bicycle car rack, all you need to do next is to find a dependable dealership and ask recommendations or find the best bicycle car rack deals online.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://cycling.leisure-webzone.com where you can learn more about cycling including maintenance and riding tips.

Bicycle Rack - Best Bike Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins