Cycling About Blog » Bicycles http://cyclingabout.info Think globally, pedal locally. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:46:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 The Stiff Link http://cyclingabout.info/2009/05/the-stiff-link/ http://cyclingabout.info/2009/05/the-stiff-link/#comments Sat, 23 May 2009 10:12:59 +0000 James Weir http://cyclingabout.info/?p=1614 by James Weir Ultegra 10-speed chain has developed a clicking sound, two clicks per revolution of the chain " the first at the chain rings and the second at the derailleur. This, he realizes, is because of a stiff link in the chain. The question was whether he should replace just the link or would he have to get a new chain altogether. Actually, it is just the link that needs to be changed. The Shimano Ultegra 10-speed chain is an extremely narrow chain. It weighs 280 gm. In other words, it has 116 links. The Shimano chain is joined at one point. It is in this linking area that the problem usually lies. If you clean all the link pins, removing the dirt, oil and grease that cover them, they will regain their original lustre. Only one link pin will look black. This, then is the culprit link pin, and has to be got rid of. A link extractor tool is required for this purpose, but the removal of this pin has to be done very carefully, otherwise the other link pins might get affected. Worse, the chain might come apart when you are riding the bike, and that could be dangerous. The stiff link could be replaced by a Shimano pin. You could also use the SRAM Power Link pin. It is a strong and durable link. The SRAM Power Link is compatible with the Shimano chain, and using this link will not harm the original chain in any way. In fact, it will make the chain stronger, and thus prevent any accident from happening. However, if it is not the joining link that is stiff, but a link from another part of the chain, then, you will need to hold the chain such that your hands are on either side of the stiff link. Twist the chain so that the link is twisted as well. This will loosen the link. You might have to use the link extractor tool to push it a bit, in order to remove the stiffness, carefully avoiding touching the other links. Once the link is loose, it will not make the clicking sound. A good lubricant is a must for the smooth running of a bike. Be careful to choose a lubricant with silicone in it. This oil will lubricate your chain effectively. Avoid the WD40, as this merely removes the water and does not really lubricate the chain. At one and a half months, the chain is not worn; it just needs lubricating and maybe the replacement of a pin. If you are not very sure of how to go about this, it is best to take the bike to a trustworthy bike repair shop.
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James Weir contributes adding content to magazines. Find at The Stiff Link
]]> http://cyclingabout.info/2009/05/the-stiff-link/feed/ 0 Is a comfort bike the bike you need http://cyclingabout.info/2009/04/is-a-comfort-bike-the-bike-you-need/ http://cyclingabout.info/2009/04/is-a-comfort-bike-the-bike-you-need/#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:03:26 +0000 PJ Walker http://cyclingabout.info/?p=1516 by Pat J Williams Are you getting ready to hit the trails this summer but need your bike to perform well on the pavement also? Do you enjoy riding on trails but wouldn't categorize yourself as an extreme mountain biker? If you are looking for the best of both worlds, its time to consider a comfort bike. Comfort bikes came into existence a couple of decades ago and were known as hybrid bicycles. They were made to provide a comfortable ride on asphalt and handle the bumpier terrain of light mountain biking trails. They provide the comfort of an upright seating position like a mountain bike with spring loaded saddles, straight handlebars and good suspension. Before the proliferation of mountain bikes in the 1990's, everyone rode road bikes. You k now the 10 Speeds bikes with skinny tires and curved handlebars. When mountain bikes stormed the scene, most people realized they would prefer the upright seating and thicker tires of a mountain bike. Now, mountain bikes are becoming more and more specialized and expensive. The casual cycler, weekend warrior, or mom and dad looking to bike with the kids have been overlooked by the market once again. Comfort Bikes have come to the rescue. Hybrid bikes are similar to comfort bikes. They are easier to pedal, like the 10-speeds of yesteryear and yet are rugged enough to handle like a mountain bike. I would not categorize comfort bikes as off road bikes, but hybrids are truly not designed for anything unpaved. There exist 3 levels of bicycle to fit everyones needs. Entry level bikes are the kind you will find in big box department stores and have steel frame built to last. These bikes are a little heavy and slow but they can take a beating and will work for those unsure of their commitment to riding. The mid-level comfort bike will have a lighter, aluminum frame designed with performance in mind. This level of comfort bike will also have some upgrades in regard to the components such as a decent front suspension for riding off-road. Most commuter bikes, city bikes and quality comfort bikes will be in this mid-level range. If you are looking to balance performance with durability and versatility, this mid-range is where you will find the right balance. These bikes are quality, durable and still lightweight for performance. The high-end bike will be designed more for performance than durability. These bikes will require regular maintenance and upkeep. These bikes can cost thousands of dollars and are designed more with the biking enthusiast in mind. The components are top-notch and top dollar. The frame is light and often made with carbon or titanium which will bring up the price. These bikes are made to handle the worlds toughest trails or win the worlds most competitive races. A high-end bike is unnecessary for most cyclers. So why buy a comfort bike? Simply put a comfort bike is the perfect balance between a high end, expensive mountain bike and a racing bike. If you want the flexibility of speed on the streets and suspension for the trails, a comfort bike is the way to go. You will get the comfort of spring loaded seats, front suspension and upright handlebars along with the performance of a light frame, good components, multiple speeds and medium size tires. A quality comfort bike will last forever and be a joy to ride. Enjoy!
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led her to start The Comfort Bike Shop. With the nets best selection of comfort bikes at guaranteed low prices, PJ loves helping
]]> http://cyclingabout.info/2009/04/is-a-comfort-bike-the-bike-you-need/feed/ 0 Take Your Family On Europe Mountain Bike Tours http://cyclingabout.info/2009/04/family-europe-mountain-bike-tours/ http://cyclingabout.info/2009/04/family-europe-mountain-bike-tours/#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2009 11:01:37 +0000 Alison Addy http://cyclingabout.info/?p=1500 by Alison Addy It is easy to get the globe in from the seat of a bike. You see such more from a bicycle than you make through the window of an auto. Taking a bike circuit through European Union is as easy as deciding which country you would like to start from. Germany A diversity of bike circuits through European Union begin in Germany. The Lake Constance auto-guided circuit through Bavaria begins in the town of Lindau, which claims itself "the happy end of Germany." This ride isn't advisable for novices, as the altitude through the Allgaeu Mountains of Bavaria and the uplands of the Allgaeu claim for heavy mounting legs. The scene is good deserving the attempt, with views of the outstanding alps, highland lakes, and woods. This is a auto-guided,7 night circuit. An often better alternative for starting bicyclers is the bike route that goes around Lake Constance. This route is the commonest bike riding path altogether of European Union. Trip through the Gothic villages of Meersburg, Lindau, Stain, and Konstanz. This is a auto-guided, 7 night circuit. The Innsbruck to Munich bike circuit through European Union is additional disputing bit of roadway, with high-level mounts and deep canyons allowing disputes and thrills. You will be surprised by the beauty of the Ziller Vale, with its bucolic guest houses and aqua blue water. This is a auto-guided, 6 night tour. The 4 nations, 3 Lakes tour brings bicyclers through Austria, Suisse, Germany and Liechtenstein and along 3 colorful lakes. This 7 nighttime circuit is as well auto-guided. The Berlin to Copenhagen circuit allows 400 miles of beautiful bicycling on some of the best conserved bicycle routes in European Union. You will find bucolic sportfishing villages and majestic castles while you travel calm nation routes. Netherlands It is been told that The Netherlands is much a low nation, one may see the sensible horizon from under the venter of a moo-cow. You'll be able to try out this for yourself while you get the Dutch Lowlands bike circuit through European Union. Ride you wheel by the flushes, bridges, and extra waterworks Kingdom of The Netherlands above water, whenever not above sea level For families with kids aged between seven and eleven, the bicycle and sail vacation takes you on a guided tour of 7 nights' length. Activities of concern to kids are enclosed in this circuit. Navigate over Ijssel Lake to the port city of Hoorn, and so bicycle to an outdoors museum and extra sightseeing goals. Read more articles about etape du tour de france and cycling info available at this web.
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Alison Addy is a journalist who writes newsletters for some magazines .Find at http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/DVD_Etape_Du_Tour.html more articles on etape du tour de france
]]> http://cyclingabout.info/2009/04/family-europe-mountain-bike-tours/feed/ 0 Nevada City Bike Shop, Take the Tour http://cyclingabout.info/2009/04/nevada-city-bike-shop-tour/ http://cyclingabout.info/2009/04/nevada-city-bike-shop-tour/#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:28:35 +0000 Nevada Steve http://cyclingabout.info/?p=1437 by Nevada Steve When traveling across the highway 49 foothills, you will find the beautiful town of Nevada City, CA. There are many experiences to gain in the outdoors of this region. There are stunning offroad places to travel on a bicycle. The Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop is the place to see first, for all arenas of your bicycle excursions and accessories. The Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop offers everything the avid or novice bicyclist could need. They have bikes for sale or bikes to rent, with all the equipment necessary for an enjoyable ride. They have loads of accessories to give a rider the best performance and most comfortable trip they can have. There is a calendar of riding trips most days, if the conditions permit. The proprietors and crew at The Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop are gifted to assist any request you may have. The owners, Duane and Connie Strawser, offer riding information for the local areas. The Name Tells It Completely This store, The Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop, is precisely what they say they are a rich tour of anything that cyclists need in one locale. In Nevada County, one can discover beautiful trails to ride, and the most outstanding bicycle race in California. Riders from all over the world come to race at one of the most difficult races anyplace, the Nevada City Bicycle Classic. The owners of The Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop are involved in the promotion of this race. Being involved in this local race is part of the fabulous experience of the Strawsers. All the things one requires to know about bikes can be found at the Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop. Accomplished advice can be found here. If you are still learning about bicycling, you can find all the assistance you need, in a fantastic and helpful way. You can find an amazing list of riding events and trips for the month in their shop, along with all of their helpful advice. If you are headed to the California foothills for a visit, it is worth taking the time to see and experience The Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop for certain!
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Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop has what you need for casual bike riding as well as hard core competitive riding. Discover bike riding in California, like you never knew by visiting http://www.nevadacountymall.com/tour-of-nevada-city-bicycle-shop-mall-website.html
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