Cycling World

Cycling is one of those great activities that seems to have an almost endless list of advantages. There may be particular elements about it that you especially enjoy, including the fact that it allows you to exercise in a fun and relatively inexpensive manner. Some people like the fact that they can race competitively, or take on more difficult landscapes, making use of their mountain bikes. For others, it's more about getting from one place to another. But I feel a little sorry for those who mainly thinking of bicycles as offering a means of transport. There's so much more to cycling than simply using a bike for your daily commute. For me, I think one of the great pleasures associated with bicycles is the fact that they allow you to spend time with friends and family. There's nothing quite like a family bike ride. Even if you live in an urban area, it's likely that you'll be able to set off from home and soon reach a pleasant setting. Personally, I lov...

How To Get the Most Out Of Your Pedalling Power Whenever I watch a Triathlon and it is windy or when there are undulations in the race, I always see Triathletes jumping out of their saddles while riding. In the cycling world this is referred to as honking. Every time I see them do so, I wish I could just reach out there and give them the advice that I am going to give you now. However, it is not an overnight fix and something that you will need to work on in the off-season. The off-season is perfect because you won't be worried about speed and it will give you time to improve. Although some Triathletes and cyclists think that jumping out of their seats is going to help them to get over the hill faster, give their muscles a rest, unfortunately they are horribly mistaken in the long run. Getting out of your seat is one of the most inefficient habits you can have and something that should be avoided for the Triathlete. Even though Triathletes may think that it is giving their mu...

Cycling is one of the best forms of exercise that there is and it is for all ages and abilities as well as being as affordable or expensive as you wish to make it! So whether you're a keen cyclist or a casual peddler, you can improve your performance, wellbeing and comfort with these tips: **Brake correctly by placing your hands at the ends of the levers. **On a long downhill, don't stay on your brakes. This may overheat the tire rims, which could cause a blow out. Rather, tap the brakes from time to time. **Don't pedal in high gear for long spells. This can increase the pressure on your knees and lead to injury. **Position the handles accurately - about 1, 5 cm lower than the top of the seat. **Change your hand and body positions frequently to avoid stiffness. **Keep your arms loose and don't lock your elbows, they should be bent in order to absorb any bumps, rather than the knock going straight on to the joint. Cycling is a wonderful activity for fitness ...

Although long-distance cycling is every cyclist's dream, it takes months of groundwork and training in order to achieve this safely. Here are some tips and ideas if you're eager for a long bike ride to help you get to the other side without too much unnecessary stress on your body. 1 First of all you need to work out and build your fitness levels up for your road trip. Even if you think you can do it, never start with a long ride. Begin by covering shorter distances and then gradually increasing the length of your cycle. Your training should still leave you fit enough to ride again the next day. 2. Your bike must be comfortable. You need to become familiar with your bike first, which, again, can only happen over time while you gradually increase the distances that you cycle. The way a bike feels on short trips is not an indicator of how it will feel on a long ride. It also takes time to get used to a saddle and find your optimal seating position on a new bike. 3 Make sure...

Simple tips for better riding. Mend nicks and cuts in the top rubber of your road tires with crazy glue. If the cuts aren't into the casing fabric the glue will close them up and let you get some extra miles out of your tires. Put a $20 bill in your seat bag or under the insole of your shoes for emergencies. When changing tires, Start putting the tire back on opposite the valve stem to reduce the chance of pinching a tube. Get out the saddle for 15-30 seconds every 10 minutes, even on level terrain to use the muscle differently and give you but a break. Start to drinking as soon as you start your ride to get the habit of hydration set. Quaker Oatmeal squares or Oatmeal on the go bars make an effective, tasty and cheap energy bar. Plus they are easy to open and chew on the bike. In a pinch, Vaseline will work as chamois cream. When you are hot and sweaty it will reduce chafing and keep bacteria from growing in your pants. If chaffing does occur, you can use Bag Balm or...

Cycling is an ideal form of exercise for overweight and obese. With full determination, proper outlook and right methods, cycling can be so much fun for overweight or obese. Here are some effective tips in order to have a comfortable and convenient cycling experience: Make Your Bike Right If you have a hand-me-down or your current bike just hurts to ride, maybe it just doesn't fit your body properly. All you need is a new saddle or shorter handlebar stem. You could go for a bike fitting at your local bike shop or consult a professional. Match your bike right It's important to match the bike to your planned use. Don't be afraid to test ride different types of bikes before deciding. Pick the Right Bike Shop This is crucial. If you don't feel like the staff is listening to your needs or taking you seriously, go elsewhere. Don't be intimidated, you have as much right to buy a quality bike as the skinny guy beside you. Visit the shop when it's not busy so...

Are you an indoor cycling enthusiast? Do you participate in group indoor cycling or spin classes? You might not be getting the most benefit from your workout because of a few simple mistakes. Let's find out what they are and how to fix them... If you're an indoor cyclist, you're one of millions of fitness enthusiasts who have turned to this form of exercise as a great way to keep fit. Whether you cycle independently or in a group fitness class, you can get a fantastic fat burning and muscle toning workout. And yet, many people don't get the optimal benefit from indoor cycling. How about you? To find out for sure, here are three common mistakes and how to fix them... Tip #1: Proper Bike Set Up Proper bike set up is the most important factor for correct form. You need to be aligned properly on your bike to create the ideal dynamic for cycling. The first issue is the bike seat. Most people have their bike seat too low. Why? Because it's easier to peddle when ...

Do you know that one of the exercises you can do to relief back pain is cycling? Yes, this is a fact. However, in the process of cycling, some people also complain of back problems. This article contains 4 VERY important tips that will help you to get the best from cycling . 1. The first cycling tip to prevent back pain is to choose the right bicycle that is meant for you. Your selection should be from any one of the three common types of bicycles available. Hence, you may need racing bikes, mountain bikes, or hybrid bikes. Each of these bikes has its special purpose or use. Your choice should be based on your needs 2. The second cycling tip you need to observe is to use the bicycle that is of the right size with your leg. This will prevent a situation where you have to overstretch your legs and encounter pain in your back. 3. The third tip to cycling to avoid back pain is to get and ride the bicycle that has the correct seat and handlebar distance. Every type of bicycle is di...

Choosing an Exercise Bike and Improving Your Indoor Ride Cycling through the great outdoors is great, no denying that. But let's face it, there are many times you just can't, or don't want to, ride outside. Well, indoor cycling, or stationary biking, is a great alternative for those days. Let's see...it's too hot, it's too cold, it's snowing, it's dark, can't find my sunglasses, out of sunscreen, etc, etc. The excuses and/or reasons are endless. Well, there are many indoor cycling options available, so you can stop whining and start riding! Indoor Cycles & Stationary Bikes There is a large variety of exercise bikes, including upright cycles and recumbent versions. This is completely personal preference as to which is most comfortable for you. Consider your budget. Exercise bikes are available from $150 for a very basic model - $2000+ for a loaded version. Research features you like, including "clipless pedals" or "cages...

People involve themselves in sporting activities either for leisure, as a hobby or because of their keen interest in it. If you feel the need to be energized then the most sought-after recreational activity is sporting. Sports also make you active and provide you with refreshing liveliness. Concentrating completely on work and they were taking out time to relax brings in the party and makes you dull. Sporting activities help in keeping you fit and healthy. There are number of individuals who play just because they are interested in the game or play sports because it is their hobby. However, others consider sports as a career itself. People residing in different countries have different tastes when it comes to sports just like how the taste for food changes from country to country. People are different and that is exactly why the choice of sports also is different. For example people in India die for cricket parents and Americans are more inclined to watch baseball and basketball. T...

Fishing tackle and bicycles must be two of the most difficult sports to store equipment for. They are not particularly big or heavy, but do take up a certain amount of floor space. Fishing tackle and bikes both need keeping dry too which make outdoor storage impractical unless you have a shed or another form of outbuilding. What makes storing them more difficult is the fact that both past times come with more accessories than you could shake a stick at. How do you organise all of those nuts and bolts or rig tying bits and pieces. Not only is it a case of storage though, you need to be able to get at them easily, easier the better in fact especially with bicycles. I love cycling but everyone must have had that feeling where they know they should go out but really can't be bothered. If you're in one of these moods and your bike is right at the back of the shed that's your ideal excuse not go out! You need your bike to be easily accessible you will be far more inclined to ...

No matter how busy you might be at work or at home, you should always find time to be with nature and to exercise. Is this possible? Of course, it is! Exercising does not only mean going to the gym, but it can also be made more fun by through outdoor sports and activities. This way, you can exercise, enjoy the beauty of nature and be with your friends. The big difference between doing outdoor sports and going to the gym is that the former can feel like a task and it can be boring. On the other hand, doing an outdoor sport can be fun and exciting. Here are some of the interesting outdoor activities which you might want to try: 1. Boating - If you plan on going on an adventure by renting a boat, make sure you have checked the weather. Bring sufficient food, your first aid kit and emergency lights, but leave behind any alcoholic drinks. Getting on a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the leading causes of boat accidents today. Before you leave the dock, make ...

After the intense work after a week, just go back to the nature and release yourself heartily. Among so many kinds of outdoor sports, these four sports ways like climbing, long-distance running, skating, and scuba diving can even help you lose your weight. 1. Climbing This kind of sport is a good choice for IT people. Facing high pressure and high intensity of work every day, they strongly need to release themselves from their body to spirit. Troubled by the stuffy air and radiation emitted from computers, they are looking for a health way to save their mind and body. If you are facing the same problem, just go climbing in the weekend. Put yourself in the nature and breathe heartily. You should know that climbing is an excellent aerobic exercise which can promote your metabolism, accelerate the blood circulation, improve endurance and leg strength and improve your heart and lung function. 2. Long-distance running in water If your work need you stay on your seat all the day, you m...

Anything is possible is a famous quote that we have heard almost anywhere. This quote is being told to those people who have lost faith in believing that they can do impossible things and that they can also do things what others can also do. It is an inspiring quote and it should be instilled in the minds of all the people so they will strive hard and never stop in believing that they can. The quote really inspires the disabled individuals. You see, they are so very determined in doing things that other people can do. When we see disabled individuals, we feel pity because of their state. There is no reason to pity them but instead, we should help them and encourage them to do what they want to do. Did it ever occur to your mind that those who use wheelchairs, those you have crutches, those with only one foot or one arm cannot do anything to amuse themselves? That is where you are wrong. There are many disabled individuals as of this point that has become successful especially in the ...

It's really amazing what sports can do to a person's life. Unfortunately, most kids today prefer to stay at home and pound away at their keyboards instead of playing outdoor sports. I loved playing sports as a kid and played games like soccer, volleyball, basketball and Shotokan till I was well into my teens. I just could not resist the feel of soft grass under my feet and cool breeze blowing into my face. Playing sports not only built my strength and stamina, but it also taught me some valuable lessons in life. I owe my impeccable immunity and robust health to my habit of playing sports. Here I list some of the reasons that make me feel sports should be mandatory for each kid: 1) Building Great Health And Stamina Sports have no comparison when it comes to building health, stamina and immunity. The more you play, the healthier you get, it's as simple as that. Playing sports everyday increases blood flow to all parts of the body and keeps fat away. The exhaustion from sp...

Outdoor sports can never outweigh computer or video games in terms of advantages. Spending a day outdoors may take high amount of energy from us but the benefits are priceless. For one, you may never be aware of it, but the energy being exerted by people who have done even the simplest walk or jog or run for a few significant minutes can actually energize us and give us certain "high" and adrenaline. Exercise is even advised to people suffering from a minor depression for sweating can actually normalize internal processes in our body like blood circulation and oxygen flow. Breathing that comes from strenuous activities allows a good amount of oxygen to flow up until our brain, enabling it to function more productively. Those are only a few advantages of active outdoor sports in our body. Its benefits are not only limited to health reasons that can help us physically, but also a few other significant reasons that may help our entire being. For one, outdoor sports allow us to...

"Sports" is an activity in which people involve themselves mainly for leisure, hobby and interest. Sports is one of the most recreational activity which energizes your whole body and makes you feel active and lively. "All work and no play makes jack a dull boy" so we should always indulge in sporting activities to keep ourselves fit and fine. Some people play sports just for hobby and interest but some play for competition and career. As people of different country have different taste for food & recipes likewise people of different country have varied interest in different games. For example: Why American Watch Baseball, Football, and Basketball whereas Indian Love to watch Cricket. This is just because of this reason that different people develop interest in different games or sports. "Outdoor Sports" basically means any kind of sports which are played in the field or outer surroundings. Outdoor Sports includes cricket, hockey, rugby, baseball, f...

If you love sports, you should find an outdoor sport to play. Playing sports outdoors is a great way to get exercise, get outside, and have fun with your family. There are many different outdoor activities that you can take part in with your family and have all kinds of fun and family activities. One of the most popular sports outside is football. If you enjoy this outdoor sport, you will want to gather a group of people and head outside to play it. There are so many different versions of pick up football that you can play with your friends and family to get a great pick-up game going and have some fun while doing it. Another great game to have fun playing outdoors is baseball. You don't even have to have a baseball diamond to play a pick-up game, throw something down for bases, grab a bat and some mitts, and play some slow pitch. You'll love being able to bat the ball around, run some bases, and play America's favorite past time. You also may want to head out and pla...

Tights come in a huge array of styles, types and designs. Many are developed to service a particular purpose, and one of these purposes is cycling. But what are the main benefits of cycling tights? Cycling tights were developed specifically for cyclists, and are regarded as an indispensable item of clothing. They're particularly close fitting and have a higher Lycra content than many normal tights, and rise higher up the waist to make sure they do not roll down when you're cycling. They're usually footless and can also come with a cord at the waist which can be tied off to keep them up. Cycling tights themselves come in a variety of different designs, thicknesses and styles. You can get ones with padding in the saddle, so are like an extended version of cycling shorts which can make cycling for long distances more comfortable. You can get un-padded versions to wear over the top of cycling shorts, which have the advantage that you can take them off easily if you get too ...

Cities provide a wide range of places to cycle. These include the traditional bike paths through the urban landscape. Additionally, more and more cities now include bike lanes along lanes for vehicles. Thus, cyclists have more options than ever to enjoy bicycling in the city-and to enjoy it safely. However, as always it's important that you have the right tool for the right job. Varying from their mountain bike counterparts, cycles for cities are designed more for speed, rather than ruggedness. This is quite logical, considering that paved surfaces usually don't contain the obstacles for cyclists that unpaved surfaces do. Still, you have numerous options when buying cycling bikes. If you cycle with others, then you should consider the type of cycle that they have. For instance, if your friends or relatives have road cycles, then it would be quite difficult for you to keep up with them, by riding a mountain bike. On the other hand, if they have mountain bicycles, it would be...

Cycling can be dangerous. In fact cycling accidents happen so often that they come very close to car accidents in sheer numbers. But you can be safer and avoid cycling injuries if you know how. Here are tips on how to avoid cycling injuries. If you are new to cycling or are looking at it as an option to improve your health and fitness, you must take care that you avoid common problems and injuries that can occur as a result of improper cycling. Such injuries are very common among people who do not take the proper precautions. There are quite a few common cycling injuries which can be totally avoided with a little bit of common sense and some useful equipment. The first thing to remember when taking up cycling is to use proper gear. If you are considering it as an exercise option, you will probably end up stretching yourself during long ride stints, hill climbs or the like. Under such circumstances, you must ensure that you are wearing the proper cycling attire and have all the di...

When you are cycling in traffic and have to contend with other road users, it's a jungle out there. Even worse, sometimes it feels like the laws of the jungle apply rather than the traffic laws and regulations. This might be okay when the two rucking drivers are protected inside reinforced vehicles. If you're a cyclist though, you can get hurt very easily by the slightest of collisions, and being on two wheels also makes you a less visible road user. Here are five classic situations where cyclists need to be on their guard. The Emergency Stop When you are cycling in traffic, give other vehicles loads of room to maneuver, and especially keep your eyes peeled for local danger spots. These might be near a school, where children can rush out into the road and cause the traffic in front of you to stop suddenly to avoid hitting them. Or there might be an ice cream truck parked at the roadside, and you can expect youngsters to appear out of nowhere and cause havoc. As a cyclist, k...

The most important factor to remember is: layers. Layered clothing will have a much better impact on your body temperature than fewer thicker layers. Layering enables you to have the correct types of fabric for the various functions they need to perform such as waterproofing, heat retention, etc. Layering also provides extra invisible layers of trapped air which help to insulate the body much better than any fabric. Tops When layering up for cold weather its best to start with a close fitting thermal vest that will wick away moisture but also keep you warm by trapping air close to the body. Secondly is a lighter fitting top that will act as a barrier between your waterproof and the warm inner lining of your vest. The third layer would ideally be a waterproof of some kind. this need to protect not only from above where rain will be piling down but also from below as mud and water is thrown up from the wheels and puddles as you race along on your bike. Bottoms Even in cold weather ...

If you're a regular in any sort of indoor cycling class, chances are you've seen your fellow participants wearing a special type of footwear that is unlike a typical athletic shoe. They are indoor cycling shoes, and they're becoming more popular for several reasons. Let's examine several benefits of these shoes and why they will help your performance in class. What Are Indoor Cycling Shoes? Essentially a specialty type of fitness footwear, these shoes are extremely light weight. That's because they are designed exclusively for the hot and sometimes humid conditions of cycling rooms inside a health club. They have a rigid toe and a special layer of padding for the balls of your feet. This extra padding allows you to exert maximum weight and effort atop the peddle to help get the most from your workout. The biggest difference between these shoes and regular athletic shoes are the nodules, or cleats, on the soles. These cleats, usually made from hard rubber or so...

What if you could change your route to work AND get in great shape at the same time? Are you lucky enough to be in a position to cycle to your place of employment? It can be a total chore on some days to have to traverse the same route and encounter the exact same obstacles every time. During winter months in particular, the ride to work can be the only chance a number of us get to be back in the saddle, and we should try to maximise the benefit of it, in terms of both enjoyment and training possibilities. Learn how to put variation and productivity into the every day journey simply by trying some different techniques and creating a well-balanced exercise program within the ride. Unless you are really lucky, your ride to and from your work will include traffic, junctions and crossings etc, and may end up being stop/start, fast/slow. Rather than looking at these red signals as a disadvantage or a set back to be passed at maximum speed, think differently, take advantage of the stop/s...

Cycling shorts with padded insert is one of the significant items of clothing needed for cycling. They will keep the rider away from saddle soreness and gives much comfort especially for the one who is going for a long ride. There are varieties of cycling shorts available in the market from baggy shorts which has internal padded chamois liner to cheap padded shorts which fits perfectly under any size of pants. Try these varieties and pick the one which suits you the best. Cycling Jerseys Most experienced riders will prefer technical fabrics which remove sweat and have good ventilation. They also appreciate back pockets which can be used to hold energy snacks and drinks. Tight fitting pants should not be used by riders as they will not be comfort especially for long travels as they may become sodden with sweat. The most preferred type of clothing is a pair of comfortable cycling clothes and gloves. Sugoi Leg Warmers - Size L These leg warmers are designed in such a way to giv...

If you have a vision defect that is corrected by wearing specs or contact lenses, riding a bicycle might not be too much fun. For eyeglasses wearers, it is rare to get ones that shield the eyes from wind blowing in at the sides, and this can cause two contrasting problems, depending on the individual. The side draught either dries out the surface of the eyes, which can cause itchiness and irritation; or it can cause them to fill with tears, which will affect your view of the road, not to mention making you look like you are crying! For contact lens wearers, the dry eye problem is even worse as it can cause the lenses to stick, rather painfully, so you will always need to carry eye-drops with you. A perfect solution is to buy a pair of cycling glasses. For the contact lens wearing riders, there is a vast array of different brands and styles to choose from. You can even find an excellent selection while sitting at your computer - just try out Amazon for example. Some people prefer not ...

Riding your bicycle can make you extremely vulnerable to danger as you are very unprotected from bodily injury if involved somehow in an accident. Usually, this results in motorists not understanding the same rights that cyclists have while sharing the road. Furthermore, many cyclists fail to understand their rights and obligations for bicycle safety and responsibilities, leading to increased confusion and unnecessary hazards. When cycling, it is imperative for cyclists to understand how not only to safely navigate the roads and sidewalks while also being preventative in avoiding possible dangers associated with sharing the roads. Understanding how to safely share the road is crucial to your safety. In order to fully protect yourself while cycling, it is first crucial to understand the potential dangers one may face while cycling. Most Common Hazards There are actually very common hazards incorporated with daily cycling activities. Whether commuting to work or going for a leisurely...

1. Cycling helps to work your heart. Cycling is excellent aerobic exercise. It does not place undue stress on the body, but enables a good workout, which will reduce the risk of heart disease, and other illnesses associated with lack of fitness. 2. Loose weight. Cycling to work and back will help burn off unnecessary calories, helping you to keep your weight down and loose weight if the distance is significant. 3. Exercise makes you feel better. When you exercise and work the heart the body releases chemicals that make you feel better. One chemical serotonin, has been shown to be released during exercise. Cycling to work will make you feel much better that getting irate in a traffic jam. 4. Saves Money. If you cycle to work you will save on fuel costs, congestion charges, parking fees, and maintenance to your car. By contrast running a bike is very cheap. For example a new set of brake blocks might cost only £6.00 If you have a little experience fixing a bike is much easier than ...

It is no surprise that cycling confidence plays a critical role in cycling performance.  Fostering cycling confidence is sometimes easier said than done.  Cycling can be an intimidating, and sometimes dangerous sport.   Crashes can, and will happen in bicycle racing.  How do you overcome your fear of crashing to achieve cycling success? Let's begin with with the question.  What is cycling confidence?  Cycling confidence means that you are able to ADAPT to a situation, and BELIEVE in yourself when it matters most.  Your cycling confidence allows you to exercise your personal freedom to eliminate anxiety, self-doubt, and indecision during a criterium, road race or time trial. Second, where does cycling confidence come from?  Simply put, cycling confidence comes from how you choose to PERCEIVE yourself as a bicycle racer. Let's breakdown the definition to the ABCs of Cycling Confidence.  A is for Adaptability.  B is for Believe in You...

Cycling shoes are different from any other footwear because their structure and design are meant to make pedaling more comfortable. In this guide, you will learn how to fit the shoes well and how to choose the right pair. Let's get started. The cycling shoes guide: what's your cycling style? Cycling shoes can be chosen depending on your style of cycling. Nowadays, there are variants for cycling off-road, on-the-road, or for casual riding. Casual cycling shoes have comfortable soles that are softer, which makes walking in them comfortable, too. For racing purposes, wearing road riding shoes for cycling is advisable so you can pedal comfortably on hard terrains. They have nylon mesh uppers with the rigid soles although some variants have carbon fiber soles which are relatively lighter. You can also adjust these shoes while you are on the road to support your pedalling needs. For cycling on soft surfaces like sand, soil, and grass, off-road cycling shoes can offer you with...

Whether you have been a cycling fanatic for years or you just happen to be a budding cyclist who is about to take on the ride, choosing a cycling shoe is a significant step that you should take to make sure that you have the best cycling experience possible. Some people think that any old rubber shoes or sneakers will do, when the truth is that cycling calls for a different type of shoes altogether. The kind of shoes you wear can greatly affect the way you perform this pastime. Unpadded soles are what primarily sets cycling shoes apart from regular shoes. This design allows you to transmit energy better from your feet to the pedals. Get a grip If you are someone who does cycling for recreational purposes, then you probably do not need to invest in expensive cycling shoes. Choosing cycling shoe can be as simple as wearing your regular tennis shoes or running shoes. Just make sure that the shoes you select allow your feet to have a good grip of the pedals. If you feel like your shoes...

Cycling shirts are an important tool for serious cyclists, helping them reach their top speed and to ride more comfortably. They have also become very fashionable and have become a place for professional cyclists to list their sponsors. So you can see cycling jerseys are an important part of what a rider will wear. Depending on your preferences, your needs and your riding level it's important to consider the specific functions of the bike shirt before buying one. After all many of the nice ones aren't cheap, but finding the right cycling shirt is typically worth what you pay for it. The Material, Size & Fit The most popular choice of fabric for cycling jerseys is polyester. They are usually either made from straight polyester, a blend of polyester and lycra or a proprietary blend of polyester, often some kind of microfiber. These blends help wick moisture away from the body and help keep the rider cooler. This is an important function when cycling intensely and working ...