DirectBicycleParts.com

Bicycle Chain Replacement And Repair – DirectBicycleParts.com

directbicycleparts — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 02:04:45 +0000

Here we explain how to replace a bicycle chain on a derailleur-equipped bicycle so that you can install a new chain when yours wears out. Bicycles with derailleurs use a chain that normally cannot be removed unless you separate one link with a chain tool (photo, left), a special bicycle tool that lets you push a pin out of the chain (more about this procedure later).

The techniques used to replace a chain will also help you repair one should you or a riding companion have a problem on the road or trail. For example, as long as you carry a chain tool, it’s a fairly simple matter to repair something as serious as a broken chain, which would otherwise leave you stranded. More…

Bicycle Parts Need Lubrication, Here is How

directbicycleparts — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:07:30 +0000

Bicycle Lubrication

Bicycles are made up of many parts that work best and last longest when properly lubed. View this diagram to see the lube points for modern bicycles. Below, we explain what’s involved.

Lubricants & Grease The lubricant used the most is a liquid lube, which we sell in small drip and spray containers. We recommend purchasing our cycling-specific lubes because they’re perfectly formulated for your two-wheeler. This matters because the typical all-around lubes sold at hardware stores are often too thick or too thin to lubricate your bike properly. And, they’ll usually leave an oily residue that can make a mess of your machine and clothing. Also, some products will attack the seals on bike components damaging your equipment. More…

Bicycling with bad dogs

directbicycleparts — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:21:30 +0000

Bicycle parts and accessories are one thing, dog attacks are quite another. Dog attacks are high on the list of cycling fears. Maybe you can’t stop Fang from giving chase, but you can outsmart him if you know how dogs think — assuming that stinkin’ mutt even has a brain! Know dog psychology. The majority of dogs who chase cyclists are merely defending their territory. When you pedal off the section of road that they consider their turf, you no longer pose a threat to their ancestral instincts and they lose interest. Incidentally, this is why you’ll rarely be chased by a dog you encounter way out in the boonies. He’s not on his turf so he couldn’t care less about you. Know dog tactics. Dogs want to attack from the rear, coming up from the hindquarter. Even one who sits up in his yard ahead of you may wait till you pass before giving chase. You can use this to your advantage in the next tip because it gives you a head start. Sprint! You often can outsprint Fido when he’s more interested in fooling around than in actually attacking. You can tell his intent by how hard he’s running and his expression. An easy gait with woofing and ears and tail up, no problem. A full-out sprint with ears back, tail down and teeth out, problem. Still, the territorial gene can save you. If the road is flat or downhill, stand up and sprint to get past the dog’s invisible boundary. Guard your front wheel. When a dog sees you coming, he might make a beeline for your bike, then attempt to turn up beside you. The danger here is that his poor little paws will skid on the pavement and he’ll plow into your wheels. If he hits the front one, you’ll crash. Sprint so that you move forward faster than he expects, and give him a margin for error by steering farther into the road — if traffic permits! SCREAM! Most dogs know what happens when a human is angry with them. A sudden shout of “No!” or “Git!” or “Stay!” will surprise Fluffy and probably make him hesitate for just the second you need to take the advantage. If he’s hard of hearing, raise your hand threateningly as if it contains a rock. Outlaw mutts usually have had experience with bad things flying at them when a human makes a throwing gesture. Play douse the Doberman. If you see big, fast Prince up ahead and know that he sees you, sprinting might not work. Especially if the road is tilting up. Take out your water bottle. Just having it in your hand may make him stay away. If he does come near you, give him a faceful and a loud yell. This distraction will slow him down, though he may come back for more. Just don’t distract yourself and ride off the road. Some riders swear by Halt pepper spray that they clip to their handlebar. This stuff works great — if you hit your target. That’s a big if when you and Spot are going different speeds, the air is moving, and you’re trying to stay on the road. Pepper spray stings a dog’s eyes, nose and mouth, but it doesn’t cause lasting damage. It also works on human attackers, but that’s a different story. Give up and get off. If nothing works and Toodles has the upper hand, dismount quickly and hold your bike between you and those sharp teeth. Swing it like a weapon if necessary, and start calling for help. Someone may eventually come out of a house and yell, “Oh, he won’t hurt you!” Call the cops. If you are attacked and bitten, report it to the county sheriff or other authority immediately. Include the location, a description of the dog and the owner’s name and address if you know them. Get medical attention without delay. If the dog was rabid, you are at risk of serious illness or even death. Demand proof of rabies vaccination or insist to authorities that the dog be quarantined. If the same dog accosts you every time you ride the road, report this to the authorities, too. You have a right to life, liberty, pursuit of cycling happiness and public roadway access free from fear of fanged attack. Keep following up with calls to make sure steps are taken to put PupPup on a rope. Bicycle parts and accessories

This article is provided courtesy of RoadBikeRider.com

Bicycle Buyers’ Guide To Comfort And Hybrid Bikes

directbicycleparts — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:31:12 +0000

Looking for an easy and affordable way to enjoy the outdoors and live more Green? Wishing you could find a stress-free and more manageable approach to getting your everyday errands done? Want some excellent exercise, while visiting with family and friends at the same time?

All this is yours, simply by getting and riding the right Comfort or Hybrid bicycle; at DirectBicycleParts.com we understand and can help.

First, keep in mind that there are many categories of bikes and crossover between categories. While Comfort and Hybrid bikes handle many types of cycling and offer plenty of features to satisfy everyone, there are also City, Commuter, Town and even Cruiser bikes that offer many of these same features and benefits. And all of them are probably easier to ride and more comfortable than what you may be used to, especially if you’re making due with an older bike.

Read the guidelines here to learn more and feel free to call with any questions. Even better, visit our store to see the different models, learn about the many recent improvements that make biking easier and more fun than ever, and take some for a spin to feel the wonderful rides for yourself.

Start With These Questions

Here are a few easy questions/considerations to help you select the best bike:

Is top quality a priority, or is affordability more important?
Do you consistently select high-tech gadgets or do you prefer practical, no-frills designs?
What is your budget for this purchase? (This is an easy way to narrow down the selections.)
What type of riding do you plan to do?

The last question is one of the best ways to determine which bike type, Comfort or Hybrid, is the correct choice. If you envision leisurely Sunday rides, family outings in search of the perfect picnic spot and having fun while you exercise, a Comfort bike is a great choice.

These bikes emphasize comfort over efficiency with suspension features and cushioned seats to make the bumps disappear, and wider, higher handlebars for an easy-on-the-back-and-neck upright riding position. On a Comfort bike, you’ll pedal down the road almost as comfortably as sitting at home on your couch.

But, let’s say you’re looking more for an alternative to driving. And/or you plan to ride longer distances, climb hills and work a bit to get in better shape. You still want to be comfortable, but you’re interested in lightness, nimble handling and even easy climbing. For these things, a Hybrid bike, a versatile jack-of-all-trades, is ideal.

Hybrids are lighter and roll and pedal more easily than Comfort bikes. Plus, some Hybrids are designed for occasional off-road use, too, so you can enjoy the best of both cycling worlds, the convenience of pavement, the solitude of backwoods routes.

Hybrid versus Comfort

So what else sets these regal rides apart? The easiest way to tell the two apart is by wheel and tire size, as follows:

Comfort bikes use the 26-inch tire standard commonly found on mountain bikes. These wide tires provide a comfortable cushion of air so you float over bumps and rough terrain. Plus, it’s possible to install knobby tires should you want to ride most of the time on dirt roads.

Hybrid bikes usually (but not always) use the Road bike’s 700c tire standard. These are lighter to roll more easily on pavement for easy acceleration and climbing. There are 700c tires in different widths and treads for riding on all surfaces.

Besides this wheel difference, there are other distinguishing characteristics to understand that we explain in the following chart:

Comfort Bikes	Hybrid Bikes
Frame designed mostly for comfort	Frame designed for comfort and efficient pedaling
Upright riding position is more back-friendly than most easy-chairs	Adjustable components offer upright comfort or a more speed-oriented position (your choice)
Plush suspension takes the sting out of bumps	Suspension to absorb vibrations, plus lighter components for easier pedaling, too
Seats with springs, gel and foam provide luxurious seating	Soft, sleek seats are comfortable and allow efficient pedaling, too
High air volume in the tires provides a super-plush ride	High air pressure in the tires makes higher speeds and long rides easier

Frame Materials

The frame is the backbone of any bicycle and, like other bike models, Comfort and Hybrid bikes feature a variety of different frame materials. Here’s how they compare:

High-Tensile Steel
PROS: Strong, most affordable, nice ride; usually found on entry-level bikes
CONS: Weighs more and can rust if not cared for
Chromoly Steel
PROS: An affordable steel alloy offering light weight and a great ride
CONS: May rust if not cared for; more expensive than High-Tensile Steel
Aluminum
PROS: Light, strong, affordable, rust/corrosion resistant, great ride
CONS: More expensive than High-Tensile Steel
Carbon-fiber and Carbon/aluminum composites
PROS: Lightest, strong and rust/corrosion resistant, great ride
CONS: Most expensive

Suspension

A common feature on today’s Hybrids and Comfort bikes is a suspension fork (photo). These compress to absorb impacts from bumps, cracks, ruts and obstacles. This insulates you from jolts for a smoother and more comfortable ride and ensures that you remain in control even over rough surfaces.

Suspension forks work their magic with air springs, coil springs or rubber springs called elastomers inside that make the rough stuff disappear. We recommend riding different bicycles and comparing how various forks feel. If you like the handling and comfort of one over another, it’s a good reason to select that model bicycle.

Note, that there are also bicycles without suspension forks. These still ride nicely and may cost less and be slightly lighter than models with shock forks. If you ride on smooth roads and trails and don’t feel the need for suspension these are certainly worth considering.

Suspension seatposts are another excellent feature found on many Comfort bikes and Hybrids. You’ll love how they smooth rough terrain and pothole-covered roads absorbing vibrations and impacts that would otherwise be transmitted to your seat and lower back. They’re also light and simple so as not to require much maintenance.

Keep in mind that, should you find a bike you love that doesn’t have a suspension seatpost, it’s usually possible to add one, too (sold separately).

Gearing

Some of the greatest advances in bicycle technology have been in gearing. On modern bikes it’s easier than ever to change gears and this means it’s easier to ride than ever, too. You can also get Comfort and Hybrid bikes with the right gearing to handle even challenging terrain with ease.

This is one of the reasons why we recommend thinking about where you plan to ride your new bike. If where you ride is pretty flat, you can get by on a bike with fewer gears than if you plan to ride rolling or hilly terrain.

For example, you’ll find bikes with up to 8-speed gearing (above) that are great for neighborhood rides or bike lane riding. If you plan to pull a trailer and hits some hills, though, you’ll do better with a 14- to 30-speed drivetrain (below) because these offer lower/easier gearing, which helps greatly with the extra effort of climbing and pulling a trailer or carrying gear.

Regardless of which gearing you choose, modern bikes shift with a simple push of a button-style lever, or by twisting the shifter. And, you no longer have to feel for gears, either. You just click the bike into gear and it’s almost immediately easier or harder to pedal.

You’ll love it and it ends all the worries about shifting. In fact, most Comfort and Hybrid bikes even show you exactly what gear you’re in.

Brakes

You’ll also love the advanced braking on Comfort and Hybrid bicycles. You’ll have more control over your speed and be able to stop fast with very little hand effort. If it’s been a while since you’ve ridden, you’ll be impressed with the new systems, which rival power brakes in automobiles.

Most Comfort bikes and Hybrids are equipped with rim brakes called linear- or direct-pull brakes (photo) or hub brakes, which are integral to the front and/or rear wheel hubs.

You may also see some featuring disc brakes, the newest brake type, which sport calipers and rotors at the center of the wheels, car-style.

In general, any given bicycle will have brakes suited to the riding use it was designed for. For example, linear-pulls are powerful stoppers and excellent for all-round riding, from casual neighborhood rambles to commuting every workday, even in nasty weather.

Hub brakes are usually found on bicycles designed for less rigorous riding and are more designed for durability and low maintenance than extreme-conditions stopping power.

Keep in mind that there’s nothing like a test ride to feel the difference in brakes and see what you like best. We can also make recommendation based on the riding you plan to do.

Seats

While you may not be able to tell at first glance, one of the things most improved on modern bicycles is the seat. Engineers and designers have pulled out all the stops to provide ergonomics, materials and features to make them ultra comfy and supportive.

You’ll find anatomical shapes, cutouts to eliminate pressure on soft tissue (which prevents numbness and pain), flexible frames, gel padding and cushioning springs. Sometimes, all of these things in the same seat, even.

Still, the most important thing is making sure that the seat on the bike is the right one for you. Everyone’s different so you should sit on the seats and try them out to make sure that they’re right for you (we can easily swap seats, too). And, even on a great seat, it takes a few rides to get your body used to riding, so be sure to pedal for a few days before judging your new throne.

We’ll Make It Fit Like A Glove

Perhaps our most important job in helping you get the right Comfort or Hybrid bicycle is ensuring that it’s the right size, and then fine-tuning it to fit you properly.

While our inventory might not include Armani, Versace, or Prada, we are expert tailors when it comes to fitting bicycles. And, we’ll take a careful look at you on the various bicycles you’re considering to see that the one you choose fits perfectly.

And, once you pick out a bike, we’ll adjust it to fit perfectly.This will guarantee that it’s as comfortable and as easy to ride as possible. What’s more, if you have any questions about operating the new machine, we can explain and demonstrate proper shifting and braking, wheel removal and anything else you need to know to fully enjoy your new bike.

Final Thoughts

We recommend planning on spending a portion of your cycling budget on some important cycling accessories to go with that new bike.

For example, if you don’t already have a good one, you’ll want to purchase a helmet. New models are safer, more affordable, lighter and more comfortable than ever. (And, helmets weaken with age so, for your own safety, you shouldn’t ride in an old, worn-out one.)

To protect your purchase, you’ll also want a good lock. If you plan to ride further from home than you’d like to walk back, you should pick up a spare tube, tire levers and a take-along pump so you can fix a flat tire, too. If you don’t know how to fix a flat tire, we can show you how.

And, as you take on other adventures on your great new bicycle, we have plenty of other goodies to enhance your cycling, such as cycling shorts (spandex not required), cycling shoes that boost your pedal power, stylish and protective cycling eyewear, padded gloves, tasty and healthy energy foods and drinks, entertaining books and magazines with all kinds of excellent cycling information, and a lot more.

DirectBicycleParts.com looks forward to showing you our selection of Comfort and Hybrid bicycles. Come on in, let us demonstrate all the new features, then test ride some different models and you’ll be on your way to bicycling bliss!

http://www.directbicycleparts.com

2. anna hansen lance armstrong expecting

directbicycleparts — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 02:55:11 +0000

Cycling legend Lance Armstrong and girlfriend Anna Hansen are expecting a baby. I am sure you have already read the story. Get the upclose view by following Lance Armstrong on Twitter. He is very active on Twitter. Just search for @lancearmstrong. Get your bike ready with direct buying at DirectBicycleParts.com

Best Bicycle Accessories for Holiday Shoppers

directbicycleparts — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 03:08:39 +0000

I found an excellent article for holiday shoppers that have a cyclist in the family. …Rick at DirectBicycleParts.com

If you like riding your bike then you know its hard to ride without the best accessories. Especially when you know a lot of the best accessories out there are for safety as well.

The one bike accessory that you will always need to wear and own is the bike helmet. A lot of states have made riding without one illegal. So you should wear one anyways to be on the safe side.

Also when you are taking a little bike trip on the road you need to be motorist friendly. Even though a lot of drivers are good ones there are bad and you are also on a bike. Accidents happen and you cant stop them so do the right thing and just wear a helmet.

Another thing that is bad to do when riding your bike is to take a ride at night. The best thing that you can do to protect yourself if you are going to ride at night is to buy some type of light source or reflectors for you and your bike. So people can see you at night when you ride.

Something else you can buy is reflector striped shirts or pants possibly. So when you ride at night when you move your legs and arms the reflectors will shine off the lights of the cars and you will be seen and not road kill. You can probably buy any type of light or reflector source at any bike shops near you.

Another accessory that you can add to your bike can be lights to the handle bars or to the back of your seat to shine and show others youre on the road too. When you get rained on or you are going on an early morning ride and there is fog lights will help you in some way. Some you can buy can be attached to where they cant ever come off others you can get that are detachable and you can bring with you where ever you go.

The other good bike accessory to have is a horn. This is so if some bad driver is swerving you can honk. I would recommend and air horn of some type something that is really loud and will get the attention of the driver.

Bike accessories can be a very good way to upgrade your bike. There are also the things that you will need anyways to ride like mentioned the reflectors, lights, light clothing as well will always help, and remember to wear your helmet. These are the things that you need to buy and remember to do when you go riding whether it be at night or during the day.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about bicycle accessories as well as bicycle parts at http://www.bicyclepartsandclothing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Choose-The-Right-Bicycle-Accessories-That-Will-Make-Riding-Your-Bike-Fun-And-Safe&id=697626

The Best Upgrade For Your Bicycle

directbicycleparts — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:17:45 +0000

If you want to get more performance out of your current bicycle, the best upgrade is a nice new lightweight wheel set. A lightweight wheel set not only makes your whole bike lighter, but the weight that you lose is rolling weight which is the best kind of weight to lose. The performance of your bike will increase and you will feel like Superman. Get the best lightweight wheels at http://www.directbicycleparts.com

Cycling Secrets 101

directbicycleparts — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:59:57 +0000

It’s easier to stay disciplined when your plan is laid out in advance so consider establishing a weekly or monthly ride schedule and keeping it in a prominent place for motivation (on the refrigerator or on an office file cabinet).

Track Your Training
Logging your training is an excellent motivator, too. It’s rewarding to look back and see how much you’ve accomplished, and it fuels your desire to do more. All that’s required is a notebook. For each ride, jot the date, distance, time and a brief description of the ride with any details you feel like tracking such as the weather or who you rode with. Details like these will make the ride come alive when you’re reviewing your workouts, later.

Data Details
You can also enter specifics such as your resting morning heart rate, how you felt, your average speed, body weight, any foods you tried on the ride, even new bike equipment. The data can be as detailed and specific or as casual as you like. The more detailed it is, though, the easier it’ll be to interpret the data to determine why you felt good or bad on given days/rides.

Wheel Meals
Be sure to follow a sensible diet with your riding regimen, too. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day will keep your energy levels high and your metabolism going. Many cyclists find that snacking on energy bars is a great way to get a boost during the day. And they drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Buddy System
Don’t rush fitness gains, either. Let your body gradually get in shape. And keep it fun because the more fun you have, the more likely it is that you’ll achieve your goals. Finding a partner or two with similar abilities and goals can be a big help in enjoying your riding. And committing to ride with someone else serves as a strong motivator. If you don’t have a ride partner, check with us to find out about the group rides in our area. Soon you’ll be enjoying new rides, making friends and getting healthier, all while having a ton of fun!

Cycling Gear

Cycling computers make it easier to keep track of your progress. There is a great selection at DirectBicycleParts.com

Hello world!

directbicycleparts — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:03:30 +0000

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!