Typically, bicycle wheels consist of 4 main components – the rims, the hubs the spokes and spoke nipples.

Rims

The part of the wheel that your tire fits onto are the wheel rims.

There will be a number of small holes to accept the spokes and a larger hole for the tyre valve. On more expensive rims the spoke holes may also have brass eyelets to strengthen the hole and spread load.

On road bike wheels, the side of the rim will have machined braking surfaces. The braking surface sometimes has a groove in it (a ‘wear indicator’).

Most modern MTB wheels will use disc brakes. The brake disc will be bolted to the hub.

Rim Materials & Construction

Typically, bicycle wheel rims are made from aluminium. During manufacture, the aluminium rim is extruded and then chopped into lengths. These lengths are bent into circles and then the ends are pinned together to join them.

Lighter wheels mean that your bike will accelerate faster and hill-climbing will be easier. Some cheaper bikes will use steel for rims and hubs. Steel rims are heavier and wet weather braking can be poor.

Top of the range wheelsets for triathlon and time trialling often use carbon fiber in their construction.

Hubs

The centre part of the wheel is the hub. The bearings that allow the wheel to spin are housed in the hub. The axle also runs through the centre of the hub. The spokes of the wheel are laced into holes in the hub flanges.

Spokes

Spokes are basically lengths of wire with a screw thread at one end and a bend (the ‘elbow’) at the other.

The cheapest spokes are plain steel. Rust-free stainless steel can also be used to decrease weight.

To decrease spoke weight further spokes can be ‘butted’. This means the spoke is fatter at the ends (where most stress happens) and narrower in the middle.

Aerodynamic wheels will use flat bladed spokes to lessen air resistance. Flat spokes cut through the air better than round spokes.

The more spokes a bike wheel has, the stronger (and heavier) the wheel will be. The fewer spokes a wheel has, the lighter and more aerodynamic the wheel is. Spoke counts range from around 20 (a front wheel suitable for racing) to 48 (a rear wheel suitable for touring with very heavy luggage or a tandem bicycle).

The larger the number of spokes, the longer the spokes should last before breaking – stress being shared among more spokes.

Spoke Lacing Patterns

Spokes are fitted to a wheel in various patterns. Most common is the 3-cross or 4-cross pattern. This means that each spoke crosses 4 or 4 others between the hub and the rim.

On a radial-spoked wheel, the spokes do not cross any others – this allows fewer spokes to be used and saves weight. Usually only front wheels use radial spoking and then usually only on high-performance bicycles. A radially spoked rear wheel would not effectively transfer the drive-torque from the sprocket to the wheel rim.

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Beach bicycles are important as teen vehicles, especially if one wants to play a little less adventurous than many who love rattling rides on challenging terrains. A helmet has to remain part of your bicycle accessories collection if you want to be participating in beach bicycle games. They are adventurous and require a certain amount of safety and shielding against fatal impacts. The various styles of bicycle accessories differ from one US city to another. In the east coast, Miami and other similar areas have a distinct style compared to the styles that come from New York and other places. For locating the best styles one can easily find information in bicycle portals and directories that feature all major manufacturers and dealers. Seattle is another location that is known for excellent beach bike designs.

One of the most important factors about buying a beach bicycle are dimensions and treading of the tires. Although understanding the right tire is not a complicated game, one must be clear about the purpose for which he wants a beach bike. Some beach bikes have thinner tires, while some others have more than 2 inches thickness. Mountainous terrains require thinner tires on bicycles, while beach cruising requires a thicker sort of tire, usually having dimensions 26″ x 2.13″. Tire treading is also an important area to check before laying your hands on a suitable beach bike. Unlike mountain bikes, beach bicycles must also have weaker gripping treads. Stronger gripping treads make pedaling difficult, and since beach bikes need fast mobility on sand, smoother and thicker tires than a usually impressive bicycle.

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In a developing country like India, cycles are the most generally used modes of road transport. India has a strong cycling culture and called as poor man’s vehicle. India is a country of villages and majority of people here use bicycle for going nearer places. Bicycles are chief means of transportation for travelling to job, shopping, schools, and colleges and for other regular needs. In India, cycles are an essential mode of transportation for the middle class people but for the rich, running a cycle is a basic hobby to stay fit.

For the older cycles offer an easy approach to keep their health in good state. Moderate cycling does not insist an effort of a high order such as other gymnastic devices and is thus extremely suitable for the old. Bicycles in India, since their invention in the 19th century have had significantly affected Indian society in business, social and cultural fields. Indeed, in India a child’s life starts with a cycle either two wheeled or three wheeled. All Indian families despite their financial position provide cycles for their children and become compulsory at the age of ten or twelve.

Bicycles, with their mobility, frivolous and fitness answers have created a muscular bike culture in India. Being an effectual mode of transport cycle is best for small to modest distances. Compared to motor bikes, a simple cycle comes with multiple benefits. Apart from physical exercise it offers an option to the exercise of fossil fuels cycles do not make noise or air pollution. Cycles lessen traffic congestion. They are easier to park and can easily run on both roads and paths. These benefits are at less monetary costs to the user as well as society.

India has a vast trade for bicycles and there are many top companies in India that are busy in the manufacturing of cycles fulfilling the needs and tastes of customers. Companies like Hero Cycles, Avon Cycles, BSA Hercules, Atlas, Kaisar, EBike India and Petra come into the category of top bicycle companies and manufacture different kinds of bicycles perfect for sports, mountain hiking, and simple moving and for fitness purposes. “Avon Cycles” is first company that manufactured electric bicycle. This bicycle has the capacity of covering a distance of 40 kilometer on a single 36V lead acid, sealed and rechargeable battery. You can enjoy the ride at a maximum speed of 23kmph. Though classy it has come as an answer for the urban people who are uncovered to the harshness of irritation of heavy road traffic, parking blues and pollution.

A normal person can hardly remember all types of bikes with their specific names availble on the market nowadays. Every seller says those bikes he offers are the best for you. However, you are the only one who knows which bike will work for you and which won’t. It mainly depends on the type of riding you prefer. Do you prefer riding on normal street or riding off road? Do you want to ride on weekly or daily basis? Do you want to participate in some competitions? What can you possibly buy in your region? Are clubs for applying membership available where you live? So consider these questions carefully and make a wise decision. Otherwise there’s a big chance you will spend money on something you don’t even need or want.

You made your decision? So we can start.

You want to ride on normal streets? OK.

You don’t need an expensive bike. Take a bike with a suspension fork to absorb the small road holes. Don’t think about a rear shock because you won’t feel a difference to a hardtail. You only have to spend more money. The shifting system should have 18-21 gears. Wheels should be 26”. The frame can be made out of aluminum because it’s not so expensive and kind of low in weight. You just need normal V-brakes because you shouldn’t get thermal problems. The seat will be the most important part for you. Choose one that is very comfortable to avoid some pain when you drive a longer distance.

You want to be part of street competitions? So you need a racing cycle. Be aware to spend some money for your bike. Racing cycles are very very low in weight. They shouldn’t weigh more than 8kg and have no suspension because of the the weight. The wheels are normally 27” or 28” and very slim. Racing cycles have a special shifting system. There are only one or two rings ahead and up to eleven rings at the back. The material of the frame depends on the money you will spend in you bike. The cheapest frames are made out of steel. Aluminum has the best price-performance ratio for frames. If you’d like to spend more money you can get frames made out of carbon or titan but be aware of the fact that they have also some negative side effects. The brakes used are only V-brakes because of the weight and normally you will drive forward without hitting your brakes.

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Article by Chet Val

The street bike is often viewed as a recreational toy, a luxury afforded to those with the two-wheeled fever. Street bikes are also associated with the daredevil, the person who lives on the edge and takes life one day at a time. The reality however, is miles away from here. Street bikes are ridden by individuals from all walks of life including professionals like doctors and lawyers for example. The old stereotype of law breaking rebels and individuals who do not respect their own livelihood has begun to fade. A new era in the age of environmental abuse and overpriced fuels has begun. Riding a street bike for reasons such as fuel economy and reliability are taking hold around the world. An economical street bike can be safely navigate through city streets, country roads, and interstate highways. Prime examples are a trip to the store and transportation to and from work, the practical use of street bikes is rising at record rates. Generally speaking, street bike accidents and fatalities typically draw more media attention than serious injuries and fatalities in other types of motor vehicles. Because of this, the street bike is still considered dangerous by many non-riders, although it is finally beginning to emerge as a viable means of low-cost transportation.

According to the most recent figures released from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average gas mileage for new vehicles sold in the USA averages about 24.7 mpg. This includes all vehicles from economy cars to full-size standard pickup trucks. The motorcycle however varies greatly proportionately with the engine size. Street bike engines range from 250cc to 1800cc therefore fuel use can range anywhere between 37 miles per gallon on the low end to as much as 65 miles per gallon on the high end. The size, design, and configuration of the engines greatly affects overall fuel economy. Differences in street bike engine design include liquid cooled or air cooled engines as well as single, two, or four cylinder configurations. The phenomenal fuel savings of motorcycle travel versus car and truck travel is overshadowed by two very important factors, safety and comfort.

Beside exposure to other motorists as well as the roadway and the increased safety risk involved in riding a street bike, other elements can reduce the practicality of motorcycle travel. Weather is of course the number one negative factor. It is no fun, nor is it comfortable to ride in the rain. The decreased visibility coupled with the soggy discomfort of wet clothing makes for dismal travel. Air temperature can also play a part in the motorcyclist’s discomfort. Temperatures above 90 degrees and below 50 degrees are not ideal for riding a street bike. Higher temperatures also introduce the tendency to wear less clothing which can be catastrophic in the event of an accident. Other negatives when comparing street bikes to cars and trucks would be limited capability for carrying passengers as well as carrying cargo. Road hazards such as potholes and loose gravel and debris can be far more critical to a street motorcycle than to four wheeled motor vehicles also.

Although there are some downsides to riding a street bike versus an average economy car, more and more people are putting on the helmets and giving the two-wheeled experience a try. The allure of open air travel combined with a real value per mile in terms of gas mileage are enough to continue to attract new riders into the world of street bikes.

Article by Bike Servant

A few months ago one of my friends called to tell me he was going to be late to the trail because he had a part on his bike that was being recalled. He wanted to stop at the bike shop and have his part replaced before our regularly scheduled ride. I too thought it was a good idea to get the part replaced before our ride so I told him that I will see him when he is finished at the store.When I met up with my friend later in the day I asked him how he found out about his recalled part. He told me that his wife signed up for email alerts on product recalls. She subscribes to these email notification to be aware of toy issue for their children and it just so happened that a mountain bike part was on the email.Just like other consumer products, mountain bike products occasionally get recalled for various reasons. I do not want to speculate so I am not going to give examples. It is important to be aware and not to ignore these recalls because your safety could be in jeopardy.So in an effort to keep riders aware of product recalls the links below will direct you to the Consumer Affairs and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission websites. These sites will allow you to search their database for product recalls that might pertain to your bike, gear or both.The two sites listed below are not meant to be the all encompassing sources of information. It is to help you get started in you product recall search. If you come across more sites with mountain bike recall information let us know and we will add it to the list.Check out the websites below.U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission- http://www.cpsc.gov/Consumer Affairs- http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls/recalls.htmYou can find new or near new parts on Bike Servant is a mountain bike classifieds website which lists mountain bikes for sale, bike parts and race events.

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Article by Miss Gift Ideas

The GMC Yukon XL Road Bike is a great starter bike for someone just getting into road biking or road racing. Check out some of the features:

1 – Aluminum Frame

2 – High-Profile Vitesse Aluminum Rims

3 – Vitesse Racing Saddle Seat

4 – Shimano STI Shifters – 14 to 16 speeds

5 – Frame Sizes – 20″, 22″, and 25″

6 – Light Weight – 26lbs.

7 – Brakes – Tektro 510A alloy caliper brake

Road Biking has become a very popular sport and more and more people, men and women, are getting into the sport. Some may have dreams of being the next Lance Armstrong, some may just want to get into a competitive sport, some just for the social aspect, and then there are those that want to get in better shape, maybe lose a few pounds. There are also those who just can’t handle the high impact sports, such as running, because of the impact on their knees and back. Biking is a perfect replacement. Whatever the reason, the GMC Yukon XL Road Bike should meet anyone’s needs.

What is a road bike? It is a bike that is built for speed and to be able to travel further distances on paved roads. They have thinner tires and are more light-weight than your standard bike. The handle bars are drop bar design for a more aerodynamic position, helps you with your speed. A road bike will have more gears, enabling you to handle hills and flat terrains more efficiently.

Maybe there is someone on your Christmas List that wants a Road Bike.

If so, get them the GMC Yukon XL Road Bike! It is a very affordable choice.

For more information and to see what others have to say, go to this site: http://www.squidoo.com/GMC-Yukon-XL-Road-Bike

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Within 07, comScore noted there were 217 Million folks globally enjoying online games. These days, there are certainly more than that actively playing online games. And the truth is bicycle racing game titles is one of the well-liked alternatives among rookies in addition to enthusiastic video games worldwide.

From what I have researched, oahu is the joy regarding racing, as well as the appeal of challenging additional participants through around the world, or perhaps the latest highest score, from Your family area leading people to help make online racing video games very well-liked.

I’m simply no velocity junkie, however here is my own listing of a few of the well-liked cycle race game titles on the internet:

Cyclo Maniacs v1.02 (Rating: 9/10 depending on 51319 ratings)

Move through various terrains to earn money as well as change your driving skills.

When you discover levels, you are able to select diverse terrains as well. Simple enough to start, carry out be mindful although performing tricks.

BMRex (Rating: 9/10 depending on 2642 rankings)

Farmville will be funny. It is a T-Rex buttoning a shirt and yanking away from tricks, need I say more?

It’s a vibrant and also fun game, rather easy when you become accustomed to this. But watch out for the surprises about each nook from the path! In Degree 3, if you cannot control The ride around the Pterosaur, A person drop an existence! Yes, it’s which packed with shocks.

Nitro Ninjas (Score: 9/10 depending on 21612 ratings)

Competition through the town Accurate Mercenary style. Perform tricks and generate points. The levels will be more difficult to win. But if you like Ninja themes and trying away stunts just like one-arm assassin or heli-copter kick, this really is this for you personally.

Uphill Hurry Several (Rating: 9/10 depending on 11138 ratings)

This is actually the 3rd inside the series of one of the most popular cycle racing video games online. You start in the gorgeous city of London understanding that as well upon building roofs!

There are many functions it is possible to switch on to help you stick to your needs route – map, tips, even a cat cycle that can explain to you the direction to adhere to. Or you can merely focus on the actual trial setting to train prior to starting rushing.

There are many much more online racing video games you can check out on the internet, which range from real-world racing categories to be able to outer space, even diverse galaxies. Regardless if you are a newcomer or even a devoted gamer, you are able to take your pick from your set of bike race video games on the market today.

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Article by jamison

If you want to introduce your child to the adrenalin packed experience of dirt road biking, then, the first step is to know something about children’s dirt bikes. Of course, like most parents, you too may have concerns about safety, the kind of bike to buy, precautions to be taken and so on. But the first decision you need to take is the kind of dirt bike to get your kid.

There are different kinds of dirt bikes specially designed for children. Some of the important features of these bikes include:Training wheels for greater stability and balanceLow horsepower to ensure lower speeds (some bikes only touch up to 20mph!)Electric starters so that children can start the bike easilyLow engine capacity making it easy for children to control the bikeAutomatic transmission for better control

As the age and ability of the child increases, you can gradually opt for dirt bikes with greater power and speed.

What?The 49cc dirt bike is for the beginner. For more advanced users, the 70cc engine is recommended. The latter is a 4-speed, semi-automatic machine. Then comes the 80cc dirt bike for kids whish again is a four stroke, semi automatic machine. Up to this point, all dirt bikes for children are automatic to facilitate better control. After this, the next step in the ladder is the powerful 125cc dirt bike for children.

The 125cc bike has 4 stroke engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. These bikes can touch speeds of 60mph or more. They are fitted with hydraulic disc brakes in the front and rear. Most dirt bikes of this caliber have kick-starts. Since the bike is powerful and has manual transmission, the child riding the bike must have sufficient experience and confidence.

When buying dirt bikes for kids, safety is the most important consideration. Therefore, parents must buy bikes that are suitable for the child’s age, height and experience. Buying secondhand dirt bikes for children must be done after careful evaluation of the bike by a professional.

How much?Prices of dirt bikes for children depend on the features, power and size of the bike. Prices may start from 0 and go up to ,200. To get the best price, you must be willing to do some research and shop around for the best price.

Where?Dirt bikes may easily be purchased from online stores. By shopping online, you can pick a bike from the best possible selection of bikes. You could also enjoy unbelievable price benefits.

However, before buying the bike online, it might be a good idea to take your child to a nearby store and have the child sit on a bike to evaluate how the bike feels. You could then order the same bike online.

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