What kind of mountain bicycle should I get?

bicycle helmets trek image

Don M

I'm planning to buy a mountain bike tomorrow. Which brand is recommended?

Answer
Go to you local bike shop or shops if you have more than one. Chose a bike that fits you best. Do this by riding many different bikes and getting a feel for them. One will stand out as better riding. This is your bike.
The big difference between many models is the frame. Most of the components will be of similar quality for a price point, but frames and how the fit you are the real deal. Don't try just one, try several before making a final decision.
Good brands to try out are Giant, Fuji, Canondale, Specialized, Bianchi, Trek, Gary Fisher, and a few other smaller brands too.
Last, don't forget a properly fitting helmet. It's cheap insurance.

What is a good beginner bike for someone trying to lose weight?

John Smith

I want to start cycling to lose weight. I'm 6' and 300 lbs. I live on Long Island, NY. I know road bikes have narrower tires and you have to ride with your torso almost horizontal. Would a mountain bike be better? I have also heard of hybrids, that combine the best of both bike types. I plan to ride mainly on paved roads, maybe sometimes on grass, but not off-road or anything. The most important thing for me is balance and handling.

I haven't owned a bike since the 6th grade, so any and all info would be appreciated. I also like to tinker and build stuff, so I really like the idea of bike maintenance. What websites/retailers/resources would you recommend?

Thank you!

Answer
You want a Performance Hybrid. Also called a Sport Hybrid, Sport Performance hybrid, Fitness hybrid or even sometimes a "City Hybrid".

The small tires on road bikes will not be good for your weight. The hybrids will do you good.

Find a good reputable shop in your area and go speak to them about what you're considering. Don't buy a comfort bike or anything with a suspension saddle. You don't want anything with suspension, it's unnecessary money and weight for you. It's not good for someone like you trying to get a good workout from riding. Skip all suspension.

Sport hybrids:
Giant Escape, Cannondale Quick 4, Trek 7.2FX, Raleigh Cadent FT1, Specialized Ariel, Ariel Sport, etc.

Bike maintenance:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bike-maintenance.html

Are you near Westhampton Beach? Have you ever heard of "Bikemanforu"? You could visit his shop Bike N Kite. He knows a lot about bikes and really stands behind what he sells. I know he sells Giant Escapes but they don't do a whole lot in new bike sales so they don't have a great selection of new bikes but good entry level bikes at fair market price that he stands behind.

Lastly, make sure you are prepared to spend on other things that will be really needed for your riding.

Things you should purchase right away with your bicycle:
Helmet
Padded Bike Shorts (I feel that 2 is the magic number) wash every 2 days.
Water Bottle Cage
Water bottle
Bike headlight and taillight - if you're going to do any riding at night.
Multi-tool - basically for all the needed allen key sizes. A good multi-tool will take care of the basic adjustments you'll need to do.
Floor pump w/ gauge - You want to inflate your tires to maximum PSI before every ride. Important to have a good pump.
Bike jerseys or wicking tees (I feel like 2 is the magic number and wash with the shorts every 2 days. Maybe 3 would be even better but I don't like having them sit around without being washed for longer than a day or two.

Other things to consider:
Bike computer (with cadence)- Something I hesitated on buying at firstbut it is something very nice to have to know how far you rode and that you're riding at a high enough cadence for you to be getting a good enough workout. Very important to keep your cadence up and to not mash on the pedals. You don't want much resistance on the pedals.

Repair stand - for doing your own maintenance. Then you need some brushes, lube, etc.

*IMPORTANT* Road cycling shoes (not MTB shoes) and Clipless road pedals - These two things are pretty essential. I would get these right away. Get used to riding for a few days and then put them on. Be careful to find out how they work too. If you want to ride for fitness then you need the pedals and shoes or else you'll be wasting time.

Mini pump to install on your bike in case you need to fill up while out on the road. In case you get a flat. You'll probably want a spare tube and tire levers so that you can repair a flat on the road also.

Saddle bag - or any kind of bag for the bike - Great to hold your phone, keys, multi-tool, tube, and whatever else you feel like bringing with you.

Safe riding. Enjoy

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What kind of bicycle would best fit my lifestyle?

best road bike helmet 100 image

mipy

I am looking to buy a bike, preferably a BMX although I do not do tricks, but I would like to cruise around the city with my pals. I don't really want to spend over $120, but I do want some quality. Haro? Redline? Mongoose? Also, does spray painting the frame of a bike totally mess it up? Thanks everyone! :)

Answer
BMX bikes are TERRIBLE for actually going anywhere. They're only good for tricks. Why are they terrible? They're completely designed for tricks, with a saddle that doesn't get in the way during tricks (not fit for riding comfortably), bars that come high for more controls during spins (you'll be stuck upright in the wind, good luck getting over 15mph or so), etc. You'll be standing up to pedal the whole way (uncomfortable for extended periods) and it'll just be a generally unpleasant experience. If you end up sitting on the saddle, you'll be one of those funny guys I see commuting with their knees hitting their chin on the upstroke of the pedal stroke, hah.

if you simply want to trot along at a casual pace with friends, get a cheap beach cruiser, which might be the only thing you can afford with $120.

If you actually want to *go* places, and go places quickly, you want a road bike. Vintage road bikes can be had for cheap, within your budget, but you'll be put over your budget with accessories (helmet: 20, lock: 20, lights for night riding: 20, random parts you'll need for old bike repair: 20ish). Plus you need to know what you're doing when you're shopping for used bikes.

I pass BMX/cruiser guys all the time on my 1987 Japanese road bike I picked up for $100 on craigslist, in need of about $30 worth of repair. Sometimes, I see those I pass start sprinting in some manly, testosterone-driven spur of the moment competition, but there's no way they ever catch up to me on my road bike with thin, high pressure, slick tires (less rolling resistance).

Also, you said you want 'quality.' There's no way in hell you're getting that with $120 worth of department store bike. Either spend a few weeks learning about bikes, and then buying a used one that'll suit you, get a friend to help you find a used one to suit you, or go to your local bicycle shop (LBS) and tell them your requirements. Your LBS is going to be your best friend if you go in with enough money.

Are there tricks that make riding your bike to run errands in 115 degree weather doable?

utopian_wi

I am not a "biker" at all, but i do work out regularly. I am trying to save on gas money, and was thinking about running errands on my Beach Cruiser (on the sidewalks, not the road).. Does anyone have tips for being able to stand the heat? I live in Phoenix and it is 100-115 daily.

Answer
The one comment is right that it's more dangerous to ride on the sidewalk, so I'd avoid that if possible.

What I do in the Summer is load my Camelback with ice before I fill it with water. That way my back is kept a bit cooler and the water I drink isn't hot and feels more refreshing.

Maintain the bike so it's not more work to peddle than it needs to be, have a well ventilated helmet, and buy quality biking clothes that help wick & evaporate sweat to cool you down.

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Does anyone know anything about helmet cameras?

best downhill mountain bike helmets image

sar12

I want to purchase a helmet camera for my boyfriend. He would use it for downhill mountain biking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter, so it needs to be able to attach to different style helmets. Any information on helmet cameras, brands, prices and stores where i could find them, would be much appreciated!

Answer
There's are tough fun little cameras

http://www.goprocamera.com/

What do you think of extreme mountain biking?

downhill p

Many of my friends who know me say that I am a bicycle freak. It's true though. I like to ride my bike down the hill a lot with my riding buddies. However, people keep asking me isn't dangerous or scary to do that kind of sport? I replied, I think riding downhill on your bicycle is just as dangerous as playing soccer or hockey or rugby as you could get hurt as well or even break your body parts from doing those sports. So, what do you guys think about extreme mountain biking, if you ever seen or tried it before?

Answer
To follow up with what Alex said - I just bought new disability and life insurance. Bicycle racing of any type was not even listed on their form for 'hazardous activities'. They had over two hundred activities listed, and more than half of them were related to motorsports, followed by dozens of water sports, skiing sports, cave/mountain related categories, they even had a 'Swamp Buggy' category, but no cycling of any kind.

Of course you can get hurt, To quote for the standard atheltes release for cycling "I realize cycling is an inherently dangerous sport". So is walking across a city street. I've been racing for 20 years, had dozens of crashes, but alway managed to walk (ok, hobble) away. Yet, I have a friend who was in a local soccer league, did a sweep kick, caught another guys leg just the right way and shatterd his ankle, requiring two surgeries and a series of pins. He still can't run after 5 years (my friend, not the other guy).

I don't think of riding down a local hill with your buddies as extreme. Careening down a ski slope at 60 MPH on a full downhill rig? That's extreme.

Don't be stupid about it though. Always wear a helmet, always make sure your brakes work, and your tires are properly inflated. You don't want to _invite_ disaster.

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What do you think of extreme mountain biking?

best downhill mountain bike helmets image

downhill p

Many of my friends who know me say that I am a bicycle freak. It's true though. I like to ride my bike down the hill a lot with my riding buddies. However, people keep asking me isn't dangerous or scary to do that kind of sport? I replied, I think riding downhill on your bicycle is just as dangerous as playing soccer or hockey or rugby as you could get hurt as well or even break your body parts from doing those sports. So, what do you guys think about extreme mountain biking, if you ever seen or tried it before?

Answer
To follow up with what Alex said - I just bought new disability and life insurance. Bicycle racing of any type was not even listed on their form for 'hazardous activities'. They had over two hundred activities listed, and more than half of them were related to motorsports, followed by dozens of water sports, skiing sports, cave/mountain related categories, they even had a 'Swamp Buggy' category, but no cycling of any kind.

Of course you can get hurt, To quote for the standard atheltes release for cycling "I realize cycling is an inherently dangerous sport". So is walking across a city street. I've been racing for 20 years, had dozens of crashes, but alway managed to walk (ok, hobble) away. Yet, I have a friend who was in a local soccer league, did a sweep kick, caught another guys leg just the right way and shatterd his ankle, requiring two surgeries and a series of pins. He still can't run after 5 years (my friend, not the other guy).

I don't think of riding down a local hill with your buddies as extreme. Careening down a ski slope at 60 MPH on a full downhill rig? That's extreme.

Don't be stupid about it though. Always wear a helmet, always make sure your brakes work, and your tires are properly inflated. You don't want to _invite_ disaster.

Which are the top cycling helmet brands is USA?

Any idea what is the top cycling helmet brand from the USA? I'm going off to NYC in October , and I am planning to get a full face helmets for downhill mountain biking ,

Thank you,
Nigel

Answer
Giro & Bell

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Is there a point in riding a fixed gear bike if you have brakes ?

bicycle helmets not necessary image

wrongdiagn

What's the point ? You might as well get a cheap o'l road bike.


Also is it necessary to ride with a helmet ?

Answer
No point in riding fixed gear bikes, brakes or no brakes. But, if I wanted to take all the joy out of riding and went to the dark side and bought a fixed gear bike, I would have a front brake. Much easier and safer to slow down when a brake is used instead of just the traction of the rear wheel and skidding.
Yes, it is necessary to ride with a helmet.
Friend went down due to blacking out. Split the helmet in two. While there were some complications due to the blackout, helmet saved his LIFE.
Law or no law, I always wear a helmet whether I am on my bicycle or my motorcycle.

How much would a good price be for a new moped? What about a good used one?

Phoenix Lu

Also, what kind of moped would you recommend I buy? I'm not in the market for one now, but in several years, I plan on purchasing one, and I'm curious about what a good price would be, so I don't get cheated. Any info you could give would be helpful.

Also, how does one keep a moped secure? How practical are they for travel? I won't buy one until I live in a city, perhaps overseas.
By the way, I do value my life, and I have a car.

Answer
A typical price range is 1,100-3,000 depending on the seller. Merchants have large markups, though, so buying onlne and having it delivered (often FREE!) us not a bad idea.
A 49 cc doesnt require a motorcycle license (here in FL) and there isn't a requirement for insurance for any size engine. Of course, you can do what i did and take a safety course anyway and get a motorcycle endorsement for you own good and peace of mind.

I recommend Vento or Vespa. These are by far the better made and longer lasting, and shopworker dont 'cringe' when you mention their name like they do when you say 'Quinqi' or Verucci....
Yes, theyre ALL made in China/Japan/Beijing/Hong Kong/Bangladesh with the exception of Vespa-- Vento is ASSEMBLED in the US tho the parts come from China, however- it's WAYYY better made than the rest.

I keep mine secure by parking it in my yard, by my bedroom window, tied to a BIG ENOUGH tree with 11 feet of 3 inch link steel chain (and something like 3/4" width). It's the highest strength and size chain that home depot sells! AND, I use the biggest lock I can buy. The lock itself is about 15 dollars.
I loop the chain around the tree, and through either the chassy of the motor (underbelly of the bike) or around the middle of the bike (where you put your feet to ride) without enough slack to pull the bike out. When I take it out, I have a smaller chain to take with me under the seat, which I loop around the middle of the bike and through the wheel of the fornt tire. Plus, my new bike has an alarm, too, so I turn it on. If I'm home, I usually dont to spare the battery becuase I can hear whats going on outside. Often, you can park the scooter in a bike rack and loop the chain through that. Depends on the place.

They are incerdibly practical for travel, consideirg you buy above 49cc-- that means you get 40+ miles per hour, up to 60-65 mph. And it's a strong enough ride, to keep up with traffic, and merge when necessary (forget merging with a 49cc!! You're stuck where you are around 35 mph!)
I buy a crate, a plastic organization crate with slots, and attach it to the back of the bike with bungees. Its more stoagre than the typical trunks that supply you with (if at all). I also buy a medium (15x15") cargo net to keep thing inside the crate when I go over bumps! That's ~7$ on amazon.com just type in cargo net and pick that size.

The only weakness I can think of is being in the sun/heat more than in a car. I am in FL, and I suffer sometimes if I ahev to travel in broad sunlight- cover up witha light jacket. Always wear a helmet- get a tinted visor if you can or just wear sunglesses underneath.
Also groceries- there is little space and also it is not kept in an air conditioned trunk like in a car. That's okay, though, if you make short trips or just goa bit more often and buy little at a time. Works just fine. (Esp if your going overseas, its actually normal to buy only what you can carry or bicycle back home)
BUY INSURANCE, even tho it isnt needed- people DO try to steal them or will if they can, also, if someone hits you or the bike, you are covered.

I own both a Quinqi 49cc (1,200$) and a Vento 150cc (2,400$ at a discount to me). I love both bikes. I REALLY love my VENTO!!! An average week of about ~55 miles travel, I have to buy gas once or twice at 2$ or 3$ per purchase. I have 1.6 gallon tank on the quinqi and 2.2 gallons on the Vento.
....errrr.... any more questions... ask me!
Oh and I love to decorate by basket with reflectors, or, the bike itself I apply reflective pinstripting/decals liek you get at streetglo.net or similar shops, it comes in any size or color or design (even a custom design and size) and you can put it anywhere you like. It blends in during the day, and when a light shines on it at night, it's like a fireman's coat or the reflectors on the street! Really glows! It's cool and it's a good safety measure! You can do your helmet that way too!

Cheers and happy moped-hunting, and enjoy the ride!!

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Awhile back I saw a couple small motor-driven bikes but they had pedals aswell; what were they?

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Lauren R

they looked like something with a max mph of like 50; any idea what the brand name was? they were NOT vespas or gopeds of any sort...

Answer
You saw some real Mopeds. The moped was designed (and required by regulation at one time) to have a 50cc engine or less, pedals as well as motor, top speed not to exceed 30mph (35mph in some places) There were literally hundreds of producers from Italy to China making them (or at least selling them, as many were produced by a single company and marketed under numerous names.) The term Mo (for motor) ped (for pedals) pretty much described them. The concept was for a small commuter vehicle that did not require licensing and fell under the same legal standing as a bicycle. Unfortunately many municipalities decided that they were motor vehicles and started requiring licensing, helmet wear and registration costs that made Mopeds not worth the aggravation, and so they fell by the wayside. Also the 2 cycle engines used were not very reliable and so most have long since gone to the dump.

Elliptical workout? Does this sound right?

Anna Shaw

I'm 13, 5'5', female, and weigh 143lbs. My elliptical does have a heart rate monitor but it doesn't know my weight. However, after an hour it tells me I burn about 800 calories. is this right? Or should I assume I burned about half of that? Also, I go at a moderate speed.

If I'm not burning 800 calories, can you tell me about what I am burning?

Answer
Yes, you should assume you burned half of that and I bet you did not even enjoy it so much at the beginning. Thank goodness for your body (after 30 minutes in your THR zone) when it starts releasing chemicals to prevent pain and hunger so you can keep going. Those natural chemicals (endorphins, epinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, among others) make you feel so goodâ¦happy, energetic...

I can tell you (90% sure) that at 143lbs, youâre not burning 800 calories using an elliptical for an hour.
I donât use elliptical machines but as I understand, they have different strides per minute and resistance settings.
A moderate speed would be, I would guess like a 100 strides per minute (out of 170) and a 7 resistance (out of 20), then you would burn 387 calories in an hour at 143lbs.

Do not rely on inaccurate machines' readouts because theyâre malfunctioning (the readout is often that piece of junk Made in China as a faulty readout wonât physically hurt people) OR because you cannot input enough info to get the proper results (gender, age, weight, speed, fitness level, THR zonesâ¦) OR because you did not reset it and the person using it before you was different from you OR because you made a mistake while entering data OR because itâs a common marketing practice for the manufacturer to deliberately misscalibrate the readout (up to doubling the caloric expenditure) to make people believe that theyâre burning more calories on a machine (when they donât) so theyâll be more likely to buy it.
Itâs like clothes manufacturers putting size 4 labels on size 6 clothes just to sell more of them (donât rely on labels, just your body measurements).

Nowâ¦how much fun did you have using an elliptical for an hour?
Be honest.
You wonât last long if you donât enjoy physical activity or at least not dread it.

As a teenager, things were different and I was skinny as a stick (until I got to be 16yo and blossomed, I was a late bloomer), I had no idea about exercising and gym machines or what was my BMR and calorie intake/expenditure and did not own a bathroom scale. I did not even have a bathroom but I had a shower tub in the kitchen, which was a big improvement over standing up in a bucket. Now I have 3 full size bathrooms...be careful what you wish for as you might have to clean it!
I did not have a phone or a computer or watch much TV and I was not exposed to restaurant food or junk/packaged/processed food. I spent the afternoon of my weekly no-school day peeling veggies and simmering the vegetables for the week side dishes.

I would go on 100kms/62.5 miles bike rides, at a leisure 12.5mph speed (2.5 hours in the morning, same in the afternoon) and had to eat 2,000 more calories, above my BMR + growth for physical activities (62.5 x 32 calories per mile = 2,000 calories for physical activity)

You have a good height (Iâm 5â5 too and itâs a good height) but how come youâre overweight at the 89th percentile??
Youâre old enough to learn how to cook and take charge of your diet if youâre so unlucky that nobody will cook great tasty healthy meals for you.
At 12, I could handle kitchen knives to cut fruits/veggies/meats without cutting myself and bleeding all over the kitchen.

You need to have fun with your friends and be involved in sports, not use a boring elliptical machine for an hour.

If I would need to lose 800 calories, I could use my stationary bicycle, at a leisurely pace of 12.5mph (lower end of the THR Aerobic Zone), 32 calories per mile and burn 800 calories in two hours covering 25 miles while zoning out as youâre sitting so itâs a non-weight bearing exercise and your body weight does not matter, and youâre not on a real bike having to wear a helmet and watching out for trafficâ¦so you can watch a movie or TV shows or read magazines or articles onlineâ¦

I would surely not use an elliptical (youâre standing, right? Iâd rather take a seat to burn 800 calories).

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I am 16 and I have a 49cc moped what do I need to ride it in Ontario? Like insurance, plates, licenses, etc?

bicycle helmets ontario law image

Theskippy1

Iike how to get those things etc:)

Answer
Moped Operational laws

approved motorcycle helmet is required;

vehicle must be insured and registered and have a valid licence plate;
no passengers allowed;

they must meet federal safety standards for a limited speed motorcycle;

motor-assisted bicycles are not allowed to travel on 400 series highways.

A new, restricted class M licence for limited-speed motorcycle (LSM) and moped drivers was introduced on November 28, 2005. This new restricted class M licence has a condition that allows licence holders to drive limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds only.

Ontario Rules And Requirements For Mopeds?

Matthew

Im buying a moped, its top speed is about 80. I know with an M1 you cant have passengers, ride at night, go on highways or go on roads exceeding 80. But what other laws are there regarding mopeds? Do you need to wear a special helmet or will a snowmobile one do? Do they require license plates? Insurance? If yes how much do these things cost? What do i need to know as a future moped driver and owner? This is a legitimate moped, and not a bike converter kit. It is a vespa style moped. An older one but still that style.
IT LOOKS LIKE THIS- http://afigandhoney.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/tumblr_m7fcdcsii51qewyblo1_1280.jpg

Answer
A "moped" is a MOtorized PEDal bicycle. Some idiots in some Governments have defined low speed motorcycles to be "mopeds". YOU are not thinking of getting a moped. What you are looking at is a motorcycle, a motorcycle with a step through frame that is often referred as a motor-scooter.

Can you say this: MOTORCYCLE.

Your vehicle is legally and actually a motorcycle. For use on the streets it needs a motorcycle registration with a motorcycle license plate, motorcycle insurance, you need to have a motorcycle driver's license and need to wear a motorcycle helmet.

You do not need to care about "Ontario Rules And Requirements For Mopeds" -- you are not wanting a moped. You need to care about Ontario Rules And Requirements For Motorcycles.

Addendum: for Neiigga
Not rude, helping. He cannot get help looking for "moped" when he wants a "motorcycle." If he wants the rules and requirements he has to look at motorcycles, not mopeds, not scooters. He is talking about an old Vespa 150 or one of the Indian companies like Bajaj. They are legally motorcycles, and those is the rules and requirements he needs.

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how much does a 707 street helmet weigh, and is it wrong to use that helmet for mountain bicycling?

best bike helmets 2011 image

Andrew

I have a 2011 Seven Zero Seven full face street bike helmet,
can't find how much the weight is, and also is it wrong,silly, or stupid to use a street bike helmet to go mountain bicycling?

Answer
Unless you only go downhill, you'll cook your head.

I live in the California desert. Are there any dirt bike helmets that stay cooler than others?

J

I want to buy a dirt bike in 2011. For about 4 months temps here are from 90f to 105f. Do the most expensive helmets help your head to stay cool?

Answer
i think paying more for a helmet helps keep it lighter and supposedly more protection. maybe a tad bit cooler , but i'd look at some sorta camel- pak for water or cool towel. something to keep ur body cooler

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How much is a ticket for not wearing a bicycle helmet in California?

bicycle helmet how to fit image

Felipe

I was riding my bike to school without a helmet and I was given a ticket. The officer told me that I would be fined $50 and I would receive a ticket in the mail in 3 weeks. I finally received it and the fine said $197. I went online to the official website of California, SKIP DOWN TO PART E. So what is the deal with this huge fine, when it clearly states a ticket cannot be or $25?

(a) A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

(b) Any helmet sold or offered for sale for use by operators and passengers of bicycles, nonmotorized scooters, skateboards, or in-line or roller skates shall be conspicuously labeled in accordance with the standard described in subdivision (a) which shall constitute the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable safety standards.

(c) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, for use by an operator or passenger of a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, or in-line or roller skates any safety helmet which is not of a type meeting requirements established by this section.

(d) Any charge under this subdivision shall be dismissed when the person charged alleges in court, under oath, that the charge against the person is the first charge against that person under this subdivision, unless it is otherwise established in court that the charge is not the first charge against the person.

(e) Except as provided in subdivision (d), a violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25).

Answer
Your fine is $25. However, California places all sorts of assessments upon fines, which raises the cost of a $25 fine to close to $200. (If the officer had been right that the fine was $50, that would have cost almost $300.) However, if you can honestly declare in court under penalty of perjury that you have never been cited for this offense before, the charge must be dismissed.

What is the best kind of bicycle helmet?

moorfr

I am in the market for a bicycle helmet. I am a casual cyclist...I just have a mountain bike that I don't ride too often, so it doesn't have to be a "professional" one. I just want something comfortable with excellent protection and something that has adequate ventilation. Can anyone recommend a good helmet for someone like myself?

Answer
You should be able to get a good quality helmet for $40. I would look for one with the foam molded into the shell. They hold up a little better. Most helmets are well vented . THey also should have a retention system.

The most import is fit. Go to a bike shop and try several models on. They should stay in place fairly well if you shake your head without the chin strap tightened. If you feel a pressure point, you may want to look for something else. It will get very annoying after a couple of hours in the saddle.

The Giro Transfer goes for under $30-$40 i in molded, has a retention system and is well vented. I am sure there are other comparable ones. But a comparable Bell or other branded helmet should have similar features for about the same price. Just buy the one that is most comfortable.

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Is it legal to carry a Baby while riding a bicyle?

bicycle helmets babies image

Ashley

Me and my husband have a month old baby and wanted to go on a bike ride together and were just curious if it would be even legal to have a baby with you in one of those baby bjorn front harness things. Obviously we would just buy a child carrier seat but you cant use those until they are 1 year. If it is illegal does anyone know a seat or anything like that so we can take her on a bikeride with us? Also for the record it is just like an old school cruiser bike not a mountain bike or anything.

Thanks

Answer
Legal...? Yes or No, depending on where you live (i.e. LOCAL jurisdiction and state laws). For example, in California, children less than six years or under 60 pounds MUST be in an DOT-approved restraining seat and secured. If less than 18 years old, they must also be wearing a safety helmet, even on a bicycle. Not just any old helmet, either. It must be fastened and securely fitted, and meet The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

Is it Wise...? Safe...? Nope! You are at far greater risk on a bicycle, because traffic doesn't see or acknowledge you like they would a car. There are also pot holes on the roads that can cause head and neck problems to very young children.

What to use for a 14wk baby and 2 yr old in a bike trailer? Helmets too big and car seat won't fit!?

Aimee

I have a bike trailer for my two babies but I don't know how is best to keep my 14week old safest. A helmet won't fit until at least 18 months and her car seat won't fit in with my 2 year old as well :0( Don't want to be stuck in a stuffy, hot car all summer so would really like to keep fit and take them out on the bike! Help!! Thanks in advance :0)

Answer
The infant in the car seat cannot ride with the toddler -- so just get a bicycle child seat http://www.amazon.com/Bell-Classic-Bicycle-Child-Carrier/dp/B000ISXSSA for the toddler -- kid will be much happier being up there behind you and watching around the road. Also should be available at Target, locally.

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What is a good beginner bike for someone trying to lose weight?

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John Smith

I want to start cycling to lose weight. I'm 6' and 300 lbs. I live on Long Island, NY. I know road bikes have narrower tires and you have to ride with your torso almost horizontal. Would a mountain bike be better? I have also heard of hybrids, that combine the best of both bike types. I plan to ride mainly on paved roads, maybe sometimes on grass, but not off-road or anything. The most important thing for me is balance and handling.

I haven't owned a bike since the 6th grade, so any and all info would be appreciated. I also like to tinker and build stuff, so I really like the idea of bike maintenance. What websites/retailers/resources would you recommend?

Thank you!

Answer
You want a Performance Hybrid. Also called a Sport Hybrid, Sport Performance hybrid, Fitness hybrid or even sometimes a "City Hybrid".

The small tires on road bikes will not be good for your weight. The hybrids will do you good.

Find a good reputable shop in your area and go speak to them about what you're considering. Don't buy a comfort bike or anything with a suspension saddle. You don't want anything with suspension, it's unnecessary money and weight for you. It's not good for someone like you trying to get a good workout from riding. Skip all suspension.

Sport hybrids:
Giant Escape, Cannondale Quick 4, Trek 7.2FX, Raleigh Cadent FT1, Specialized Ariel, Ariel Sport, etc.

Bike maintenance:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bike-maintenance.html

Are you near Westhampton Beach? Have you ever heard of "Bikemanforu"? You could visit his shop Bike N Kite. He knows a lot about bikes and really stands behind what he sells. I know he sells Giant Escapes but they don't do a whole lot in new bike sales so they don't have a great selection of new bikes but good entry level bikes at fair market price that he stands behind.

Lastly, make sure you are prepared to spend on other things that will be really needed for your riding.

Things you should purchase right away with your bicycle:
Helmet
Padded Bike Shorts (I feel that 2 is the magic number) wash every 2 days.
Water Bottle Cage
Water bottle
Bike headlight and taillight - if you're going to do any riding at night.
Multi-tool - basically for all the needed allen key sizes. A good multi-tool will take care of the basic adjustments you'll need to do.
Floor pump w/ gauge - You want to inflate your tires to maximum PSI before every ride. Important to have a good pump.
Bike jerseys or wicking tees (I feel like 2 is the magic number and wash with the shorts every 2 days. Maybe 3 would be even better but I don't like having them sit around without being washed for longer than a day or two.

Other things to consider:
Bike computer (with cadence)- Something I hesitated on buying at firstbut it is something very nice to have to know how far you rode and that you're riding at a high enough cadence for you to be getting a good enough workout. Very important to keep your cadence up and to not mash on the pedals. You don't want much resistance on the pedals.

Repair stand - for doing your own maintenance. Then you need some brushes, lube, etc.

*IMPORTANT* Road cycling shoes (not MTB shoes) and Clipless road pedals - These two things are pretty essential. I would get these right away. Get used to riding for a few days and then put them on. Be careful to find out how they work too. If you want to ride for fitness then you need the pedals and shoes or else you'll be wasting time.

Mini pump to install on your bike in case you need to fill up while out on the road. In case you get a flat. You'll probably want a spare tube and tire levers so that you can repair a flat on the road also.

Saddle bag - or any kind of bag for the bike - Great to hold your phone, keys, multi-tool, tube, and whatever else you feel like bringing with you.

Safe riding. Enjoy

What is a good, reasonably priced motorcycle helmet for a beginner?

trickyredc

I am just starting to get into motorcycles and am going to buy a helmet soon. I want one that is DOT and Snell approved but I am unsure of the good brands in this world. Any suggestions to helmets that are good quality but won't absolutely break the bank? Appreciate the help.

Answer
The big motorcycle magazines do an article every year or two where they buy a bunch of helmets and submit them to an independent testing lab and report on the results. What they find is that all helmets protect about the same, you pay more for features and comfort. In fact the best are often the cheapest, ABS helmets (though they're also the heaviest).

The article always has some kind of graphic to show what percentage of impacts come from what directions, and (I guess not surprisingly) about half of the impacts come from the front. So a full-face helmet is best. A half-helmet is like locking two doors on a four-door car.

Now the next thing will get a lot of people mad at me. About 95% of accidents are falls. You don't run into a wall or off a cliff, the bike falls over. You might be going 70 mph, so you'll slide a ways, but the fall itself is almost always the same, a five-foot fall. The DOT helmet is designed for this intensity of impact. It's designed for street riding. Snell helmets are designed for racing, where you have bigger impacts, so the foam in the helmet is a lot stiffer. And it may not protect even as well as a DOT helmet on the street. OTOH Snell helmets must be certified by a lab while DOT is basically on the 'honor system'.

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Is riding with a helmet more dangerous than not wearing one?

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gushie_got

I have this friend who believes that wearing a bicycle helmet is actually MORE dangerous than not wearing one. She believes that in a crash the helmet can cause the back of your neck to snap and even break. Is this true? Is actually wearing a bicycle helmet more dangerous than not wearing one

Answer
I have more than one friend whose life was saved due to wearing a helmet. Not wearing a helmet is just stupid. You've got to protect your brain... first and foremost.

Maybe her helmet doesn't fit her properly.

BTW - I don't know of anyone breaking their neck from a helmet, but plenty of people who were glad they were wearing one when they crashed.

How many people out there wear a Helmet?

Joshua

While riding there bicycle. I 'm an older guy and I was thinking of buying a bike to save money on gas and get some exercise. But the wife says she wants me to wear a helmet. Frankly I think the helmets look pretty stupid. What's your opinion?

Answer
I don't wear one...

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What kind of dirt bikes should my dad and I(15) buy?

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Andy(chang

I am almost 15 years old and i want to buy a dirt bike. I have rode a dirt bike accouple times and i am alright, i know the basics. I want a dirt bike that will suit me. My dad wants a dirt bike for himself too. We have no clue what kind of bikes to buy. My dad has rode some dirt bikes before but still a beginner. I am 5'7 115 pounds but growning rapidly and my dad is around 5'8 and 190 pounds. Please help us. Thank!!!

Answer
im 16 130 pounds i ride a kx 250. lots of power. if ur a beginner i would buy a rm 125,kx 125,yz 125. 2 stroke. or if you want a little smaller buy a ttr 125 four stroke. easy to ride somewhat powerfull. less maintence. your dad. same thing 125 2 stroke or if he has experience he should get a 250 2 stroke. buy riding boots, helmet and chest protector. trust me you shouldnt ride without it ive learned from experience = broken collar bone. brused shoulders, bruised ribs, broken ankles, shatterd my shin.broken toes. just do yourself a favor so you will be out riding year around get some equipment.

What percentage of parents say no to getting a motorcycle?

Marshall B

Also, if you are a parent would you let you son/daughter get a motorcycle? If so/not why?
Your son/daughter has agreed to the terms below when asking:
1. They will pay for their own insurance with money they earned in full at the beginning of each year.
2. They will buy every motorcycle they ever own.
3. They will pay for their motorcycle enforcement on their license.
4. They will pay for and take the motorcycle safety course (msf).
5. They will learn to fully maintain their motorcycle themselves.
6. They will wear and pay for the following gear:
Full composite jacket with shoulder and elbow protectors built in. $500
Gloves. $100
Full face helmet. $500
Closed toed boots. $100
*They will eventually get safety pants for long highway trips (when not on long highway trips will wear jeans.)
7. Will pay for monthly service and installation of a motorcycle anti theft and recovery system.
8. Their motorcycle will be equipped with anti lock brakes (ABS) and a steering damper.
Trust me, if I say I will do it I will do it. Every one of those listed statements will be done within the first week of me getting a motorcycle.

Answer
My parents (both dead now) both told me no. I started asking when i was 9, but I kept asking. Then ended up caving in and I ended up getting a bike when I was 12. I went riding just about every weekend and then after a few years, started going out riding with my dad. Turns out my dad learned to ride a motorcycle when he was over seas in WWII.

Learning to maintain a motorcycle is not as easy as it sounds, unless it is a 2-stroke dirt bike. YouTube and a shop manual help a lot, but if it was that easy, everyone would do it.

Now I'm a dad of three. All of us ride including my wife. It is fun, we all wear protective gear and it is nice to get out into the country away from all of the heavy traffic, noise and electricity.

Remember you can purchase used riding gear. I have picked up gloves, shoulder pads with chest protectors and racing boots at yard sales, flea markets, Ebay and Craigslist.

If they don't want you to get a bike and you are living in their household, you are forced to listen to them. If you want a bike that bad and they are totally against it, you will have to move out.

So, what percentage of parents say No to their children owning motorcycles? Have no idea, but I would guess that they are parents that do not ride themselves.

I am a parent and would I let my children ride motorcycles? Absolutely, I bought them their bikes.

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how much would it cost me to transfer a title of a 49cc scooter in the state of florida.?

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Q. all fees included please. no insurance.

Answer
State legislators define a moped as a vehicle fitting all of the following criteria:

Pedals that allow you to propel the vehicle
A seat for the rider
Three or fewer wheels
Motor of two-brake horsepower or less
Maximum speed of 30 mph on level ground
Automatic power-drive system
Displacement of 50 cc or less (for those with an internal combustion engine)
Mopeds need to be registered at a county tax collector office. The registration fee is $19.10, and you must renew your registration every year. Thankfully, you don't have to pay the $100 initial registration fee.

You'll receive a motorcycle plate for your moped. If you're under 21 and the registration is in your name, your plate will have a distinctive design and color.

Moped drivers need to have at least a Class E driver's license, and be 16 or older to drive a moped on a public road. A motorcycle endorsement isn't required.

You will not be allowed to ride your moped on bike or foot paths. All passengers under 16 must wear a helmet.

Moped drivers aren't required to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance.

Be aware that moped drivers have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. And, yes, moped drivers can receive traffic tickets, too.

Top Scooters
Depending on its makeup, a scooter could be classified as a motorcycle, moped, or even a bicycle/motorized scooter.

A motorized scooter is defined as a vehicle without a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on three or fewer wheels, and a maximum speed of 30 miles mph on level ground. You are required to have at least a Class E driver's license and be 16 years old to ride a scooter.

You cannot register or title a motorized scooter, and you cannot drive a motorized scooter on sidewalks or public roads.

See where your scooter falls under these categories, and then follow the appropriate rules and procedures. If your vehicle meets the requirements for regular motorcycles, you'll need to title and register it accordingly. See our Motorcycle Registration section for full details.

For more information on scooters, check out our informative articles about these vehicles in our How-to Guides and Fun Stuff sections.

Want to tell the world about your bike accident?

Gixxer

Mine was 100% my fault battery was dead and something was up with my alternator cuz my headlights would only come on when i was hittin the throttle anyways it was late one night and i was turnin left onto this dark road so i turn start to get on the trottle and suddenly my headlight illuminates a parked care about 3ft from the curb. So i try to avoid it and end up sandwichen my right leg between the car and the corner or the rear bumber of the car witch in turn launched the bike out from under me. Laid on the ground in pain for about 3 min the got up and limped away practicly draggin my bike behind me.Still dont know how i didnt break my leg ur turn...

Answer
Last year my old man and i went out for an afternoon ride... He was ahead of me on his bike and I was just relaxing and cruising behind when all of a sudden i hit some lose gravel going around a curve and couldn't get it back under control.

I slid down the highway fearful the cars behind me were going to run me over... the bike itself landed in a ditch tire to tire with only handlebar damage.

When my old man got back to me I had taken off my helmet and was sitting in a ditch begging him not to be mad at me as the bike was a gift from him... {we think of some of the stupidest things when we are hurt, LOL}

I was taken by ambulance to the ER when i had my road rash cleaned up and was Xrayed from head to toe. Except for peeling the skin from my left arm and back and a few minor bruises I was fine.

Got back on the bike the next day once the handlebars were replaced.

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How to ride a dirtbike?

bicycle helmet 24 image

DeltaOmega

I got a dirtbike for xmas but i wont have it till spring. I am 100% clueless about dirtbikes other than the right handle is throttle.

Answer
Welcome to the sport.

This is the motorcycle racing category, but since you are just starting out, I will try and give you some advice.

Find a friend, relative or someone you know that rides a bike already. Have them show you how to ride. It is much easier having someone physically show you then to try and explain it in writing...you know "a picture is worth a thousands words".

Riding a dirt bike or any motorcycle for that matter, is very similar to riding a bicycle. The difference is that the engine is much more powerful than your legs will ever be.

The right hand grip is the throttle, which you are aware of.
The lever on the right hand handle bar is the front brake.
The lever on the left hand handle bar is the clutch.
The lever by the right foot peg is the rear brake (unless you own an old Bultaco..lol).
The lever by the left foot peg is the gear shift lever (unless you own an old Bultaco).

Most transmissions in modern motorcycles work in this order; 1st gear is all the way down, half a cluck up from there(1st) is neutral, half a click up from there (neutral) is 2nd gear, full click up from there(2nd) is 3rd, full click up from there(3rd) is 4th and a full click up from there (4th) is 5th.

With the motorcycle running, engage the clutch, click the gear shift lever down to first gear, give the bike about 1/4 throttle, sit up by the gas tank, slowly release the clutch and as the bike starts to move you can give if more throttle. Once underway you will feel where the motorcycle starts to pull the hardest. This is the "power band" where the bike makes the most power in the rpm (revolutions per minute) range of the engine. Before the bike drops out of its power band, back off on the throttle, engage the clutch, click the lever up to the next gear, release the clutch and re-apply the throttle. You shift to the next higher gear to go faster, when you are coming to a stop, you downshift back down to a lower gear. The object of shifting is to keep the engine running at its peak power, so that you will not "bog" the engine or over rev the engine.

When you encounter rough terrain on your bike, you want to stand up. This allows your legs to act as shock absorbers and will help keep from getting you bucked off.

When you make a turn on a dirt bike; slide up to the gas tank, it is ok to stick the inside leg out to assist you from falling over. You will find that you will want to pick up a pair of motocross boots. Motocross boots have uni-directional bottoms so they slide on the ground. If you are using normal shoes or boots, the tread from the footwear will dig in and could cause you to fall.

Make sure you always wear a helmet, goggles, long sleeve shirt, gloves, long pants and motocross boots. I would recommend you pick up armored riding pants, shirt and a set of shoulder pads with chest protector. You can find used riding gear on Ebay, Craigslist, yard sales and flea markets. Used gear works fine. It doesn't matter if it is dirty, it is going to end up that way anyway.

Get yourself a shop manual for your specific bike. Normal maintenance is extremely important to keep your bike running for years. Here are some basic maintenance tasks. Depending on the conditions you are riding in you may need to do some more than others. After or before every time you ride you have to do maintenance on your bike. Check the tires for wear or cuts, check the spokes to make sure none are broke or loose, check your fuel level, check your air filter and clean it after every 3 hours riding, check your suspension for binding, chips or leaks, if you have a single shock rear suspension lubricate all of the linkage joints after every 9 hours of riding, check your brakes to make sure they are still gripping, check chain slack and lubricate your chain after every ride and change your transmission/engine oil after every 24 hours of riding.

Good luck, have fun and once again, welcome to the sport.

Can anyone tell me something to cheer me up?

booklove45

9/11 has kind of brought me down. Can any one tell me a joke or make me laugh or smile?

Answer
Why are black ppl so good at basketball?

Because they can run, shoot, and steal :P

What do you call a black priest?

Holy shit.

How do you confuse a blonde?

Put her in a circular room and tell her to sit in the corner.

Ways To Annoy People
1. Sing the Batman theme incessantly.

2. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sensual massage."

3. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go."

4. Learn Morse code, and have conversations with friends in public consisting entirely of "Beeeep Bip Bip Beeep Bip..."

5. If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others.

6. Amuse yourself for endless hours by hooking a camcorder to your TV and then pointing it at the screen. <

7. Speak only in a "robot" voice.

8. Push all the flat Lego pieces together tightly.

9. Start each meal by conspicuously licking all your food, and announce that this is so no one will "swipe your grub".

10. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 98 copies.

11. Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets.

12. Sniffle incessantly.

13. Leave your turn signal on for fifty miles.

14. Name your dog "Dog." 15. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up."

16. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what YOU think."

17. Claim that you must always wear a bicycle helmet as part of your "astronaut training."

18. Declare your apartment an independent nation, and sue your neighbors upstairs for "violating your airspace".

19. Forget the punchline to a long joke, but assure the listener it was a "real hoot."

20. Follow a few paces behind someone, spraying everything they touch with Lysol.

21. Practice making fax and modem noises.

22. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc:" them to your boss.

23. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up.

24. Invent nonsense computer jargon in conversations, and see if people play along to avoid the appearance of ignorance.

25. Erect an elaborate network of ropes in your backyard, and tell the neighbors you are a "spider person."

26. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with the prophesy."

27. Wear a special hip holster for your
remote control.

28. Do not add any inflection to the end of your sentences, producing awkward silences with the impression that you'll be saying more any moment.

29. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears.

30. Disassemble your pen and "accidentally" flip the ink cartridge across the room.

31. Give a play-by-play account of a persons every action in a nasal Howard Cosell voice.

32. Holler random numbers while someone is counting.

33. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way."

34. Drum on every available surface.

35. Staple papers in the middle of the page.

36. Ask 1-800 operators for dates.

37. Produce a rental video consisting entirely of dire FBI copyright warnings.

38. Sew anti-theft detector strips
into peoples backpacks.

39. Hide dairy products in inaccessible places.

40. Write the surprise ending to a novel on its first page.

41. Set alarms for random times.

42. Order a side of pork rinds with your filet mignon.

43. Instead of Gallo, serve Night Train next Thanksgiving.

44. Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a "croaking" noise.

45. Honk and wave to strangers.

46. Dress only in clothes colored Hunters Orange.

47. Change channels five minutes before the end of every show.

48. Tape pieces of "Sweating to the Oldies" over climactic parts of rental movies.

49. Wear your pants backwards.

50. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complimentary mints by the cash register.

Yo mamma's so fat, when she walked in front of the TV, I missed five minutes of the show!

Yo mamma's so fat, when she walked into a hotel and asked for a water bed, they put a blanket over the ocean

Yo mamma's so fat, when she sat on a rainbow, skittles popped ou

Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was
really pissed.

She told him "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the
driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE !!"

The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife woke
up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box
gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway.

Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought
the box back in the house.

She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.

Bob has been missing since Friday.

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What do you think are the best starter brands for street motorcycles, helmets, and protective gear?

best brand of bike helmets image

rosato

I don't want to spend too much money, but I would also like to be able to depend on the bike and gear I buy for a while without having to immediately upgrade to something better. If you can help me out with some good suggestions it would be much appreciated.

Answer
Okay. I would buy a Ducati, if I were independantly wealthy, but I'm not. Ducati's have more, and more expensive REGULAR SCHEDULED service, than japanese bikes. If I could pay some one to do it I'd be happy to buy a performnce machine. I'd be happy to by a Buell or Harley Davidson if were independantly wealthy. But I'm not.

I would buy a Honda, or Kawasaki, a Yamaha, or Suzuki, pretty much interchangeably. Not the top of the line, like BMWs. But it doesn't cost as much in maintenance.

Now jackets and the like, if you are a common size in a motorcycle jacket, then Joe Rocket, or Alpinestar or CorTech the other brands are all about the same. Some brands have more cachet, than others, and they all sell 2 or three lines. So you got to get the features you want at a lower cost somehow. Buy at NewEnough.com. Look at and buy from the Close-OUTS. But I wear a 5XLT, and the usual run of the mill doesn't fit, so I have used an ordinary leather jacket (G2 flight jacket, goarskin), and the Bohn Armored shirt. If I could I'd buy a Vanson custom jacket. I can't, or a SCHOTT motorcycle jacket (think Marlin Brando in the movie role that made people scared of black leather jackets.)
I also use bohn armored riding (under)pants. If you are doing something where you have to change at work to look professional , buy a pair of OVER pants with zippers down the sides. These will keep slacks office safe and literally your backside in place and unground. Do NOT count on jeans unless they have kevlar fibers, pockets for knee/hip pads, and a wide belt loop. Now try to get a pair of pants that match up to the jacket if you can, since MOTORCYCLE JACKETS ZIP TO THE PANTS. and if both are the same maker you can be confidant they will hook up. Look for a jacket longer in the back than the front, and with sleeves shaped to extend you arms out front (like holding handlebars, and leaning forward over the tank). make sure collars snap down or velcro to the jacket . A collar can beat you to death, while you are riding.

Pants need extra length. Your legs will be folded somewhat on a motorcycle in riding position, so don't get them too short.

I do not buy Motorcycles boot that make me look like a power ranger, as much as I want to look like a japanese nightmare. Most of these things are just odd for the sake of oddness. I do buy over the ankle books for riding and if I can get side zippers I do, and steel toes too.

Be careful the weak point of many side zipper boots is the zipper pull. It makes sense that these would be harder to pull than your fly. So when the handle breaks or breaks off, you have to throw them away.
You'd think they used a good metal YKK zipper wouldn't you? They do not.

So go to the web and look for "Tactical" boots, and such like footwear, they will list every standard that these things meet. The hottest tip now is to buy a pair of boots with no metal in them to get through the airport without stopping to take your shoes off. I just do not go through the airport.

I tend to prefer THOROGOOD boots and Bates boots, these are cheap enough for my tastes. $100 when you hunt around for a particular model on the web. Bates makes a style that I really like, they are leather chukkah boots with a high polish, and a STRAP to secure them to your feet. they come in mens sizes and women's sizes and EXTRA WIDE sizes. I wear a triple E, so that's one problem solved. I also like the Thorogood Ultimate Crosstrainer, also in Extra wide. Buy what suits you. but they need to be capable of staying on your feet when you are bouncing merrily down the highway, as you are wont to do now and agan. I advise you to tie your shoes, or zip them up or latch the buckle or whatever you need to keep them on your feet. There are pictures of a guy that was wearing flip flops or something that weren't all that strong. His feet were ground down by the pavement, so you could see naked bones in his feet, probably 3 years of work for him to wear shoes again. STRINGS ARE A NO-NO on a motorcycle. Sooner or later they WILL come untied, and then flap in the breeze until you stop and try to put your foot down, and the strings get caught in the rear brake pedal or the shifter or just the footpegs.

Friends don't let friends wear shorts and t-shirts and flip flops to ride motorcycles.

I can here you say, doesn't it get hot in side all that stuff. Yes, it does. There are some things you can do to adapt, to the heat of Texas Summer, where the road surface is around 150 degrees, leaning over on your bike feels like putting you head in the oven.

Buy a couple of the ties you wear around your neck to work outdoors, these things use a product like a disposable diaper to make a cooling gel, that can hold water for hours. There are VESTs that do much the same thing, only there have removable cooling pads, some of them are VERY effective. Thanks to the soldiers, for the field testing in Afghanistan and Iraq. You can get some for 200 dollars or more, and this is the kind of thing I do not have yet, other than the necktie. So you are on your own. Look for Environmental Protection suits. wear MICROFIBER shirts, they will keep you cool and dry asd well as warm in winter. Wear wool socks, winter and summer, NOT COTTON. Wools drys and wicks moisture of your feet, cotton DOES NOT DRY EASILY, Try it, dump a load of socks in the dryer, cotton socks will be that last ones dry.

I also have a couple of towels made from a non-woven matereal, that also absorb water and release it slowly for cooling effects. These are commonly found sold at professional sports places or at the gym, or amazon.com has some.

That covers the the stuff that comes to mind. Any more Questions?

I want to start cycling, but not sure wich brand of a road bike to get?

Berklee.

So my step dad rides and he got my mom into it so I want to try it now. Im aware that road bikes get pretty pricey but thats alright. I just need to try and keep it under $1,000. So any suggestions on good bikes?
Also are trek bikes good?

Answer
If you buy a $1000 bike, it will be very enjoyable to ride but, as soon as you get it you will feel the urge to upgrade bits of it. With that in mind, I'd recommend an $800 bike and save the $200 for bits and pieces.

Trek is a decent brand but pretty much any $800 bike will be similar so try a few out and choose the one you like the look and feel of best.

When upgrading, consider the contact points first: shoes and pedals, saddle and shorts, bars and tape and mitts.

If you get seriously serious and do long rides, consider the real comfort of a true ergonomic saddle. I like the SMP4Bike range, but there are many others about now too

Get a helmet!

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Riding bicycle with sandles on. Is it dangerous?

bicycle helmets unsafe image

Blue Haire

I ride my bike 10-20 miles every day for exercise. My legs are tan, but my feet are WHITE!!! Is it safe to ride my bike with flip-flops on so my feet match my legs? I know we used to ride in sandles all summer when we were kids but back then we rode without helmets also. So what are the risks, and how safe/unsafe is it?

Answer
They sell cycling sandals. Google it and you'll find a few.

I know Giro has a few. I can't remember the names though.

Riding a horse using a bicycle helmet?!?

kittylover

I want to bareback ride my Belgian Carlene, she is 17 hh. I have never rode bareback before. My dad goes "I don't give a @#$% about that horse go get on her for all I care!" I ride western usually and I don't wear a helmet as most westerners don't. He don't care if I die. So I am asking is a bicycle helmet too tacky on you if you ride a horse? No one will see me and I guess it's better than dying. She is 12 yrs old like me and she has never been ridden. I know this might be a bad idea but I want to ride really bad, I usually ride well broke trail horses and my dad said I could ride her until I get a 15 hh Haflinger in September.

Answer
What does Dad have to do with your behaving dangerously and acting out? You know better than that!
Wait until September to work with your new Haflinger!
Until then, train the Belgian Carlene to longe nicely, act in a mannerly way and basically sell your dad on how trustworthy you are. IF you must mount up, borrow a friends ASTM -f1163 certified helmet, or invest in one for just $40 bucks.

That 17hh is no horse to ride in any hat,being UN ridden before. Topping your head with a bike helmet is silly and obviously won't get dad's notice,nor will it absorb the shock of a fall.Its unwise and unsafe.
Have some fun and train her. Your instincts that it is a bad idea to ride are square on: Believe in your skill in training and get going the right way.

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