which is better? A bicycle or a stationary bike?

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Nova L.

What are the pros and cons of having either a simple bike to ride on trails or a stationary bike in your house?

Note: The closest place requires a car to get there where I live.

Answer
Having had both, I have to say the satisfaction of riding a mountain bike can't be beat. Except for the weather, of course. You will get more overall health results from actual bike riding, than you will from a stationary bike. The big thing here is that a stationary bike can be ridden night or day, any time of day, any weather, in your PJ's or shorts, nightgown or undies. You can read a book, watch TV, carry on a conversation or just pedal for the heck of it. You can do none of these things on an outdoor bike. And, if you don't live near a trail or riding area, you will need a car hauler to get the bike to and from where you need to go. You will also need a helmet and riding gloves. Riding bikes outside is really hard on your hands!

Having said all that, I wish my health was good enough to ride my mountain bike again. It isn't. I'm going to have to settle for a stationary bike.

Should I buy mirrors (from eBay) for my future bicycle?

air

its only less than 2 bucks each...i know their bootleg or whateverr you wanna call them...but should i buy?? whats the pros/cons with these? are they the same as great quality mirrors??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Bike-Sports-Handlebar-Flexible-Rearview-Mirror-/330617942982?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cfa5d73c6

Answer
Trash - pure trash. Even the so-called "good" handlebar mount mirrors will shake & vibrate violently on the smoothest streets. Want a really good mirror? Correction - want a GREAT mirror? Get one that mounts on the helmet. To be specific - this one.
http://safezonemirror.com/

The LARGEST mirror in the industry with a 5 year "no fault" warranty. Buy one on-line or at your local bike shop. I found mine at a LBS for about $5 less. And because I sweat a lot, I rotate helmets around. Three helmets & THREE mirrors. One mirror for each helmet.

If you ever try one of these - you'll NEVER go back to anything else.

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If you are strongly interested in science, will you please answer my questions about tornadoes?

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Q. 1. Do huge tornadoes, like the one in Oklahoma today, happen in Saskatchewan or Alberta (two provinces in Canada)?
2. If you knew a tornado was coming, do you have enough time to get into your car and drive away? I am moving into a trailer park out of town and there is nowhere to hide (due to not having a basement). Is it safe to get as far away from the town/area as possible?
3. Do yo believe that government can actually cause these storms to happen? Do you believe that the storms are this big because the government wants to lower their population? Please let me know your thoughts on those conspiracy theories.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these.

Answer
no the goverment isnt causing them. In certain parts of the country YES you can drive away because the roads are set up N S E W and STRAIGHT. You can drive SSTRAIGHT aaway from anything but in the most of the coungtry, the roads loop around and raods are NOT NSEW. (north south east or west). It depends where you live. Also, buy a bicycle helmet and keep near your designated storm shelter to protect your head. I actually also have ropes to tie my kids to my body and tie us to the faucet (which is cemeted into the ground) incase we have a tornado here.

How do I manage a cycling team?

mikeyngson

I belong to a bicycle racing team. Recently, I was chosen to be its Team Manager. What exactly are the duties and responsibilities of a Team Manager?

Answer
Oh man, was that one of those deals where they ask for volunteers and everybody else takes a step backwards but you?

From your question, it sounds like this is a local club, so it's an unpaid job, right?

Here are some things you might think about:
- chief communicator and logistics - upcoming rides, races, clinics, get-togethers, handling questions w/ the promoter, who's going, who's driving, who's carpooling, who needs to borrow what equipment, who has the big toolkit and spares and pumps, where to stay if it's out of town, where do we stop for dinner, what do we need in the cooler for race day, etc. You'll want everybody's phone numbers and email. Stay organized!

"did everybody bring your shoes and helmets?" #1 forgotten item before races.

- sponsor go-between - keeping the sponsor updated as to results, exposure, races / events attended, by how many, etc. What are they getting for their money?

- Official keeper of the results - if the team has a "pay for results" system, you might be in charge of that. If that's somebody else's job, you should be the official person who gives results to him.

- Race / event day logistics, support, strategery. When's the first race, where's breakfast, what time do we get up, get ice for the coolers, get a good parking spot w/shade or bathrooms nearby, make sure everybody's there and ready to race, pin numbers, last minute tire pumping, get spare wheels to the pit w/ numbers on them, have handups ready, make sure everybody starts their race on time, etc. Lead a pre-race team meeting to plan strategery, if your team is that cohesive. IF you're not racing, watch breaks, give time checks and useful info, and take pictures.

Post-race, get the the wheels back (#1 lost item at races!) get the numbers or timing chips back to the promoter if they want them, get the results (use a digicam for proof), if any protests, help out with that (be aware of the time limits to protest results), get the vehicle(s) unlocked and the coolers ready, get everybody toweled off and changed, take some post-race notes / team meeting to review and learn, get outta Dodge.

Good luck...

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What's a good bicycle helmet for city riding?

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csss s

I live in Philadelphia, and it is pretty congested. I have a trek bike helmet and I hate it. It feels like a big bowl on top of my head, and I hate the straps. I'm thinking about a skateboard helmet. Is that a good idea? I dont care how hot it is, I just want it to be more comfortable.
Thanks

Answer
The more expensive helmets come in different sizes and will be a much better fit. They will also be smaller then the one size fits all. A skateboard helmet will be way too hot.

How do I get my infant to wear a bike helmet?

Siamese B

I have an infant and no car. By myself I get around just fine on city buses biking and walking. Unfortunately, my infant won't wear the helmet so I can't take her on my bike. Any ideas on how I can get her to wear the helmet so we can take a bike ride together?

Answer
just keep trying to get her to wear it, even wearing it around the house, and wear yours inside as well to set the example
make sure hers is adjusted well so it is comfortable

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Should i be intimidated to ride a Harley?

bicycle helmet 5 year old image

Wyatt

Im 17 and really wanna get a motorcycle in the next few years. I didn't grow up with a dad so i missed out on a lot of the "man" stuff like motorcycles and cars. I have never rode a motorcycle in my life and i know nothing about them and am totally spooked about riding the first time. Is it tough? What do i need to know before trying? should i take a first time rider course? Thanks!

Answer
I read somewhere, a few years ago, that more than half of all buyers of new Harleys were either total newbies or else coming back to riding after 20-30 years (raising a family no doubt). And at the time I wondered why total noobs would want such a dauntingly big, heavy bike.

Well then a friend of mine (a woman who rides) wanted to buy one, and she began asking me questions about them. I've been riding a long time but I had never ridden a Harley. So I suggested we rent one for a day and split the cost, and take turns switching between the Harley and her bike. I have to say I was just shocked at how easy the Harley was to ride, how easy to manage and 'well mannered' it was. This was a Heritage Softail, maybe the biggest bike Harley's ever made, a 700 lb beast.

Harleys are 'cruisers'. Cruisers have a lower center of gravity, and a lower seat, so they feel much lighter than they are. Now ALL motorcycles feel pretty light once you get up to about 10 mph. On the road, weight means stability. But big bikes are a little scary when you're holding them up at a stoplight, or parking them on a slight hill. The Harley was even easy to hold up and park.

Ten minutes on this bike taught me all about cruisers. They are not good-handling, high-performance, they are stable and easy to ride. They support a relaxed, laid-back riding style, which is a lot safer than 'pushing the envelope' on a crazy sportbike. They are comfortable and relaxing to ride. The Softail would make a great touring bike, at 85 mph it's like sitting in a flying easy chair and watching the scenery go by. And I say that not exactly being a Harley fan, or a cruiser fan.

BUT I would seriously not recommend you get one to learn to ride on. You're likely to be hard on your first bike. You will almost certainly drop it once or twice (at least), nothing serious, just losing your balance in a parking lot, stuff like that. And you will almost certainly abuse the clutch. Even a halfway decent USED Harley is like $10k.

I would recommend you start on a Japanese cruiser, a used one. Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan, Yamaha Star, Suzuki C50 or Boulevard. Something between 5 and10 years old, old enough to be depreciated but new enough that you can still get parts. Maybe with a few dings and bruises already so you won't feel so bad when you drop it. 750cc is a good size to start with for a cruiser, it feels light, its easy to park, but it will still cruise on the freeway all day without the wind blowing it around. Maybe $3000. If you buy carefully, you can sell this 'old beater' a year later for about what you paid for it. And -then- if you want a Harley go get one, and it will be the same but bigger and nicer.

You don't need professional training to ride a motorcycle. You learn by yourself, by riding. The MSF course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation, in the US, in other English-speaking countries they have something similar) only teaches you some very important safety habits to keep you safe while you learn on your own. It's probably a good idea. They supply the bike, you just show up, so a lot of people do it who are just considering getting a bike and want to see what it's like and if they can even do it.

If you've never ridden a bicycle, i would start on a bicycle, just to learn about balancing and steering. If you can drive a manual-shift car, learning a motorcycle will be easier because you understand how a clutch and gearshift work. But the controls are different, you clutch with your hand and shift with your foot, so you need to develop new 'muscle memories'.

Also leave room in your budget for a helmet, jacket, and gloves, at a minimum. The gloves and jacket are about abrasion resistance when you skid on the ground.

If you know anyone who rides, pepper him with questions. Bikers love to talk (and write) about motorcycling. It really is just as much fun as it looks. 8^)

Is it legal to ride an electric scooter in the bike lane?

TALLguy18

It is a schwinn S-1000 goes about 18 MPH.
Im 15.
Could you ride it correctly in the bike lane and not get a ticket?
I live in Oceanside CA.

I would like to know the rules of that from someone who is a cop and has delt with this before.

Answer
Yes it is, so long as you are at least 16. Since you are 15, you cannot legally operate it on a public road - including a bike lane.

CVC 406(b) "Motorized Bicycle" states:

A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.
(2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on ground level.
(3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than 20 miles per hour.

CVC 24016 "Motorized Bicycle Electric Motor: Safety and Equipment Requirements" states:

(a) A motorized bicycle described in subdivision (b) of Section 406 shall meet the following criteria:
(1) Comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.) or the requirements adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (49 C.F.R. 571.1, et seq.) in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1381, et seq.) for motor driven cycles.
(2) Operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied, or operate in a manner such that the motor is engaged through a switch or mechanism that, when released, will cause the electric motor to disengage or cease to function.
(b) All of the following apply to a motorized bicycle described in subdivision (b) of Section 406:
(1) No person shall operate a motorized bicycle unless the person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards described in Section 21212.
(2) A person operating a motorized bicycle is subject to Sections 21200 and 21200.5.
(3) A person operating a motorized bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this code relating to financial responsibility, driver's licenses, registration, and license plate requirements, and a motorized bicycle is not a motor vehicle.
(4) A motorized bicycle shall only be operated by a person 16 years of age or older.
(5) Every manufacturer of a motorized bicycle shall certify that it complies with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.).
(c) No person shall tamper with or modify a motorized bicycle described in subdivision (b) of Section 406 so as to increase the speed capability of the bicycle.

EDIT..... to "Doodlestuff"... NEVER advise people to ask cops about the law. Cops are a horrible source of legal advice. They believe more myths about the law than tax protestors, and even if they 'do' know the law on something, they are allowed to lie.

Richard

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do i need to know anything important before bike riding on bike lanes in chicago?

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Anthony

Its finally summer, and for once i plan on using the old bike in my garage to go places. Are there any rules or things i should know before I hit the streets?

Answer
Designated bike lanes are a joke! Separate but equal? My @ss! All a bike lane does is put you in the "no zone". "No officer, I didn't see the guy on the bike." Or if they do see you - the ignore zone. Ignore 'em, they got their own lane.

The most common occurrence in a bike lane is the old "right hook". Cars will pass on your left & make an IMMEDIATE right turn DEAD in front of you. As you approach a 3 way or 4 way intersection in a bike lane, scan around for cars possibly looking to turn. That's why a helmet mirror is important.
http://www.amazon.com/Safe-Zone-Bicycle-Helmet-Mirror/dp/B003LVHZ4O/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top/189-4719599-8876809

And what happens if you need to make a left turn? Now you are forced to cross out of the bike lane and cross one (or more) traffic lanes to get into the proper lane.

Rules? You follow the SAME rules & regulations as motorized traffic. Plus there is a separate set of laws for cyclists. http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a143.pdf See the illustration on page 7? Forget it!!! That shows a line of bicyclists riding way TOO close to the curb! NEVER ride next to the curb. A) Puts your tires in a vulnerable spot to pick up road debris causing flats. B) Motorists don't SEE you. ALWAYS ride away from the curb 5 feet or so. ALWAYS go around parked cars leaving 5 to 6 feet of space - out of the "door zone".

To my knowledge, there is no law stating you MUST use the bike lane. If cars are parked to close, crossing the white line - or a delivery truck is blocking the bike lane - scan with that mirror - LOOK - signal & get out of the damn bike lane.

I repeat...designated bike lanes are a joke! Most are designed by engineers & city planners who never ride a bicycle.

When riding a bicycle am i to ride on the side walk or on the main road?

Kooookieee

i dunno, i'd feel pretty scared riding on the road and i'd like taking all my shortcuts that i take when n foot, is there like a law or rule or something that says where i should ride? wheres the right place to ride?

Answer
Bicycles are considered as a vehicle and should be ridden on the road. It will depend on your age and the city you live in. Pedestrian's have the right of way on paths if bikes are allowed. Get a helmet if you don't have one and a mirror helps a lot. This site should help in keeping safe.

http://bicyclesafe.com/

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How do bicycle helmets work?

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Forgetful

There is a "shell" and a "liner" in a bicycle helmet, right? what is the purpose of those things? Is the shell supposed to stop it from breaking or is the liner supposed to be crushed?
Simple language please.
thanks!!!!!

Answer
There are variations depending upon the quality of the helmet and the purpose... for example, some DH helmets are practically MX helmets now but, in general...

Bike helmets have the liner and shell as you've mentioned, the liner actually does the majority of work in saving you from a fall. The shell is really just there to prevent things like stick and such on the tral from penetrating the liner and stabbing you in the head, or to keep the liner from coming apart on hard impacts. The liner is what handles the energy transfer that prevents you from sustaining severe injury. When you take an impact, the liner is supposed to get crushed... in doing so, it converts the kinetic energy (the energy of an object in motion) of the impact into thermal energy (heat) as the liner is crushed. Remember, energy can never be created or destroyed, it can only change forms... The type of material used in the liner and the overall quality of the helmet determine just how effective it is but that's the basic principle in ALL helmets actually. Most common helmets use an EPS liner, Expanded PolyStyrine, and are good for just one serious impact... Once the liner has been crushed, it no longer has the capacity to be crushed much further to allow for the conversion of energy needed to protect your head. Some other helmets use materials that allow the energy conversion to take place repeatedly and only need to be replaced if the shell material is compromised... these are typically MX helmets or very high-end downhill helmets.

Also, it's worth noting that essentially all bike helmets pass the same certifications so there isnt a whole lot of difference in protection between a $40 helmet and a $140 helmet... Most of the extra money that you pay goes into what was spent on R&D to figure out a way to incorporate more vents into the helmet without lessening the protection offered.

Do I need a permit or license for cycling in NYC?

YD

I am a cycling newbie that recently get a hybrid bike, so I just wonder if I need any bike license or need to follow any bicycle traffic rules? Like helmet is required or what if there is no bike route and something else. And how can I prevent bike stolenï¼ I bought an U-lock and cable lock, and I am gonna bring off the the front wheel and saddle every times, is it good enough?
Many thanks

Answer
Nope, you wouldn't need any permit or license or any of them trouble things to ride a bike in NYC. Just get on it and revolutionize the crank and pedal! But as a cyclist, you do need to follow the traffic lights, such as stopping at red lights. And because you're cycle, you are gonna need a helmet for sure to minimize the risk of having a head injury. There's no such thing as a "No Bicycle Route", just cycle on the roads and follow the traffic rules, do not ride on the pavement like a jerk. No, that's really too troublesome, just get three U-Locks and lock both of your rear and front wheels to the frame and another lock to lock the frame to a permanent structure.

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Road helmets or mountain helmets with good ventilation with MIPS?

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Dark

Are there any other helmets with MIPS other than the POC Trabec race MIPS or the Scott Bikes Lim helmet MIPS? I am doing some comparisons to make up my mind.
I also know Scott taal and scott stego.

Answer
MIPS's website is probably your best source:
http://mipshelmet.com/find-a-helmet

Of course, only you know what color you like.

Is it bad to be embarrassed about wearing a bike helmet?

Daisy

I'm not allowed to not wear a helmet when bike riding. For some reason I feel embarrassed about this because none of my friends have to wear one. I'm still concerned about safety and stuff, dont get me wrong. I just can't help feeling super self conscious on bike rides :( does anyone else feel this way?

Answer
I'd be embarrassed NOT to wear a helmet. Sign of a fool who doesn't give a damn about his or her own safety. A lot of people who don't like helmets have a cheap one without enough ventilation. They get too HOT!

Get a good, well ventilated helmet from Giro or Bell.
http://www.giro.com/us_en/products/men/road/indicator.html
http://www.giro.com/us_en/products/men/road/transfer.html

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Do You Wear A Helmet While Riding a Bike?

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Unknown345

I do. My friend thinks I am dumb and silly for wearing a helmet. I'd rather look silly than crack my skull. My friend doesn't even wear a helmet while four wheeling.

Answer
Just like the old American Express credit card commercial..."Don't leave home without it."

Your so-called friend is the dumb one - not you. See pie chart on this link...
http://thinkbicyclingblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/kaplan_bike_crash_causes.jpg
A full FORTY-FIVE percent of all cycling accidents are "solo falls". No other person, vehicle or animal involved.
http://thinkbicyclingblog.wordpress.com/2010/08/28/how-to-avoid-urban-adult-bike-crashes/

What is a good motorcycle for a new rider?

Peter

I am looking to buy a motorcycle soon, I am currently looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2010(ish)

I know there are bikes that are cheaper, all the way down to some glorified scooter I found for $1400 but is it worth going cheap cheap or is quality the best choice here, I have read that the 250 is good starter bike.

Would also love any help in locating some lower cost riding gear such as helmet jacket etc :)

Answer
I'm 17 years old and I got a 2012 ninja 250 about April last year and I love it its an amazing bike for getting around town! But where u run into a problem is on the freeway if u want to take trips. You get blown around quite a bit and it doesn't have great passing power. Right now I'm looking for a 600 cause I need more power for trips with my dad but for a beginner bike and around town this bike is amazing! It looks great and it gets great mpg. This bike is the best beginner bike out there!

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Where can I buy a bike helmet for a toddler in Metro Manila, Philippines?

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teacher's

We have a 2 year old son, and we're buying him a little trike for Christmas. Now we want to get him a cute bike helmet to go with it. If you'd happen to know where I can buy bike helmets with kiddie designs that can fit kids' heads that would be great. :) Thanks!

Answer
How in the world of the UNITED STATES would we know what is available in the PHILIPPINES??????!!! I suggest you ask the bike store where you buy the bike. They probably have them there.

Where can I find a bike helmet to fit a 15 month old?

Miki

I just got a toddler carrier installed on my mountain bike but I can't find a helmet for kids as small as her.
The smallest ones they have at walmart are for three year olds.

Answer
Try this.

http://www.etoys.com/search/index.jsp?kw=bike+helmet&f=PAD%2FTRU+Age+Filter%2FBirth-12+Months&fbc=1&fbn=TRU+Age+Filter%7CBirth-12+Months

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Is having a mountain bike helmet worth getting when you have a good motocross helmet already?

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John

okay, so here's my delema, my motocross helmet seems like it is just a little too cumbersome for when I'm riding my mountain bike, so I've been looking into a full face MTB helmets such as the lightweight carbon fiber ones that weigh just about 2lbs whereas my motocross helmet weighs 3.6lbs. So if any avid mountain bikers that could help me out before I possibly go spend upwards of one to two hundred dollars that I didn't need to spend. Thanks

Answer
It's your head, and it's the only one you're going to get. So do whatever makes you comfortable.

I see people riding my local trail, which is pretty much flat, with full-face helmets on and that's fine if that's what they feel comfortable with. I also see people wearing woolie hats, and that's just stupid.

Me, I ride with something inbetween - either a Fox Flux or a Nutcase, depending on my mood. The Nutcase is just like the one in the pic below, except mine's autographed by Gary Fisher :)

http://www.amazon.com/Fox-Helmet-Large-X-Large-Titanium/dp/B005AFZSYS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1386103294&sr=8-8&keywords=fox+flux+bike+helmet

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1107269_-1___400026

is DH helmet,full face mountain bike helmet are smaller than offroad motorcycle helmet ?

Ha kook

i wanna buy helmet for riding all around the mountain.
but i want its capacity and weigh be not too heavy,
can DH helmet for mountain bike and off road motorcycle helmet for mountain be used for crossed way? i mean if i ride a bike on the mountain wearing the off road motorcycle helmet, can it be too heavy or out of capacity.

if the motor and bike helmet size are same, is it about to equal the capacity and weigh ?

Answer
Nowadays motorcycle helmets are quite light and you can comfortably use an off-road motorcycle helmet for mountain biking.

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any ways to prevent criminals using motorbikes?

best motorbike helmet ever image

kanemochis

assassins, robbers, thieves, etc are using this for quick mobility, can get away thru the heaviest traffic jams with ease. Worst, they are hard to be identified since most used full covered helmets. Haha,just like the movie "catch me if you can". Let's think of ways to prevent this.
tahini..what if they used jamming devices, GPS will be worthless.
police visibility and more lights? they do it even on broad daylight....when the cat is out...the mouse begins to play....

Answer
You are right, motorbikes are hellishly hard to pursue or track, and nobody ever knows who drove it. I guess the solution would be make them a lot harder to steal by fitting various anti-theft devices, and if you're talking about tackling a societal problem, it may be on insurance companies to introduce premiums of such intimidating steepness that only the fitting of those anti-theft devices has any hope of lowering the premiums, then people would do it. With that in place, you'd be cracking down on criminals using stolen bikes. The next thing would be a recognition system for motorbikes. If you take their license plate off, nobody knows anything about the darn thing. What it needs is some kind of magnetic imprint on all parts, like a DNA, which has a serial number attributed to it and which can be read by surveillance satellites. That, I think, may be the future for a lot of things, including convicts, VIPs, kids, pets, credit cards, etc. I haven't read that anywhere, I just made that up. But I think it's pretty common-sense. Let another decade pass with horrific terrorits acts, and the world will be gagging for this kind of stifling security technology, I can totally see it happening.

What is the Most Creative Way You Would Kill Yourself?

Lilium

I would jump into a tiger enclosure and hug them.

Answer
I had a fascination with not leaving a body behind once and decided that paddling out on the ocean on a board with a shotgun into waters I know sharks inhabit was the most effective way. In terms of spectacle or discussion it kind of doesn't leave much opportunity though.
I once had the idea of a hand grenade taped to the back of a motorbike helmet and tying the loosened pin to long length of rope & the other end to something secure so you just ride off not knowing exactly when the pin was pulled, but grenades are kinda hard to get your hands on. And taping a gun to a helmet to do the same function would be too uncertain.
For display purposes there's always arcing a ginormous current through your body using a large piece of aluminium front and back with wires taken from appliances attached & thrown over two high-voltage wires or overhead train power lines. Not much chance of revival there.
But lately I'm leaning toward getting an industrial-size box of cardiac medication, i.e. nitroglycerin, and filling my stomach with that and my car with containers of pool chlorine and fuel fumes (once I'm out on the open highway) and timing it so that I can aim at a decent size tree before asphyxiating.
If you've ever seen the old Coke add with all the people in the big ball rolling down the hill, that's just a goldmine of suicidal glory. Imagine climbing inside that baby & pumping it full of helium - open the taps, climb inside with your gaffer tape & seal it up & wait for the resultant traffic chaos as your body enshrined in a clear plastic bubble drifts overhead... Nice.

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HOW often should you replace a bicycle helmet???

bicycle helmet how often to replace image

glidefloss

never had any fall impact, but just want to make sure its in good shape if i do. does the foam degrade over time? whats the good rule of thumb for how often you should replace one?

thank you!!!

Answer
if you've fallen on it or dropped it, replace it. otherwise, replace every 3 years.

What is a good project topic?

heybabe

in geography i have to do this project called "the geography of..." and you basically pick any item and find out where it originated and where it diffused to over time. i don't know what to choose! any suggestions will be appreciated!

Answer
The Geography of...

-The Carousel:
A carousel, or merry-go-round, is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders. The "seats" are traditionally in the form of rows of wooden horses or other animals mounted on posts, many of which are moved up and down via gearwork to simulate galloping, to the accompaniment of looped circus music. Modern carousels in America are generally populated with horses. Carousels in Europe, and in America from earlier periods, frequently include diverse varieties of mounts, like pigs, zebras, mythological creatures (such as dragons, sea monsters or unicorns), and deer, to name a few.

Origin of The Carousel:
The earliest known depiction of a carousel is in a Byzantine bas-relief dating to around 500 A.D., which depicts riders in baskets suspended from a central pole. The word carousel originates from the Italian garosello and Spanish carosella ("little war"), used by crusaders to describe a combat preparation exercise and game played by Turkish and Arabian horsemen in the 1100s. In a sense this early device could be considered a cavalry training mechanism; it prepared and strengthened the riders for actual combat as they wielded their swords at the mock enemies. European Crusaders discovered this device and brought the idea back to their own lands. A carousel was also a training device for the ring-tilt, consisting of wooden horses suspended from arms branching from a center pole. Riders aimed to spear rings situated around the circumference as the carousel was moved by a man, horse, or mule. Carousel was also the term for large "horse ballet" or Musical Ride spectacles mounted as part of the court festivities for special occasions such as royal weddings or state visits from the mid-16th century onwards, which gradually replaced serious jousting, although non-combat competitrions such as the ring-tilt lasted until the 18th century. They were developed in Italy, especially by the Medici Grand-Dukes in Florence, and the first French example was in Paris in 1605. These usually took place in squares or large courtyards, and consisted of elaborately costumed riders and horses (usually from the cavalry) performing choreographed routines such as forming shapes together, riding in lines criss-cross against each other. They often took place at night, with riders carrying torches, and were accompanied by music. From the 17th century large decorated floats with allegorical figures were often included. The Place du Carrousel in Paris was so named from 1662, when it was used for such a display by Louis XIV.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carousel


-The Flashlight:
A flashlight (called a torch outside North America) is a portable electric spotlight that emits light from a small incandescent lightbulb or from one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Typical flashlight designs usually consist of the light source located in a housing containing a parabolic reflector or specially shaped lens to shape the flashlight beam, a transparent window to protect the light source from damage and debris, a power source (typically electric batteries), and an electric power switch. While most flashlights are intended to be hand-held, there are also helmet-mounted flashlights designed for miners and campers and battery-powered lights for bicycles. Some flashlights are powered by hand-cranked dynamos or electromagnetic induction or are recharged by solar power. The name flashlight is used mainly in the United States and Canada. In other English-speaking countries, the more common term is torch or electric torch.

Origin of The Flashlight:
On 10 January 1899, American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Company obtained U.S. Patent No. 617,592 (filed 12 March 1898) from David Misell, an inventor. This "electric device" designed by Misell was powered by "D" batteries laid front to back in a paper tube with the light bulb and a rough brass reflector at the end. The company donated some of these devices to the New York City police, who responded favorably to them. These early flashlights ran on zincâcarbon batteries which were incapable of providing a steady source of electric current and needed to be 'rested' periodically to continue functioning. Because these early flashlights also used energy-inefficient carbon-filament bulbs, this occurred at short intervals. Consequently, they could be used only in brief flashes, hence the popular name flashlight.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashlight

-The Necktie:
The necktie (or tie) is a long piece of cloth worn around the neck or shoulders, resting under the shirt collar and knotted at the throat. Variants include the bow tie, ascot tie, bolo tie, and the clip-on tie. The modern necktie, ascot, and bow tie are descended from the cravat.

Origin of The Necktie:
The necktie traces back to the time of Thirty Years' War (1618â1648) when Croatian mercenaries from the Military Frontier in French service, wearing their traditional small, knotted neckerchiefs, aroused the interest of the Parisians. Due to the slight difference between the Croatian word for Croats, Hrvati, and the French word, Croates, the garment gained the name "Cravat". The new article of clothing started a fashion craze in Europe where both men and women wore pieces of fabric around their necks. In the late seventeenth century, the men wore lace cravats that took a large amount of time and effort to arrange. These cravats were often tied in place by cravat strings, arranged neatly and tied in a bow.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necktie

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What is the best kind of bicycle helmet?

bicycle helmet how to fit image

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.

Is there a difference in bicycle helmets?

c_schumack

I am looking through a bicycling catalog and the prices range from $25 to over $150 for bicycling helmets. I would assume they all have to meet guidelines for protecting your head - surely the more expensive ones will not protect it 5 times better. There seems to be a thing about the number of air vents. I notice the weight between them all is nearly the same. Other than air vents, what advantages would I notice as a user if I went with a mid priced helmet over the cheapest helmet?

Answer
Weight, venting, and marketing make up the biggest differences in the cost of helmets. Helmets must meet the same standards, so the function of all the helmets is presumably equivalent. However, one way that manufacturers make some models less is expensive is to make less sizes. For example, using 2 molds instead of 3 saves the company development, manufacturing, and distribution costs, but it means less size options for you to get a helmet that fits well.

When it comes to comfort and safety, a good fit is the most important factor. More expensive helmets tend to come in a larger variety of sizes with more control over chin strap and back-of-the-head adjustments. I have found helmets with tensioning systems on the back of the helmet to be the most comfortable and to have the most secure fit.

Definitely go to a bike shop with lots of models and sizes in stock, and then try on a wide variety of options to see what fits your head and your wallet best.

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Cycling helmet with chinguard?

bicycle helmets lazer image

pawys1111

Hi
Iam trying to find a seller on the net who can sell me a light weight Cycling helmet with chin guard. Iam not after the heavy full face helmet like bmx or motobike users use but its more of a Cycling helmet. I know they do sell them i just cant find a seller..
Thanks everyone
Here is the type of the helmet iam after its not a mountian bike downhill type, thanks for your answers..
http://www.geocities.com/pawys1111/helmet.jpg

Answer
What you are looking for is a downhill helmet. They look like the full face motorcycle helmets but are light and vented like regular bicycle helmets. Various models are available from Bell, Giro, Lazer, Specialized and Troy. It shuld not be hard to find a dealer for those brands in your area, especially Bell, Giro and Specialized. It is more than likely that your local retailer will not stock the downhill models -- they will probably have to be special ordered.

HTH

which is the best aero helmet?

Hugo

hello, i would like to buy an aero helmet but idk which one is the best for 70.3 and full ironmans....
the money is not a problem, i just want to know which one is the best and why?
i saw a few ones: Giro-Selector, Lazer-Tardiz, Rudy Project- Wingspan, bell-jevelin, etc. be free to share your experience
thanks

Answer
Some of the manufacturers have round helmets some are oval. It is very important to find which fits your head best. Giro and Bell will fit the same as they are made by the same company and seem to be more oval (as most people are). Lazer seems to fit a rounder head shape well. Rudy Project fits smaller sizes.

Once you are in an aero position on a TT bike your head is the largest least aerodynamic part of your body so there is a speed benefit to an aero helmet. $300 worth? I'm not convinced enough of that to buy a new helmet at that price. It seems those that can afford a $6000 (and up) TT bike have no problem with buying the helmet.

The Rudy Project has the most venting. The Lazer Tardiz is very aero as is the Bell. The Giro is a tad less then the Bell -- According to Bicycling Magazine. I like the golf ball dimples.

If you aren't riding a TT bike forget the aero helmet because even with clamp on aero bars you won't be in the proper riding position to gain aero benefits. For half the price of one of these you can get a very lightweight, 70% as aero, equal cranium protection helmet.

Don't forget the visor. Sometimes the visor is extra. Get a clear visor and use glasses for the lighting conditions. The visor is part of the aero performance.

Shop used! As long as you try it on first you can't go wrong. Look at the year of manufacture on a sticker inside and don't buy one 5 years old. Inspect a used helmet carefully for any signs of impact damage -- a skuff that won't rub off, a dent in the styro foam inside, gouges or scratches. Don't buy a helmet you suspect has taken an impact. If you find one used it should be 1/3 to 1/2 price.

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How can i get rid of my dandruff?

bike helmet 9 months image

Q. I have dandruff. Also my hair gets really oily. I've used head and shoulders in the past and it worked but I want to shy away from those types of shampoos. I would prefer a much less harsh shampoo with fewer chemicals.

Answer
Permanent solution: When weather changes, dandruff will come back again for any type of hair or scalp. I have done all my research on scalp, hair types, follicle, hormones of men and women, stress factors, diet factors, age and maturity and all................and THE ANSWER is here. Will sound crazy but do it !!

Background: Am from Bangalore. I HAD MEDIUM SEVERE DANDRUFF flakes powder oily minor major all forms since 2006, itching all the time till head bath again after 8 hrs itching starts and while driving head feels heavy because of dandruff scalp. Can't focus on anything. I traveled to 6 countries on work like USA, Ireland, Singapore, Korea and others. Change in water and weather, sleeping in odd times, diet changes all affected my health.

Tried around 34 shampoos 19 conditioners even herbal ones including chemical non chemical fruity ones even salon ones ..think of all the brand names you can take, trust me. They work till you use them so that they make money by their brands but no one gives permanent solution. When i remove bike helmet, when i comb, dandruff falls on shoulders, itching in public places and office is not good at all...i used to wonder WHY THE HELL DANDRUFF COMES BACK ?!!!

Fast Track Method: This method works best for MEN -

FOR MEN - ALL THE GUYS you can do all on your own in 1.5 hour time roughly - First i want you to have a medium hair cut and leave 5 cm to 6 cm hair length. Buy a drought chilled beer or strong beer and perform head wash by first rinse with water then BEER ONLY BEER, leave it for one hour and rinse with water don't put towel or cover head with anything. Next day again have short hair cut reduce hair length to 3cm to 4cm roughly with scalp slightly visible. No shampooing of any sort in whole activity at home or salon. Rinse with water and use BAKING SODA IN POWDER FORM take handful put it deep in scalp, leave one hour and wash. It will reduce re-occurrence by 95%. Repeat 2 weeks. Will knock off dandruff permanently. I have done the same way and my friends who had dandruff. Works fine.

Guys note that you all will have clean shiny smooth dry hair it may really dry so much you may not be able to comb but no worries any short hair cut will go with it. Don't put cap or bike helmet or any sort of head cover. Avoid A/C facing use fan instead.

Baking Soda is cheap and easily available in markets, it can do wonders. Don't go derma or hair/skin doctors and pay heavy fees. or Buy big brand shampoos which work till they last in bottles what everyone wants is a permanent solution.

FOR WOMEN - Women have issues like long hair, color hair, curl hair, straight hair and hormonal changes every month with diet changes.... Alright, gals can't have short hair cut right.
Women you will need help of someone. I want the other person to lift all the hair up straight, take sprayer fill it with chilled beer and spray deep in scalp. Leave one hour, rinse with water and dry it. NO SHAMPOOING OR CONDITIONER STRICTLY IN WHOLE ACTIVITY. Sleep with hairs away from clean pillow.

Next day, first thing in morning LIFT hairs 90 degree up HOLD THEM and rinse take handful or more baking soda and apply in scalp with gloves on hands and massage slowly don't rush. All over the head leave for 1 hour and rinse with SEMI WARM water. Well done. Rem your scalp will be dry and hair roots. Let them be don't worry, hair roots generate oil of their own in 48 hours i will expect that not to generate any dandruff. No cosmetics on face as baking soda if slips on face may react so nothing on face alright.

DONE. Repeat alternate days for 2 weeks. Girls No Salon or No derma doctors or any hair therapies alright.

Women get easily distracted when comes to cosmetic ads and products, JUST DON'T !!

WOMEN AND MEN - AVOID FRY FOODS, THICK CHEESE, MEAT AND OILY FOODS, FOR 4 MONTHS. Fish, Sea food and veg diet will help. Drinks and shots once in 2 weeks only. Sleep 9 hours. Avoid STRESS.

AND ENJOY LIFE !!

Is it hard to get a motorcycle license?

SilverMac

With gas prices going real high in the 50 states driving a car seems like costly, so many people are getting scooters and motorcycles as an alternative. For scooters you don't need a license but motorcycles you need a license. My dad and a friend told me getting a motorcycle license is really harder than getting a car license. Is it true?
If it is, how can I get a cycle license without much trouble?

Answer
I found this Q while searching for info on the motorcycle road test since I also have opted to purchase a motorcycle for the exact same reason (the high cost of gas ) so I will share my experiences thus far.

I researched a lot of scooters and they were not really what I was looking for since you are limited to 35MPH and lower roads (in Virginia) and found the Yamaha TW200 fat-tired bike would suit my needs (I like to call it an off-road all-terrain scooter that gets 75MPG :)

I purchased it about 2 weeks ago w/o a license and added it to my insurance for just barely over $200/yr, they said I had a max of 30 days to register it and acquire a license for it. Since I got it brand-new the dealer is taking care of the state registration and license plates so that is a convenience.

So I headed over to my state's dmv driver services web site http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/index.asp and there were several helpful links under "Motorcycle License" to get me started. Apparently I need to add the "M" class designation to my current automobile drivers license or get a seperate motorcycle license.

To obtain either of those I must:
-pass a vision test,
-take and pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
-get a motorcycle learner's permit and hold it for 30 days
-pass the motorcycle road test

If I enroll and take the VA Rider Training program and pass I can dispense with the motorcycle learner permit / 30 day requirement, so I called to register however the next available class is in mid-December!

So I went down to my local DMV office and passed the vision test in less than 5 seconds, and took the motorcycle knowledge exam which was 25 questions, I got 4 wrong and passed (I think if you get 5 or more you fail), I just skimmed over the Motorcycle Operator Manual (a pdf file) and didn't take the sample exam at all. After paying $3 I got my motorcycle learner's permit which I have to hold for 30 consecutive days (if you are 19 and younger it is 9 months!), which have some restrictions like no passengers, supervised / escorted by a licensed motorcycle operator over 21 from a separate vehicle, require helmet and eye/face protection.

Since I have owned an off-road cycle before the basics are no problem, despite the fact it has been 20+ years since I have ridden (I was a teenager when I had my Honda CR-80) after jumping on the TW200 the clutch, brakes and 1-down 4-up were very familiar and I drove away after a single practice circle around the dealer parking lot.

The only downer is the the learner permit requirement, it's a bit of restriction until I can ride fully on my own so if possible obtain it *before* you purchase yours or perhaps your state does not have such a requirement and you can take your motorcycle road skills test without one. In my case the 30-day permit is less painful than waiting months until the next available state-sanctioned training class.

I anticipate I will go the 30days and pass the road skills without any problem, once that is done I need to go back to my local DMV office and pay the $10 for a new d/l with the M class status and I am all set.


cheers

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I hate to sound vain,but...does anyone know of a bicycle helmet that is low profile, functional, AND cute?

bicycle helmets nutcase image

desertfair

Answer
Well, if you like the skate helmet styling, you should check out the Giro Makai or Flak helmets....they're cheap ($20 to $40) and they come in some "girl" colors, too. They look pretty cool....I have two of them (in non-girl colors) that I use for urban riding. There are lots of other skate lids from several manufacturers.....lots of colors and designs on them, too. Check www.jensonusa.com or www.danscomp.com for choices.

If you want a regular helmet, the Bell Metro and Giro Xen are cool and seem to fit your desires. The Xen is expensive, but worth it.....you can find model year closeouts for $60 to $90 but the normal price is around $120.


EDIT: Ok, now those Nutcase helmets in the post below mine are just COOL! The correct link is www.nutcasehelmets.com .....and I'm glad he shared that company! :o)

Would it be O. K.?

Q. Someone asked a similarly phrased question about something else and it made me wonder.
What if people who didn't believe in imaginary deities went door to door with a science book and tried to convert people to their sanity?
Religious nutcases do it all the time. How many times have you answered the doorbell to find a bible carrying, tie wearing, religious zealot with a goofy looking bicycle helmet asking if you had "come to know jesus as your personal savior"?
I wonder what the response would be if the shoe were on the other foot?

Answer
The response would be something like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV-a1vmZ6y8

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How old were your children/child when you took their stablisers off their bikes?

bike helmet 6 month old image

sexiebum

I am just wondering as my son is 6 in june and next weekend i am thinking about taking his stablisers off his bike i am a single mum so planning something like this is huge as i have a 4,3, and a 18 day old as well so any tips or advice would be really great i have helmets and shin pads,elbow pads e.t.c but do i take one stabliser off at a time or both e.t.c

Answer
With my first son we took them off at around 7 yrs. I don't think he benefitted from having the stabilisers. They weren't teaching him anything and he was just using the bike like a kind of unstable trike. He learned after we took them off, although it took a while. So with my second son we didn't put the stabilisers back on, and he learned reasonably quickly.

How you approach things with your child depends on whether or not you think he is learning anything from the stabilisers. I have heard of people taking off one stabiliser but I think it's better just to take them both off. The only other thing I can suggest is to get him out on the bike to try as often as possible once you have taken them off, and don't let him give up. Everyone is different in the the time they take to learn to ride a bike but everyone can learn it.

A word of caution for your next two children. Since they are close in age, it may be tempting to get them learning at the same time. While this may be more fun for them, you must remember that the younger one will probably take longer, and must not be allowed to become discouraged if the older one gets there first. That happened to a friend of mine. Her brother, 18 months older, learned while she was still struggling and as soon as he learned, she gave up.

Good luck.

What would be a good starting sport motorcycle?

I am considering buying a sport bike. I have been riding on my friends 250 and getting used to it for the past 6 or 7 months before I could save up enough money to get my own. I would appreciate any advice at all. Thank you for any help.

Answer
A 250 is a good size to start, except it can't cruise at highway speeds. So it depends on how you see yourself riding. If it's just around town, with maybe the occasional weekend ride on back roads, a 250 is fine. But if you want to do 10 miles or more on the freeway you really want at least 500cc and 650 would be better. That's a little bigger/heavier than 250 but not all that much.

250s available in the US are Kawasaki Ninja 250 and Honda CBR 250. Neither of them are real sportbikes, they are 'sporty'. REAL sportbikes are very serious single-purpose machines, not for beginners. Other good trainers (larger) are Suzuki GS500 and SV 650, Kawasaki Ninja 500 and 650, Honda 599, etc.

I'd say you want to start on a used bike because you're likely to be hard on your first bike. All the Japanese mfgrs are very good, a good deal for the money. I think Honda is the best, but I'm prejudiced 'cos I own one.. 8^) A good used one should be around $2500-3000. If you buy carefully, then after six months or a year you can sell this 'old beater' for about what you paid for it, and by then you'll have a much better idea of what you really want.

Be sure to save money in the budget for helmet, jacket, gloves, just as a minimum. Also the MSF course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) beginner's course is a good idea. They don't teach you to ride, you learn that yourself by riding. They teach you some indispensable safety habits to keep you alive while you learn.

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What is the biggest reason you'd rather not wear a helmet?

best bike helmets men image

MAGICMENZS

Even if you regularly wear a helmet when on the skateboard/bike etc. Please quickly answer the small questions below. It would help me greatly.

- What is the biggest reason you'd rather not wear a helmet?
- What would you want to see implemented in helmets? Do you want "features" in your helmets or just comfort and protection?
- What could current conventional helmets improve or stop doing?
- What types of colors you like on your helmet? Any rough design you'd prefer over other ones?

Feel free to add anything else you'd think is helpful feedback. I'm trying to come up with unique high-end but affordable helmet designs, and any help I get here is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer
- What is the biggest reason you'd rather not wear a helmet?
There is NO good reason for not wearing a helmet. A full 45% of all cycling accidents are SOLO falls. No one else or nothing else involved. http://thinkbicyclingblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/kaplan_bike_crash_causes.jpg
There are a plethora of good, well ventilated helmets on the market at reasonable prices. Most people who don't like helmets claim they are too hot. They shouldn't be shopping at Wally World for a helmet! Giro makes lots of good ones. http://www.giro.com/us_en/products/men/helmets/road.html

- What would you want to see implemented in helmets? Do you want "features" in your helmets or just comfort and protection?
Would like to see a (rear view) helmet mirror, such as this one, in every box containing a helmet. http://safezonemirror.com/

- What could current conventional helmets improve or stop doing?
They could improve those crappy ones sold at discount stores. That or just quit making them. Maybe find a way to install a Serfas Thunderbolt Taillight on the helmet. Damn near blinding. https://www.serfas.com/products/view/669/referer:products%7Cindex%7Clights%7Cusb-lights

- What types of colors you like on your helmet? Any rough design you'd prefer over other ones?
Plain old white always works well. Easily seen by motorist in daylight hours.

Why do bicycle helmets look so uncool when you are just casually riding?

The Captai

Like i get why people wear them on high speed bike races, or on big 15 mile rides.
And I do care about safety and stuff,

but why do helmets just look so darn uncool when riding around the neighborhood?

Answer
You know what like gets to me? Like when someone starts a sentence with "like". Like hey man...if you think 15 miles is a "big ride" - like you've got a lot to learn about cycling & the distances a good cyclist can cover.

Like in my neighborhood - it looks dorky for anyone not to be wearing one. Like a full forty-five percent of all cycling accidents are "solo falls" - no one else involved. Like, only 18% involve a motor vehicle, 17% involve another bicycle. Even 4% involve running into a parked car!

Like...get it now man?

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