Mountain biking tips for a woman.?

Candicecan

I love to go mountain biking, but sometimes Intimidated by the sharp drops and the really steep hills.
I always wear a helmet when on the trails, and I am usually graceful when flying off the bike-
I would like some tips for the trail, how to enjoy the ride more than just being scared and excited.

I ride my bike in Chattanooga TN, so it's pretty hilly at times.

What do you do to have fun on the trails?

Answer
If you can build your skills and get comfortable on some relatively easier trails where you aren't dealing with drops and difficult technical stuff, that'd be great. Then, when you get pretty good, move back up to the scary trails.

A couple things that might help you out.....1) Momentum is your friend, most of the time. The slower you go, especially while pointed downhill, the easier it is to stuff your front wheel and stall out or go over the bars. If you can let yourself roll a little quicker then some bumps and drops will melt away under your wheels (relatively speaking). You don't want to plow into rock gardens or extra-tall roots, but really, speed is your friend lots of times. 2) Back off of the scary stuff until you're ready for it. When you're intimidated your body will tense up and you'll tend to lose control (or your senses), making the harder challenges just that much harder. If you know you can handle what's coming at you then you'll be loose, fluid, and smooth...able to shift your weight and put some english on the bike rather than freezing up and putting a death grip on the bars which will take away your control and poise.

You can learn simple skills that will really help on the trail....practice on easy trails or even with urban obstacles. You should be able to wheelie, pull the front wheel up without pedaling to drop off of a ledge or up onto something, and bunnyhopping really comes in handy. Also, get comfortable with endos so that you know your balance point and have some control over the situation (when you're able to). Doing this trick is called a "stoppie".....roll forward at a medium speed and lock up the front brake hard. It may help to kind of lift your knees a little. Keep a good grip on the bars and firm up your forearms, then let the rear end rise up. Practice at it until you get comfy, then see how high you can get and how long you can hold it before dropping back. If you get scared (and if you aren't way up high and over the balance point of the front hub) just release the front brake and you'll plop back down...shift your weight back a bit, too. This really does help on the trails when you get into slow stall situations and start to endo....you can stop it sometimes, or at least know when it's time to bail.

Also, learning to do trackstands will help tremendously with your balance, and that transfers over into almost every riding situation. Lock up both brakes and try to balance as long as you can. You can shift your hips or turn the front wheel back and forth as needed to help stay up. If you can do it decently, then sometimes in technical areas you can stop, get composed, and shift directions or hop away from an obstacle at your front wheel.

Just practice on small things like curbs and little 12" dropoffs....learn to control the bike with wheelies and weight shifts. Try to ride painted lines as if they were balance beams. Then take it to the trails and see how much more skilled you are and how it smooths out the ride. You can move up to more challenging things as you want to. The only caution is to make sure the parts on your bike match your new skill level (strong wheels, for example).

And hey, if you can't get the hang of it or don't want to try, it's ok. You can have plenty of fun with "boring" trails when you ride just because you enjoy it and have friends to share it with. There's no shame in walking the steeps or rough stuff and it's better than ending up in the hospital, y'know?

Hope this helps some...post up again if you need help with specifics and stuff. Also, you might like to check out the book "Mastering Mountain Bike Skills" by Brian Lopes and Lee MacCormack. *Excellent* book and well-presented, sure to help you be a better and happier rider. :o)

Helmet with chin gaurd?

KMS

My 8yr old daughter wants a skateboard for her birthday. Where can I find a helmet with a chin gaurd?? I need to get one in the next 3 days:(

Answer
The only helmets I've seen with a chin guard is a full face bmx helmet. These are available at a bike shop. I wouldn't recommend one for skating unless she is going to be a downhill racer. They are heavy and limit vision and hearing. Usually skaters fall on their butt, or sides. I have been skating for many years and have never landed on my chin. I would recommend knee, elbow and wrist guards, and maybe hip/tail bone protectors. You should be able to get these at your local skateshop.

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What is the difference between a bicycle helmet and a skateboarding or scooter helmet?

Tyou

I have a 5 year old son. I need to get him a helmet for his bicycle, and scooter. I notice at the stores they have bicycle helmets and then they have a helmet for all other activieties. Why? Which is best?

Answer
a bicycle helmet covers mainly the top part of the head while a skateboarding helmet covers a larger area of the head including the sides. I would reccomend a skateboard helmet for a five year old. Make sure he's comfortable with the helmet(not too loose, not too tight)

physics of bicycle helmet!?

learnermin

am doing a lesson on Energy and Momentum and I am asked to write a report that includes sample calculations and examples, a thorough discussion of the principles of physics pertaining to energy and momentum, and apropriate diagrams and notations to demonstrate my understanding between the design and use of the helmet.

I am looking up google for information, and having some difficult time finding the right information, I appreciate if I could get some recommended links. I think they are asking me to demonstrate how kinetic energy is converted to potential energy during a crash but not quite sure how momentum is used (any help is appreciated) in the physics of helmets.

Answer
In a bicycle helmet, most of the kinetic energy of the impact is not usually stored as potential energy to be released later but is dissipated as heat. The helmet must also slow down the suddenness of the impact and spread them out over time and area so that the body structures can absorb them safely without high peak values of force or pressure.

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California, riding a bicycle with no helmet?

Hey guys I'm moving near my job soon and it's a great opportunity to go green and Bike my way to work everyday.

I was wondering if I can get a ticket if I get caught riding a bicycle on the bike lane with no helmet? what about the sidewalk?

Thank you in advanced.
Btw im over 18 not sure if it makes a difference or not

Answer
Helmet law or no helmet law... You should wear a helmet. The ticket is a small price to pay. Having a cracked skull because some little dog ran under you, or a crack in the pavement sent you flying, or even worse an equipment malfunction messing you up is a not worth it. You can't come back from some damage to your skull.

In most towns biking on the side walk is illegal. At least in Georgia it is. I have never viewed a cop giving a ticket for it. Side walks are for walking and bike lanes for biking. The side of the road is for bikes too! In my state every road has share the road signage. Meaning cycles have as much of a right to be in the street as a car. Remember that a cycle will never win a battle with a car! So, break your pride and put on a helmet. This coming from the guy that hates to put his on, but knows he also wants to save his brain too.

Dog urine on bicycle helmet strap?

Twistedkey

I decided to go on my first bike ride in a while. Left my helmet in the corner of my room and apparently my chihuahua had decided to do his business on it....

I got it off most of it by wiping it down, but it seems the it's pretty deep into the strap. Obviously I can't just wash the entire helmet in the washer, so what should I do?
btw it's a $60 helmet...

Answer
Train your dog properly. Take it outside on a regular schedule. Buy a new helmet. Urine smell is one of the hardest odors to get rid of.

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Going Car-Free, Bicycle Commuting for a Legal Professional (Am I Missing Something)?

ADAP7IVE

This is a complex issue, so please bear with my long explanation. I've had much luck on the site before, so I'll leave it to my fellow Answers members to help where they can.

I'm seriously considering going car-free and using only a bicycle (and public transit if the need arises) for transportation once I move to Chicago. Bike commuting sounds like a cost-effective, fun, healthy, and environmentally-friendly way to go, but my parents insist I'm an idiot for a) not keeping a car, and b) paying over $1000 on a bicycle and equipment (get a $100 wal-mart bike instead, my dad says).

From my research and talking to friends who bike-commute (one who hasn't owned a car since 1989 and manages with two young kids), $1000 is on the low end of decent functional bikes, whatever they're built for. In addition, riding a wal-mart bike is far less comfortable than a "decent" functional bike, and will probably kill my opinion of commuter cycling as well as my physical ability to ride for long distances.

I had attributed my family's response to the strong car culture in the US (cars are for adults, bikes are toys), but the strength of their aversion to the idea is giving me doubts. I guess I'm looking for a wider survey on whether I'm totally off on my idea or if I'm nuts to expect that a bicycle is a viable mode of transportation in Chicago, IL for a legal professional. Thanks for your help, everyone.

PS Yahoo's categories are biased, too: the transportation section refers specifically to cars, without a cycling subsection, so I posted in the sport section, where cycling is placed.
That's true, I don't know much. I haven't even owned a bike for ten years. But I'm convinced the theory is sound.
I should have been more specific: I'm going to be living in East Hyde Park. I just finished being a hermit for the CA bar exam, so no telling yet where I'll be working.

In light of all your helpful comments and my uncertainty of the length and terrain of my ride, I'm considering a touring bike. Perhaps a Surly LHT w/ disc brakes?

Answer
If a cycle is going to be your only form of transport then you need to get a reliable one, and 1000$ is the starting point for reasonable cycles.

Get along to a reputable cycle store, explain to the staff what you need the cycle for, and they will show you cycles that will be suitable, and reliable. All of the bigger cycle companies have a range of cycles that will suit you, so just try them out, and buy the one that feels right for you.

Don't forget that you are also going to need extras, such as lights, tool kit, pump, spare tubes, mudguards, probably a rack or panniers to carry things, and probably a complete sets of cycling suitable clothing, along with a helmet.

I can't help you with your family's attitude to your plan, but I can speak from experience and say that using a cycle as transport can work because I've done it myself.

Many years ago I realised that almost all of my driving was by myself, and mostly over short distances, so it made sense to ditch the car, and use my cycle to commute.
Whenever I needed a car, I hired one, and for most years the money I spent on car hire was less than what I would have been paying to insure a car.

I returned to car ownership when I changed jobs, and I couldn't afford the 2 hours a day it would take me to commute by cycle, although I did still do it 2 or 3 times a week.
Now my partner is disabled, a car is a necessity rather than a luxury, but I still cycle more each week than I drive alone.

Rahm blasts Chik-fila bc it doesn't represent Chicago values.Do strip clubs, gang wars, sex shops represent?

TAT

Chicago values better?
Joe, Chickfila is not refuisng service or employment to anyone

Answer
Homosexuals make up less than 4% of the population. Christians make up a much greater percentage regardless of how it is defined. Why is it, according to politicians, so "wrong" to say anything negative about homosexual behavior but they have no qualms about bashing Christian beliefs?

Rahm is just telling the world that Chicago has no values.

JOE: Except liberals have banned certain cooking oils in restaurants, large soft drinks in NYC, require seat belts in cars, and require helmets to ride motorcycles or bicycles (in many places). So much for doing what I want with my body.

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Toddler helmet wearing?

eml

My son got a Strider bicycle from his grandparents complete with helmet. The bicycle hasn't gotten here yet, but the helmet did. I put it on him to see if it would fit and he flat out refused to take it off and immediately wanted to go outside and get on his tricycle. Now mind you, this tricycle has the parent steering handle and my son is only 21 months and can't even pedal yet. He wanted to go all over the neighborhood on his tricycle wearing his helmet. As a parent, how many of you would have driven by and thought of me as the extremely overprotective parent who made her son wear a helmet on a tricycle that he wasn't even controlling?
V - you obviously haven't see my son go full speed down our sloped driveway on his riding toys...it's just to protect him from himself, not from some random car or bus that may just happen to drive by. I don't want my son to hit his head enough times to become stupid. I deal with stupid way too much.
V - stupid people just like being stupid because they don't know any better!

Answer
Once I saw one of my neighbours strolling down the street with her then-four-year-old on a dog's leash. Neighbour was a touch embarrassed. "She insisted on it!"

I said, "I figured..." Anyone else with a toddler will assume it was in line with having to wear the rain boots on a sunny summer day; anyone without a toddler will assume it's the norm.

And it is increasingly the norm. My tricycler wears a helmet because helmets are the law for bicycling children here, and I didn't want to have to have the first bicycle come with a "And now you need to do this..." unpleasant surprise. You pedal -- you wear a helmet -- simple and no-fuss.

Riding a motorcycle is unsafe, even with a helmet

Lois Griff

People in cars have to wear seatbelts...........you should have to wear helmets.

But even with a helmet, motorcycles are very unsafe......if you crash, your body can go flying. How wreckless.

Regular, non-motor bikes are very beneficial and serve as healthy exercise....but still wreckless to ride them without a helmet.

Why don't you people wear helmets? Do you not mind if your head gets busted open?

Answer
You are right, motorcycles are unsafe. Some other things that are unsafe: sex, airplanes, elevators, earthquakes, sharks, boats, ocean, trains, wilderness, cars, dogs, bicycles, skateboards, drugs, running. Now if you check statistics you'll find motorcycling doesn't need you attention as much as many other things. Sex causes more injury and death that motorcycles ever could, perhaps you should spend your efforts to fix sex. What do you care if someone busts their head open, does it somehow effect your life OR does your life suck and you choose to harass people about wearing a helmet cause it makes you feel better. If you just want to help people then I'd suggest doing something about the terrible drivers that choose to crash into people with motorcycles, if they are hard at seeing then maybe they shouldn't drive, fix that if you want to make a difference. By the way, I wear a helmet and I know it's not up to me if other people do. Maybe make a deal with some non helmet wearers, You'll do what they tell you to do if they do what you want.

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Are there any cute bike helmets for teenage girls?

Kate

I just moved and we moved on post. I didn't ride my bike with a helmet before, but you have to here. Are there any cute or more fashionable ones?

Answer
Do lots of internet searches as there are millions of designs online. Short of that, visit as many cycling stores as you can and try on helmets.

Don't feel too self conscious about it though.. if everyone has to wear a helmet, everyone will be in the same boat as you.

Bike helmet, honestly?

happeyfeet

im 15, im a girl and I don't drive, the purpose of my bike is literally so I can get from point A to point B in less time and energy it would take to walk.
My town is really small and where I go theres hardly any people on the sidewalks like ever and I honestly never see people wear helmets with their bikes.
I'm not riding fast, i'm not riding in the street (I was hit by a car when I was 4 so I can't handle riding in streets honestly, cars or not) is it seriously necessary to wear a huge helmet ?

If I was like my brother who has a racing bike and goes 20 mi each day just for fun up and down mountains and such then I could understand it and stuff, but really im on uncrowded streets/sidewalks going slowly (i have lights also for night) and not going incredibly far. is it really necessary?

Answer
Without being quite as harsh and benjamin... He is absolutely right. It is the law for anyone under 18 to wear a helmet and it is flat out idiotic to not want to wear one because you "honestly never see people wear helmets"... Not to mention, its also the law that you need to ride IN the street... Sidewalks are for pedestrian traffic, not bikes.

As for being a girl, I really fail to see how that matters at all... ditto for you not driving and the size of your town. As for not riding fast, you can sustain a significant head injury at WALKING speeds falling to the pavement so any speed is fast enough to leave you drooling on yourself the rest of your life.

So, in short... YES, it really is necessary.

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8 year old in bmx bike accident please help!?

kbeaerr

Ok so my mom lets my 8 year old brother go to the skate park alone no helmet or pads she lets him go 4-5 hours everyday almost. He got into a terrible accident there yesterday. My mom got a phone call from 911 telling her they have her son. I do not want him going back!! Write something and i will show her i need to convince her to not let him back

Answer
Um...why would she take any notice of us? I imagine the hospital will be talking to her.

How can I tell what year my helmet was made? I think it was 1985? Is this too old?

berrytrain

I put out a request for a helmet on C.L. and a man was nice enough to give me a helmet for free
that he said was sitting in his garage collecting dust. He said it belonged to his father. I do not
know how long ago it belonged to his father, though. It could have been 2 years, or 20 years ago.
Here is what I found on the helmet: ARAI, F-1, Snell 85, DOT. On the inside of the helmet is
a Snell Memorial Foundation sticker with the stamp of M85 and a serial number of 30830697.
I looked up Snell and it seems to suggest that this is a 1985 helmet. I am sure a lot has changed in helmet technology since that time. Is this helmet worth having?
Thanks.

Answer
That was a very good helmet in its day! Look at what an Arai costs today! 8^P

The outside of the helmet is a plastic or composite (fiberglass) shell. Squeeze the helmet between the heels of you hand in several places and see if it shows any cracks.

Just inside that is a layer of what looks like styrofoam, but stiffer. See if you can feel it under the liner. Is it old and flaky? Or is it still solid and firm?

Does the helmet really fit you? It's not always easy to find one that fits tight enough but still comfortably. With the helmet on your head and the strap fastened, you shouldn't be able to shift it around by grabbing and twisting it.

Some helmet companies refuse to provide service or support for any helmet more than 4 years old! They say this is to force you to take advantage of new advances in technology. But I buy a new helmet every few years and I've never thrown one away. I have three or four of them in the garage, all lined up. And they are still good, even 20 years later. When someone wants to ride on the back of my bike, I give them a choice.

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Bicycle helmet for a child, how do we fit the helmet?

iceniequee

Ok my daughter is 4 years old and we are having a hard time with her bike helmet. It is a âtoddlerâ size helmet but my daughter is a bit big for her age (same size as the average 5 ½ year old). I know that helmets are supposed to fit âsnuglyâ but we are having a hard time getting the dumb thing to go on her head all the way! She is also having issues with the chinstrap; I know that is supposed to be snug as well but it cuts across her neck at a funny place and it irritates her skin because she has eczema. The real problem is this: I have only been able to find toddler sizes and adult sizes⦠arenât there sizes for children? Also what is the best way to keep the chinstrap from irritating her skin? Is there a way to figure out what her helmet âsizeâ would be?

Any advice would be great! Thanks for taking the time to read and answer.

Answer
Search around....there are plenty of "youth" sized helmets available. If you can't get the toddler helmet onto her noggin, don't force it. lol. Not only will that drive her crazy, but in the event of a crash it could actually hurt her instead of protecting her.

Any bike shop can get one for you if they don't happen to carry youth models. If you check http://www.jensonusa.com , http://www.nashbar.com , and http://www.pricepoint.com they should have a few to pick from (I'm positive that Jenson does....too lazy to check the other two but they normally have the bases covered).

To measure properly for size, just use a flexible sewing tape measure or a non-stretchy piece of string.....circle her head with it just above the eyebrows and measure it. Check the description on the helmet you're interested in and it should show the range of sizes it will fit. A helmet that fits her shouldn't irritate her skin if you adjust the straps properly. If her eczema makes that an issue, you could make some little tubes to cover the straps...maybe some microfleece or something soft like that.

Hope this helps....and good on you for caring enough about her safety to get advice! too many parents are so lazy about this...I cringe at some of the kids I've seen riding mtb trails without helmets or with really poorly fitted helmets. All it takes is one good crash.....

What States Have Bicycle Helmet Laws?

McCann

Answer
Eleven and younger
Louisiana and Pennsylvania require bicycle riders below the age of 12 to wear a helmet.
New York has enacted a law that requires children between the ages of one and 13 to wear a helmet and children under the age of one are prohibited from riding a bike altogether.
Fourteen/fifteen and younger
In West Virginia it is against the law for anyone 14 years of age and younger to ride a bicycle without wearing a protective helmet.
The following states require bicycle riders below the age of 16 to wear a helmet: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island and Tennessee. The District of Columbia also has an ordinance permitting children 15 and younger from riding without a helmet.

Seventeen and younger
It is against the law in both New Jersey and Massachusetts for a bicycle rider under the age of 17 to ride without a helmet. Additionally, Massachusetts prohibits any child under the age of one to ride a bicycle at all.
The following states require bicycle riders below the age of 18 to wear a helmet: Delaware, California and New Mexico.

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do you need a new bike helmet every 3 years?

flight sim

Answer
Hi

The short answer is no, PROVIDED THAT:

1. you buy a reasonable quality helmet in the first place (any helmet in the range from one of the major manufacturers such as Giro, Bell, Met, Limar, Lazer, Catlike etc);

AND

2. you are not involved in an accident with the helmet, or do not damage the helmet in some significant way (the latter would be difficult without some reasonable amount of force).

Cycle helmets are designed to essentially be single use (i.e. only be involved in one accident before they are replaced). On a really heavy impact, they will absorb as much of the force as possible primarily by breaking up. If the impact is less heavy, the helmet may be less damaged (and it may be that the damage is not discernable - but the helmet will be weakened nevertheless). However, in all cases, I believe that the helmet should be replaced.

I think it's ok if a helmet gets the odd scratch on it ('wear and tear') but any impact should trigger a trip down to the shops to replace it. You might argue that this is an over-cautious approach - particularly if the helmet is not significantly damaged (at least on visual inspection) - but why risk having SAFETY equipment that is not 100% functioning??

So my view is that a quality helmet that has not been involved in an accident should last you a long time (certainly more than 3 years).

Cyclists help me with Road bike helmet!!!?

Yahoo

I have found 2 helmets that I like and are in my price range and I need some help choosing one! I understand it's all about fit but assuming they both fit which one is better in quality/functionality/appearance. I'll be using this for city riding on my fixed gear bike and I think my head is more oblong then round if that helps at all. Also, I'm also open to other recommendations!

thanks in advance and leave me an answer if I need to ad more info and I'll add details.
Thanks!
sorry don't know why it came up twice...
here is the 2 links -

http://www.westernbikeworks.com/productdetail.asp?p=RUKON

http://www.westernbikeworks.com/productdetail.asp?p=LIF11
here is the 2 links -

http://www.westernbikeworks.com/productdetail.asp?p=RUKON

http://www.westernbikeworks.com/productdetail.asp?p=LIF11

Answer
Of the two you have selected, I would go with the Kontact helmet.

However, I personally prefer Giro. It's what I have been riding with for many, many years.

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Bicycle helmet shell dimensions?

young agai

I am designing a bike helmet shell, can anyone tell me what the dimensions of just the shell are of a child to adolescent sized helmet? Thank you!!!

Answer
Smallest sized helmet generally available is 48 cm (18.9 ")
There were smaller helmets around but most manufacturers steer away from these. The skull bones of a child less than this size may not have sutured together.

An adolescent can have a fully grown head

Larger sizes of 63 cm (24.8") are common. Some people need an even larger helmet.

Rough guide width 0.8 times length. Depth 0.4 times length

Looking for the best bicycle helmet?

Me Wizard

light durable strong breathable comfortable

where?

Answer
I use mainly my Giro Atmos but the new Lonos is the thing to buy, take a look:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/Manufacturer.aspx?Manufacturer=Giro&Cat=cycle&ReferID=overgiro

EDIT: Actually McG - Bell and Giro are not made by the same people!

It is true however, that Bell bought Giro making it a wholly owned subsidiary.

.

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Can I get a list of inventions created in during (around) the Industrial Revolution?

Mrs.Heo

Answer
I normally abhor wikipedia cut and pastes but this gives you some idea of the enormity of your question (being wikipedia it is neither exhaustive nor guaranteed correct it is only to give you a concept)

18th century
1701: Seed drill: Jethro Tull
1709: Iron smelting using coke: Abraham Darby I
1711: Tuning fork: John Shore
1712: Steam piston engine: Thomas Newcomen
1714: Mercury thermometer: Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit
1731: Octant: John Hadley, Thomas Godfrey
1733: Flying shuttle: John Kay
1737: Marine chronometer (H1): John Harrison
1742: Franklin stove: Benjamin Franklin
1750: Flatboat: Jacob Yoder
1752: Lightning rod: Benjamin Franklin
1759: Shampoo: Sake Dean Mahomet of Bengal
1764: Spinning jenny: James Hargreaves/Thomas Highs
1767: Carbonated water: Joseph Priestley
1769: Water frame: Richard Arkwright/Thomas Highs
1769: Steam road vehicle: Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot
1775: Submarine Turtle: David Bushnell
1776: Steamboat: Claude de Jouffroy
1776: Watt steam engine: James Watt
1777: Card teeth making machine: Oliver Evans
1777: Circular saw: Samuel Miller
1779: Spinning mule: Samuel Crompton
1780s: Iron-cased rocket: Tipu Sultan in India[224]
1780s: Metal-cylinder rocket artillery: Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in India[225]
1780s: Iron rocket artillery: Tipu Sultan of India[224]
1783: Hot air balloon: Montgolfier brothers
1784: Bifocals: Benjamin Franklin
1784: Oil lamp: Aimé Argand[8]
1784: Shrapnel shell: Henry Shrapnel
1785: Power loom: Edmund Cartwright
1785: Automatic flour mill: Oliver Evans
1786: Threshing machine: Andrew Meikle
1791: Artificial teeth: Nicholas Dubois De Chemant
1798: Vaccination: Edward Jenner
1798: Lithography: Alois Senefelder
[edit]19th century
[edit]1800s
1801: Jacquard loom: Joseph Marie Jacquard
1802: Screw propeller steamboat Phoenix: John Stevens
1802: Gas stove: Zachäus Andreas Winzler
1804: Locomotive: Richard Trevithick
1805: Submarine Nautilus: Robert Fulton
1807: Steamboat Clermont: Robert Fulton
1808: Band saw: William Newberry
1809: Arc lamp: Humphry Davy
[edit]1810s
1814: Steam locomotive (Blücher):
1816: Miner's safety lamp: Humphry Davy
1816: Stirling engine: Robert Stirling
1816: Stethoscope: Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennec
1817: Draisine or velocipede (two-wheeled): Karl Drais
1817: Kaleidoscope: David Brewster
1818: Bicycle: Karl Drais[8]
[edit]1820s
1821: Electric motor: Michael Faraday
1823: Electromagnet: William Sturgeon
1823: Lighter: Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner
1824: Portland cement: William Aspdin
1826: Photography: Joseph Nicéphore Niépce
1826: Internal combustion engine: Samuel Morey
1827: Friction match: John Walker
1829: Steam locomotive: George Stephenson[8]
[edit]1830s
1830: Thermostat: Andrew Ure[8]
1830: Stenotype on punched paper strip: Karl Drais
1831: Multiple coil magnet: Joseph Henry
1831: Magnetic acoustic telegraph: Joseph Henry (patented 1837)
1831: Reaper: Cyrus McCormick
1831: Electrical generator: Michael Faraday, Ãnyos Jedlik
1834: The Hansom cab is patented
1834: Louis Braille perfects his Braille system
1834: Refrigerator: Jacob Perkins
1834: Combine harvester: Hiram Moore
1835: Revolver: Samuel Colt
1835: Electromechanical Relay: Joseph Henry
1835: Incandescent light bulb: James Bowman Lindsay
1836: Sewing machine: Josef Madersberger
1837: US electric printing press patented by Thomas Davenport (February 25)
1837: Steel plow: John Deere
1837: Standard diving dress: Augustus Siebe
1837: Camera Zoom Lens: Jozef Maximilián Petzval
1837: Magnetic telegraph: Samuel Morse
1838: Electric telegraph: Charles Wheatstone (also Samuel Morse)
1838: closed diving suit with a helmet: Augustus Siebe
1839: Vulcanization of rubber: Charles Goodyear
[edit]1840s
1840: Artificial fertilizer: Justus von Liebig
1841: Saxophone:Adolphe Sax
1842: Superphosphate fertilizer: John Bennett Lawes
1842: Steam hammer: James Nasmyth
1842: Anaesthesia: Crawford Long
1843: Typewriter: Charles Thurber
1843: Fax machine: Alexander Bain[citation needed]
1843: Ice cream maker: Nancy Johnson
1843: Pile driver: James Nasmyth
1844: The safety match: Gustaf Erik Pasch
1845: Pneumatic tyre: Robert Thomson (inventor)
1846: Sewing machine: Elias Howe
1846: Rotary printing press: Richard M. Hoe
1849: Safety pin: Walter Hunt
1849: Francis turbine: James B. Francis
1849: Telephone: Antonio Meucci[citation needed]
[edit]1850s
1852: Airship: Henri Giffard
1852: Passenger elevator: Elisha Otis
1852: Gyroscope: Léon Foucault
1855: Bunsen burner: Peter Desaga
1855: Bessemer process: Henry Bessemer
1856: Celluloid: Alexander Parkes
1858: Undersea telegraph cable: Charles Wheatstone
1858: Mason jar: John L. Mason
1859: Oil drill: Edwin L. Drake
1859: Lead acid battery: Gaston Plante
[edit]1860s
1860: Light Bulb, Sir Joseph Swan
1860: Linoleum: Fredrick Walton
1860: Repeating rifle: Oliver F. Winchester, Christopher Spencer
1860: Self-propelled torpedo: Giovanni Luppis
1861

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bike helmet?

hi mum

i live in the uk and always see children wearing bike helmets but not their parents. this made me think that isn't that a bad example or something. can someone tell me why parents don't but children have to is it cost or appreance or something.

btw. i know some adults do but i am going with what i view as the majority of the british public.

Answer
I agree with you completely. Helmets are required for children where I live, but I rarely see adults wear them. I really think it sets a bad example for the kids.

Do you think the gov't should compel your children to wear helmets when riding a bike?

lip11

Please, the question is not about risk assessment. It's about whether the government should force this on you!

Answer
I notice alot of the answers already here to this question seem to be ignoring the fact that you are not questioning if it is good or not for the child to wear a helmet but that you are only asking if the government should step in and mandate that children should wear helmets when riding their bicycles....As an RN that has children myself it is very scary the number of kids that come into the ER due to head injuries obtained from bicycle accidents.... As a parent and american it is scary to me that someone else has the authority and audacity to tell me how to raise my children!!!! I believe that most parents do not want their children to get hurt and would do whatever it took to prevent injury to their child, including providing their children with helmets if they can afford them....I do not believe the government has the right to come into our homes and mandate to us exactly how that is to be done! I remember as a child taking bicycle safety classes...and no one mentioned anything back in the 60's about wearing a helmet when riding your bike...it was understood that when you took on the responsibility of bicycle ownership that you would also take on the responsibility of learning how, when, and where to safely ride the bicycle....and if that included wearing a bicycle then that was up to the individual...at what point do we stop making decisions for others and allow a person to be responsible for their own choices and actions?

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Is this off of my record?

DeeGee

On 10-11-2012 i received a ticket for not wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle (i was riding my bicycle on the sidewalk when the cops stopped me). Anyways, i was 17 at that time. Now i am 18, and it's been about a week since i got the letter saying that i have been referred to the Youth Educational Class.

But why the hell are they sending me this letter now?! It's been more than a year since the citation! Is this citation off of my record since i already turned 18? Would it cost me more if i decide to fight in court because the law said nothing about having to wear a helmet on the sidewalk?
By the way, i received this ticket in Los Angeles, Ca.

Answer
If you got a ticket for not wearing a helmet while riding your bicycle, then you better believe it is illegal not to. Personally, I don't think it should be mandatory but, if it is the law, you have to abide by the law. So what if it is a year later. Perhaps, they are behind in their paperwork or if you didn't pay the fine, they gave you more time to pay. Just because it has been a year doesn't give you the right to escape accountability.

Cycling tips for beginner?

Paul

I've just bought a bike, and plan to cycle to and from work. I also have a helmet and lights. What other kit do I need? Also any general cycling tips, I've not been on a bike for years. The journey to work is about 5 miles with some quiet and some busy roads. I'm a nurse in a hospital. Thanks

Answer
1) Read this thoroughly!!! http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm
2) Understand that a bicycle is a legal street "vehicle". You have the same rights & responsibilities out there as any car, truck, bus or motorcycle.
3) In a narrow lane situation - "take the lane". Ride right down the center of the lane until such time it's safe to move over to the right a little.
4) Don't be a "gutter bunny". Always ride at least 3 to 4 feet away from the curb to #1) Avoid road debris which causes flat tires. #2) You will be SEEN by motorists!
5) Always go around parked cars leaving 4 to 5 feet of space in case some fool doesn't look opening car door. Stay out of the "door zone".
6) Get yourself an under-the-seat bag. Carry a spare tube, tire levers, folding hex head tool & CO2 cartridges or frame pump. A frame pump is better. See your local bike shop.
7) Get a GOOD U-Bolt lock and thick cable or chain. LOCK the bicycle up.
http://bigshark.com/how-to/locking-your-bicycle-pg263.htm In fact, lock it up inside if possible in a store room.

Watch all the You Tube videos & read one more article...
http://thinkbicyclingblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/2012-01-18-stl-beacon-knowledge-is-best-protection-for-bicyclist/ This man is over 70 & has been accident free for YEARS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFjCza5e1kw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIr3mI96FZk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLu0DHPeYm8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU4nKKq02BU

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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.

What is the best type of adult bicycle helmet for a decent price?

sammypj

wondering if it is worth it to by one at a bike shop for $50+ or target for $20?

Answer
It matters in one key area...comfort and/or ventilation. Summer is here. Your head will need to vent from as many directions as possible. Most cheap helmets only have vent slots on top. Better ones will have vent slots on the top & REAR! You can find a really good Giro helmet on Amazon.com for $40 or less with free shipping.

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How to look good with a bicycle helmet? Ladies?

Fashionist

Hi!
I'm a 14 year old girl, and i just got a new bicycle. It's kind of a vintage one, and i got the blue model. Here's a picture of it: http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes/towâ¦
Anyways, I was just wondering how i could look good with a helmet... Because my parents are forcing me to wear one....
I just dont think they look fashionnable and they are soooo not cute. Plus, I dont think people with vintage bikes do wear helmets!
But as the rule says, safety first!!
How would you recommend wearing it? And which one would you recommend? That looks good?
Thank You so much for your time. :)
Oh and by the way, I have long brown curly hair, if that helps :)

Answer
I'm sure you'll look great with your hair flowing with the wind when your riding your bike. x] Like herbal essesences! lol. You'll get helmet hair but it'l be okay. :) And you don't have to clasp on the helmet either.

Do I need to wear a helmet!?

Sexy_Mama4

Okay so I am gonna be 14 in 2 months, and every summer we go to LBI and thts where we bike EVERY WHERE. My parents still make me wear a helmet. Helmets are soooooooo annoying and uncomfortable, I always sneak around and dont wear a helmet. My mom says tht i can get hi by a carr but i dont think tht would happen to me bc i go the back roads and not on the main roads and there are BIKING LANES at LBI where there are a MILLIONN people bikinggg and suchh... Is there anyway you think i can convince my parents for me not to wear a helmet!? or should i just not bring it up and when I am at the shore not wear on in front of them so they get the picture tht i DONT NEED ONE! Thanks
xoxo :)

Answer
You've come to the WRONG place to find the "anti-helmet" crowd. This ain't it! Statistic after statistic and even more statistics PROVE that wearing a helmet can & will save your life. Get ready for a long, detailed answer...

#1) "Helmets are soooooooo annoying and uncomfortable..." NOT if you find a good one with the proper ventilation. I own TWO. The one I use for summer riding actually forces air into the helmet & across the top & sides of the head & out the rear. This helmet is actually too well ventilated to wear in cool to cold weather.

#2) "My mom says that i can get hi by a car..." That MAY happen. But MORE bicycle "accidents" are solo falls or related to other things happening. FACT! See 1st link below. Look at the pie chart. 45% are solo falls. Only 18% involve a car or other motorized vehicle.

#3) "...the main roads and there are BIKING LANES..." So what? Think a designated bike lane will keep you safe? WRONG! What about the dreaded "Right Hook"? I quote from the website, "Right hook â Where a following motorist passes the cyclist and then immediately turns right across the cyclistâs path." This has happened to me more than once - or twice. A car (motorist) will pass a bicycle on the left & then IMMEDIATELY make a right turn DEAD in front of the bicycle. Designated bicycle lanes are fine - to a point. I'd rather ride on a street with no designated bicycle lane & take the lane...making sure the motorist is aware of me. BE SEEN - take the lane.

#4) "Is there anyway you think i can convince my parents for me not to wear a helmet!?" You won't hear it from me. IMHO - anyone who doesn't wear a helmet is a FOOL. One last fact. Your chances of surviving an accident on a bicycle are improved by 90% by wearing a helmet. Look at the second link below. Would you rather have that 90% chance on your side or against you?

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How old should a baby be to ride in a bike seat?

blank

Like one of the seats that attaches onto the back of a bicycle? They need to wear a helmet in that, right? Where can you get helmets for babies, do they make them?

Answer
Hi, yes they definitely need to use a helmet, buy a high quality one from a reputable bike store not a toy one for use on kiddies bikes, as if they do fall they will fall from a much greater height. Bell is a good make I believe. My daughter rode in the back from about 9 months they need to have complete head control, and be able to sit reasonably still or they will throw you off balance a bit. The problem I found was I had a non recline seat and as the helmet was at its tightest setting it stuck out a bit at the back and made her head drop forwards if she fell asleep. I replaced this with a reclining seat which helped with this problem a little. She is now 2 and rides on the back no problem at all, all though she prefers to ride her own bike now. Make sure you ride in high visibility jackets and stick to quite roads, or cycle paths as much as possible - cars make no allowances for children!!!

At what age did you put your baby in a baby bike seat and take them for a ride?

lilsnob868

How old were they? I researched it on the internet and they recommend them to be one year old. My son is 9 months and sits up well and everything. All i have to do is buy him a bike helmet online. So what age was your baby? thanks
if you fall the baby has a helmet on duh? and he is securely strapped in his bike seat.
is the baby trailer safe? does it securely strap the baby in? does it just lay down or can you sit your baby up?

Answer
I don't have the seat, I have the pull behind trailer. I started using it as soon as I got it, my son was 6 months old. I like and trust the trailer more than I would the seat. If for some reason I should fall, the trailer will remain upright. There's a roll bar in it too, so if it does flip I know he's safe.
*edit* He gets strapped in

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1981 Honda 400 Special reviews?

sally h

I am looking for my first bike and I am going to look at a 1981 Honda 400 Special with 16,000 miles on it. It looks like it's in great condition from the pics. Anyone know how these bikes are? And what to look for when I test drive it?
I will be taking it for a ride tonight and he's selling it for $700.00

Answer
First, actually inspect the bike with your own eyes. It is not a good idea to buy a used motorcycle over the Internet sight unseen.

Bring a friend. If you do not have your motorcycle license yet, bring a friend with a motorcycle license. Bring two helmets.

First, check some of the obvious items. It will give you an idea of how the bike was maintained.

Look at the chain. Is it rusty? Is it adjusted to near its limit?

If it has adjustable brakes, are they adjusted to their limit? If it has disk brakes, are the disks rusty, pitted or grooved?

If the bike has a center stand, put it on the center stand. Have your friend hold the bike steady. Pull on the rear wheel from side to side. Is there any play in the swing arm?

Look at the tires. Is there good tread? Is there any weather checking?

Look at the oil. Does it look black and neglected or does it look like it had a recent change?

Look at the overall appearance. Is there lots of rust? Are pieces missing or broken? Are there any bad scratches or dents that you are unwilling to accept? Is the seat ripped?

Does the bike have excessive miles? Bikes from the south will tend to have more miles than bikes in the north because of the shorter riding season in the north. This is a judgment call depending where you live.

Start the engine. Did the owner warm it up before you got there or was the engine cold? Was it easy to start? Did it turn over well or did the battery sound weak? Did it smoke when it started? Any unusual sounds? Is there excessive valve clatter?

Take it for a ride. How does the engine run? Does it smoke? Does the transmission shift smoothly? Does the clutch slip? Are the brakes firm? Do the brakes squeal? Are there any unusual rattles? Does the suspension work well or easily bottom out?

Any defects you find are something that you may need to deal with in the future. Some items can be inexpensive to repair. However, some motorcycle parts can be surprisingly expensive. If it is an older bike, spare parts may not be readily available. Once you buy it, any repairs required to keep it on the road will be your responsibility.

It helps to know at what price bikes of similar size and age sell for in your local area. This will help you judge if the bike is priced correctly. Watch the classifieds.

If you decide to buy it, get yourself a maintenance manual. I got a Clymer manual for my bike on eBay for about $25. It will pay for itself the first time you use it. Even if you do not make your own repairs, you will understand your bike better and know what it needs when you bring it to the repair shop.

Can anybody recommend a very safe and very light crash helmet?

Denzilla

I spend a lot of time on the bike but my heavy crash helmet is giving me neck ache! Safety is my priority but a light weight helmet would be great

Answer
Here's a comprehensive list of weights, done by an online review site:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-weights.htm

Tells you internal shape too. Have you considered that your neck is sore because of wind buffeting? Bikes with windscreens cause it like no ones business, I hate em for it. Might also just simply be conditioning, not being used to riding after a period of time off the bike, or just being new in general.

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What States Have Bicycle Helmet Laws?

McCann

Answer
Eleven and younger
Louisiana and Pennsylvania require bicycle riders below the age of 12 to wear a helmet.
New York has enacted a law that requires children between the ages of one and 13 to wear a helmet and children under the age of one are prohibited from riding a bike altogether.
Fourteen/fifteen and younger
In West Virginia it is against the law for anyone 14 years of age and younger to ride a bicycle without wearing a protective helmet.
The following states require bicycle riders below the age of 16 to wear a helmet: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island and Tennessee. The District of Columbia also has an ordinance permitting children 15 and younger from riding without a helmet.

Seventeen and younger
It is against the law in both New Jersey and Massachusetts for a bicycle rider under the age of 17 to ride without a helmet. Additionally, Massachusetts prohibits any child under the age of one to ride a bicycle at all.
The following states require bicycle riders below the age of 18 to wear a helmet: Delaware, California and New Mexico.

is there a bicycle helmet law in georgia for persons over the age of 16?

mr b

Answer
I don't think there is a mandatory bicycle law for adults anywhere in the United States.

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Are their bicycle helmets that cover ur whole head?

Everybody

I just want to know if their is because i hate those crappy hats called helmets because they wont protect ur jaw etc, also is it legal in california to wear a motorcycle helmet while riding a bicycle. i want to b protected, if their are helmets that cover ur head for bicycles what r they called? i mean when i look at a normal helmet i say thats a stupid creation it should protect ur whole head.

Answer
Local

Bike helmets are designed by the Industry to meet the specific demands of the sport. The modern bike helmets are designed to meet the high speed impact, and to be light and cool. A necessity in such an aerobic sport. Thus maximizing protection and comfort without hampering performance.

You can ride your bike with a motorcycle, full face helmet on .... it will exceed the safety requirements, but if you intend to try to ride with it beware of the weight and the lack of ventilation. The weight will make your neck sore and tired, and the heat will build up very quickly and can cause heat exhaustion.

In the BMX section of Bike shops they will probably have a full face helmet that may be more kindly for your needs. I can say that I have raced for several decades. Had many racing and street falls, broken / separated shoulder, wrist, and endo's shattering my helmet(s).... but never have I had an injury to my jaw.... in fact I have never seen an injury to the jaw.

Check out the BMX stuff but if they don;t have the ventilation, live with a good standard helmet!

Soccerref

bicycling for fitness?

n/a

Hello,

I and my daughter just moved to US , we want to Bicycle for fun, workout and meet people . My daughter is 10.

What kinda bicycles should we buy and any particular gear we should ware ?

Any rules we should follow when we bicycle on the road? Any group that we could join. Please advice .

Thanks

Answer
What kind of bicycle depends on "Where & How" you'll be riding. Read "Bicycles: How to Choose" on this link... http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bicycle.html Then go see a REAL bicycle shop. Avoid discount & big box store bicycles.

"Any rules we should follow when we bicycle on the road?" YES! You basically follow the SAME rules & regulations set forth for automobiles. Read "Bicycling Street Smarts" on this link... http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/

Don't be a "gutter bunny" by hugging the curb. ALWAYS ride AWAY from the curb a good 5 to 6 feet. Go around parked cars leaving a good 5 feet or so out of the "door zone". Get a good, well ventilated helmet & helmet mirror. http://safezonemirror.com/ By riding away from the curb - A) You avoid road debris, broken glass, etc. And B) You get SEEN by motorists. More links on safety...
https://www.stlbeacon.org/#!/content/14234/knowledge_is_best_protection_for_bicyclist
http://cyclingsavvy.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFjCza5e1kw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU4nKKq02BU

To find a local bicycle or cycling club, simply ask around at local bike shops. Easy! It need not be a club or group that races. There are lots of groups that travel together for fun & fitness. One such organization in St. Louis is Trailnet. http://www.trailnet.org/

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Have any good tips for teaching a kid to ride a bike?

chimisme

We have helmets and bikes...and children who are not particularly coordinated. Ages 3, 4, and 9. The younger ones have training wheels, but are nervous of tipping over and can't quite get the rhythm of pedaling. Our 9 year old does fine with training wheels, but has outgrown her old bike. I'm thinking that replacing her bike without the training wheels will spur her to give it a try (she's refused to have them removed up to this point). We finally have a driveway that is great for practicing and a large school parking lot just down the street so the kids can learn safely. Anything I should keep in mind before we start our next practice session? Thanks!

Answer
The little ones need to keep the training wheels on until they figure out how to pedal forward. You should adjust the saddle height of each bike so that the child can comfortably extend his or her leg almost straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke. A big parking lot is a good place to practice without worry about cars. If they can practice holding the wheel straight, they should not have to worry about tipping over, but make sure they have their helmets. Long pants and sleeves will cut down on the scrapes and skins. FYI - I ride several thousand miles a year, and I used to race. I didn't take my training wheels off until I was 6, so don't be in a hurry.

For your older child, here is a trick you probably wouldnât think of; itâs used to train adults whoâve never learned to ride a bike: remove the pedals. No, Iâm not nuts. Taking the pedals off at the same time you remove the training wheels will make it easier for your child to learn how to balance on the bike. She should be able to straddle the bike with both feet on the ground and still be able to sit down on the saddle. She can push forward with her legs and get the feel of balancing on two wheels as she coasts along. Without the pedals in the way, she can put her feet down at any time, so it will not be as scary for her. When she gets more comfortable with it, you can try pushing her along while she balances with both feet off the ground. Eventually, you will be able to put the pedals back on, and she should know enough about balancing the bike that she can coast with her feet on the pedals. All thatâs left after that is learning how to propel the bike and balance at the same time. This is trial and error - helmet, long pants, and sleeves again, but sheâll be riding solo before she knows it.

smallest motorcycle helmet?

Thomas

what is the smallest half helmet in production?

Answer
I've seen helmets at my local motorcycle accessories store for 5 year olds! I didn't even know if they were real, I thought they might be to eat ice cream out of. 8^) But they're for little kids who learn to ride those tiny dirt bikes. Wish those were around when I was a kid!

But they're all 3/4 helmets. Half helmets are like those fake Nazi helmets, they are for bad-boy Harley riders who play by their own rules, who march to a different drummer. The law says they have to wear a helmet, so they get one that has no actual protection value. I'm sure they go down to 'small'.

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