How To Install a Bicycle Computer

Have you ever purchased a new piece of bicycle equipment and all excited about getting it back home and putting it on your bike only to find that the frustration of getting it right is the true cost of the new widget? Well the biking computer is probably one of those devices that some of us find hard to work with.

We have found a wonderful video to walk you through the relatively difficult process mounting a bike computer and doing it right will help to ensure success and accuracy of your new bike computer. Give this video a look.

De Rosa King 3

The De Rosa King 3 is really the pinnacle of custom frame design. These are literally made just for you and are ridden by the worlds best. If you want the ultimate custom fit then you must see this video description of the De Rosa King 3 frame.

Scott USA CR1 SL

Wow! Scott sure does build a nice road bike. Blended carbon fiber bike frame weighs out at only 930 grams. Its rigid yet comfortable to ride.

Check out this video review of the 2010 Scott USA CR1 SL.

Cannondale SuperSix Review

Cannondale went even lighter with the new SuperSix. At around 860 grams, its like a feather. The bike is still race ready stiff though. Check out the hour glass seat stays that are still full length.
Here is the video review of the Cannondale SuperSix.

2009 Giant TCR Advanced SL Road Bike Review

The Giant TCR is built like a tank. The frame is really overbuilt with oversized tubes and reinforcements. It is however very light for the strength offered. Comfort is the outcome when a bike has this much bulk, but you can still fly up the climbs.
Check out this video review of the 2009 Giant TCR Advanced SL road bike.

Foster Your Cycling Confidence For Racing Success

It is no surprise that cycling confidence plays a critical role in cycling performance. Fostering cycling confidence is sometimes easier said than done. Cycling can be an intimidating, and sometimes dangerous sport. Crashes can, and will happen in bicycle racing. How do you overcome your fear of crashing to achieve cycling success?

Let’s begin with with the question. What is cycling confidence? Cycling confidence means that you are able to ADAPT to a situation, and BELIEVE in yourself when it matters most. Your cycling confidence allows you to exercise your personal freedom to eliminate anxiety, self-doubt, and indecision during a criterium, road race or time trial.

Second, where does cycling confidence come from? Simply put, cycling confidence comes from how you choose to PERCEIVE yourself as a bicycle racer.

Let’s breakdown the definition to the ABCs of Cycling Confidence. A is for Adaptability. B is for Believe in Yourself. And C is for Competitiveness.

A: Adaptability: Cycling confidence comes from your ability to adapt. Why is this important? Imagine for a minute, you narrowly escaped a crash with four laps to go in a criterium. What are you feeling in the final laps to the finish of the race? It is likely that your perceived pressure to perform, and to stay upright will be greater as your near the final turns to the finish. The key is to adapt, and to race aggressively (and, safely) to the best of your ability regardless of outside expectations or obstacles.

B: Believe in Yourself: Cycling confidence comes from your ability to have faith, and to believe in yourself. This unquestioned faith provides the inspiration to follow through on your short and long-term goals in bicycle racing.

C: Competitiveness: Cycling confidence comes from the ability to tap into competitiveness. Competitiveness is the drive within. One of my colleagues in sport psychology, Dr. Ani Chroni tells us, “competitiveness provides the energy, strength, intensity, and persistence to improve and work hard.” Competitiveness is the fire inside of you–it is the spark of creativity.

So, go ahead light the fire inside of you, and unleash your fears, and climb to cycling success.

Sport Psychology Consultant, Wenzel Coaching

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_C._Wilder,_Ph.D.

Bicycles, Bikes and Cycles – How They Got Where They Are Now

Early in the 1800′s the first forms of the bike were being created. They were ordinarily referred to as “velocipedes”. They were pedal-less, hard wheeled, wooden contraptions. The rider sat on a seat and used his legs to thrust himself along.

It was not until the latter 1830′s that pedal powered cycles were brought about. This is when those large wheeled cycles we’ve seen in old photographs came in. They were called High Wheelers and they were the style of the time for gentlemen.

The ride on one of these large wheel cycles through the towns of the time was dangerous. They weren’t very well situated to ride and a bit difficult to keep erect. If the ride didn’t rough you up a bit, the fall sure enough would. They earned the moniker “bone-shakers” for a really good reason.

With the invention of the Safety Bicycle, all that changed. A gentleman named John Kemp Starley is alleged to have made the first successful example in 1885. He called it the “Rover,” but he never patented it.

Starley’s innovative plans featured some parts we are now familiar with. It had two wheels the same size, a chain drive to the back wheel and a steerable front wheel.

In previous cycles, the frame was weighty, and commonly made of wood. The introduction of lighter metals and the diamond frame design made them lighter. This single change provided for respective other innovations to be added.

Previously, the pedaling activity of the rider was applied to the front wheel. This made it hard to power the bike and it was more accident prone. With a chain drive attached to the back wheel, the rider could more easily pedal. Turning street corners and other maneuvers got easier, and the bike deemed more secure.

With the improvement of pneumatic wheels, the riders of the time were finding it more comfortable. Long gone were the days of hard rubber or wooden wheels. These modern wheels were lighter and offered a significantly improved, cushioned ride.

The cycling frenzy hit Europe and North America in the mid to later 1800′s. People from the middle classes as well as the elite were excited to get in on this wild way to travel. Cycling clubs were cropping up all over Europe and the United States cycling was not only a sport leisure-time activity, but it became a crucial form of personal transport as well.

Women, in particular, were bringing together the ranks of bike riders in huge numbers. Before these changes to the bike, women weren’t allowed to ride. There was a question about the dangers and potential moral implications of a woman riding a bike. For a time, even with the safety features, young unmarried women could only ride in the company of an elder, respected female.

European nations still used the bike for transportation and leisure well into the early 20th century. In some areas in Europe, nowadays, cycles far outnumber automobiles. They’re favored in larger metropolises where parking is limited and traffic is unmanageable. And, maybe best of all, they’re extremely efficient and produce no pollution.

Americans did not pursue in the Europeans path though. By the 1910′s, cycles for grownups were being superseded by automobiles. Although still used by some, they weren’t nearly as popular as they once were. By the 1940′s, the attitude towards cycles was that they were kids toys. Most cycles of the time were manufactured for children.

Cycles are making a comeback in these times of high fuel prices. Cycles are highly efficient modes of transport. The added benefit of a healthier body are encouraging more individuals to ride. People that haven’t been on a bike in 2 decades or more are biking their way to work or out shopping.

Some of these industrious folks are even building their own cycles. From a standard safety bike to tandem cycles and trikes, it’s something nearly anyone can build. When you build your own bike, you select the design and custom-make it to your own needs. It’s a keen way to spend time with the children as well. And after you’ve constructed a bike or two, it’ll be a blast to take ‘em out for a spin!

The bike has come a long way since the earliest endeavors. Now, cycles are made of lighter weight, stronger materials. Manufacturers offer a large number of designs, based on the specific use. They’re designed for safety, comfort and are quicker than ever before. Accessories like kiddie trailers make taking the kids for a bike ride or stopping for some groceries easygoing.

In my following cycling article, I’ll be talking about the different designs of cycles there are and how you can build your own. In the meantime, go ride a bike!

For more free info and to check out DIY Build It Yourself Bicycle Instruction, visit: [http://bicycles.biblioflip.com]

K.L. “Vin” Hayes directs a team of independent writers and investigators. Over the previous 10 years, they’ve worked together to produce quality digital reprints of vintage books & documents as well as original works. Vin specializes in how to info that includes a broad variety of topics such as fishing & hunting, crafts & hobbies, construction, self-improvement and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vin_Hayes

Top 10 Health Benefits of Cycling

With the many modes of transportation today and the myriad of exercise activities available, some wonder why an adult would spend hours just riding a bicycle. Is bike riding too “childish” an activity? Pedaling takes work, and it can feel painful and slow, so why bother? Believe it or not, riding a bike will enhance your health and well-being if you give it a try! Here are 10 compelling reasons you can enjoy cycling.

1. Cycling is good for your heart. This activity is rated second only to running among popular types of exercise, a very well-rounded means of staying fit and increasing cardiovascular health! Cycling regularly can significantly decrease a person’s risk for heart disease.

2. Cycling promotes full body fitness. This activity is a great workout for the entire body, especially the lower body. People who want to develop great leg, hip, and glute muscle tone while trimming their waists can benefit greatly from cycling – this is often why the exercise bikes in fitness clubs are so popular!

3. Cycling is a low impact exercise. There are a large number of fitness regimens and exercises that put a strain on your bones and joints. Over time, this strain can damage your body and diminish your health, causing knee, ankle, and back issues – possibly even arthritis. Cycling affords a person a great fitness opportunity while retaining bone and joint health.

4. Cycling is therapeutic and may relieve stress. Riding bicycles is proven to be a therapeutic activity and more and more people are taking up cycling for a serene, more peaceful type of exercise. Studies are beginning to show that cycling may help to decrease stress – particularly when riding in beautiful scenic areas.

5. Cycling is an exercise than can increase work productivity. It has been shown that persistent inactivity begets even more inactivity. Conversely, an active lifestyle promotes overall energy at both work and at home. Cycling is a delightful way to increase your amount of exercise and therefore boost your productivity!

6. Cycling outdoors saves the cost of fitness club membership. The average cost of an adult fitness club membership is about $400 a year, but when you enter the club, you often see most people on the exercise bikes and treadmills! All that money, equipment, and even personal trainers from your fitness club may not necessarily surpass the benefits of regular cycling coupled with recurrent basic calisthenics (such as push-ups and sit-ups.)

7. Cycling is an activity that includes others. More than any other individual fitness activity, cycling is an enjoyable inclusive exercise. It is only natural to include your family and friends on your riding excursions. A couple or a family can enjoy the benefits of both exercise and quality time when riding together!

8. Cycling helps us appreciate the beauty and nuances of our surrounding environment. In the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to miss the small beauties around us. When cycling, you may notice that life seems to slow down a bit and that you can enjoy your surroundings more. Whether riding through a beautiful scenic area, or even around your neighborhood, you may better appreciate your everyday surroundings.

9. Cycling is a great way to meet your neighbors. When cycling in your neighborhood, it is only natural to wave at your neighbors more often than you might from your car. This approachability could easily lead to better acquaintances with neighbors who are walking or working in their yards, and possibly even result in lasting friendships!

10. Cycling is fun. You may think that most fitness routines are difficult, and even unpleasant. Frequent bike riding, however, is perhaps one of the most delightful, enjoyable ways to achieve healthy exercise. This activity may be an intrinsic pleasure you have simply forgotten from your childhood days!

You may want to consider including cycling into your lifestyle for these many reasons. Once you begin cycling, it may be time to find that perfect partner to ride along with you. Remember, like a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, the journey to fitness could begin with a single bike ride around the block!

About the Author

For more affordable sports and exercise tips from Susan Braden, see this article.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Braden

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