Cycling

Safety Benefits of Wearing Cycling Glasses

Posted in Cycling on April 12th, 2010 by Jim – Comments Off

If you do a lot of road cycling, there are two pieces of safety equipment you should never be without: a helmet and a pair of cycling glasses. The bike helmet is obvious as most collisions between cars and two-wheeled vehicles, whether bicycles or motorbikes, usually result in the victim’s head hitting the road surface with significant force. So even if your local laws do not insist on the wearing of bicycle helmets, it is always a good life-preservation tactic to wear one anyway.

Cycle glasses are a different matter and are often overlooked. Sunglasses are fine as long as they have decent ultraviolet filter layers, as they will prevent your eyes from getting damaged by the sun’s rays if you live in a hot, sunny climate. Aim to get sunglasses with protection against UVA and UVB if possible; many brands of sports and cycling glasses offer even better shielding.

Proper cycling eyewear is different in style, and the frames wrap around the head so there is no gap at the sides of the eyes. This will stop the wind from blowing in and either drying out your eyes, or making them tear up. Both are irritating, as drying out can cause itchiness and wreak havoc with contact lenses; and of course, if your eyes are continually filling up with tears as you ride, it will interfere with your vision. So good “wrap-around” glasses can stop this.

The main feature of any type of cycle eyewear is its ability to keep dirt, dust and debris out of your eyes when cycling. If there is a lot of traffic on the road, it can easily throw grit up into the air, and into your face. And in heavy traffic, you really do not want to lose vision for a second because of something hitting your eyes.

If you have defective vision, the great news is that there are prescription cycling safety glasses available these days too, so you can protect your eyes as well as seeing where you are going! Make it your mission from now on to look after your eyes as well as your head when out on the roads.

Cycling Safety Tips

Posted in Cycling on February 1st, 2010 by Jim – Comments Off

Cyclists are among the most vulnerable people who use the roads, and in any kind of collision with a motor vehicle, are far more likely to suffer major injuries or even get killed. Bikers are in a similar position of danger, but are generally far more protected against minor accidents because in most countries it is illegal to ride a motorcycle without an approved safety helmet. Often, bikers will also wear tough leathers to protect them if they go skidding across the tarmac during a crash.

For most people out cycling on the roads helmets are not worn, although they are available and recommended, and the clothing is generally regular streetwear. This offers little if any protection against scrapes along the road surface, and head on collisions with vehicles generally result in fatalities or serious head and brain injuries.

The best cycling safety tips involve accident prevention rather than impact survival. Always make sure your bike is fit for riding, that the brakes work properly, that you have lights – either battery-powered or dynamo – and reflectors. Whether you are riding in broad daylight or at night, wearing a proper cycling shirt can help. The best cycling shirts to wear are the really brightly colored ones – the kind you would normally turn your back on in the store because it looks so garish! These are great because they stand out and vehicle drivers will notice you. Most times, that is the battle won. If drivers can’t see you, they won’t be able to avoid you.

Other pieces of equipment or clothing to get yourself seen include light-reflecting strips that you can attach to your arms; these are usually attached to the wrists or forearms so that cars behind can see when you are signalling a left or right turn.

The final piece of cycling safety kit you need to switch on when out on the roads is your brain! Always think ahead and look behind. If you want to turn but are unsure of a driver’s intentions behind you, pull over and stop; let the car pass, and then resume. And remember, even though the law might be on your side in any given situation, if it’s a fight between you on your bike and a guy in a truck, you’ll always come out of it second best. So be seen, be sensible and be safe!

Beach Cruiser Bikes

Posted in Cycling on December 30th, 2009 by admin – Comments Off

In 1933, a visionary bicycle company came out with the very first early model beach cruiser bikes. It was actually modeled after the motorcycles of the era with the design incorporating wide “balloon” tires and a steel constructed “cantilevered” frame for more durability. These two distinguishing features are what make a bike a cruiser to this very day. The cruiser model was the most popular bicycle in the United States from the 1930s through the 1950s and is still extremely popular in the 21st century. The cruiser has been used in service throughout history by the armed forces during times of war as well as the United States Postal Service.

Beach cruiser bikes are the best way to comfortably travel somewhat long distances on paved paths. Built for comfort, they provide a luxurious ride so that you can focus on other things like enjoying the scenery. The ultimate way to enjoy the coast line is from a beach cruiser but they are enjoyable to ride anywhere you can find a bike path as they were built to cruise so that you can enjoy the outdoors easily. Both the young and old alike can ride these luxurious bicycles, but don’t worry, even though they are “luxurious” there are cheap beach cruiser bikes out there if you know where to look.

Many people love beach cruisers for the large comfortable seats and the ergonomic handle bars that allow for easy steering along with their totally cool look. Some people like to customize their bikes with small additions such as handlebar streamers and classic horns or bells. Women’s beach cruiser bikes come in tons of cool colors which some people like to add baskets to carry things and lights for riding at night. The more extreme bike customizers often chop or lower their bikes but most are content to ride them as they come.

Whether it is a 1930s classic or a modern re-pop, beach cruiser bikes are the very best way to ride in both style and comfort. If there isn’t cycle showroom near your home then you can quite easily find something that suits your needs at one of the Online cruiser shops where prices start from as little as $150 and often include free shipping. Of course is you are looking for a custom bike you are going to have to pay a bit more, but you can be sure that it will be worth it.