Zarnoff Bike Blog
13May/100

What Type Of Bike Do You Need For Your Riding Desires

You have a black helmet, black knee pads, and black elbow pads, all that is missing is the bike. There are a wide selection of different types of bikes. What you want to do with the bike is the defining factor of which bike you will get. A comfortable bike is a necessity for any rider.

There are racing bikes, mountain bikes, street bikes, and trick bikes to choose from. If you want a racing bike expect to spend several hundred dollars on the perfect one for you. If you are looking for a mountain bike you will spend less.

The diamondback bikes are a great alternative to the thousand dollar bikes elsewhere. It has a durable construction and can stand up to the worst trails. It can also be used as a dirt bike or just an off road bike. Diamondback also makes street bikes and other general bikes.

A trusted company is Schwinn. This company makes the Schwinn street bike, the Schwinn mountain bike and several others. You can find a great trail bike made by them as well as complete off road packages. The Schwinn like the Diamondback is durable yet not the most expensive bike on the market. If you need a versatile bike this is one of the ones you will want to look at.

Schwinn has always been a trusted name in bikes and the company has a great reputation. They have all the different styles and types of bikes besides the mountain bike. There are a number of comfortable durable bikes that they make. Both Diamondback and Schwinn make comparable products.

You also will need to have safety gear to help you along your rides. Certain cities require at least helmets but some require more. Each company usually has their own line of clothing as well as safety equipment. You will want to make sure that you not only have proper clothing but proper safety gear as well. Buying these should be a huge priority before and after you get your bike.

You will find the perfect bike for your needs by looking carefully at each company. You want to shop around and make the decision carefully to find a comfortable bike for you. There are a variety of low and high cost bikes to choose from. Most of these bikes are durable and can be modified for comfort. Take your time and find the bike that fits best with you.

8May/100

Would You Like To Race Mountain Bikes?

Racing mountain bikes is one of the most challenging sports of all. There are many races dedicated to just this kind of challenge. If you are ready to run the race of a life time, then the first thing you will need is a bike.

The best place to look for a good bike is at a bicycle shop. You can find one that has what you are looking for by going online and searching. You should have no trouble finding one close to you. You may be surprised at how many kinds of mountain bikes, like the schwinn mountain bike, there are to choose from designed just for racing.

The kind of clothing that you wear during a race is important. You need to feel comfortable and in no way restricted due to what you are wearing. You can search online as well for the kinds of shorts, pants, and tops needed for mountain bike racing.

Also available at bike shops are the kinds of protective you will need for racing. One of the most important parts of this kind of gear is a helmet. Protecting your head during a bike accident is more important than ever. Hundreds of people have suffered permanent brain damage that could have been prevented if they had worn a black helmet while riding their bike.

Are you physically ready to ride a mountain bike uphill? If not, then you need start getting that way. Many races are designed to have a few up hill parts in its course, as well as those nice, breath taking down hill ones. You need to start working out and getting the best kind of muscle growth in your legs that you can to be able to endure a race.

Learning how to do the maintenance on your bike will save you many headaches as well. If your bike is mechanically sound, that will be one thing you will not have to worry over during a race. You can find everything you need for this at a bike shop, right down to books that contain the instructions. If your bike is tip top shape, then you can put all your focus on the race.

Biking also provides a great way for you and your family to spend time together. The best part of this is that it is time together doing something that is healthy. You can plan a whole vacation around a mountain bike and the trails that you ride them on.

21Nov/090

Which Muscles Does Riding a Bike Develop?

Cycling is a fantastic sport that is enjoyed all over the world by millions of people each day. Lots of people ride a bike just as a means of transport, whilst others include cycling heavily in their fitness regime. The fitness benefits for your muscles varies quite a lot depending on which type of cycling you do. If you cycle very long distances at relatively low intensity, your muscles will become very good at endurance and will build many slow-twitch fibres. Conversely, if you ride at a high intensity over shorter periods, you will develop more fast twitch (powerful) fibres and build muscle size. But which muscles get worked the most when cycling.

Quadriceps (thighs). Without doubt the muscles that produce most of the force when cycling are the quadriceps. These muscles work to extend the knee joint and provide a downward force on the pedals, which is then passed onto the crank. Racing bikes in fact are designed to locate the quads directly over the crack so that maximum efficiency is achieved. When travelling at speed the quadriceps contract and relax at an incredible rate and a great deal is demanded of them.

Gastrocnemius (calf muscles). The muscles of the calf work just as hard as those of the thigh, and relative to their size they produce a lot of power.When the leg is straightened by the quadricep muscles, there is still a percentage of power that can be gained by flexing the calf muscles and pointing the toes downwards. Pinarello make pedals that dynamically pivot to squeeze every last bit of power juice from the calf muscles.

Hamstrings. After the quads have forced the leg down and helped move the bike forwards, the hamstrings work to to pull it back up again and reset the leg ready for another push. This doesn’t require much force on a standard bike as the rotation of the pedals pushes the leg up but when you use cycling shoes that clip to the pedals, a large amount of additional force can be generated by these muscles in the upward movement

3Jun/09Off

Smoketown Criterium Category 4 5 sprint finish Shirk’s Racing presented by Trek Bikes

Author: mmcherrygirl
Keywords: Smoketown Criterium Cat 4-5 Men's finish Shirk's Racing presented by Trek Bikes Spinners cycling Pinarello
Added: May 31, 2009

2Jun/09Off

Schwinn Midmoor Men’s Hybrid Bike (700c Wheels)

Looking for a solid hybrid bike that won't break the bank? Turn to the Schwinn Midmoor men's hybrid bike, which is equipped with an aluminum hybrid frame, an alloy adjustable stem, and a 30mm rise comfort bar. The frame and 700c wheels are responsive enough to hold up to gravel or shallow mud, but also excel on flat trails and streets. Other details include Shimano EasyFire 21-speed shifters, a Shimano TX-30 rear derailleur, a front suspension fork, and alloy brakes and levers.pstrongAssembly of the Bike:/strongbr This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.pbAbout Schwinn/bbr Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages.pstrongfont color=CC6600BIGAmazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide/BIG/font/strongbrstrongfont color=CC6600Finding the Right Bike/font/strongbr To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:pstrongfont color=CC6600The Right Ride/font/strongbr In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:ullistrongRoad and Racing Bikes/strong--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain. listrongMountain Bikes/strong--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine. listrongComfort/Cruiser Bikes/strong--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family. /ulpstrongfont color=CC6600The Right Price/font/strongbr A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.ullistrongEntry-level/strong--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use. listrongMid-range/strong--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension. listrongHigh-end/strong--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action./ulpstrongfont color=CC6600The Right Size/font/strongbr Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:ullistrongStand-over Height/strong--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height. listrongTop Tube Length/strong--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit. listrongBikes for Women/strong--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance. /ulpstrongfont color=CC6600The Right Accessories/font/strongbr When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:ulliHelmet (this is a must!) liSeat pack liLock liHydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages liSpare tubes liPortable bike pump liGloves /ulp

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1Jun/09Off

Smoketown Criterium Men’s Cat 4 Shirk’s Racing presented by Trek Bikes

Author: mmcherrygirl
Keywords: Spinners Cycling Category Men's bike race Smoketown Criterium Shirk's Racing Presented by Trek Bikes Pinarello
Added: May 31, 2009

31May/09Off

Schwinn Midmoor Women’s Hybrid Bike (700c Wheels)

Looking for a solid hybrid bike that won't break the bank? Turn to the Schwinn Midmoor women's hybrid bike, which is equipped with a women's aluminum hybrid frame, an alloy adjustable stem, and a 30mm rise comfort bar. The frame and 700c wheels are responsive enough to hold up to gravel or shallow mud, but also excel on flat trails and streets. Other details include Shimano EasyFire 21-speed shifters, a Shimano TX-30 rear derailleur, a front suspension fork, and alloy brakes and levers.pstrongAssembly of the Bike:/strongbr This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.pbAbout Schwinn/bbr Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages.pstrongfont color=CC6600BIGAmazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide/BIG/font/strongbrstrongfont color=CC6600Finding the Right Bike/font/strongbr To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:pstrongfont color=CC6600The Right Ride/font/strongbr In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:ullistrongRoad and Racing Bikes/strong--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain. listrongMountain Bikes/strong--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine. listrongComfort/Cruiser Bikes/strong--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family. /ulpstrongfont color=CC6600The Right Price/font/strongbr A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.ullistrongEntry-level/strong--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use. listrongMid-range/strong--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension. listrongHigh-end/strong--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action./ulpstrongfont color=CC6600The Right Size/font/strongbr Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:ullistrongStand-over Height/strong--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height. listrongTop Tube Length/strong--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit. listrongBikes for Women/strong--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance. /ulpstrongfont color=CC6600The Right Accessories/font/strongbr When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:ulliHelmet (this is a must!) liSeat pack liLock liHydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages liSpare tubes liPortable bike pump liGloves /ulp

Learn More About This Item