When a sport relies heavily on equipment -- whether it's snow skiing, skateboarding, backpacking or golf -- that sport often evolves in a "chicken and egg" relationship with technology. Bicycling is no exception. As cycling becomes more popular, manufacturers increase their emphasis on coming up with new materials, styles and accessories to please enthusiasts. And as the bikes and equipment become more sophisticated and intriguing, more people become interested in cycling. Belma Johnson talks with Gerry Harms, former bicycle racer and owner of Cedar Bluff Cycles, about safety equipment, maintenance products and some extras that simply add fun and versatility.
Helmets are the single most important piece of safety equipment in bicycling. Since they are designed to prevent head injury, it's no exaggeration to say that wearing one could save your life. Contemporary bike helmets are aerodynamically designed (some are even wind-tunnel tested); they come in a myriad of styles and colors and most are ventilated. Advances in technology have led to helmets that are strong but still extremely lightweight -- generally around nine ounces total. Most have a padded interior and a body made of specialized StyrofoamB. covered in impact-resistant plastic. These are design-tested to disperse the energy of impact in the event of an accident. Helmets come in three sizes, and you should choose the smallest size that comfortably fits your head. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for details on fit, but in general the front of the helmet should just rest at the top of the brow, and the side straps should come together under each ear (figure A). Tighten the chin strap to hold the helmet on securely.
Gloves come in different styles depending on their use. Road gloves (figure B) are designed for use with road-racing style bikes and are usually made of synthetic leather. The synthetic holds up better, and stays more supple, than real leather. Palm padding provides comfort and helps avoid calluses developing on long rides. Newer gel types provide optimal palm padding and help prevent hand-numbness through weight displacement. Mountain-bike gloves (figure C) serve similar functions but usually have some form of top armor to protect the hands and knuckles from abrasions, since off-road riding often leaves the hands exposed to tree limbs and other hazards.
For serious riding, hydration systems like the CamelBak (figure D) provide drinking water and prevent dehydration on the trail and on long rides. Frame-mounted water bottles also serve this purpose, but hydration packs that hold as much as 70 ounces of water offer the advantage of fitting on the rider's back and allowing a drink (via an over-the-shoulder tube and bite-valve) without having to slow down or take your eyes from the road. Some feature a backpack design and allow you to carry tools, tire pump, cel phone, etc.
As a safety accessory, particularly for road-riding, solo riders should always use a rearview mirror. Several styles are available, including some that mount on the handlebars, and some that mount directly to the rider's helmet or eyeglasses (figure E).
A cyclometer (figure F) is a speedometer with some bonus features. It tells your current speed, maximum speed, average speed, trip distance, total distance and elapsed riding time.
Bike-mounted headlights (figure G) have become more technologically advanced over the years. New versions carry a rechargeable power source, and their 30-watt halogen elements give off about as much illumination as a car headlight. Mountable flashing taillights offer a great deal of added safety for road-riding after dark.
Cycling shoes are available in a number of designs, including some geared specifically for road-racing and rugged water-proof designs for mountain biking. The clipless road shoe (figure H) attaches directly to a specially designed pedal, much in the same way that a ski-boot attaches to a ski binding, so that the rider's foot is firmly connected to the pedal and crank shaft. This provides greater pedaling efficiency and more power per pedal-rotation.
Bicycle seats, or saddles (figure I), have undergone a lot of design development and experimentation in efforts to make them more comfortable, ergonomic and lightweight. Racing saddles, the smallest and lightest, are made to add the least weight for racing situations. Others, designed more toward comfort, incorporate more padding. Saddles are interchangeable, and there are dozens of types to choose from. Some are designed specifically for women; some include gel padding to achieve the most comfortable ride possible. Seat bags are available in various sizes. They attach in the space just beneath the rear of the seat and allow you to carry a tool kit, spare tube and patch kit, C02 tire-inflater or other small items.
RESOURCES :
Bell bike helmets
Bell Bicycle Helments
are available from Bell Sports
1924 County Rd., 3000 North
Rantoul, IL 61866-9512
Web site:
www.bellbikehelmets.com
or
www.bellsports.com
Trek bicycles and bike equipment
Trek Bicycle Corp.
801 W. Madison St.
Waterloo, WI 53594
Toll-free: 800-369-8735
Web site: www.trekbikes.com
CamelBak sports-hydration system
CamelBak
"Hydrate or die."
CamelBak Products, Inc.
1310 Redwood Way
Ste. 200
Petaluma, CA 94954
Toll-free: 800-767-8725
Phone: 707-792-9700
Fax: 707-665-9231
E-mail: webmaster@camelbak.com
Web site: www.camelbak.com
Rhode Gear cycling mirrors
Rhode Gear cycling mirrors
are available from Rhode Gear
Route 136 East
Rantoul, IL 61866
Toll-free: 800-456-2355
Phone: 217-893-9300
Fax: 217-893-9054
Web site: www.rhodegear.com
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