Sunday, December 30, 2012

A Few Reminders When Riding A Fixie Bike

Fixie bike rider

Although fixie bikes are considered simple in terms of mechanism, many people still find it difficult to ride especially if they have been users of free-wheeling bicycles. This is one of the main factors that separate fixies and geared bikes as the former cannot be used in coasting and sloping rides. One needs to pedal constantly in order to move forward and it takes more power and strength if the roads are sloping.

Some recommend a fixie bike to those who are still learning how to bike since they will learn how to pedal all throughout their training. Challenge-seekers especially those who are into sports and muscle-building can benefit a lot from riding fixed gear bikes. These folks can take long distances while pedaling continuously to help develop leg muscles and strength. You can view here for fixie bikes and their features to understand more about them.

It is also important to wear proper riding gear such as the right shoes for cycling, a pair of cycling shorts or tights, and comfy/dry-fit shirt. Avoid wearing loose pants as the legs may be caught or trapped in the chain of your fixie bike. Use the toe clips whenever you are riding to secure your feet onto the pedals. You may also need some knee and elbow pads or a protective jacket for long-distance rides. And of course, you should never forget to wear a helmet each time you go out riding.
Fixie bike rider
The use of breaks is often a debate among fixie riders. While other riders may consider it unnecessary since it is possible to stop by locking up the rear wheel. This can be done by back pedaling to put the rear wheel into a halt. You shouldn't remove your feet from the pedals while balancing the pressure on the front and back pedals, enabling you to start and move forward easily again.

However, bike companies like Chappelli Cycles include breaks on their fixie bikes for maximum safety of the rider. You can even choose the size of bike based on your height to enable you to ride it effortlessly.  The selection of fixed gear bikes for sale is crucial to a bikers riding experience. The option to go for a fixie bike can be the best decision for some riders if they are just starting out or finding ways to challenge themselves. Check out Chappelli Cycles website to know more about fixed gear bikes.

Benefits Of Using Fixed Wheel Bikes

Chappelli -  Azul Fixie bike

The streets of today are not just for 4-wheeled vehicles, but also for motorcycles and bicycles. In many countries, they legitimize the use of bikes and have established policies for riders to adhere to. This is a good thing for many people who are conscious about the environment and their health at the same time.

With the wide array of brands and types of bikes, a newbie may become overwhelmed with the list of options. However, it is truly a no-brainer when choosing the right type of bike. If you are a beginner and would only ride on flat roads and even terrain, fixed wheel bikes are the best options. Since there is no need to shift speeds while riding your fixie, it is pretty easy to use especially in an urban setting. This bike is also considered low-maintenance compared to geared bikes with either internal or external hub gears. Although these gears are often considered as safety features, a rider without any proper knowledge of it may find these features useless or even hazardous. You may view here for fixie bikes and other helpful info if you are still in search of a simple bike that's fit for a newbie.

Chappelli - Nero fixie bike
For someone who likes to go on long rides, it is best to choose another type of bike, perhaps an 8-speed bike will be of much interest if you are a true-blue cycling fanatic. Unlike a fixed gear, these bikes are well-equipped for mountainous locations, various terrain and slopes, and coasting while on long rides. You cannot find these features on a fixie, but this simple bike is built to be ridden on even streets and roads within cities and urban communities. It can take you safely to your destination as long as you also practice safety habits such as wearing proper gear, helmet, shoes, and others that are applicable. You can check out Chappelli Cycles for more info on fixed gear bicycles and more.

Knowing the streets you travel on is essential for safely getting to your chosen location. It takes more than just knowing how to pedal a bike or using a proper bike for a specific purpose. But for a beginner who'd like to master the city streets and suburbs, a fixie will help you accomplish all these with fewer hassles on maintenance and repairs. If you know a little about keeping your bike clean and running 100% all the time, then, you and your fixie bike will surely hit the roads for a long time.

Enjoying the ride is very important every time you hit the roads. Just always remember the main purpose a fixed gear bike and you'll know very well why you chose it in the first place. Upgrading your ride can be done once you have built confidence and strength on even terrain, and soon you'll be riding a multi-gear bike with the same ease.

Fixie Bikes vs. Internal Hub Bikes - Which One's For You?

Chappelli fixie bike

There's so much to say about getting the right type of bicycle for anyone who wants to buy one either for leisure or for sport. In today's many cities and urban communities, biking has become a way of life for several people due to many factors and personal reasons.

Some people are focused mainly on getting some serious exercise, so a bike is a perfect tool to help them sweat some fats out. For muscle-building folks, biking is another method of building up leg muscles and strength as they ride onto various terrains and distances. For many bikers who live in the city, getting a bike is a solution to traffic problems as it is easier to maneuver and take short-cuts using one.

However, getting a bicycle can be a challenge for some people who have not yet decided on what type to go for. There are two types of bikes you can choose from - the fixed gear and the multi-gear or multi-speed bikes. Fixed gear bikes are also referred to as fixies since they don't have any gear at all. The speed you'll get will depend on your pedalling power during the ride. You may check out Chappelli fixie bike shop to see a selection of fixed gear bikes and more. On the other hand, internal gear hub bikes are made for coasting and speed shifting isn't a problem. Gear bikes, in general, are made for various terrains, so the need for gear shift is essential as you need more speed for certain terrain.

Chappelli internal hub bike_3-speed classic

 Slopping roads and elevated areas can be very difficult for fixie bikes and their riders as well. You will need to pedal powerfully to be able to surpass the elevation. Same goes with traveling long distances since you will need to pedal continuously if you wish to reach your destination faster.

While it is easier to troubleshoot fixie bikes, internal gear hub bikes are the opposite. If you don't have the know-how, an experienced bike repairman is the right person to go to when problems arise. However, you will not always encounter problems with a geared bike, especially with an internal gear hub as the mechanisms are enclosed and protected from various elements.

For newbie bikers, it is advisable to use fixies instead of any hub-type or multi-speed bike. Fixie bike shops have been sought-after in the recent years due to the increasing interest in bikes, in general. This is primarily due to the fact that many people are concerned of their health and of the environment. Fixed gear bikes Melbourne is one example of an evolving trend involving people's consciousness may it be towards their health, fitness, or premises. You may view here for fixed gear bikes Melbourne and others. On the other hand, internal hub bicycles are racing equally in popularity and usability especially among the sporty people. Mountain bikers and long-ride cyclists love the speed and terrain capabilities of internal hear hub bikes. The possibilities of conquering challenging terrain and long distances are definitely endless when you are riding a multi-gear bike.

The level of expertise of a rider is essential in choosing the right bike to ride on. Both have their own pros and cons when it comes to safety, performance, and functionality. So, if it is your first time to ride, a single-speed or fixed-gear bike is the best option for you. For expert bikers, both can be beneficial depending on the type of road and terrain you're planning to take on. You can check Chappelli Cycles for the best selection of both fixie and internal gear hub bicycles.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Which Bike Should You Choose - an 8-Speed Bike or a Fixie?



The urban subcultures of the modern times include avid bikers who take their two-wheels in the city and beyond as their means of transportation. If you'd like to jump into this new breed of urbanites, you need to decide first which bike you should go for.

While 8 speed bikes and fixies have their own set of benefits, you need to understand that each of them also has a specific forte when it comes to riding them. 8 speeds are great for mountainous or sloping terrain thanks to the way they are designed and built. Having different speeds and an internal hub makes a huge difference in taking this type of bike to a terrain other than a flat road. You will also be able to coast with this bike and ride downhill without pedaling.

As for fixie gear bikes, these are best used on flat roads and streets. Since you cannot shift gears
with this bike, it is easier to ride and maintain. However, you will need to keep on pedaling while riding this bike. If you need more speed, you'd have to pedal faster and powerfully. Coasting is not possible with this bike since, as mentioned earlier, it requires constant pedaling.

When it is time to choose among these two types, it is best to factor in your regular usage and need for this bike. Also, it is ideal to determine what type of biker you are - a sporty biker or city rider? For the sporty types, it is best to go for the 8 speed bike since this one can be ridden on- and off-road, and on sloping terrain. The city rider should take the fixie because it is made for the roads primarily.

Another thing you should factor in is your budget. Generally, the fixie bike costs less than the 8-speed bike as it does not require other additional parts to make it work. It is also easier to maintain and repair. Fixies are also great for beginners because it can train them to ride carefully on busy streets. There are many other benefits from using fixie bikes, so it is best to check on them if this is the bike of your choice.

What's best about both of these bikes are their clean lines and ingenuity. You can find many bike sellers out there, no doubt. But if you'd like the Italian ingenuity and design, it is best to go for Chappelli bicycles.

The Many Benefits of a Single-Speed Bike


For many years, people have learned to ride bikes for many reasons, mainly to get from one place to another without too much hassle or stress and most especially to save on gas. These days, it is common to see people using fixie bikes to commute to and from work, lessening the stress of catching buses. Riding a bike to work also makes sure you get to enjoy the scenery so when you arrive at work, you are relaxed and ready to face anything and everything.

The popularity of fixie bikes has grown so much that it is already considered a culture by itself. People who ride fixie bikes are perceived as cool as people who ride on skateboards and motorcycles. In fact, there has been a spate of restoring old fixie bikes that have been stored in bike sheds and a clamor to buy the best fixie bikes at reputable bike dealers or online bike shops like Chappelli. No longer is bike riding considered a messenger’s job. Today’s coolest people can be seen pedaling to and from everywhere in the city and look good while doing it. Some people may consider this trend over and out but they couldn’t be more wrong.

For one, fixie bikes don’t require much maintenance and are lighter and definitely easier to maneuver. It is also the best bike to ride in any condition because its transmission provides increased feedback on the tire grip, meaning you don’t run the risk of falling over. They are also popular as racing bikes because the rider can easily control them although riding at high speed and making those tricky turns need a little bit more expertise to pull off. Chappelli Cycles are also the best types of bikes to have during these times of economic uncertainty because they are also the most affordable ones on the block that keeps up with people’s simple needs.

For fitness buffs, a fixie is also the most ideal cardio exercise, a great alternative to jogging or brisk walking. Riding fixies have also been proven to help significantly with the management of hypertension and prevention of heart disease. In fact, studies show that embarking on daily 15-minute riding routine can make you lose as much as 11 pounds a day. All you need to do is make sure you ride your fixie bikes on even roads to prevent leg strains. Riding is supposed to strengthen your leg muscles after all, not weaken them.

Also, like skateboards and motor bikes, the fixie also has endless customization possibilities that will express your personality and preferences. In some countries, part of their customization includes getting fixies that are brakeless, making it an outlet for minor rebellions but of course, even a great-looking fixie is not worth any jail time so make sure you keep any rebellious thoughts in check. There are even bike sites online that show the many, many ways you can customize your fixie, from looking like an 80’s-inspired BMX to something close to being the fixie version of a Harley.

Check out sites like chappelli.com.au if you’re interested in starting your fixie fixation. You can choose from a wide variety of fixies that provide the utmost safety, comfort and performance. The bikes take inspiration from the classic speed bikes prevalent during the 1950s and 1960s which possessed modern design elements. They also come equipped with flip/flop hubs which mean you have a choice of riding them either as a single-speed or a fixie, which makes them conducive to any riding condition and environment. You’ll never have an excuse not to enjoy bike rides with fixies so go on, log on to your computer and begin browsing through http://chappelli.com.au and be on your way to a happier, healthier you.

Getting Your First Single Speed Bicycle


People have always enjoyed riding on two wheels ever since the dandy horse was invented by German inventor Baron Karl von Drais in 1817. Today, bicycles come in different shapes and sizes and are now used not only as a means of transportation, but also in sports competitions. There are now millions of bike users worldwide, with Amsterdam taking the top spot in terms of bicycle use. A lot of residents of modern cities are now getting back to pedaling their way to work or school not only because of the savings they’ll get from not having to pay for their transportation fare or fuel expenses, but also because it’s a good form of physical fitness and has no negative impact on the environment.

Buying a bicycle is truly a good investment. Aside from the benefits mentioned above, it is also easier to maintain compared to owning a car or a motorcycle since it has no engine. You don’t have to learn a lot about mechanics to replace or fix its parts. And since it has fewer parts compared to machines that have engines, you also need only a few tools in case you need to repair it.

If you’re planning to join the worldwide bicycle bandwagon, you might want to invest in a single speed
bicycle in case it’s your first time owning one. As the term itself suggests, it’s a type of bicycle that only has a single gear or speed ratio (you can visit Chappelli Cycles for single speed bikes). This type of bike is ideal for riders who don’t really put much premium on speed and challenges like climbs on sloping surfaces. If riding a bike for you is simply to enjoy the breeze or see the sights around the city, a single speed road bike would be good enough. You can also use it as a way of warming up as you head out to the gym for your workout.

There are actually many types of single speed bicycles. Most bicycles designed for children use this type. Some BMX bikes, track racing bicycles, and even unicycles are some examples of this type.

Sometimes, the term ‘single speed bicycle’ is interchanged with the term ‘fixed gear bikes’ or ‘fixies.’ Although they have a lot in common, the difference between them lies in the fact that the latter does not allow coasting. With single speed bikes, even if you’ve stopped pedaling, the bike will still continue to roll or freewheel.

Whatever your choice is, there are truly many advantages to riding a bike.
Get yourself one now and enjoy its multiple benefits.