Showing posts with label internal hub bicycles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internal hub bicycles. Show all posts

Monday, June 10, 2013

Choose Bike Specs that Meet Your Commute Needs



Choosing a bike seems easy enough, until you're at the shop and someone's hard-selling you a multi-speed with all the trimmings. You're easily overwhelmed with all the choices, and unless you have particular specifications in mind before coming into the shop, you'll likely spend hours wandering the displays, browsing through catalogs. It gets frustrating, but your choice should be based more on function than on style. That being said, mountain bikes are very popular nowadays, but these may not offer the specifications you need. Sure, mountain bikes are built for rough terrain, and you can ride these on the urban jungle when you want to, but the perks of durability are offset by speed, something you'll need as you weave in and out of city traffic.

 Chappelli Crema (Caballero)

It's all about Utility

Prioritize function over form, and remember that it's all about utility. Product safety is also crucial when you're choosing vehicles, bicycles included. Bikes are built to meet preferences in speed and accessibility, and you should opt for road bikes if you're going to use yours on urban traffic. Road bikes are lightweight and sleek. Thin wheels and a wiry build ensure you'll skirt through traffic with ease. The seat is propped higher so you'll have to bend over to reach the handlebars, enhancing speed with less wind resistance. The tradeoff with road bikes is in durability, though. Most aren't built to handle heavy loads and extended use, but you can always customize yours to ensure it complements your build.

Mountain Bikes for Rougher Terrain

Mountain bikes are preferable if you really want to rough out the off-trails. These have sturdier, bulkier frames, and the wheels are built wider for durability. The seat is oriented so you're always upright on it, an advantage if you'd rather not hunch over your bike for the entirety of the ride. Note that salesmen tend to hard-sell mountain bikes to anyone with the sense to consider choices. You should only choose mountain bike specs if you intend to maximize these.

Chappelli Le Coq (Single Speed)

Fixies and Internal Gears

You can also go for a fixie bike if you prefer the challenge. These come with old-school, fixed-gears, built for simplicity. An internal gear hub bicycle also offers more options for the advanced cyclist. Internal hub bikes are particular with the maintenance, though, so make sure yours is properly and regularly tuned. With all that variety available to you, it's easier if you choose a bike with your commute needs already set. You can check out Chappelli Cycles if you're looking for specs that match your preference. Function should be your basis for purchase; design and build should be secondary.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

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.