Enjoy Safe Bike Rides

A great way to keep yourself fit, enjoy time outdoors, or simply spend your free time seeing new places – this is what cycling is all about and more. No matter how enjoyable bike riding can be, though, it still entails some hazards, especially since you share the road with motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists. If you're going for a ride whether to run an errand, commute to your destination, or simply spend your time leisurely outdoors, check out the following tips to help you enjoy safe bike riding experience.

Ensure your bike's condition.

Before you ride your bike, make sure it is safe and efficiently maintained. Check the brakes and the tires for issues, such as holes on your tires and malfunctioning brake levers. Address the issues yourself or have them taken care of by a bike shop personnel before you go out for a ride.

Consider getting a helmet.

Whether you're a recreational rider or a professional one, it's always practical to invest in proper riding gear and equipment. Consider buying a helmet to help you stay protected and safe when you're out riding. Wear a helmet that is of the right fit and ensure that you fasten the straps properly. Also, take good care of your helmet so you can use it longer without minimizing the protection it provides. You can also opt to go for cool helmet colors or personalize it according to your liking.

Put on reflectors and bright clothes.

Whether you're planning a short daytime ride or a leisurely biking in the evening, use proper riding attire and equipment. Invest in reflectors and wear bright-colored clothes so you can be easily seen on the road. While music and riding can be relaxing, try to avoid putting your headphones on: always be aware of your surroundings so you can easily detect possible dangers.

Make sure your bike is of the right fit.

Apart from the pedal, tires, and brakes, you can also guarantee a more enjoyable riding experience by ensuring that your bicycle is of the right height for you. Adjust the seat and the handle bars as deemed necessary so you can fully concentrate on your riding and not on your uncomfortable biking position.

Know road rules.

Stick to your usual routes as much as possible as this minimizes encountering surprises on the road. Surprises can be in the form of road humps, street holes, right of way, as well as common traffic rules. If you’re trying out a new route or terrain, it's always your duty to make sense of road rules and be aware of your surroundings. It's also advisable to ride in the direction of traffic and be on the appropriate side of the road to minimize road accidents and enjoy safe rides.

Make use of hand signals.

Aside from flashing lights, reflectors, and bright clothes, also aim to learn proper hand signals to help you communicate with other motorists. Use the correct hand signals if you're slowing down, turning left, or turning right.

Ready to hit the road? If you're looking for more inspiration for your biking needs, check out bike shops Melbourne for a wide assortment of bicycles and riding gears online.

Why You Should Try Out Biking

These days, there’s no place anywhere in the world that you won’t find bike lanes and people riding their bikes. More than just a means of transportation, biking means a lot of things to people, which is no surprise it has evolved into the cultural icon that it is.

There are a lot of reasons people ride bikes – for exercise, to enjoy the scenery and get to know the neighborhood, to go to work or school and to take the proverbial ride down nostalgia lane. While there are those who think bike riding is for kids, there are those who absolutely cannot live without it. In the age of advanced technology, tablets and smartphones, it can be refreshing to find somebody who still prefers to walk or bike to work rather than drive expensive SUVs.

Also, in communities around the world, there is a growing need to provide people more options and opportunities to go biking, to bike more often and to bike to more places and doing so safely. After all, the benefits of riding a bicycle can be expressed in terms of improved personal and environmental health, reduced traffic congestion, an enhanced quality of life and economic rewards.

As far as economic benefits go, this can be measured in terms of reduction of insurance and maintenance costs since you don’t have to use your cars as often and the growth of business within the community because they are easily accessible by biking. 

And for people who would like to try biking, there are tons of online stores where you can check out the best bike models of today or maybe a vintage bicycle for those who love to go down memory lane. Of course, since we buy most of our stuff off the internet, why shouldn’t we be able to buy our bikes online? Not only will you find that they are cheaper online, you’ll also be able to browse through a wider array of models and do research to find the best ones for you because after all, a bike also needs to fit your personality, not just your style. With the many tips, advice and suggestions available online, you won’t have any trouble finding the right bike for you.

Among other things, bike riding is a simple and cost-free way to have fun, an activity that is easily learned and not as easily forgotten. Some people on the other hand, are reluctant to try biking because of their innate fear of hills and cars but as any biking enthusiast knows, once you get over your fear of hills and cars, you’ll love the feeling of freedom and riding on the open road, with nothing but nature’s breathtaking scenes to enjoy. As for those who were born and bred in the city, like New York for example, biking is the best way they have to be able to enjoy the outdoors. 

Amidst the towering skyscrapers and heavy traffic, a bike allows you to zip through all the congestion and during the weekends, when everything slows down to a leisurely pace, you get to understand why New York, is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It is only when we slow down and take ourselves out of the race that we get to appreciate what surrounds us and why we are here.

If you’re the type who’s family-oriented, riding bikes can be a good bonding activity. Kids these days who were born to mopeds and cars, may find riding a bike quite quaint at first but as most families have found out, there’s just something about trying out something new that even sparks a trend among your neighbors. And when you check out bike stores both online and off, you will be able to find bicycles Sydney fit for your family, which can be another reason to bond because you are huddled in front of the computer trying to find the best bikes.

Also, once you start riding your bikes, it’s a lifelong adventure that you’ll always go on, regardless of any physical problems you are having. Just as equestrians will always go back to riding their horses even after falling a couple of times, avid bike riders will always go back on the saddle because it’s what keeps them going. It’s the mental lift that they need to keep trying and keep living despite everything. Want a little pick-me-up after a bad break-up? Schedule a weekend bike ride with your BFF and you’ll find yourself wondering at the end of the day why you even shed tears for the lout you broke up with.

Feeling like life has let you down or is ganging up on you in some way? Get on a bike and feel your worries and tension drain away as you feel the wind on your face and the beauty of your surroundings enveloping you. Feel in your mind that you are faster than any car, faster than any train and you’ll soon feel that you can take life on again and not get bogged down by it. 

As mentioned before, there are a lot of reasons people love to ride their bikes but the main one is because it’s part of who they are. Sure, it helps them do their bit for the environment and burns off a few calories along the way but it also makes them feel happy and at peace with the world and with themselves. Who can argue about feeling that good? In addition to never being late for anything ever again, you don’t have to pay for another parking ticket for as long as you live.

3 Bikie-Friendly Tips To Buy The Right Bicycle Online

Are you a bikie, or want to be? Cycling or biking as a sport or hobby has many benefits. You may not have ridden a bike since grade school, and if you’re considering (again), well, riding a bike basically still is riding a bike (for the most part). Cycling as an exercise promotes cardiovascular health. Petrol price is constantly rising, thus, riding your bike for nearby errands or even to work or school is fiscally advantageous, too. There’s no need to get stuck in heavy traffic and you’re being friendly to the environment. There are different types of bicycles, but if you’re looking for mens  bicycle, what are some tips to consider? Find a good deal, buy a bicycle online. It’s easy to Google, you might think, but primarily note this checklist to buy the right bicycle for yourself.

Chappelli Classic 3S (Fixie Style)

What Type of Cycling?

Conduct a needs- analysis (of yourself) for starters. Are you a beginner cyclist? What type of cycling do you want to take as a hobby or sport? Do you plan to bike short, moderate or long distance? What other gear and components will make your biking a safe and satisfactory experience?

Online Shopping Vs. Offline Shopping

Searching online makes the “search” way easier and faster. Check what the best brands are in terms of quality. Is it within the range of your budget? Compare different bikes, features and prices. Shopping online for a bicycle spares you from the trouble of traffic jams, a long line at the store and pushy salespeople. Then again, there are also plusses and pros when you shop offline. No shipping costs to pay and you can test ride your options. It’s much easier to make the final decision about the bike you’re going to buy if you shop offline.

What Type Of Bicycle And Features?

What features meet your needs as a sports or leisure biker? If cycling means racing on roads long distance for you, a better option is a road bike. Road bike frames are typically manufactured with steel or lightweight aluminum material. Purchase road bicycles online that are available with 24- 30 speeds. What terrain do you plan to pedal through? For smooth to somewhat rugged terrains, it’s best to get a front- suspension mountain bike. Dirt jumping won’t be a problem for a front- suspension mountain bike, and it’s less bulky and more lightweight than other all- terrain mountain bikes.

A full suspension mountain bike is more suitable for really rugged rides. Off- road biking on steep inclines and rough terrains is fun and exciting with a full suspension mountain bike.

A hybrid bike is ideal for roads and level dirt rides. A hybrid bike has a large frame but narrow tires.

A common men’s bicyle is the comfort bike used for casual rides on roads or dirt surfaces. The two- wheeler men’s comfort bike is more affordable, available roughly with 18 speeds.

Go through this short checklist, shop for the right bicycle online and enjoy cycling for sports or leisure.

Fixie Bikes, Stripped down to the Bare Essentials

What's up with fixie bikes that cyclists are raving about the limited specifications? Many maintain that fixies are all about novelty and less about function, but others prefer the freedom of the limitation, especially in comparison to multi-speed and mountain bikes. Sure, product safety is the primary concern when you're riding a bike that's stripped off all the frills, including breaks, but you'll warm up to the simple setup soon enough and a fixie just might become your favorite commute vehicle. The differences between fixies and multi-speeds are obvious, and most cyclists own both so they can alternate between convenience and simplicity whenever they want to.

 Chappelli (Classic Women's Fixie Style)

It's all in the Gear Setup

The main feature of a fixie bike is in the gear setup. You'll find it awkward at first when the gear turns with the wheel and you're forced to pedal continuously during the right. This is a stark contrast to freewheeling bikes, which allows your legs enough time to rest as you coast on the momentum you've built during the ride. That being said, fixie gear bikes offer the convenience of a worry-free ride.

With or without Brakes?

The preferences are split on whether fixie bikes are better off with or without brakes. If you had to keep it simple, then why go for something that defeats the purpose of convenience? Safety is an issue, though, and unless you have a death wish weaving through urban traffic, brakes are your best safety measure against accidents. Some cyclists strip their bikes, though, essentials such as brakes included. You can manage without brakes if you're confident with multi-speeds in the first place. The setup feels odd at first and you'll have to warm up to it, but your efforts will pay off in the long run. Fixie bikes are worth flaunting on the street; people will gawk at the sheer simplicity, even silencing those who can't get enough of gears and speed settings.

 Chappelli Le Coq (Single Speed)

Rugged Fixies for the Urban Cyclist

Fixie bikes are rugged and carefree, and you'll be amazed at the ease of not having to worry about when to shift gears and which gears to shift to. The pleasure is all in the ride, and fixie bikes offer a smooth, hassle-free ride without all the frills. If you're considering bike specifications and settings, then you'll either go for convenience or simplicity. Convenience is all about accessibility, something that multi-speed and mountain bikes offer by default. You should consider a fixed gear bike at Chappelli if you'd rather go with simplicity, though. You'll find enough benefit with bikes stripped down to the bare essentials.

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.

Fixie Bikes, Built to Meet the Need for Speed

I’m used to multispeed bikes ever since these became popular, which says a lot about my generation and our insatiable need for control. Multispeed bikes became popular in the nineties because these offered different speed settings for a variety of terrain. You can outpace someone climbing a steep hill if you have the right gear settings, even if you’re not physically at par with competitors. Indeed, a multi-speed is a control freak’s dream fulfilled. You can’t have it any other way if you prefer convenience and efficiency any day of the week.

That being said, there’s something about a fixed-gear bike that appeals to your sense of adventure. Fixies are uncompromising, and customization of the essential features is scoffed at, at least within the biking community. If you’ve never ridden a fixie bike before, your first experience would surely be awkward. You can’t coast because the pedals always turn with the wheels. The one feature that makes fixie bikes stand out is the absence of any brakes. It’s true that some install brakes for obvious safety reasons, but purists prefer the setup to remain as it should be. Indeed, riding a fixie is more about your sense of style than your comfort, the need to satisfy your adrenaline rush with risks instead of control.

If you had to go with style, then you shouldn’t compromise on the features of a true fixie bike. This means no brakes, no coasting, and a bare sturdy frame. You’ve probably seen bike messengers riding bikes they just can’t stop. They had to dismount in motion, so to speak. In a way, a fixed-gear bike hones your sense of control, since you’ll be able to deal with speeds without the help of breaks or shifted gears. There’s always the safety issue, though. Something you should seriously consider if you’re a newbie learning how to ride a fixie bike bareback.

Brakes are essential parts of any vehicle, but since original fixies weren’t built to have these, you’ll just have to think of the setup as training wheels. It’s ironic that many fixie bike lovers are also speed freaks, thrusting headlong onto corners without thinking what lies ahead. Chappelli fixed gear bikes for sale and are reasonably priced, also available in many bike shops; you can always return your purchase if you’re not satisfied with how you feel riding it. There’s a learning curve involved in learning how to ride a fixie. Your efforts are rewarded nonetheless, once you’re part of a community of enthusiasts and you’re able to ride your bike with ease and with comfort.

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.