Mar
23
2009
23
2009
expertvillage asked:
Knobby tires or not? Learn how to choose mountain bike tires for riding downhill trails in this video on mountain biking basics.
1 Comments
Mar
23
2009
23
2009
Buying an exercise bike? An exercise bike is an excellent way to build fitness, lose weight and get fit. Plus they’re convenient and one of the most comfortable to burn calories in the comfort of your own home.
But how do you choose the best one? This buying guide will show you what to look for when shopping so you can find the best exercise bike for your needs - while avoiding the lemons!
First, ask yourself which class of exercise bike you would like. There are 2 general classes of exercise bikes:
1) Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes are the newer exercise bikes on the market with the chair-like or bucket seats. Your body is placed in a semi reclining position and your legs angle out in front of you to reach the pedals instead of hanging down as on an upright bike.
2) Upright Bikes
These are also called “Stationary bikes” although this term is now becoming a catch all term for both upright and recumbent bikes. These are the traditional exercise bikes that have been around for years and are similar in form to traditional outdoor bikes.
An offshoot of the standard upright bike is the ‘Dual Action’ Stationary bike. These bikes have movable bars or levers on arm handles to incorporate your upper body into the workout.
Know what you want before you start comparing different exercise bikes. Personally I’ve owned both and after a while upright exercise bike seats just don’t feel too comfortable if you know what I mean. But the choice is yours.
The next thing you need to decide on is your budget. How much are you willing to pay for your exercise bike?
There are really 3 price categories:
1) Under $500
2) Between $500 - 1000
3) $1000 +
Under $500: While there are some above average exercise bikes under $500, don’t expect to get a top quality machine for this price. If you don’t plan on using your exercise cycle much or if you’re on a budget, this may be a good price point for you.
Between $500 - $1000: Unlike treadmills or elliptical trainers, you can usually get a very solid, higher quality exercise bike for your home in this category.
Most exercise bikes in this category offer magnetic resistance and high grade consoles that give you feedback on your workout. You should also expect several built-in workout programs, foot straps and heart rate monitors.
$1000 +: These exercise bikes are either the cream of the crop for the advanced home exerciser or they are commercial grade for the health club. Examples of bikes in this category include spinners and commercial bikes like Life Cycle, Kettler and Star Trac.
Always remember that with exercise bikes - in general - you do get what you pay for so try to spend the most that you can and get a high quality machine that will last you.
These are really the 2 most important features to decide on: the type of bike and the price you can afford. Here are a few more features you should know about when choosing an exercise bike.
Resistance
There are several different types of resistance you’ll find in your exercise bike
1) Direct Tension - offers you a manual adjustment of resistance
2) Air - resistance is provided by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade
3) Magnetic Resistance - this is the most sophisticated type of resistance allowing magnetic currents to create and track the resistance. It generally allows for a greater variety of workout levels.
Magnetic resistance is generally viewed as the best option since it tends to be quieter and provides a more even feel when pedalling.
Workout Options
Most exercise bikes give you information on speed, distance traveled, and time of the workout. The more sophisticated you go, you’ll also find things like total calories and fat burned, resistance level, heart rate and program mode.
You can also get exercise bikes with numerous preprogrammed workouts and information storage as well as iFit compatibility and Interactive Disc players.
It really depends on your personal preferences whether you choose a bike with 10 preset programs and an ultra high tech computer display or one with just a simple display.
However, keep in mind that in general, the higher priced bikes have more sophisticated options and are built with higher quality materials.
Warranty
Exercise Bikes come with a variety of warranties from 90 days to lifetime warranties on different parts of the bike. For example, parts and labor may be covered for 6 months, electronics for 1 year and the frame for a lifetime. In general a longer warranty is indicative of a higher quality machine.
Final Note: It is also important that you decide how much you are planning to use your exercise bike. For example, if you are new to exercising and not sure you’ll use your exercise bike much, you might want to save some money and go with a more economical model.
If however you plan on using the bike a lot and/or are a regular exerciser, invest a bit more and get a machine that will last. Look for a high quality brand that is highly rated and gives you good value for your money.
By keeping these tips in mind when buying your exercise bike, you’re much more likely to find one that best fits your workout needs.
By: Kathryn Oneill
About the Author:
But how do you choose the best one? This buying guide will show you what to look for when shopping so you can find the best exercise bike for your needs - while avoiding the lemons!
First, ask yourself which class of exercise bike you would like. There are 2 general classes of exercise bikes:
1) Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes are the newer exercise bikes on the market with the chair-like or bucket seats. Your body is placed in a semi reclining position and your legs angle out in front of you to reach the pedals instead of hanging down as on an upright bike.
2) Upright Bikes
These are also called “Stationary bikes” although this term is now becoming a catch all term for both upright and recumbent bikes. These are the traditional exercise bikes that have been around for years and are similar in form to traditional outdoor bikes.
An offshoot of the standard upright bike is the ‘Dual Action’ Stationary bike. These bikes have movable bars or levers on arm handles to incorporate your upper body into the workout.
Know what you want before you start comparing different exercise bikes. Personally I’ve owned both and after a while upright exercise bike seats just don’t feel too comfortable if you know what I mean. But the choice is yours.
The next thing you need to decide on is your budget. How much are you willing to pay for your exercise bike?
There are really 3 price categories:
1) Under $500
2) Between $500 - 1000
3) $1000 +
Under $500: While there are some above average exercise bikes under $500, don’t expect to get a top quality machine for this price. If you don’t plan on using your exercise cycle much or if you’re on a budget, this may be a good price point for you.
Between $500 - $1000: Unlike treadmills or elliptical trainers, you can usually get a very solid, higher quality exercise bike for your home in this category.
Most exercise bikes in this category offer magnetic resistance and high grade consoles that give you feedback on your workout. You should also expect several built-in workout programs, foot straps and heart rate monitors.
$1000 +: These exercise bikes are either the cream of the crop for the advanced home exerciser or they are commercial grade for the health club. Examples of bikes in this category include spinners and commercial bikes like Life Cycle, Kettler and Star Trac.
Always remember that with exercise bikes - in general - you do get what you pay for so try to spend the most that you can and get a high quality machine that will last you.
These are really the 2 most important features to decide on: the type of bike and the price you can afford. Here are a few more features you should know about when choosing an exercise bike.
Resistance
There are several different types of resistance you’ll find in your exercise bike
1) Direct Tension - offers you a manual adjustment of resistance
2) Air - resistance is provided by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade
3) Magnetic Resistance - this is the most sophisticated type of resistance allowing magnetic currents to create and track the resistance. It generally allows for a greater variety of workout levels.
Magnetic resistance is generally viewed as the best option since it tends to be quieter and provides a more even feel when pedalling.
Workout Options
Most exercise bikes give you information on speed, distance traveled, and time of the workout. The more sophisticated you go, you’ll also find things like total calories and fat burned, resistance level, heart rate and program mode.
You can also get exercise bikes with numerous preprogrammed workouts and information storage as well as iFit compatibility and Interactive Disc players.
It really depends on your personal preferences whether you choose a bike with 10 preset programs and an ultra high tech computer display or one with just a simple display.
However, keep in mind that in general, the higher priced bikes have more sophisticated options and are built with higher quality materials.
Warranty
Exercise Bikes come with a variety of warranties from 90 days to lifetime warranties on different parts of the bike. For example, parts and labor may be covered for 6 months, electronics for 1 year and the frame for a lifetime. In general a longer warranty is indicative of a higher quality machine.
Final Note: It is also important that you decide how much you are planning to use your exercise bike. For example, if you are new to exercising and not sure you’ll use your exercise bike much, you might want to save some money and go with a more economical model.
If however you plan on using the bike a lot and/or are a regular exerciser, invest a bit more and get a machine that will last. Look for a high quality brand that is highly rated and gives you good value for your money.
By keeping these tips in mind when buying your exercise bike, you’re much more likely to find one that best fits your workout needs.
By: Kathryn Oneill
About the Author:
K O’Neill writes for Exercise Bike Review a consumer oriented website focusing on the home exercise bike market.
For more buying tips, brand reviews, & best buys visit http://www.Exercise-Bike-Review.com
0 Comments
Feb
22
2009
22
2009
Sales of BMX bikes are increasing faster than almost any other type of bicycle. BMX bikes can be seen on every street, sidewalk and even in their natural habitat, off-road. Even if you never leave your house you’ve certainly seen such bikes on TV. Sure, you probably know what a BMX bike is, but what you probably don’t know is what exactly differentiates a BMX bike from other bikes. We’ll tell you how they’re different.
We’ll start with their origin. It’s quite simple, really. Bikes remained pretty much the same for many decades after they were invented, but the popularity of off-road motorcycle racing, or motocross, during the 60’s changed that. Kids saw the pros racing around on their dirt bikes and taking them off dirt ramps. They wanted to be like their heroes so kids imitated them on their bikes, which, at the time, weren’t made for such rough-housing. It didn’t take long for bike manufacturers to catch on and start manufacturing bikes made specifically for the rigors of racing and jumping off-road. Soon there were sanctioned bicycle motocross (BMX) all over the country. The BMX segment of the market grew and grew and continues to expand today. And of course most the kids (and adults) you see on these bikes don’t ever race and probably don’t jump them off anything more daring than a curb. Still though, BMX bikes are made to take a beating.
Now, to discuss the physical attributes of the BMX bike which makes it different from other bikes. The particular features can be narrowed down to the frame, the wheels/tires, the brakes, and the gears.
The frame on BMX bikes is designed to be very light so it can be easily maneuvered and very strong so it can withstand the stresses of jumping and racing. The light weight of a BMX frame is also important because a lighter bike can save you valuable seconds in a close-fought BMX race. Aluminum and chrome-moly steel are the two materials most favored by BMX’ers. Regular bikes are usually made from cheap grades of steel prone to rusting or even breaking when put under a lot of stress.
Another distinguishing feature of BMX bikes are their wheels and tires. Most BMX bikes have 20″ rims, of course they can also be purchased in other sizes. There is the 12″ size for young children just learning to ride. These days kids are learning to ride bikes before they learn to read! The next size up is the 16″ wheel. These bikes are mostly used by kids from the ages of 8 to 12. Once they enter the teen years, most kids ride the 20″ bikes. This is the size favored by many adults and pros, as well. There are BMX bikes with even larger wheels or in-between sizes but they aren’t as popular.
The tires on BMX bikes are different from conventional road bikes. They’re knobby to give them excellent traction on dirt trails and tracks. In fact, they’re very similar to mountain bike tires, just smaller.
Speaking of mountain bikes, such rides often have as many as 21 gears! Road bikes and beach cruisers typically don’t have that many but they do range from 3 to 18 speeds. BMX bikes, on the other hand, have just one gear. They have one sprocket up front and one on the back wheel. That’s it, they use just one gear because they’re made for all-out sprints and to have precise control for freestyle tricks.
Another feature which differentiates BMX bikes from conventional bikes are their brakes. BMX bikes often have just a rear brake. Having a front brake increases the likelihood of accidentally using just the front one and causing an accident. Plus, racers don’t need the extra braking power because they don’t want to slow down! A BMX bike made for doing tricks will have a front brake, though.
BMX bikes also usually come with pads to protect the rider during accidents and wrecks, which can happen a lot during races. Most racers don’t bother with pads, though, they’re too cool for that. If the bike does have pads, they’re usually on the top bar, handlebar clamp, and the handlebar crossbar.
BMX bikes are a booming business, and their popularity has increased across almost all segments of the market. You can often see BMX riders on televised competitions and commercials. BMX bikes are being ridden by all sorts of people, from professional riders to five year olds just having fun, adults who never grew out of them, and everyone in between.
BMX bikes are available in a range of sizes to accommodate all types of riders and all ages. They also have many specialized features to suit a variety of uses. There are, of course, a wide range in prices, too. If you are considering buying a bike for yourself or someone else, your best source of information are the people at your local bike shop. There’s also tons of reliable information online. The two main issues you need to consider are how the bike is going to be used and how much you are willing to spend. From there it’s up to you.
By: Gregg Hall
About the Author:
We’ll start with their origin. It’s quite simple, really. Bikes remained pretty much the same for many decades after they were invented, but the popularity of off-road motorcycle racing, or motocross, during the 60’s changed that. Kids saw the pros racing around on their dirt bikes and taking them off dirt ramps. They wanted to be like their heroes so kids imitated them on their bikes, which, at the time, weren’t made for such rough-housing. It didn’t take long for bike manufacturers to catch on and start manufacturing bikes made specifically for the rigors of racing and jumping off-road. Soon there were sanctioned bicycle motocross (BMX) all over the country. The BMX segment of the market grew and grew and continues to expand today. And of course most the kids (and adults) you see on these bikes don’t ever race and probably don’t jump them off anything more daring than a curb. Still though, BMX bikes are made to take a beating.
Now, to discuss the physical attributes of the BMX bike which makes it different from other bikes. The particular features can be narrowed down to the frame, the wheels/tires, the brakes, and the gears.
The frame on BMX bikes is designed to be very light so it can be easily maneuvered and very strong so it can withstand the stresses of jumping and racing. The light weight of a BMX frame is also important because a lighter bike can save you valuable seconds in a close-fought BMX race. Aluminum and chrome-moly steel are the two materials most favored by BMX’ers. Regular bikes are usually made from cheap grades of steel prone to rusting or even breaking when put under a lot of stress.
Another distinguishing feature of BMX bikes are their wheels and tires. Most BMX bikes have 20″ rims, of course they can also be purchased in other sizes. There is the 12″ size for young children just learning to ride. These days kids are learning to ride bikes before they learn to read! The next size up is the 16″ wheel. These bikes are mostly used by kids from the ages of 8 to 12. Once they enter the teen years, most kids ride the 20″ bikes. This is the size favored by many adults and pros, as well. There are BMX bikes with even larger wheels or in-between sizes but they aren’t as popular.
The tires on BMX bikes are different from conventional road bikes. They’re knobby to give them excellent traction on dirt trails and tracks. In fact, they’re very similar to mountain bike tires, just smaller.
Speaking of mountain bikes, such rides often have as many as 21 gears! Road bikes and beach cruisers typically don’t have that many but they do range from 3 to 18 speeds. BMX bikes, on the other hand, have just one gear. They have one sprocket up front and one on the back wheel. That’s it, they use just one gear because they’re made for all-out sprints and to have precise control for freestyle tricks.
Another feature which differentiates BMX bikes from conventional bikes are their brakes. BMX bikes often have just a rear brake. Having a front brake increases the likelihood of accidentally using just the front one and causing an accident. Plus, racers don’t need the extra braking power because they don’t want to slow down! A BMX bike made for doing tricks will have a front brake, though.
BMX bikes also usually come with pads to protect the rider during accidents and wrecks, which can happen a lot during races. Most racers don’t bother with pads, though, they’re too cool for that. If the bike does have pads, they’re usually on the top bar, handlebar clamp, and the handlebar crossbar.
BMX bikes are a booming business, and their popularity has increased across almost all segments of the market. You can often see BMX riders on televised competitions and commercials. BMX bikes are being ridden by all sorts of people, from professional riders to five year olds just having fun, adults who never grew out of them, and everyone in between.
BMX bikes are available in a range of sizes to accommodate all types of riders and all ages. They also have many specialized features to suit a variety of uses. There are, of course, a wide range in prices, too. If you are considering buying a bike for yourself or someone else, your best source of information are the people at your local bike shop. There’s also tons of reliable information online. The two main issues you need to consider are how the bike is going to be used and how much you are willing to spend. From there it’s up to you.
By: Gregg Hall
About the Author:
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as cycling gear at http://www.bicyclepartsandclothing.com
0 Comments
Feb
17
2009
17
2009
Mountain bike are designed particularly for extreme mountain biking. It is usually ridden on dirt trails and many other unpaved surfaces. When compared to road bicycles they are better and rugged enough for such unfriendly terrain.
It would not be easy just walking into a shop and selecting the bike. Each bike in the store serves different purposes. One needs a bike that will fit his personality well come at price within his budget and also he needs to enjoy riding it. Comfort and safety are also other important factors. Most important of all, the bike must be worth the money.
One of the most popular brands of mountain bikes in the market is the barracuda mountain bike. It is a very stylish bike designed mainly for mountain biking. The important features of this bike are:
They are very light in weight, they provide better climbing and acceleration, they are laterally stiff, they give us a ********** ride and absorb vibrations and most important of all they are drop-dead gorgeous.
One mountain bike built specially for climbing is the rocky mountain bike.
The ride: the greatest strength of the rocky mountain bike is that it can climb. When ascending this bike feels as good as a hardtail. One can stand or sit without any problem. One feels like accelerating always while climbing. The front forks lock out and also the pro pedal are extremely useful on the climbs which are far steeper than the others. The rocky mountain bike becomes very, very stiff when the front is locked out and with the pro pedal set maximum. When the front fork and the rear shocks combine this bike becomes perfect for climbing.
The bike can clear really tough sections. It does exceptionally well during many steep and technical climbs. It does particularly well in off chamber, slippery, and dusty roads. It gives a perfect hold on roads with sandstone gravel etc. Many tracks which are impossible clear can be cleared with ease using this bike.
Single tracks which are more twisty and tight can be easily negotiated with confidence riding the rocky mountain bike. The handling is extremely smooth and the rocky mountain bike has a good grip on the trail. Riding this bike on a mountain trail is an extreme pleasure.
The only setback in the bike is that it is very poor while descending. The bike has been geometrically designed for climbing, so descending not very enjoyable. But when the stem is changed and the seat post collar is released quickly the performance of the bike is much better during descents.
Overall the rocky mountain bike is very nice and ready to race. The building components used are very strong and really efficient. With a few upgrades in selected areas the bike becomes mind blowing. But the rocky mountain bike is perfect as it is for users on a budget. The hydraulic brake system in the bike works very nicely but makes a little noise when wet but a change in the brake pads solves the problem.
By: Muna wa Wanjiru
About the Author:
It would not be easy just walking into a shop and selecting the bike. Each bike in the store serves different purposes. One needs a bike that will fit his personality well come at price within his budget and also he needs to enjoy riding it. Comfort and safety are also other important factors. Most important of all, the bike must be worth the money.
One of the most popular brands of mountain bikes in the market is the barracuda mountain bike. It is a very stylish bike designed mainly for mountain biking. The important features of this bike are:
They are very light in weight, they provide better climbing and acceleration, they are laterally stiff, they give us a ********** ride and absorb vibrations and most important of all they are drop-dead gorgeous.
One mountain bike built specially for climbing is the rocky mountain bike.
The ride: the greatest strength of the rocky mountain bike is that it can climb. When ascending this bike feels as good as a hardtail. One can stand or sit without any problem. One feels like accelerating always while climbing. The front forks lock out and also the pro pedal are extremely useful on the climbs which are far steeper than the others. The rocky mountain bike becomes very, very stiff when the front is locked out and with the pro pedal set maximum. When the front fork and the rear shocks combine this bike becomes perfect for climbing.
The bike can clear really tough sections. It does exceptionally well during many steep and technical climbs. It does particularly well in off chamber, slippery, and dusty roads. It gives a perfect hold on roads with sandstone gravel etc. Many tracks which are impossible clear can be cleared with ease using this bike.
Single tracks which are more twisty and tight can be easily negotiated with confidence riding the rocky mountain bike. The handling is extremely smooth and the rocky mountain bike has a good grip on the trail. Riding this bike on a mountain trail is an extreme pleasure.
The only setback in the bike is that it is very poor while descending. The bike has been geometrically designed for climbing, so descending not very enjoyable. But when the stem is changed and the seat post collar is released quickly the performance of the bike is much better during descents.
Overall the rocky mountain bike is very nice and ready to race. The building components used are very strong and really efficient. With a few upgrades in selected areas the bike becomes mind blowing. But the rocky mountain bike is perfect as it is for users on a budget. The hydraulic brake system in the bike works very nicely but makes a little noise when wet but a change in the brake pads solves the problem.
By: Muna wa Wanjiru
About the Author:
Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Mountain Bikes for Years. For More Information on rocky mountain bikes, Visit His Site at ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIKESI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On rocky mountain bikes At My Blog here
0 Comments
Feb
04
2009
04
2009
Do you live for the adrenaline rush and exhilarating experience of riding a motor bike? If that’s your cup of tea make sure you are riding responsibly along with having fun. Being a responsible motor bike rider does not only mean riding responsibly and ensuring safety. It also means having the right bike insurance that’s perfect for you and your motor bike. Motor bike insurance is when a motor bike rider pays a set premium to an insurance company so they will cover certain or all aspects of the expense if an accident takes place. The insurance policy ensures that they are bound to pay for your specific financial losses pertaining to your motor bike.
If you’re thinking of getting a motor bike insurance policy it is very important to first educate yourself and understand all of the conditions and coverage aspects. Most people think that they are covered and only when an accident occurs they are shocked to find that their policy doesn’t cover the damages in that type of situation. Simply put, a car ensures more safety to the driver and to others around as opposed to motor bikes. Since motor bikes are high risk most insurance companies are reluctant to cover them. There are three types of motor bike insurance policies which are offered by most insurance companies.
Liability, Collision and Comprehensive are the three major types of motor bike insurance policies. Liability insurance is when the injuries or damages of an accident are covered for the other people involved in an accident. This is the most basic and cheapest insurance policy to get into. However, the drawback of this motor bike policy is that it doesn’t cover you or your motor bike’s damages. Collision coverage is when the policy covers to pay for the damages to you and your motor bike. It is important to check if the cost of the bike will be replaced if it is deemed a total loss by the insurance company. Watch out for policies that have fine print expressing that they will only pay the depreciated value of the bike. That’s a trick most insurance companies use to get away with paying for the complete cost of the bike. You have to make sure and ask about the medical coverage the insurance policy will provide. Most insurance companies which claim to have cheap motor bike insurance policies to offer are covering extremely few aspects of medical coverage or none at all. Comprehensive coverage is a policy which covers incidents such as fire or vandalism damages caused to your motor bike. If your motor bike gets stolen, comprehensive coverage replaces the bike for you. But it will be a difficult claim to make if the bike is stolen with the keys still in the ignition.
The premium that you pay for a motor bike insurance policy is determined and calculated according to different factors such as: your age, how many years you have had a motor bike driving license, your riding history, for what purpose you will be using the bike, the kind and brand of motor bike, how far you will be riding the motor bike annually, and what area you live in. You are responsible for notifying the insurance company of any changes you have made to the bike whether it is cosmetic or performance enhancing. If you change the purpose of usage for the bike or if other people are using it are also reasons to notify the insurer.
It is easy to save money and get a decent motor bike insurance policy by incorporating a couple tips in your life. An insurer usually offers a mileage discount if you limit the usage of your bike. You can also avoid paying higher premiums by storing the bike in a garage, getting the motor bike fixed with an alarm and other proper security features to avoid it being stolen or vandalized. It is also a good idea to get a policy with higher excess which is what you will pay towards any damages in an accident before the insurance company contributes. In most cases, if you purchase motor bike insurance online you will get it considerably cheaper. If you have the financial means to make your payment all at once as opposed to monthly installments you will be rewarded with a cheaper motor bike insurance policy. It is also necessary to build a respectable no claims history with the insurance company for a couple of years before you get a bike insured. If they see your credibility beforehand, the chances are you will get a great policy with that insurance company. If you have more than one bike to insure a multi bike insurance policy might be a better option for you to obtain. A multi bike insurance policy allows you to add many bikes under one policy.
There is no instant solution for getting a good deal on motor bike insurance. The key to getting a great deal is maintaining a creditable riding record, no claims history and researching and finding out the options you have with all the insurance companies available before you settle down to pick one.
By: Ungira Pandit
About the Author:
If you’re thinking of getting a motor bike insurance policy it is very important to first educate yourself and understand all of the conditions and coverage aspects. Most people think that they are covered and only when an accident occurs they are shocked to find that their policy doesn’t cover the damages in that type of situation. Simply put, a car ensures more safety to the driver and to others around as opposed to motor bikes. Since motor bikes are high risk most insurance companies are reluctant to cover them. There are three types of motor bike insurance policies which are offered by most insurance companies.
Liability, Collision and Comprehensive are the three major types of motor bike insurance policies. Liability insurance is when the injuries or damages of an accident are covered for the other people involved in an accident. This is the most basic and cheapest insurance policy to get into. However, the drawback of this motor bike policy is that it doesn’t cover you or your motor bike’s damages. Collision coverage is when the policy covers to pay for the damages to you and your motor bike. It is important to check if the cost of the bike will be replaced if it is deemed a total loss by the insurance company. Watch out for policies that have fine print expressing that they will only pay the depreciated value of the bike. That’s a trick most insurance companies use to get away with paying for the complete cost of the bike. You have to make sure and ask about the medical coverage the insurance policy will provide. Most insurance companies which claim to have cheap motor bike insurance policies to offer are covering extremely few aspects of medical coverage or none at all. Comprehensive coverage is a policy which covers incidents such as fire or vandalism damages caused to your motor bike. If your motor bike gets stolen, comprehensive coverage replaces the bike for you. But it will be a difficult claim to make if the bike is stolen with the keys still in the ignition.
The premium that you pay for a motor bike insurance policy is determined and calculated according to different factors such as: your age, how many years you have had a motor bike driving license, your riding history, for what purpose you will be using the bike, the kind and brand of motor bike, how far you will be riding the motor bike annually, and what area you live in. You are responsible for notifying the insurance company of any changes you have made to the bike whether it is cosmetic or performance enhancing. If you change the purpose of usage for the bike or if other people are using it are also reasons to notify the insurer.
It is easy to save money and get a decent motor bike insurance policy by incorporating a couple tips in your life. An insurer usually offers a mileage discount if you limit the usage of your bike. You can also avoid paying higher premiums by storing the bike in a garage, getting the motor bike fixed with an alarm and other proper security features to avoid it being stolen or vandalized. It is also a good idea to get a policy with higher excess which is what you will pay towards any damages in an accident before the insurance company contributes. In most cases, if you purchase motor bike insurance online you will get it considerably cheaper. If you have the financial means to make your payment all at once as opposed to monthly installments you will be rewarded with a cheaper motor bike insurance policy. It is also necessary to build a respectable no claims history with the insurance company for a couple of years before you get a bike insured. If they see your credibility beforehand, the chances are you will get a great policy with that insurance company. If you have more than one bike to insure a multi bike insurance policy might be a better option for you to obtain. A multi bike insurance policy allows you to add many bikes under one policy.
There is no instant solution for getting a good deal on motor bike insurance. The key to getting a great deal is maintaining a creditable riding record, no claims history and researching and finding out the options you have with all the insurance companies available before you settle down to pick one.
By: Ungira Pandit
About the Author:
Kwik-Fit Insurance provide motor bike insurance policies catered to your needs. Kwik-Fit Insurance have been in business since 1971 and are continuously dedicated to provide the best value for money to customers year after year.
0 Comments
Jan
23
2009
23
2009
Bikes, as we all know it, are fun. They will always be fun, and that is the reason why they never go out of style. A certain car will lose its appeal to many customers, but that will never happen to a bike. Bikes are always going to be here for us, no matter what. Who knows? With all these oil price hike issues, bikes are all that is going to be left to us as a mode of transportation. So why not cash in on it now, and buy a bike? Not only are you helping the environment, but you are helping yourself as well. Think of all the cardiovascular exercises you will be getting from bike riding.
Different Bikes and Its Cost
There are a lot of bikes that you can choose from - from utility bikes to cruiser bikes and from tandems to folding models. Because of its many varieties, when you are choosing the kind of bike you want, choose it because it is what you need, not because it caught your fancy.
Good bikes cost a lot of money. It might be cheaper than your regular car, but it does not mean that what it will cost you next to nothing. No. Excellent-quality bikes cost money, and it will cost you about a thousand bucks. If you feel this is too much for you, then you can start looking for cheap bikes.
Where to Look for Cheap Bikes?
You can find a lot of these cheap bikes that are for sale in the Internet. When you go to an auction site, like eBay, for example, you can type in cheap bikes, and you will be given a list to choose from. Be careful though when you buy your cheap bikes in the auction sites as there are some fraudulent sites that will only take your money. The best way to check an auction site is to read forums and reviews about it. If you buy online though, you also have to ask your seller about his return policy. What you see in the picture might not always be what you will be getting, so you have to make sure about that.
Secondhand bikes are cheap bikes, and you can also check it out. There are a lot of newspaper ads selling secondhand and cheap bikes. If the owner of the bike is near your area, you can simply visit the seller yourself and check the bike over. You should check for any rusts or corrosions. This is a good way of knowing if the cheap bike is still in good running condition. If the bike is relatively rust-free, then it means that the seller is taking good care of it, which is a good buy.
But if you want to buy a cheap brand-new bike in a store, then you have to know that the cheap bike you are trying to purchase is just that - a cheap bike. A cheap bike has low-quality materials, that is why they are a lot cheaper than quality bikes. Who is to say that it will not fall apart on you when you are riding it or your child when he is playing with it?
So the best way to buy a cheap bike is to look at secondhand yet quality bikes. You are assured of its quality, and you bought it at a cheaper price than it originally was.
By: Rolf Karlsen
About the Author:
Different Bikes and Its Cost
There are a lot of bikes that you can choose from - from utility bikes to cruiser bikes and from tandems to folding models. Because of its many varieties, when you are choosing the kind of bike you want, choose it because it is what you need, not because it caught your fancy.
Good bikes cost a lot of money. It might be cheaper than your regular car, but it does not mean that what it will cost you next to nothing. No. Excellent-quality bikes cost money, and it will cost you about a thousand bucks. If you feel this is too much for you, then you can start looking for cheap bikes.
Where to Look for Cheap Bikes?
You can find a lot of these cheap bikes that are for sale in the Internet. When you go to an auction site, like eBay, for example, you can type in cheap bikes, and you will be given a list to choose from. Be careful though when you buy your cheap bikes in the auction sites as there are some fraudulent sites that will only take your money. The best way to check an auction site is to read forums and reviews about it. If you buy online though, you also have to ask your seller about his return policy. What you see in the picture might not always be what you will be getting, so you have to make sure about that.
Secondhand bikes are cheap bikes, and you can also check it out. There are a lot of newspaper ads selling secondhand and cheap bikes. If the owner of the bike is near your area, you can simply visit the seller yourself and check the bike over. You should check for any rusts or corrosions. This is a good way of knowing if the cheap bike is still in good running condition. If the bike is relatively rust-free, then it means that the seller is taking good care of it, which is a good buy.
But if you want to buy a cheap brand-new bike in a store, then you have to know that the cheap bike you are trying to purchase is just that - a cheap bike. A cheap bike has low-quality materials, that is why they are a lot cheaper than quality bikes. Who is to say that it will not fall apart on you when you are riding it or your child when he is playing with it?
So the best way to buy a cheap bike is to look at secondhand yet quality bikes. You are assured of its quality, and you bought it at a cheaper price than it originally was.
By: Rolf Karlsen
About the Author:
Rolf Karlsen think that his excellent health comes from his extensive biking, so he tries his best to promote biking everywhere. You can read more about his thoughts and recommendations on cykler.
0 Comments
Jan
21
2009
21
2009
Owning a bike demands complete biking supplies. It is important that you gather information on how to select the best style for your needs and get a good fit.
The thing that would be on the forefront of your mind before completing your biking supplies is having the right bike for you. First, you will need to decide what you want to use the bike for. It is also a consideration to take where you will be riding your bike most, on road, off road, or both. Through this question, it will help you determine the type of bike to purchase. There are five basic styles of bicycles in three classifications that you need to be familiar with:
Road bikes. They used to be known as the “ten-speed,” however road bikes now vary from 12 to 21 speeds. Contained by this classification of bikes are touring, racing, and sport bikes.
Touring Bike. This bike is not built for speed; rather, it is intended to make simple rides for long haul. A touring bike is an exceptional bike for long distance riding. The drop handlebars gives ease good control and allow for multiple hand positions. Twenty-one speeds will take you over any type of incline you will meet and support brakes can stop you even when you’re forcefully loaded down.
Sport Bike. This bike falls under the category of the touring and racing bike. This is not as light as a racing bike, however, more responsive than the touring bike. The sport bikes drop handlebars that offer comfort and control .Its aerodynamic design allows for faster speeds. If you are into taking rides of 10 or more miles while turning up the strength by adding some speed, this bike can take you there.
Racing bike. This bike is made for race, sporting a smooth. It is also thin and ultra light frame. A short wheelbase lets the bike to respond to the slightest movements and 12 or 18 gears will get you. It will keep you at top speed. If you are into winning races, this is the bike for you.
All Land Bike or Mountain bike. This type of bike is tough. It is built with a strong frame, straight handlebars and fat, knobby tires. It tackles the rigors of off road riding. The upright riding position on the bike makes it comfortable while providing you leverage for steep inclines.
Once you know which type bike you desire, ensure that the bike you choose fits you appropriately. There’s effectively two ways to accomplish a good fit. If you want an ideal fit, for about $50, have a quality bicycle shop that will compute your bike size using a computerized program called the Fit Kit. They will take several measurements such as length of your legs; torso and arms then give you a printout of your measurements. It will also give you the frame height and length that will best suit your body.
The second best way to get a good bike fit is to follow these guidelines such as determining the frame height. You should have one to two inches of advance between the top bar of the bike and your crotch. You should also have three to four inches if you are going to be riding on off-road terrain.
If you want to be a little more precise, measure your inseam. Straddle the bike; lift it up until the top bar touches your crotch. Subsequently, you should measure the distance between the bottom of the tires and ground.
These are just some of those numerous advices you can think about in purchasing a right bike for you. In this sense, getting the right bike for you will lead you to achieve right biking supplies too.
By: David H. Urmann
About the Author:
The thing that would be on the forefront of your mind before completing your biking supplies is having the right bike for you. First, you will need to decide what you want to use the bike for. It is also a consideration to take where you will be riding your bike most, on road, off road, or both. Through this question, it will help you determine the type of bike to purchase. There are five basic styles of bicycles in three classifications that you need to be familiar with:
Road bikes. They used to be known as the “ten-speed,” however road bikes now vary from 12 to 21 speeds. Contained by this classification of bikes are touring, racing, and sport bikes.
Touring Bike. This bike is not built for speed; rather, it is intended to make simple rides for long haul. A touring bike is an exceptional bike for long distance riding. The drop handlebars gives ease good control and allow for multiple hand positions. Twenty-one speeds will take you over any type of incline you will meet and support brakes can stop you even when you’re forcefully loaded down.
Sport Bike. This bike falls under the category of the touring and racing bike. This is not as light as a racing bike, however, more responsive than the touring bike. The sport bikes drop handlebars that offer comfort and control .Its aerodynamic design allows for faster speeds. If you are into taking rides of 10 or more miles while turning up the strength by adding some speed, this bike can take you there.
Racing bike. This bike is made for race, sporting a smooth. It is also thin and ultra light frame. A short wheelbase lets the bike to respond to the slightest movements and 12 or 18 gears will get you. It will keep you at top speed. If you are into winning races, this is the bike for you.
All Land Bike or Mountain bike. This type of bike is tough. It is built with a strong frame, straight handlebars and fat, knobby tires. It tackles the rigors of off road riding. The upright riding position on the bike makes it comfortable while providing you leverage for steep inclines.
Once you know which type bike you desire, ensure that the bike you choose fits you appropriately. There’s effectively two ways to accomplish a good fit. If you want an ideal fit, for about $50, have a quality bicycle shop that will compute your bike size using a computerized program called the Fit Kit. They will take several measurements such as length of your legs; torso and arms then give you a printout of your measurements. It will also give you the frame height and length that will best suit your body.
The second best way to get a good bike fit is to follow these guidelines such as determining the frame height. You should have one to two inches of advance between the top bar of the bike and your crotch. You should also have three to four inches if you are going to be riding on off-road terrain.
If you want to be a little more precise, measure your inseam. Straddle the bike; lift it up until the top bar touches your crotch. Subsequently, you should measure the distance between the bottom of the tires and ground.
These are just some of those numerous advices you can think about in purchasing a right bike for you. In this sense, getting the right bike for you will lead you to achieve right biking supplies too.
By: David H. Urmann
About the Author:
For more information on Bike Supplies please visit our website.
0 Comments