Bike Bicycle
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US $15.00
Get On Your Bike - Bicycle Buying Guide
Bicycles can be used for a number of purposes, including recreation, fitness, transportation and sports. If you are planning on purchasing a new bike, consider the terrain you will be riding on as well as your body weight. Are you finding it difficult to choose a new cycle? Go through this buying guide for exhaustive information on bicycles and make the right choice.
What types of bicycles are available?
Different types of bicycles, such as BMX, road, racing, touring, comfort, kids, womens, tandem and more, are available for sale. Here is an in-depth look at some popular models.
Road Bikes:
Road bikes are built for paved roads. They have thin tires, dropped handlebars and lightweight frames made of aluminum or carbon. The majority of these cycles have 21 speeds. Sport bikes, touring bikes, racing bikes, triathlon bikes, cruisers and choppers also fall under this category.
Mountain Bikes:
Mountain bikes are durable enough to withstand serious off-road racing. Sturdy frames, strong brakes, flat handlebars and 26-inch wheels make these bikes highly popular. Their low gears assist you in off-road racing, especially when going uphill and riding through mud. These cycles are heavy and can withstand rough handling. In a few models, the front suspension and rear suspension offer comfort, even while riding over uneven ground.
Comfort Bikes:
These bikes are good for beginners. Comfort bikes come with adjustable vertical handlebars, comfy seats, 26 inch wide and low pressure tires and suspension forks. They are made for short rides on well-maintained bike paths.
Hybrid/Cross Bikes:
These all-purpose bicycles combine the features of road and mountain bikes. They have a wide gear ratio, upright handlebars and narrow tires. Their frames are lightweight, making these perfect for pavement riding and minor off-road racing. Hybrid/cross bikes usually come with mudguards.
Recumbent Bikes:
If you cannot handle the physical strain associated with traditional bicycles, consider recumbent cycles. These bikes can go fast and provide comfortable seating. However, they do have some pitfalls. They are expensive compared to most standard bikes and their transportation by car may prove to be more difficult as well, especially long wheelbase models.
BMX Bikes:
BMX (Bicycle Motocross) bikes owe their invention to the popularity of motocross dirt bike racing. These bikes can be ridden through woods or around dirt-tracks. Though BMX cycles resemble mountain bikes, their wheels and frames are comparatively smaller. These bikes are suitable for kids and young riders. BMX racing bikes are built for racing on dirt tracks. BMX freestyle bikes are designed for doing tricks whereas BMX dirt jumping bikes are made for getting airborne on dirt tracks.
Chopper Bikes:
These bikes are based on chopper motorcycles. Chopper bikes feature wide rear tires, large cushioned seats and extended handlebars. These bikes are not recommended for off-road racing.
Womens Bikes:
Womens bicycles are smaller, designed to suit the build of the average woman. They have narrow handlebars, short top tubes and wide saddles.
Kids Bikes:
Is your child pining for a bicycle? Compact bikes with small frames are ideal for children. These bikes are easy to ride and durable. Many kids bicycles come with training wheels attached. Other cycles give you the option to attach separately sold training wheels. Go for kids bikes with spoke guards and coaster brakes that allow children to stop when pedaling backwards.
Tandem Bikes:
Do you want to make cycling more fun? Get a tandem bike that accommodates two or more people at one time.
What are other factors to consider when purchasing a bike and getting into the rewarding sport cycling
Frame Materials:
Frames are made of different materials depending on the type of bicycle.
Steel
The most commonly used frame material is steel. Chromoly (chromium-molybdenum steel) is lighter than carbon steel, but both are strong and durable.
Carbon Fiber
These strong and lightweight frames offer a good ride.
Titanium
Titanium is one of the most rugged, durable and costliest frame materials you can get.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a stiff and strong material. Aluminum frames are good for riders looking for lightweight bikes.
Suspension:
Hybrid, comfort and mountain bikes feature suspension forks. Forks assist you in riding over rough tracks more easily and comfortably.
Wheels:
Wheels play a vital role in bikes. Single-alloy hubs with rubber axle seals, few spokes and sealed bearings are recommended. Stainless steel spokes and aluminum rims are lightweight and rust free.
Gears:
Gears are crucial to ride on uneven surfaces. On flat surfaces, only 3 or 4 gears are needed. When it comes to hills and challenging terrain, a bike with a 21, 24 or 27 speed drivetrain is necessary. Go for bikes with gears that are easy to shift.
Brakes:
Most bikes are equipped with either rim brakes (V-brakes), linear brakes or hub brakes. Disc brakes, the latest brake type, provide brilliant braking and low maintenance, but are expensive.
Seats:
Look for anatomical shapes, flexible frames, gel padding and cushioning springs in your seats.
What accessories are available for bicycles?
If you are getting a new bicycle, you should check out the following accessories. Some accessories are absolutely necessary, while others are strictly for your own convenience.
Helmets:
Helmets are vital accessories to avoid head injuries. They come in kid and adult sizes as well as many colors.
Locks:
Protect your bicycle from theft with a bike lock. Locks are highly recommended if you plan on leaving your bicycle in any public area unattended.
Flat Kits:
For long rides, it is wise to carry a flat kit and a small frame-mounted pump to fill your tires with air. The kit should include a new tube, basic patch kit, tire iron, wrench, rag and small seat bag.
Pumps:
To fill your tires with air whenever you need, buy bicycle pumps.
Computers and Monitors:
A cyclocomputer is a digital speedometer that shows speed, distance and time traveled during your bicycle ride. High-end models come with GPS functions and can measure your heart rate and power output.
Mudguards:
Keep yourself and your bike clean with mudguards.
Baskets and Panniers:
Attach baskets and panniers to your bike to carry heavier loads.
Covers/Storage:
Protect your bicycles with cycle covers and storage solutions, such as lightweight aluminum storage stands.
Carriers:
For small cars, carriers (also referred to as bike racks) that attach to the roof are ideal. For big cars, like vans an SUVs, use carriers that attach to the rear of your vehicle.
About the Author
Bob Shanty has been researching and writing articles that help shoppers make more
educated buying decisions on cycling for online shopping
mega store BIGshop for years. For more articles by Bob please visit http://www.bigshop.com.au.
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Louis Garneau Orbit Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $39 Louis Garneau Orbit Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. With a detachable visor, 21 vents, and a rack and pinion mechanism that comfortably and securely holds the Bicycle Helmet in position, this mountain bike Bicycle Helmet is ready for any trail. |
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Giro Phase Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $64.99 Giro Phase Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Whether it's a daunting climb or rock-strewn trail, this compact, cool and durable Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet delivers high-profile performance at an incredible value. |
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Giro Xen Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $49 Giro Xen Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. What do you get when you combine the smooth, lower profile style and coverage of a multi-sport Bicycle Helmet with the lighter weight and ventilation of high-performance mountain bike Bicycle Helmet? The Xen of course! |
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Bell Delirium Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $49 Bell Delirium Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Amazingly light with extremely large vents for great airflow, this Bell Bicycle Helmet is more than just head protection -- it's a fashion statement! |
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GORE BIKE WEAR Bicycle Helmet Cap $32.99 GORE BIKE WEAR Bicycle Helmet Cap. This warming, extremely elastic cycling cap can be worn comfortably under a Bicycle Helmet. Won't irritate or restrict your head and is highly compact for easy packing. |
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2010 Bell Variant Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $64.99 2010 Bell Variant Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Whether it's a day at the trails, a few hours at the park or shuttling down that near vertical descent, this skate-inspired and trail-tuned Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet is ready to play anywhere you take it! |
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Bell Influx Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $34.99 Bell Influx Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The fact that this is the world's best Bicycle Helmet value is kind of beside the point. With features like 18 massive vents, Fusion In-Mold Microshell, blade visor, GPS Fit System, channeled ventilation and Cam-Lock levers, the Influx is a great Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet at any price. |
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Giro Athlon Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $69 Giro Athlon Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. If your mountain bike riding style involves a timing chip and number plate, then you'll be relieved to know that Giro has developed a competition-specific bike Bicycle Helmet just for you. Compact shape, 23 Wind Tunnel vents and low-profile P.O.V. visor maximize comfort and performance on the race course. |
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2012 Giro Athlon Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $121.49 2012 Giro Athlon Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. If your mountain bike riding style involves a timing chip and number plate, then you'll be relieved to know that Giro has developed a competition-specific bike Bicycle Helmet just for you. Compact shape, 23 Wind Tunnel vents, low-profile P.O.V. visor and the new Roc Loc 5 retention system maximize comfort, fit and performance on the race course. |
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Giro E2 Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet Slate Small $99.99 Giro E2 Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet Slate Small. Whether you're attacking the singletrack or cruising through the great wide open, the Giro E2 Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet is a proven winner on the trail. |
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2012 Bell Sequence Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $89.99 2012 Bell Sequence Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Somewhere between full-on XC racing and just riding for the huck of it sits the Bell Sequence Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. European-inspired, the Sequence is equipped with the Twin Axis Gear fit system, 24 flow-tuned vents and a VPV visor adjustable visor for everything from the all-day XC epic to the a 24-hour endurance race to the show-and-go after work ride. |
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2011 Lazer Clash Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $69.99 2011 Lazer Clash Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Whether you're cruisin' fast on a rock-strewn trail or you've suddenly developed a relationship with a tree you never saw before, one thing is for sure: You'll be glad you wore the Clash bike Bicycle Helmet. Additional shell protection underneath the In-Molded upper shell maximizes durability. Award-winning, Rollsys system provides the most accurate and advanced fit on the planet, and even stays in position in the event of a crash. |
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Giro Animas Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $49 Giro Animas Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. If you're an up-and-coming racer or singletrack hog who wants a deal on top performance, you should check out the Animas. It combines aggressive style and Wind Tunnel vents with the stability of a Roc Loc 4 system and P.O.V. visor. Whether its epic endurance challenges or tough terrain, this bike Bicycle Helmet has you covered. |
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2012 Giro Xar Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $116.99 2012 Giro Xar Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Introducing the new czar of all-mountain riding. With skate-punk style, sleek lines, 17 Wind Tunnel vents, X-Static padding, and the unmatched fit and adjustability of Giro's new Roc Loc 5 retention system, the Xar bike Bicycle Helmet blends coverage, comfort and style. |
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2012 Bell Variant Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $71.99 2012 Bell Variant Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Whether it's a day at the trails, a few hours at the park or shuttling down that near vertical descent, this skate-inspired, trail-tuned, bike Bicycle Helmet is ready to play anywhere you take it. With features like Fusion In-Mold Microshell, adjustable visor, Twin Axis Gear fit system, channeled ventilation, and Cam-Lock levers, the Variant's got it all. |
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2012 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $80.99 2012 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The Hex bike Bicycle Helmet lures the trail-hungry rider with its top-level features. Rock-hard design guarantees unparalleled protection for your dream box. 21 vents provide powerful ventilation, adjustable visor shields your eyes, and the new Roc Loc 5 retention system sets the standard for comfort, stability, adjustability and weight savings. |
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2011 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $80.99 2011 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The Hex bike Bicycle Helmet lures the trail-hungry rider with its top-level features. Rock-hard design guarantees unparalleled protection for your dream box. 21 vents provide powerful ventilation, adjustable visor shields your eyes, and the new Roc Loc 5 retention system sets the standard for comfort, stability, adjustability and weight savings. |
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Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $34 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The Hex bike Bicycle Helmet lures the trail-hungry rider with its top-level features. Rock-hard design guarantees unparalleled protection for your dream box. 21 vents provide powerful ventilation, adjustable visor shields your eyes and the Roc Loc 4 retention system enhances stability over rough terrain. |
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2011 Lazer Oasiz Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $109.99 2011 Lazer Oasiz Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Lazer has teamed up with legendary mountain biker, Brian Lopes, to create an all-mountain bike Bicycle Helmet with more protection and coverage. In-Molded reinforcement structure improves impact resistance and guarantees higher safety. Extended back and sides shield your neck and face on rougher rides. Lazer and Brian even reduced the Bicycle Helmet weight, optimized ventilation, added advanced retention features and gave it a very appropriate name: the Oasiz. It's one of the safest places to put your head. |
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2012 Mavic Syncro Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $124.95 2012 Mavic Syncro Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Designed for the hottest days on the road or trail, the versatile Syncro Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet won't weigh you down or trap heat like other cycling helmets. Lightweight shell is constructed for competitive use and follows the contours of your head to reduce pressure points. Generously sized vents keep you cool, sweat-wicking Ergo Fit Pads provide comfort, and the single-handed retention system easily adjusts on-the-fly. Removable visor is included for off-road applications. |
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2012 Giro Feature Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $67.49 2012 Giro Feature Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. Whether you're bushwhacking through neglected trails, gearing up for an all-mountain epic or racing in a Super-D, one thing is for sure. The Giro Feature bike Bicycle Helmet can handle it all. Its new shape has more coverage than traditional helmets for maximum impact protection. Internal channels keep your head cool on the climbs, adjustable moto-style visor protects your vision and the In-Form retention system makes it easy to dial-in the perfect fit, even with gloves on. |
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Bell Furio Road Bicycle Helmet $24 Bell Furio Road Bicycle Helmet. Are you the type Phil Liggett would say rides with fury? Then this is your road bike Bicycle Helmet! |
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TransIt Bicycle Hoist $39.99 TransIt Bicycle Hoist. There's no such thing as not enough room for another bike! Store bikes overhead and out of the way with the TransIt Bicycle Hoist. a href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/00-0807 Xport Bicycle Hoist Deluxe_1108_3_INST.pdf target=_blankClick for Instruction Manual/a |
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Bern Watts Bicycle Helmet $58.49 Bern Watts Bicycle Helmet. Have multiple impacts left you a few watts short of a light bulb? If so, then we have a bike Bicycle Helmet for you. ABS shell with EPS hard form provides excellent head protection so you can mountain bike, BMX, skateboard and ski in confidence. 10 vents keep your head cool, integrated visor just looks cool and Sink Fit design feels as good as it looks. Rediscover those light bulb moments in the Watts Bicycle Helmet. |
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Ascent Strada Road Bicycle Helmet $49.99 Ascent Strada Road Bicycle Helmet. The Strada bike Bicycle Helmet brings pro-level features and styling to the everyday road rider with its In-Mold construction, large cooling vents and fast, sculpted look. |
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Bell Ghisallo Road Bicycle Helmet $59.99 Bell Ghisallo Road Bicycle Helmet. The Bell Ghisallo road bike Bicycle Helmet pays special homage to the Madonna de Ghisallo, the patroness of cyclists, with its cathedral-like vents, divinely inspired shape and everlasting fit. |
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Giro Saros Road Bicycle Helmet $59 Giro Saros Road Bicycle Helmet. With excellent ventilation, a sleek silhouette and a customized fit, this stylish road bike Bicycle Helmet is just what you need to break away from the pack! |
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Giro Remedy DH Bicycle Helmet Blue Small $59.99 Giro Remedy DH Bicycle Helmet Blue Small. Take your big hit bike down the mountain with this high-impact full face Bicycle Helmet. |
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Ascent Blast Kid's Pack Bicycle Helmet and Pads $24.99 Ascent Blast Kid's Pack Bicycle Helmet and Pads. Is your little one learning the ropes of riding a bike or trike? Then protect them from bumps and scrapes along the way with this kid's bike Bicycle Helmet and pad set. |
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Giant Talos Bicycle Helmet Red Small $20 Giant Talos Bicycle Helmet Red Small. Protection and ventilation is the name of the game with bike helmets and the Talos has plenty of both. |
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Bell Slant Sport Bicycle Helmet $45 Bell Slant Sport Bicycle Helmet. With tons of ventilation, versatility and value, the Slant bike Bicycle Helmet is equipped for road and off-road riding. Features 21 channeled vents, Fusion In-Mold Microshell, ErgoDial fit system, easy-adjust Cam-Lock levers and removable visor. |
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Giro Rift Sport Bicycle Helmet $39.99 Giro Rift Sport Bicycle Helmet. There are plenty of affordable bike helmets out there that can make you look like a human bowling ball. But not this one! With rugged good looks and technical features that rival many higher-end bike helmets, no one will ever guess it didn't break the bank! |
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Bell Alchera Road Bicycle Helmet $49.99 Bell Alchera Road Bicycle Helmet. The Bell Alchera road Bicycle Helmet is a podium-worthy contender that's sure to become your new favorite. |
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Bern Brentwood Bicycle Helmet $67.49 Bern Brentwood Bicycle Helmet. Hello brain. Meet the Brentwood. It's the thinnest, lightest, lowest profile bike Bicycle Helmet available for adrenaline-pumping sports like skateboarding, biking, in-line skating, snowboarding and skiing. Tough, PVC shell is fused with liquid-injected, high-impact foam to protect your grey matter from the worst blows. Channeled vents keep your head cool while the detachable visor keeps you looking cool. Sink Fit design fits lower for better protection and accommodates sunglasses or goggles. The Brentwood is your brain's new best friend. |