If the sport of cycling is something that you are considering taking up then you should know that there are a few things that you are going to need in order to truly enjoy the sport. One of those things that you many new riders often neglect is a good quality bike rack. It\’s rare that a cyclist can ride from their house and not have to transport their bicycle somewhere whether it be a trailhead or even just taking the bike to the shop for service. There are a number of different kinds of bike racks that you should explore.

The Types of Bike Racks

Hitch Mounted Bicycle Rack – A hitch mount rack is very common, in fact, probably the most common of any style rack simply because their are so many trailer hitch equipped vehicles on the road and it is a simple solution. These types of racks work well but they have their downsides as well, the obvious being would you ever need to use your hitch and your bike rack at the same time? Vacation? Something to consider before purchasing this style of bike rack.

Spare Tire Bike Rack – A Spare Tire bike rack is a bike rack that mounts to the spare tire. It can accomplish this a couple of different ways either using ratcheting straps that wrap around the spare or some of them will actually bolt onto the wheel studs that hold the spare tire in place to begin with.

Roof Mount Bike Racks – Roof Mount racks employ a rail system and some form of hold down that will keep the bike tight and in place. These types of racks are great in that you don\’t lose the use of your hitch BUT they can be difficult to load as you need to lift the bike over your head to get it in the rack. You also need to watch out for overhangs, drive throughs and your garage door as well.

Truck Mount Racks – Pickup truck owners also have options other than the hitch mount if they prefer. Some bike racks mount between the bed rails and either hold onto the front tire or the rider would remove the front tire and mount the forks of the bicycle directly to the rail. This keeps the bikes secure and you can lock them down if you choose for security.

Pros and Cons

Any of these designs will have their good points and their bad points. What you need to figure out is which one of these styles of bike racks most closely matches your needs and lifestyles. Do you need to be able to use your hitch and bike rack at the same time? If so then a hitch mounted rack is not for you. Can the bike rack be mounted permanently? Is rear access important to you? Are you strong enough to lift your bike overhead to load into a roof rack? All questions that only you can answer but all need to be answered before you buy.

Now that you know more about what to look for, read up on some of the reviews, ask yourself those tough questions and then purchase the bike rack that best fits your needs.

Want to find out more about a car bike rack, then visit Jack Duncan\’s site on how to choose the best bike rack for your needs.

Tags: cycling shorts, b cycling, fun cycling

by Alison Addy

Mountain bike stands can really help to make the job in hand a whole lot easier.

Repairing your bike yourself is often essential if you want to save yourself a lot of money. Maintaining and keeping your bike in good condition is one of the best ways to prevent your bike from braking in the first place, but if you have to do a repair then a mountain bike stand will be a handy piece of equipment to have.

Kick-stands simply won’t do the job as well as a mountain bike stand. An ordinary stand will keep hold of the bike whilst you carry out your repair work. However there are a number of different stands to choose from and so you really need to ensure that you choose the right one for you. To know more about bicycle storage racks and bike racks you can go through the website.

What to Think About when Purchasing a Mountain Bike Stand

When looking for a mountain bike stand to suit your needs you will obviously need to consider your budget. You should also check that the stand is freestanding and that it can take the weight of your bike when it is placed onto it. The stand should keep hold of the bike no matter which ground you place it on.

You could even carry around a foldable mountain bike stand. This is ideal if you take part in competitions and races, or if you just plan on going on a long journey. If you plan to be riding over tough ground then a tripod stand may be your best option. They are extremely good at staying put even on the toughest of surfaces.

One important factor you should look at when considering any mountain bike stand is the single lever quick release mechanism. This helps to hold the bike upright and you can adjust the stand to support the weight of the bike. The grip should also ideally have a single quick release lever so that you can remove the bike easily when you have finished.

Choosing a good mountain bike stand is easy once you know what to look for. You need to think of how easy you want the job to be. If you don’t want to do a lot of hard work then purchasing a stand which you can adjust is definitely a good idea. The adjustment lever will be found on the telescoping pole and it allows you to move the bike either downwards or upwards to make the repair work easier.

Overall you can pick up a good stand for under $100. However, it may well be worth looking into higher priced, better quality ones if you plan to be doing a lot of work on the bike.

About the Author:

Did you enjoy the article on bike stand??, Alison Addy writes for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . Keep reading about bicycle storage racks and bike racks at his web.

Tags: motorized bicycle, cycling shoes, bicycle helmets

by Abbott Tearce

Bicycles may be the smallest wheeled objects on the road, but in the eyes of the law, they are vehicles nonetheless. As vehicle operators, cyclists must follow the same rules, laws and regulations as other drivers.

Legally, the only difference between a bicycle and the average car is a few thousand pounds. But, when you’re sharing the road, it’s a big difference. That’s why proper protection is crucial.

No cyclist should purchase a bike without also buying the necessary safety gear. With the right accessories your journey will be more comfortable, more fun and above all, a lot safer.

The number one rule of safe cycling is to wear a proper helmet. Riding with a helmet is the law in some places, and it’s simply the smartest way to ride. There are many helmets available on the market, and some offer a higher degree of protection than others.

Ask for assistance at a professional cycle shop to make the best choice. Look for a helmet that is not only comfortable, but is constructed of top-quality materials to provide the best protection.

Saving a few bucks on a cheaper model is no bargain if you suffer head injury from an accidental fall. It’s important that the helmet you choose fits properly to prevent neck pain, and is well-ventilated to provide adequate heat release on during long, hot rides.

If you ride without protection because you don’t like the look or feel of a helmet, or if you just don’t believe that you’ll ever get into a cycling accident, take a trip to a group home or hospital. The results of head injury are truly devastating, and it can happen to anyone.

On the road and on the trail, cycling can be thirsty business. That’s why so many bikes are equipped with bottle cages. Water bottles can be dangerous, however, so many wise cyclists use hydration packs instead. Hydration packs give cyclists the benefits of fresh water without the hassle and danger of using a water bottle. These handy accessories also have storage spaces for keeping keys, cell phone, money and snacks.

Using water bottles can cause cyclists to lose control, speed and concentration, but it is essential to stay hydrated during long rides and on hot, sunny days. Invest in a hydration pack. You can always use your existing water bottle cage to store an extra refill in case of an emergency.

Any cyclist who’s ever taken a bug or a bit of debris in the eye will tell you that eyewear is a crucial component of your safe biking gear. Not only does good eyewear protect your eyes from debris, it also shields the bright sunlight. Serious riders purchase proper cycling goggles, while others opt for less expensive sunglasses.

So long as it is good quality eyewear that fits properly, the choice is really yours. Lenses should be orange or yellow to brighten the road or track, light up dark and shady. In the evening or on overcast days, these lenses really do wonders for your visibility on the road.

If you’re a casual or recreation cyclist, you can ride in just about any type of clothing. Long distance and extreme cyclists, however, often opt for padded cycling shorts. The padded seat makes riding more comfortable, and the soft material helps to prevent rashes and chafing.

Many cyclists are surprised to learn that half-finger gloves can be considered safety gear. These gloves are padded to protect the palms, yet allow the fingers to move freely. Cyclists who wear these gloves are less likely to develop calluses and rashes, and so can ride for extended periods of time without pain.

Don’t overlook the safety aspects of the bicycle itself. If you are cycling for health reasons, don’t be afraid to invest in a more expensive model. The extra money you’ll spend is well worth the overall safety and comfort a lightweight bike with good suspension can bring.

Cyclists are expected to share the road with vehicles many, many times the sizes and weight. Accidents can, and do, happen without warning. Invest in good quality safety gear and use it every time you ride.

Contributor Donald Taylor is a regular columnist for a variety of well-known web sites, on sports and leisure and sports recreation issues. Click here for other unique ‘cycling’ articles.

Tags: specialized bicycle, bicycle handlebars, bicycle tires