World Cycling Highlights

The term "bicycle" was coined in France in the mid 1860s where these "vehicles for human transport" required a rider to balance to be able to ride. The same is true today: if you can't balance on it, you can't ride it.

The first really popular and commercially successful cycle design was a French one. Developed in 1863, it became a fashionable craze briefly. It used rotary cranks and pedals mounted to the front wheel hub. The use of metal frames in building cycles around the world reduced the overall weight and provided sleeker, more elegant designs that now could be mass produced.

Different braking systems were used depending on the manufacturer. Because of the rigid frame and iron banded wheels, the ride was often times described as "bone shaking." Cycling dropped off dramatically in the United States between 1900 and 1920.

Automobiles became the preferred means of transportation, and bicycles gradually became to be considered children's toys. By 1940, most bicycles were made for children. In Europe, cycling remained an adult activity and both commuting and racing became popular activities.

World Cycling History: Cruiser Bicycles

In the mid 1900s, there were two predominant bicycle styles for recreational cyclists in North America. Heavyweight cruiser bicycles featuring balloon tires, pedal-driven "coaster brakes" and only one gear, were popular for their durability, comfort, streamlined appearance, and a significant array of accessories (lights, bells, springer forks and speedometers).

World Cycling History: Lighter Cycles

A lot of these were imported from England and had hand brakes, thinner tires, and a three speed hub gearing system. They often also had generator powered headlights, safety reflectors, kickstands, and frame mounted tire pumps.

World Cycling History: Racing Bikes

There was an explosion in the popularity of biking between 1960 and 1980. Americans grew increasingly aware of the benefits of exercise and saving energy. Racing bikes made up the majority of sales during this time period and featured dropped handlebars, narrow tires, derailleurs gears, five to fifteen speeds, and a narrow seat

World Cycling History: Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes became available in the late 1980s and were very popular with extreme sports fans. These cycles featured heavier, sturdier frames, large wide tires, suspensions, and flat handlebars. By 2000, the sales of mountain bikes had far exceeded that of racing bikes, which by than were just used for long-distance road racing.

World Cycling History: Hybrid Bicycle

In recent years, casual cyclists have shown dissatisfaction with both the heavy mountain bike and the more fragile, sometimes uncomfortable racing bikes. Manufacturers responded with the hybrid bicycle, in effect combining the two styles into a lighter weight utility cycle, but with a larger selection of gears.

Shopping for Winter Cycling Shoes

If extreme weather is freezing your feet, and you want to keep your toes nice and toasty, there are a number of high-quality winter cycling shoes on the market. Many riders are effective at layering their bodies to keep warm, but end up with frozen toes. Some of the shoes discussed below are more expensive that others, so make sure you do your homework on the internet before you buy.

Nike Winter Cycling Shoes

From head to toe, Nike Cycling offers the best designs, features, and styles. From the moisture-wicking Dri-Fit fabric, to the supple and durable synthetic leather, Nike cycling utilizes the industry's most advanced materials to provide the absolute pinnacle of performance. Lance Armstrong's keen eye has helped Nike make the very best winter cycling shoes in the world.

Kashmir Winter Cycling Shoes

This winter cycling shoe has an insulated rubber sole that is very stiff and hard. The upper is constructed of adjustable Neoprene and Pittards leather. The closure system consists of three straps with laces, and metal spikes; a spike wrench is included.

Pearl Winter Cycling Shoes

These shoes were voted best value-priced shoes by Bicycling Magazine in 2005. Their 360-degree reflective inserts are very effective in low-light conditions. Their stiff nylon I-beam outsole makes foot-to-pedal transfer of energy more efficient. The uppers are made of synthetic and mesh while only weighing less than two pounds.

Diadora Winter Cycling Shoes

Best known for its involvement in soccer, this Italian company makes a very good extreme weatherproof cycling shoe. They are equipped with Windtex membrane liners and fiberglass-reinforced nylon soles.

Sidi Winter Cycling Shoes

Sidi began using Lorica in 1992 because this synthetic microfiber has properties similar to animal leather: soft and breathable, but more resistant to water, mud, scuffing, and most other winter riding hazards. In addition, it will not rot or stretch during summer season storage.
These winter cycling shoes also contain Gore-Tex because it is completely waterproof and wind resistant. The shoe also has a thermoplastic Millennium 2 off-road race sole for high performance acceleration and feel, no matter what the temperature might be.

The Gore-Tex cuff and billowed tongue keep wheel spray and rain out, and three hook-and-loop-fastener straps tighten the shoes down so they stay snug, even if you are running one size larger than usual.

Northwave Winter Cycling Shoes

Northwave has acquired a lot of experience in producing products that perform to the highest expectations in extremely cold conditions. Their Celsius GTX is one of the few winter cycling shoes with a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex upper. It also has a thermal lining to keep your feet warm and dry, and a hook-and-loop-fastener cover that prevents moisture from seeping in.

Winter Cycling Jacket for Comfortable Rides

In winter your cycling needs are different than they are in summer. First you have to change the wheels on your bikes then you have to make sure that you have the right brakes. Once your bike is sorted and you are ready to hit the road you need to make sure that you are wearing the right gear. A good winter cycling jacket is key to keeping warm and comfortable during your winter bike rides. You winter cycling jacket should be able to handle weather conditions and stay out of the way while you cycle.

Meant for Cycling

You winter cycling jacket should be one that is meant specifically for cycling. Other waterproof jackets may provide you with the warmth you need but can get in the way when you cycle. A jacket meant for cycling will have long sleeves that are comfortable for you to stand up and cycle, the sleeves will be designed in such a way that it is comfortable to do this without any tightness at the shoulders. They also have a section at the back that will cover your butt and help keep mud off your shorts.

The next thing you want to look at is the material your winter cycling jacket is made of. A good winter cycling jacket will have good breathable material that is weather proof. Weatherproof material is very important as winter rides can mean rain and unexpected sleet. You need to be prepared, you winter cycling jacket should be able to keep you warm as well as dry. You may not be able to find completely waterproof jackets but you can find water resistant ones that will do a pretty good job.

Remember that your jacket is not the only thing that you will be wearing. Layering is a very important part of keeping warm during winter bike rides. Keep spare layers in a bag wrapped in plastic just in case you didn’t wear enough layers when you set out. Although important, you should not rely totally on your winter cycling jacket for warmth.

Most good jackets will cost you quite a bit. Don’t skimp and look frothed cheapest one, if you are a serious cyclist then buy something that will last you more than one winter. You will need something that is of good quality as cheap jackets don’t do a good job and protect you like they should. Spend the little money and you will reap the benefits in the long term.

An Easier Ride with Weight Training and Cycling Performance

Bicycling is a fantastic pastime, a fun way to stay in shape that doesn't place too much pressure on joints, making it less tiring than other forms of exercise. Beyond being a source of exercise, bicycling is a popular recreational activity on a pretty day and a preferred method of travel in many areas around the world. To increase your cycling performance, you can use other exercises in a complementary manner. Weight training and cycling performance go hand in hand.

Building Up Your Muscles

For difficult stretches of road or path, such as going up a steep incline, you need not only to be aerobically fit, but your muscles need to be strong enough to propel you upwards. Here, weight training and cycling performance are especially important. If your muscles aren't large enough, you may find it too difficult to go up a steep incline, and you may be stuck walking your bike up the path. However, weight training and cycling performance also affects the overall enjoyability of any biking experience, no matter how easy or difficult. Having stronger muscles will make any biking trip easier, and you can enjoy the outdoors much more readily.

So how does one go about combining weight training and cycling performance? The first muscles that come to mind are in the legs, such as your quadriceps and calves. The weight training equipment usually costs thousands of dollars, so you may find it in your best interest to simply pick up a low cost monthly gym membership in your area for access to all the weight lifting equipment you'll ever need. If you don't want to go to just a gym such as Gold's, you can check out the gym at your local YMCA for a more laid back atmosphere and get access to other activities such as swimming and basketball as well.

However, there is more to weight training and cycling performance than just your legs. A stronger back will make a long cycling trip more enjoyable because your back might get tired otherwise in that position. Arm, stomach, and shoulder muscles can also get tired, so you will want to work out all the muscles. Even if you don't plan on losing any weight, weight lifting can tone and build muscle and make you feel better about yourself. In fact, regular exercise is a recommended deterrent to depression, so there really isn't any reason why you shouldn't get to the gym three times or so a week. To make your cycling experience more enjoyable, try out weight lifting and cycling performance.

Trek Cycling: A Great Adventure

A trekking bike used in trek cycling is basically a touring bike with upright handlebars instead of drops. The word "trek" has African roots and means a long, painful journey on foot or by oxcart.

History

The history of trek cycling began in the late 1960s in Northern California when racing down mountain trails, also known as "Repack races," caught the imagination of biking enthusiasts. The race trail was called "Repack" because of the twisting, torturous route downhill on Pine Mountain, California.

The route forced the bikers to use the coaster brakes of their bikes to such an extent that the smoking hubs had to be repacked with grease after each run. These races also gave rise to the introduction of mountain trek bikes, or the kind of bicycles that were suitable for the rougher terrain involved in trek cycling.

In the late 1970s, manufactures of road bicycles started producing specialized trek cycles. The handlebars of trek cycles used for mountain biking have a different design compared to regular bikes. Unlike the curved, dropped handlebar of road bikes, the handlebars of trek cycles are traverse mounted and straight. The first mass-produced trek cycles meant for mountain biking were equipped with 18 gears.

The brake being mounted on the frame or hub was universally adopted in the early 1990s This was along with six bolts being used for bolting the rotor or disc to the hub, as well as the system of using two bolts to attach the brake pad assembly or piston to the frame.

Trek Bicycle Corporation

The Trek Bicycle Corporation is a major American trek cycle and component manufacturer. Trek cycling's high-end bicycles are built at Trek's world headquarters in the town of Waterloo, Wisconsin, while the price-competitive models are manufactured in Taiwan or mainland China.

More trek bicycles are used in trek cycling than any other brand. Trek manufactured the Madone road bike that was ridden in three of seven Tour de France victories by Lance Armstrong.

Trek is the largest U.S. manufacturer of bicycles and related aftermarket products. They formerly supplied the bicycles for the U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team and Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team of the U.S.A. Trek owns several bicycle brand names in the U.S. including Klein, Lemond, and Gary Fisher, many of which are produced domestically in Waterloo.

In Europe, Trek manufactures the Villager, Diamant, and Arrow brands. Trek also owns Wrench Force, Bontrager which was a well known and well regarded manufacturer of high end bicycles in Santa Cruz, California. They are also the exclusive supplier of Nike bicycling products.

At the 2005 Dauphine Libere, Lance Armstrong unveiled the new Trek TTX time trial bike frame. Designed for maximum aerodynamic advantage and developed in just five weeks, the company used a cutting edge software program also used to design Ferrari racing cars.

The End of the T-Mobile Cycling Team

As of the end of the year 2007, the T-Mobile cycling team is no more. Although the cyclist will still be biking in the near future, the mobile phone division of the German telecommunications company, Deutsch Telekom, has pulled out its sponsorship of the popular cycling team. T-Mobile will not be sponsoring any cycling teams as of the moment. In spite of the earlier announcements of T-Mobile that it will support the T-Mobile cycling team for as long as the year 2010, recent drug use allegations could have prompted the telecommunications giant into cutting off ties with the cyclists.

T-Mobile cycling team was very popular in the Tour de France for the exceptional performance of some of their top cyclists. These cyclists, who have made a name for themselves and their team, are Erik Zabel, Jan Ullrich and Bjarne Riis. Jan Ullrich won the Tour de France in the year 1997 but was not able to repeat his win in the following years, more so when Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France and consistently did so for seven consecutive years.

T-Mobile Cycling Team Doping Scandals

The main reason why the T-mobile cycling team was abandoned by the telecommunications company is due mainly to doping scandals that have plagued the team and its cyclists. The T-Mobile cycling team has come under scrutiny ever since the organizers of the Tour de France have installed higher standards for cyclists. These standards have focused more on restricting cyclists from entering the Tour de France if they have certain drugs in their systems.

The T-Mobile cycling team came under close scrutiny after one of their former therapists claim to have given Jan Ullrich a dose of the banned substance Erythropoietin (EPO). This blood booster is said to enhance the performance of the athletes. Zabel and Riis have since confessed to using banned substances but only earlier in their careers. Jan Ullrich has since retired when the issues regarding doping surfaced.

The former T-Mobile cycling team and some of the trainers hope to continue biking under another name in the future. The team might use the name Team High Road but some changes to their roster of cyclists are to be expected.

Deutsch Telekom admits to having a difficult time letting go of their sponsorship of the T-Mobile cycling team but the circumstances have forced them to do so. The doping scandals have played a major role in the company's decision to let go of their T-Mobile cycling team sponsorship and support.

Stationary Cycling Techniques for Speed and Stamina

Cycling is a sport wherein you need to go out n the roads and cycle for several kilometers to achieve fitness. Some individuals who do not wish to go out to ride can satisfy their fitness needs in stationary cycling. There are several stationary cycling techniques wherein you can vastly improve your stamina and speed for better performance.

These stationary cycling techniques not only improve an individual's capacity to ride but also help cyclists lose weight and gain endurance for longer rides. Learning some stationary cycling techniques can also help you save some time and money. Staying in one spot can also be less dangerous than going out daily on the road for a long, intensive ride.

Kinds of Stationary Cycling

There are two kinds of stationary bikes. One is the stationary bicycles which are exercise machines built with gadgets to add resistance for harder cycling. The other kind of indoor cycling is done with rollers. Rollers are cycling equipment on which a road or mountain bike can be ridden as if on a real road. The two kinds of rollers are those that require the two wheels to move while the other need sonly the rear wheel to move.

Why We Need Stationary Bike Training

Stationary cycling techniques are needed for building endurance, stamina and strength especially for professional athletes. Many of these stationary cycling techniques require alternate exercise routines with actual on the road cycling. Many professional athletes go on the road after they have warmed up sufficiently on a stationary bike or they may also cool down sufficiently after a hard ride.

This is true for those who are training hard for an upcoming race or wish to build endurance. Many athletes have specific stationary cycling techniques which are focused on hard gearing where the stationary bicycle is programmed to be hard while some also program their stationary bikes for spinning. The stationary cycling techniques usually depend on the trainer of the athlete.

For ordinary cyclists who wish to alternate stationary cycling with actual on the road cycling, you can make stationary cycling techniques work for you by building stamina and endurance through your stationary cycling techniques. Indoor stationary cycling is very advantageous during the winter months when the weather does not cooperate with the needs and desires of the cyclists. Stationary cycling techniques will help you maintain and also build your muscle power even when you can not go out for on the road cycling.