Getting a Grip with Cycling Shoes

Like every sport, cycling requires its own type of equipment, for safety and for success. Cycling is a sport of speed; consequently, cycling equipment must battle wind resistance while it optimizes the power of the athlete. When spectators look at a cyclist, they notice the tight-fitting shorts and shirts, the aerodynamic helmets and the small, light sunglasses—they rarely notice the shoes.

But cycling shoes are some of the most important, most integral pieces of equipment in the sporting cyclist’s repertoire, whether they are riding on the road, on a track or on a mountain. Cycling shoes are available in a variety of styles and are produced by a variety of companies, but they all have the same goal—to win.

Pedals and Pins

While cycling shoes differ depending on the type of racing, they all exhibit four key features: rigidity for the transfer of power, weight and attachments and adaptability for use on and off the bicycle. The four types of cycling, road racing, touring, mountain biking and spinning, each require different amounts of rigidity, different weights and different attachment mechanisms.

For instance, road shoes normally have no treads and the protruding attachment cleats make it impossible for the rider to walk in them. Touring cycling shoes, however, add treads and a smaller cleat so the rider can walk and cycle. Mountain bike shoes are also designed for walking, as riders may need to dismount their bicycles to negotiate difficult terrain.

Modern cycling shoes utilize a clipless pedal system, meaning the shows attach directly to the pedals for maximum efficiency. A cleat on the bottom of each shoe matches a fitting on each pedal, and cycling shoes click into place. Older cycling shoes used a toe clip and strap. The cyclist slid his or her shoes into metal cages attached to the pedals.

A toe clip would also help to hold the shoe in place, but when the rider needed to take his or her feet out of the pedals, he or she would have to reach down and loosen the strap. Not only was this time consuming, it was dangerous as well—in case of an accident, riders could not quickly dismount their bicycles. Modern cycling shoes and clipless pedals allow cyclists to release from the pedals quickly and safely.

Overshoes are also available for cycling shoes. Due to the aerodynamic nature of cycling shoes, and the materials used to make them lightweight and breathable, many are not waterproof. Overshoes are flexible coverings that can be slipped on over cycling shoes for use in wet weather. They are usually composed of rubber or synthetic materials and zip inside of the ankle. The fabric covers the soles but is not designed to be walked on, but it will include a hole for clipless pedal systems.

Pain Versus Gain: Cycling Knee Pain

In the sport of cycling, knee injuries are some of the most common injuries. Cycling knee pain is often caused by iliotibial band syndrome. The IT band is a fibrous band of tissue that runs along the outside of the leg from the knee to the hip. When the band tightens and rubs across the sharp bones of the hip or the knee, severe pain can occur. For cyclists, tight and inflexible muscles in the lower extremities can worsen the condition, meaning cyclists with more muscular builds are actually more at risk for cycling knee pain.

Prevention and Treatment

Cycling knee pain is usually caused from overuse. Cyclists new to the sport or cyclists who are just beginning their spring training programs often attempt to do too much too fast, resulting in pain and injury. The first few weeks of any training program, regardless of the cyclist’s expertise, should be taken slow, with low pedal resistance. Hard riding and hill work should be limited, and stretching, especially in the lower limbs, should be added.

Cycling knee pain is most commonly caused by poor saddle height, poor crank length, excessively high gear use, poor cleat alignment or too much added leg work in the gym. Also, certain individual anatomies may make some cyclists more prone to cycling knee pain. For these individuals, added precautions should be taken regardless of the season. Some cycling knee pain is not caused by the knees at all. Week muscles in the lower back can often put extra stress on the muscles and joints of the legs; regardless of their sport, cyclists should always include lower back exercises in their weight training routines.

Cycling knee pain can be treated in numerous ways, but usually cyclists are unwilling to take a break and end up causing more injury in the long run. Cycling knee pain usually develops slowly over a number of days—it rarely happens suddenly and is usually not an emergency. Most competitive athletes have a fear of resting, yet resting is the most effective treatment of any cycling knee pain and most other cycling-related injuries. Cyclists should always visit their primary care physicians or sports medicine physicians first whenever consistent pain is felt.

Rest is the most helpful medicine for any kind of injury to the knee. After rest, rehabilitation is necessary. Cyclists should cut back their mileage and use lower gears for a few weeks. Leg work at the gym should also be reduced, but stretching should be increased. Drugs such as Tylenol or Motrin are useful for cycling knee pain, but they do not solve the problem—taking pills in order to bike through the pain is not the right use of medication.

Safety Tips for Cycling in the Rain

It’s always a good idea to take proper safety measures when you are out on your bicycle. There are lots of hazards which could potentially cause you to take a spill, and learning to be careful and wear the right protective equipment all goes a long way towards making sure you stay safe whenever you are out and about on your bike.

But cycling in the rain brings with it particular hazards that you don’t experience at any other time. So, it’s worth thinking ahead and being prepared to minimise any risk of accident or injury to yourself or others.

Watch Your Speed

This is the most important aspect of cycling in the rain. However good your bike is, and however much money you spent on it, you will know that when the brakes are wet they don’t work as well as they do in the dry. This means it will take far longer for you to stop – and in the worst case scenario – for cheaper bikes that only have the most basic brake systems included on them – the brakes may actually do very little at all to help you slow down.

Make sure you always keep your speed down when you are cycling in the rain, and squeeze your brakes gently every now and again to help keep the brake pads drier. It might just make a difference that can count for a lot if you have to stop quickly.

Wear Extra Clothing

It’s always important to be seen when you are on your bike, but visibility tends to drop remarkably when it is raining. That’s why it’s worth wearing waterproofs that are brightly colored, to ensure that more people are able to see you when you are cycling in the rain.

Add reflective strips to your bike as well and make sure your reflectors aren’t chipped or broken. It’s worth using lights if it is really raining heavily, since it all helps to ensure that everyone can see you. This applies even in the middle of the day; it can become very dark when the storm clouds are building.

Perhaps the most important point to remember when you are cycling in the rain is to get off and seek shelter if you don’t feel safe enough to carry on. Don’t take shelter under trees if there is lightning and thunder, but instead find somewhere to wait the storm out if you can.

Cycling in Europe: A Perfect Vacation

If you love cycling and love to see new things all the time while you cycle then a cycling holiday could be perfect for you. Cycling holidays are planned in such a way that you can cycle anywhere you like without the hassle of lugging baggage everywhere and arrange your stay as you like it. It can be an intimate holiday with a loved one or a fun filled get together with friends. The choice is yours, whatever the size of your group cycling in Europe will prove to be an amazing experience.

Perfect Terrain

Cycling in Europe is perfect as many European cities are accustomed to bikes and many of the people cycle everywhere. Cycling in Europe is wonderful because you can arrange your itinerary to your convenience. You can decide where to stop and for how long and what you want to do. A little research in advance and you can see some of the most beautiful sights in Europe on a bike.

Cycling in Europe is beautiful if you decide on mostly country routes as there are still many picturesque villages that exist in Europe today. These villages have a rich cultural heritage and have many interesting sites such as churches, museums and monuments. Moving from little to little town on bike will allow you to take everything in. you would never be able to do the same with a tour group.

The terrain can be challenging if it’s all about the physical journey or it can be gentle to allow you to truly enjoy everything around you. The best part of a cycling in Europe holiday is that you will have your luggage transported to your hotel prior to your arrival.

Because of the flexibility in time and planning you can truly call your holiday your own. Cycling in Europe is also easy because many people do it and you don’t have to worry about traffic. Routed selected are clearly marked in terms of how busy they are. You can choose a route that avoids heavy traffic completely.

Choose a route that you can manage easily and gives you enough time to stop and rest. Remember this is a holiday, not a marathon. Limit the places you are going to visit and enjoy your time in each place. If you try to push yourself too much you won’t have any fun and will end up each night in bed with sore muscles.

Why Should You be Wearing a Cycling Helmet Shield?

Everyone knows that protecting your head is an important part of biking. It’s easier than you might think to slip off your bike and sustain an injury, so the more you can do to protect yourself, the better.

But not everyone has got a cycling helmet shield to complete the look. While they may not be worn as commonly as the helmets themselves, it’s worth taking a look at how they can help you to keep safe when you are out and about on your bike.

Protection for Your Face

A cycling helmet shield is available in two options. You can either get a cycling helmet shield to attach to your current helmet (if it will accommodate it) or you can get a hat made especially with a cycling helmet shield already included and built in.

Whatever option you go for, a cycling helmet shield has one big advantage for you from a safety point of view. If you should come off your bike and go down head first, there is a chance that you could damage your face or chin when you hit the ground. Even if all you get is gravel rash, that can be extremely sore and painful, and it can scar the soft tissue of your face.

A cycling helmet shield acts as a protector to prevent that from happening. And while you may still get the odd piece of gravel flying up into your face you will be protected from the worst injuries because it will cover most of your face.

An Alternative Use

But a cycling helmet shield doesn’t just come with benefits as far as avoided injuries are concerned. They can also come with a built in air filter, which means that the air you breathe in while you are out and about riding your bike is nice and clean and has had all the potential pollutants removed by the shield before it reaches you. In today’s choked up cities a cycling helmet shield is particularly good news, as it means you will be twice as safe while you are out getting some much needed exercise.

So the next time you need a new crash hat, don’t just settle for a standard one. Get one which has this extra degree of protection built in, to ensure that if you ever are unlucky enough to come off your bike, you will be as safe as possible without the risk of facial injuries.

Peak Performance: Cycling Gear

In cycling, almost more so than in any other sport, wind resistance is key. No matter how strong a cyclist, no matter how toned his or her muscles, no matter how intense his or her endurance, stamina and athletic prowess, if the wind is allowed to play a part, he or she will never win.

When it comes to choosing cycling gear, cyclists always look for articles that will provide the most wind resistance, the items streamlined and designed to not only not be hampered by wind, but literally funnel it away from the body of the cyclist. Almost every piece of cycling gear is somehow designed with wind in mind.

Buying with Victory in Mind

Amateur cyclists are often tempted to ride with basic athletic clothing. They do not see the point of buying more expensive cycling gear, and they definitely do not see the need for added, non-essential pieces of equipment. They ride around the city in baggy shorts, sneakers, everyday sunglasses and helmet better designed for training wheels than speed. However, for any cyclist who dreams of victories, for those cyclists who look at every ride as a conditioning ride and do not understand the concept of a leisurely piece, each piece of their ensemble is carefully researched and carefully selected.

Cycling shorts and shirts are two of the first pieces of cycling gear often purchased. Both should fit close to the body; this decreases wind resistance, but it also prevents muscle cramping and fatigue. Cycling clothing is usually comprised from Lycra and spandex; both materials provide the closest fit but also help with whisking sweat away, keeping the cyclist both dry and cool. These pieces of clothing are also designed with attachments in mind; in cold weather, leg warmers and arm warmers can easily be attached without decreasing performance or increasing discomfort.

Cycling shoes are also streamlined, and are designed with speed in mind. These pieces of cycling gear embody both safety and performance; they attach to the pedals in a manner that both increases the power of the cyclist and increases his or her ability to adapt to different situations. Like other pieces of cycling gear, they are built with the best materials to keep the cyclist cool and battle sweat and overheating.

Helmets and sunglasses, two of the most important pieces of cycling gear designed for safety, are also built for speed. Aerodynamic and streamlined, helmets protect the head but do not add weight to the cyclist or wind resistance. Even sunglasses, which protect the eyes from the sun, wind and debris, are designed to provide the largest area of vision without protruding from the face in a manner that would hinder speed.

For the Heart: Cycling Fitness Training

When many people go to the gym, the first thing they step on is the treadmill. Running is seen as the ultimate conditioning exercise; marathon runners are seen as the epitome of peak conditioning, and a few miles on the treadmill must be better than any other exercise. However, even marathon runners train beyond running. The body, if put repeatedly through the same exercises, will adapt and plateau—eventually, running will no longer do any good. Long-distance runners spend time on the elliptical machines, the stair machines and even in the weight rooms. And one of the best types of exercise, even better than running in many ways, is cycling fitness training. Exercise bicycles provide cardiovascular exercise, but also extensive resistance training for the leg muscles. Cycling fitness training works the body in different ways, it works the heart in different ways and it works the mind in different ways—no matter an individual’s fitness goals, it is the perfect supplement to any routine.

Total Body Workout

Cycling fitness training is growing more and more popular, especially among female athletes. Spinning classes are some of the most popular group fitness classes, even compared to aerobics. Cycling fitness training requires no complicated moves to learn—most people remember how to ride a bicycle from childhood. This means that from the first class, or from the first few minutes on an exercise bicycle in the gym, anyone can beginning getting his or her heart rate up. There is also no extra equipment needed. Almost every gym has Spinning bicycles, and often entire rooms dedicated to the exercise.

Cycling fitness training classes aim at making exercise fun. While anyone can walk into a gym and sit down on a stationary bicycle, Spinning classes help motivate individuals by pumping music into the room and creating an environment of shared fun and enjoyment. The exercise is simple, and the bicycles can be adjusted to personal height and resistance. And there is always an instructor there to both guide the “terrain” and to help individuals who may have problems during the class. Cycling fitness training, while a great cardiovascular exercise, also provides intense muscle toning, and muscle, even in the legs, raises metabolism and helps increase overall calorie burning.

Cycling fitness training is also very useful for people who want to get into the sport of cycling. Be able to build muscle and endurance in a safe, indoor environment, long before ever getting on a real bicycle, is a good way to start. And it also provides continued training during bad weather or the off season. Many of the stationary bicycles available today are built to resemble the real thing, and both professional athletes and amateurs can benefit from cycling fitness training.

Enjoying the Ride with Cycling Equipment

Unlike many sports, cycling does not require a large amount of equipment. Aside from what is worn on the body, the only piece of equipment really needed is the bicycle. However, road bikes and other competitive bicycles use a lot of parts, and when these parts need to be replaced, the cyclists better know what to do and have access to the spare parts. For the most part, however, cycling equipment consists of clothing geared toward speed; these pieces of clothing are wind resistant but also provide the utmost of comfort to the cyclist, from sweat whisking qualities to the ability to cool.

Cycling equipment is important for cyclists of all levels, but certain cyclists are going to prefer certain makes and styles. For instance, cycling shorts are available in a variety of styles. While some are skin-tight Lycra, others are baggy but include an internal layer that provides the same sweat control as their spandex counterparts. In the end, cycling equipment is a personal choice, but a cyclist should always be willing to spend a little extra money to stay safe, stay comfortable and stay in the winner’s circle.

Choosing with the Body, Not the Wallet

For competitive cyclists, especially those out on the trail, certain spare parts should always be in close reach. Bicycle suspensions and tires may need to be adjusted or replaced in the middle of a long distance tour or race, and sometimes the saddle may need to be adjusted. Certain tools and other pieces of cycling equipment should be carried on the person to ensure that the correct adjustments can be made at any given time. On mountain trails, a lot more things can go wrong, and since cyclists are often required to carry their bicycles, a lot of pieces and adjustments can get knocked out of place.

Outside of the bicycle itself, cycling equipment is designed to be aerodynamic and comfortable. Helmets and sunglasses, important safety pieces, are made to be wind-resistant, and to provide the most possible safety while remaining lightweight and small. Gloves are used for grip, but also for cold weather; in snowy conditions or in the rain, frozen hands can be both dangerous in itself and also cause crashes from loss of grip.

Cycling equipment also includes specially made jerseys that offer the same properties as cycling shorts. Skin-tight and sweat resistant, they keep the cyclists cool and comfortable while not hindering speed at all. Cycling shoes also are built to maximize both power and comfort, although the cyclist will need to choose certain shoes if he or she expects to do any walking in them.

A Sampler of Cycling Caps

The type of cycling cap that a person wears while riding tells you a lot about their personality. Below are listed some of the more popular cycling caps on the market, some bearing names of the superstars of cycling.

Nike Cycling Caps

This company, located near Portland, Oregon always, seems to capture the "kings of their sport" and then produce products that live up to their highest quality standards. Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, Spike Lee, Charles Barkley, Ken Griffey, Jr. Dan Fouts, and Tiger Woods all wear Lance Armstrong cycling caps.

Lance Armstrong, by winning the Tour de France seven times, is the all-time king of cycling. And so it is only natural that Nike would put the Armstrong name on the very best cycling cap on the market.

Waltz Cycling Caps

These caps have ear flaps and are handmade from quality, durable 100% wool. The soft bill liner is comfortable and flexible and can be worn either up or down. The unique four panel design offers clean lines for a snug cap that fits nicely under a cycling helmet. All caps are sewn individually in the United States.

Campagnolo Cap

Cut larger than traditional cycling caps, these caps are made of cotton twill fabric which is thin enough to fit under a helmet, but is tough enough to provide years of wear. These caps have elasticized backs to assure that one size fits all and soft, absorbent, lined brims. The brightly painted designs on the caps are guaranteed not to fade. Campagnolo caps are made in the United States.

Yellow Jersey Cycling Caps

These caps are 100% cotton, made in the United States by Jorge Saavedra. King Kong caps are made by Chuey Brand in San Francisco. These cycling caps are one of a kind and are available in a variety of colors and prints.

Champion System Caps

These caps are very unusual in that they are fully sublimated. The sublimation process requires a polyester based fabric, so these caps are not cotton. Cotton caps require the logos to be screened, not sublimated.

The problem with screen printing is that you can't use intricate designs like fades and tone-on-tone printing. Another problem with screened logos is that, like t-shirts, the logos will eventually crack, peel, and fade over time.

A good example would be if you have ever washed a cotton cap. These Champion caps can be washed over and over, and still look new, because traditional plastic brims are not used.

Reviews for Adidas Cycling Products

Adidas is a well known brand that initially started with sports shoes. Today, it is still focused on sports but has since branched out to many different sports, including cycling. Adidas cycling products are getting more and more popular these days. The product lines range from Adidas cycling shoes to sportswear like jerseys.

Adidas used to sponsor T-Mobile cycling team but had recently pulled out its sponsorship due to the doping problems and allegations that have plagued the team last 2007. For this year, the company is focusing more on individual athletes instead of teams for sponsorships.

Adidas Cycling Shoes

Adidas cycling shoes are being developed with the partnership of Mavic, another very well known cycling brand. The partnership between Adidas and Mavic mainly concerns the cycling shoes so other products are not included in the Adidas/ Mavic collaboration. Adidas cycling shoes have sponsored Thor Hushovd as their consultant regarding the needs of athletes.

One of the more prominent cycling shoes produced by Adidas is the Adistar Ultra in which Hushovd helped to develop. It was also worn by the professional athletes in many of his races. The cyclist gives his input regarding the cycling shoes and both Mavic and Adidas interpret the input into specification for the shoes.

Adidas Cycling Apparel

Adidas also dabbles in sports wear which are focused on cycling. Adidas cycling sportswear are very durable and are also conscientiously designed and manufactures with the comfort and needs of the athletes in mind. The durability is one of the aspects that make the Adidas cycling sports wear appealing to cyclists because they are assured that their jerseys, jackets and bicycle shorts can last longer than others.

The sports wear is usually made from lightweight materials that can easily wick away sweat and moisture from the cyclists skin, ensuring comfort. This feature is essential for companies who wish to manufacture sports wear focused on cycling. Keeping the cyclists dry and comfortable entails using fabrics or materials which dry easily and are form fitting enough to ensure less wind drag, comfort and style.

Adidas cycling apparel have all these in mind when they are manufactured while Adidas cycling shoes bear in mind the suggestions and finding that their professional cyclist recommend for the comfort and function of their shoes. The company prides itself in making sports wear and cycling shoes that portray the desire and intention of the company to meet the demands of the consumers for better products.

Sponsoring with Pride: The Astana Cycling Team

During the 2006 cycling season, when the Liberty Seguros-Wurth team fell prey to the Operacion Puerto doping case, Astana stepped in to sponsor the team, a team that included leading Kazakh rider Alexander Vinokourov. During the second half of the 2006 season, Vinokourov went on to win the Vuelta a Espana as part of the Astana cycling team.

The Astana group is a coalition of state-owned companies in Kazakhstan, and is named after the country’s capital city. While the Astana group hoped to revive the sanctity of Kazakh cycling, the next few years still proved scandalous, and only by bringing Johan Buryneel on board was the Astana cycling team able to save face.

A Rocky Road to Glory

The Astana cycling team initially had trouble receiving a ProTour license. While they tried to purchase the original license of the former Liberty Seguros-Wurth team, the owner was reluctant to sell. The team, now based in Switzerland under the management of Marc Biver, decided to apply for their own license, and while at first they were informed they would not be able to ride in the 2007 season, they received their four-year ProTour license in December of 2006.

At the 2007 Tour de France, team-leader Vinokourov won the time-trial. However, he tested positive for blood doping, and the entire Astana cycling team withdrew from the competition. The team sacked Vinokourov and suspended all activities in August of 2007 to establish new regulations. In 2008, the Astana group brought Johan Bruyneel on board to replace Biver as the team’s manager. The former director of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, Bruyneel started afresh with the Astana cycling team, hiring numerous former Discovery riders including Alberto Contador, the winner of the 2007 Tour de France.

First and foremost, Bruyneel introduced Rasmus Damsgarrd’s anti-doping system to the Astana cycling team, a system initially used by the Discovery team. Bruyneel also signed a contract with the Trek Bicycle Corporation, supplying the entire Astana cycling team with bicycles and components. Sadly, even with Bruyneel’s dedication and intuition, the Astana cycling team remains at a standstill.

In February of 2008, the organizers of the Tour de France announced that the team will be barred from competing in the 2008 competition due to its links to both the 2007 doping scandals and Operacion Puerto. Contador will be unable to defend his Tour de France title, as his contract includes no escape clause that covers his team’s current situation. While the Astana cycling team will be able to compete elsewhere, the Tour de France remains the pinnacle of professional cycling, and the February announcement remains a great disappointment.

Hold Tight: The Adventure of Adventure Cycling

A lot of emphasis has been placed on bicycles recently. With the current energy crisis and the movement toward energy-save modes of transportation, bicycle riding has experienced a surge in popularity. Cycling as a mode of transportation is cheap, energy-efficient and often time-saving, as bicycles are rarely caught in traffic and can be a quicker route especially in major cities. Bicycles have even become integral components of certain professions, from curriers and taxis to police officers and postal workers.

However, cycling, while a good transportation option, has other uses as well, even outside of athletic competition. Cycling is a good source of fitness and fun, as well as self-discovery and the discovery of nature. The Adventure Cycling Association, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to inspiring men and women of all ages to travel by bicycle, whether for work, pleasure or competition, but especially for the discovery of America’s natural beauty.

Purple Mountains and Blue Seas

Founded in 1973, the Adventure Cycling Association began with a single event. The Bikecentennial, created by Dan Burden, Lys Burden, Greg Siple and June Siple, was a cross-country bicycle event intended to celebrate the bicentennial of the United States. Over 4,000 cyclists participated in the inaugural 1976 tours. After the completion of the Bikecentennial, the organization lived on as the Adventure Cycling Association.

A non-profit member organization, it calls itself America’s bicycle travel resource and inspiration. It offers various programs for cyclists, including a national network of touring routes and organized tours and trips. The former Bikecentennial Trail remains its most popular route. Now titled the TransAmerica Trail, the route stretches from Astoria, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia, with over 30,000 miles of mountain bike trails and road routes.

The Adventure Cycling Association has also published the Pedal Pioneers Guide, a manual designed to help with the planning and implementing of youth bicycle tours. A how-to guide for adults, it is intended to help leaders execute youth cycling tour projects, whether weekend tours or summer-long cross-country adventures. With its emphasis on leisurely enjoyment rather than competition or required transportation, the Adventure Cycling Association has helped to bring back the joy of cycling.

The TransAmerica Trail itself includes numerous national landmarks, including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Due to the influence of the Adventure Cycling Association, various cafes, restaurants and hotels include journals written by former riders that provide new riders with a history of the route.

The TransAmerica Trail takes about three months to complete, and can be ridden from May to September. The highest pass on the route is over 11,500 feet, and snow can occur at any time in the Rock Mountains. Pueblo, Colorado is the halfway point of the route and is the largest city until Carbondale, Illinois. While some stretches of terrain are relatively flat, a lot of heavy climbing can be expected at different points on the trail, especially in the Rocky Mountains, the Ozark Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains.