what are the differant styles of road bikes?

Tyler

I am in the market for a road bike but i don't know what to look for in a bike. Any suggestions would be appreciated

Answer
There are many variations of road bike based on a variety of factors, including (1) intended use and (2) material.

INTENDED USE

Ok, there a variety of different styles of road bikes and many people often call them different things. Here is my breakdown.

If you are planning on riding long rides but still want to have a fast race bike, the "Plush" category of bikes. Don't let the word "plush" fool you -- these are still high quality race bikes, they are just slightly altered to accomodate longer rides. These would include the Specialized Roubaix series (go to www.specialized.com) and the Cannondale Synnapse series (www.cannondale.com). These two bike series will range from about $1900 to about $6000 depending on the model. They are designed to be fast and compliant, but at the same time slightly more comfortable. Trust me, though, you won't be lacking in performance.

If you are going to be focusing on road racing, you might want to go with a Specialized Tarmac, a Trek Madone, a Cannondale SuperSix, or something similar. Again, a huge price range. (for a less expensive option, look at the Specialized Allez). These bikes generally will have a little more aggressive geometry (shorter head tubes, steeper angles, etc).

If you live in an area with flat ground and foresee yourself doing triathlons or bike time trials, then getting a time trial bike would be the way to go. These bikes focus on aeordynamics (although they are still really light) and pure straight speed (not as good on hills, curves, etc). Examples are the Trek TT, the Specialized Transition, the Cannondale Slice.

Many companies also make a variety of bikes in the "touring" category. These are not racing bikes, focus more on long haul comfort, but are still fast and fun to ride.

Cyclocross bikes may be a good choice if you want a limited ability to go off-road. They are generally not as light or fast as road bikes (although a really high end one will be), but still have a good sporty feel. They are generally geared a bit lower - in cyclocross you need the ability to accelarate over rough terrain and steep hills, not necessarily the ability to go 35 mph on a straightaway. I have a cx bike that I use for commuting, riding in bad conditions or going out with my kids -- situations in which I wouldn't want to take my carbon road bike.

As far as materials, the main ones are Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, Steel and Titanium. If you are going for a race bike, I personally believe that Carbon Fiber is the way to go. The material is stiff, light, and eats up road vibrations. I would guess that a vast majority of bikes on the pro tour are carbon. Aluminum can still be really light and is very stiff (and would be great for a time trial bike or criterium bike) but may not be as comfortable over a long ride. Steel is old school and is a popular material among bike messengers because it makes a statement (I don't need your fancy materials) and is very durable. It also is used on many cyclocross bikes. Titanium is a great material and generally the choice of middle age men (and older) who can drop some cash.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

i need help with a diy bike trailer for kids?

chantel

looking to make a bike trailer my son can sit in while i ride my bike please help me any ideas?

Answer
Consider the makeup of the frame. Road bikes can be found with different frame materials. Steel is the cheapest frame material, but aluminum offers a lighter frame. Consider your riding goals and habits. If you cruise around the neighborhood, the steel-framed bike may be your most economical choice. If youâre logging long miles, lighter aluminum frames may be better.â¨The best cheap road bikes include models of Trek, Schwinn, Tomasso, and Raleigh.

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Anyone have experience with bike trailers?

Q. I am looking for a light, folding, 2 child trailer with quick release wheels. I've looked on line, but have zero experience with them. Can one upgrade the tires to narrow high pressure tires? Do they affect the handling of the bike? If you have used one, do the kids really like riding along? All that kind of stuff.

Answer
I've been using a Kool Stop Lil Trooper bike trailer for almost 4 years now. I agree with the other two answers about having the trailer but I would also have to say that narrow high pressure tires probably aren't a good alternative to what the trailers offer already.

While mine is a decent $200 trailer, the first answer has a Burley D'Lite- which is literally the "Cadillac of Trailers." They have every thoughtful touch including padded seating, recesses for the helmet and tinted windows. Mine doesn't even have quick release. The way I see it is if the D'Lite doesn't offer the feature, it probably offers no advantage. In fact, it may even be unsafe to have narrow tires. The D' Lite is the leader in trailer technology and it is also one of the most expensive because of that.

About the kids being bored: My son no longer rides in the trailer but his 15 month old baby brother does. After the intial ride, neither of my kids gave me any qualms about riding in there. Give them some treats, a drink, and something to keep them busy (toys,coloring books, etc.) and they are good to go. They usually look out the windows or go to sleep- which is what they do best in the trailer.

As long as they see Daddy in front, they don't worry. I'll ride a 40 mile ride with one of them in the back and I just let them get out and play for about half an hour at my halfway rest stop before heading back. No worries. Your experiences may be different but when they normally see me riding my bike without them, they are just glad to come along at times. Heck, it gives my wife a break too unless she comes along.

Also, it's recommended that you not exceed 20 mph with the trailer. I found out why when the trailer began to feel unstable when I hit 25 mph a few times. No worries. With the extra weight, you'll want to save your legs on any ride over 15 miles anyway.

Trailers will affect the handling of your bike and make sure that you have either a full steel or aluminum frame bike with at least 32 spoked wheels to pull them with. I had to buy an all aluminum bike while biuying my trailer because the LBS said that a carbon frame or carbon rear frame will crack from the stresses of a trailer. My original bike was a carbon Trek. Titanium is also a no-no.

There are many choices out there when buying a bike trailer. Burley is at the top of the list. Even their barebones Burley Bee trailer is good.

Cannondale trailers are really impressive and they are up there with Burley in terms of technology. Many riders like their unique, more aerodynamic profiles.

Kool Stop is good and they are a family owned company that strongly backs their products. Just make sure to go for a higher end trailer than the Lil Trooper.

A really good trailer that has had a strong cult following but are now being recognized by the masses are Chariot trailers. They are a Canadian company that makes exceptional trailers. Chariot used to make most of Burley's trailers until many buyer's found out that Chariots were the same trailers they were looking at purchasing from Burley and can be had for less. Now Burley makes their own.

Basic requirements that will make your trips easier are quick release skewers ( as you mentioned) AND aluminum rims.You may even want to make sure that your trailer had a rear window in the trunk area so that air can flow threw it on hot days. If you decide you want the D'Lite but it seems cost-prohibitive, consider a used one. Most used trailers have very low miles and are in great condition because they are used so little. That's good for you because you can buy used for a lot less than a new one. Sorry this is so long winded but I'm trying to get as much info to you, so that you will be better prepared when you go shopping for one. Good luck with your purchase.

is this a good beginner bike?

http://www.vitalbmx.com/product/guide/Bikes,6/Diamondback/Joker,1844
I need a bmx

Answer
Yes, this is a fine beginner bike. The three piece crank, FSA headset and rear brake set (tektro) set this one above most beginner BMXs. For under $200 you aren't going to find much better. Performance has them on sale for $199 this week.

However, I would seriously consider spending $40 more and getting the 2010 Diamondback Nitrus instead. Same bike with an aluminum frame.

FYI: The first poster is dead wrong. Aside from the GMC being a cheap piece of cr@p to begin with, a multi-speed, dropped handlebar road bike like that is inappropriate for most beginners.

You made a good choice. There are lots of department store bikes that are cheaper and since these are outgrown quickly many parents (guilty as charged) buy as cheap as possible. The results are frustration as the kid has to deal with a poorly functioning, always half-broken bike and Dad is always fixing it and dealing with it's poor design and cheap components. You can find half decent department store bikes but you have to look hard and even still they are really only for true first timers. This bike should last a while.

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Anyone have experience with bike trailers?

McG

I am looking for a light, folding, 2 child trailer with quick release wheels. I've looked on line, but have zero experience with them. Can one upgrade the tires to narrow high pressure tires? Do they affect the handling of the bike? If you have used one, do the kids really like riding along? All that kind of stuff.

Answer
I've been using a Kool Stop Lil Trooper bike trailer for almost 4 years now. I agree with the other two answers about having the trailer but I would also have to say that narrow high pressure tires probably aren't a good alternative to what the trailers offer already.

While mine is a decent $200 trailer, the first answer has a Burley D'Lite- which is literally the "Cadillac of Trailers." They have every thoughtful touch including padded seating, recesses for the helmet and tinted windows. Mine doesn't even have quick release. The way I see it is if the D'Lite doesn't offer the feature, it probably offers no advantage. In fact, it may even be unsafe to have narrow tires. The D' Lite is the leader in trailer technology and it is also one of the most expensive because of that.

About the kids being bored: My son no longer rides in the trailer but his 15 month old baby brother does. After the intial ride, neither of my kids gave me any qualms about riding in there. Give them some treats, a drink, and something to keep them busy (toys,coloring books, etc.) and they are good to go. They usually look out the windows or go to sleep- which is what they do best in the trailer.

As long as they see Daddy in front, they don't worry. I'll ride a 40 mile ride with one of them in the back and I just let them get out and play for about half an hour at my halfway rest stop before heading back. No worries. Your experiences may be different but when they normally see me riding my bike without them, they are just glad to come along at times. Heck, it gives my wife a break too unless she comes along.

Also, it's recommended that you not exceed 20 mph with the trailer. I found out why when the trailer began to feel unstable when I hit 25 mph a few times. No worries. With the extra weight, you'll want to save your legs on any ride over 15 miles anyway.

Trailers will affect the handling of your bike and make sure that you have either a full steel or aluminum frame bike with at least 32 spoked wheels to pull them with. I had to buy an all aluminum bike while biuying my trailer because the LBS said that a carbon frame or carbon rear frame will crack from the stresses of a trailer. My original bike was a carbon Trek. Titanium is also a no-no.

There are many choices out there when buying a bike trailer. Burley is at the top of the list. Even their barebones Burley Bee trailer is good.

Cannondale trailers are really impressive and they are up there with Burley in terms of technology. Many riders like their unique, more aerodynamic profiles.

Kool Stop is good and they are a family owned company that strongly backs their products. Just make sure to go for a higher end trailer than the Lil Trooper.

A really good trailer that has had a strong cult following but are now being recognized by the masses are Chariot trailers. They are a Canadian company that makes exceptional trailers. Chariot used to make most of Burley's trailers until many buyer's found out that Chariots were the same trailers they were looking at purchasing from Burley and can be had for less. Now Burley makes their own.

Basic requirements that will make your trips easier are quick release skewers ( as you mentioned) AND aluminum rims.You may even want to make sure that your trailer had a rear window in the trunk area so that air can flow threw it on hot days. If you decide you want the D'Lite but it seems cost-prohibitive, consider a used one. Most used trailers have very low miles and are in great condition because they are used so little. That's good for you because you can buy used for a lot less than a new one. Sorry this is so long winded but I'm trying to get as much info to you, so that you will be better prepared when you go shopping for one. Good luck with your purchase.

is this a good beginner bike?

http://www.vitalbmx.com/product/guide/Bikes,6/Diamondback/Joker,1844
I need a bmx

Answer
Yes, this is a fine beginner bike. The three piece crank, FSA headset and rear brake set (tektro) set this one above most beginner BMXs. For under $200 you aren't going to find much better. Performance has them on sale for $199 this week.

However, I would seriously consider spending $40 more and getting the 2010 Diamondback Nitrus instead. Same bike with an aluminum frame.

FYI: The first poster is dead wrong. Aside from the GMC being a cheap piece of cr@p to begin with, a multi-speed, dropped handlebar road bike like that is inappropriate for most beginners.

You made a good choice. There are lots of department store bikes that are cheaper and since these are outgrown quickly many parents (guilty as charged) buy as cheap as possible. The results are frustration as the kid has to deal with a poorly functioning, always half-broken bike and Dad is always fixing it and dealing with it's poor design and cheap components. You can find half decent department store bikes but you have to look hard and even still they are really only for true first timers. This bike should last a while.

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At what age should boys start using deodorant?

best kids aluminum bikes image

lovemykids

My son is eight and bikes to and from school in the heat (we live in the topics). Lately I've noticed that he is really starting to smell. This evening he took a shower then we went to an event where he was running around with other kids. When we got home his shirt armpits really smelled like BO. I didn't know kids could start smelling so young. Neither my husband or I are "stong smelling" people. Any suggestions?

Answer
Everyone ought to use deodorant when they (or someone else!!!!) notices the odor! Nobody should have to 'wait' till a specific age to use deodorant (or to shave for that matter), it is highly personal and is dependent upon hormones, diet, activity, etc. My youngest son had to start using deodorant at about the same age as your son (I too, was surprised and asked the pediatrician).

Buy the guy a stick!!!

If you're worried about the aluminum being absorbed in his skin (possible link to Alzheimer's disease later on), start him out with the mineral salt type varieties. It works for a lot of folks, and the side effects in old age are nothing at all!). If it doesn't though.... Get him the regular variety. Just think if YOU had to go around all day STINKING.....Eewww. Your son is at one of the MANY fragile ages... Help him out. This is just what is normal for your son...

What should a 270lb person look for in a bicycle?

angry

Will aluminum frames hold him? What about spokes, tires, etc? Can we just buy a standard mountain bike? Would that work?

Answer
there are 3 frames of bikes. the standard mountain bike frame, the road bike frame and the liedown frame. The bikes are pretty sturdy in that I have fallen down half of a mountain before as my bike hit a tree and a rock and a nest of hornets and a small Puppy (just kidding about the puppy). Most of these mountai biking companies like Trek, Gary Fisher, Specialized and Kona are tested to have alot of impacts. The frames are welded professionally as well as tested professionally before they are shipped.
I would recomend deflating the tires 5-10 psi to compinsate for the weight...Be careful tho if you are planning to take this offroad inflate the tire to normal psi. Alluminum tires and spokes should work just fine since all the weight is displaced between the frame and the fork (what holds the tires on) of the bike.
I would recommend buying a name brand bike like the abouve mentioned and only because a bike from walmart will not hold up...i.e you get what you pay for.

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