Running versus cycling for weight loss is a common debate among fitness enthusiasts. Maintaining your bike involves knowing how to fix rubbing disc brakes and pump tires with a Presta valve.
For those who are physically fit, riding a bike at age 50 isn’t much different than it was at 15. Most 50-year-olds aren’t as fit as they once were, however. They may have heart, knee, hip or back problems to consider. If you’re in that group, don’t let physical challenges stop you from enjoying the sport of cycling.
Read more →
A loose chain will ruin your ride at best and pose a safety issue at worst. If your bike chain keeps loosening up, you need to find the cause of the problem and address it before riding again. The cause may differ from bike to bike because the mechanics vary.
Read more →
Most men can tolerate a bit of discomfort and even pain when they're cycling, but numb testicles are likely to raise concern. This concern is well-founded. Although the short-term effects are not serious, cycling can cause damage to the male reproductive organs over time. But that doesn't mean you should stop cycling.
Read more →
Toe straps on pedals improve the cyclist’s grip while bike riding. The straps are often paired with toe clips, but can also come separately. Riding with toe straps takes some practice and maneuvering. The strap traps the foot onto the pedal.
Read more →
Technically, the land speed record for a bicycle is held by Bruce Bursford, who pedaled to an astonishing 208 mph in August, 1995. Bursford's record carries a caveat, however: He was sitting on a specially designed, stationary bike with helium-filled tires and a two-foot chain ring, set on rollers.
Read more →
You can ride a bike wearing an old pair of sneakers, but cycling shoes can improve your performance. Cycling shoes attach to the pedals of the bike via cleats on the bottom of the shoe. Known as clipping in, this attachment allows a rider to make efficient use of the leg muscles in the upward and downward pedal stroke.
Read more →
Triathlon-specific, road and time-trial bikes are the most common options when it comes to purchasing a bike for a triathlon. Determining what type of bike you want to ride is only the first step, however.
Read more →
Checking your bicycle chain periodically can give you a heads-up to potential problems. Bike chains can wear out over time and possibly break if you don't maintain them properly. Sheldon Brown of Harris Cyclery suggests visually inspecting the chain for link wear, as well as build up of dirt and grease.
Read more →
Joint swelling occurs typically after an injury to ligaments, and is a way for your body to protect your joint. Ankle sprains that lead to swelling are fairly common sports injuries. Once care has been given -- rest, ice, compression and elevation -- rehabilitation can begin.
Read more →
Bicycling is not only a popular, enjoyable activity, it's also a full-body workout, utilizing nearly all of the major muscle groups in your body. Although it primarily relies on the muscles in your lower body, your upper body also gets a workout.
Read more →
Nothing slows down your cycling routine more than prolonged soreness. Knee pain while cycling is usually a symptom of another problem. In the case of pain on the inner side of the knee, the culprit is almost always the position of your cycling cleat.
Read more →
When cycling, your elbows act as shock absorbers, cushioning your upper body as you ride over bumps or uneven terrain. If you cycle with your arms straight and elbows locked, your elbow joints take a beating, which can result in elbow pain.
Read more →
A 10-kilometer cycle can burn more than a few calories. Since counting calories without specialized equipment is an inexact art at best, your exact caloric burn will vary according to a wide array of factors. However, a "typical" baseline can be of help with your weight loss and exercise planning.
Read more →
Bicycle cleats, used in combination with clips on the bottom of bicycle shoes, secure your feet to the pedals. Adjust the tension on your bicycle cleats to engage and disengage your feet to and from the pedals without difficulty.
Read more →
The best bicycles for riders over 60 are all about comfort. Because so many people age 60 and older often have physical issues to contend with, riders should consider bicycles with features that reduce stress on your body. Look for bicycles with comfortable saddles and designs that keep you upright as much as possible.
Read more →
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that results from wear and tear to the knee joint and knee cartilage over time. Your knees, hips, shoulders and hands are most susceptible to osteoarthritis damage. If you experience osteoarthritis, you can engage in low-impact exercises like bicycle riding.
Read more →
Bike riding speeds vary widely depending on your riding conditions. When you are zooming down a paved hill, your speed may increase to over 20 mph, while you may slow to only a few miles per hour when you are climbing a steep or rocky grade.
Read more →
A partial medial collateral ligament tear is an injury to one of the ligaments that support your knee. It is a serious injury that must be treated properly. Once you feel strong enough, you may begin biking, which can help you regain flexibility in your knee without causing any additional damage.
Read more →
While the idea of cycling without underwear may seem strange and foreign at first, most serious cyclists "go commando" while in the saddle. This is to help avoid the rubbing and irritation that can come from unfortunately placed underwear seams.
Read more →
Riding a bike is an excellent cardiovascular workout, targeting large muscle groups with minimal impact on your joints. If you are overweight, cycling might be recommended to help you lose weight. If you weigh more than 300 pounds, consider a hybrid or mountain bike.
Read more →