Cycling Guide: Training, Bike Maintenance and Gear Reviews

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.

shoe on the bike pedal

Foot Numbness and Cycling

Foot numbness when bicycling typically occurs when the nerves between the bones under the ball of the foot become compressed. Numbness usually develops on longer or more intense rides and can linger even after you stop exercising. Besides numbness, symptoms can include tingling, bruising and a burning sensation.

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Young man riding bike down mountain, side view

What Size Mountain Bike for a Six Foot Man?

At 6 feet, you're a fairly tall guy. Selecting a bike that's correctly sized for your proportions is essential to being comfortable while you ride. A properly fitted bicycle reduces joint pain in your knees, soreness in your back and neck, and is much healthier for your body over long miles.

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Biker in action

Ankle Pain and Cycling

As you chug up hills or sprint along flat stretches, you can expect a bit of soreness in your body from the physical exertion of cycling. However, ankle pain during or after a ride is a sign that something is wrong with your equipment, your form or your body.

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Close up of a Bicycle wheel with details.

Shimano 600 History

Shimano first introduced Dura-Ace 600 group sets in the 1983 as an alternative to more expensive recreational bicycle accessories. Components included derailleurs, side pull brakes and gear sets. Affordable pricing resulted in a degree of popularity that eventually attracted competition cycling enthusiasts.

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Near Truckee California USA

The Proper Height of a Mountain Bike Seat

Mountain biking takes your cycling routine off-road, where stable terrain and smooth inclines rarely appear. Rough trails and complex obstacles require good positioning to traverse, and getting your seat to the right height plays an important role in how well you maintain your balance.

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Man on mountain bike standing at edge of rock, looking at landscape, rear view

Steel Rims Vs. Alloy Rims for Bicycles

Rims are critical components of your bike wheel. Though most rims are made of aluminum alloy, other rims are available, including those made of steel. Technically, steel rims are also made of an alloy – iron alloyed with other metals. Steel rims are often plated with chrome to discourage rusting.

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Do I Need Cycling Shoes?

Avid cyclists and indoor cycling junkies benefit from wearing cycling shoes. These stiff-bottomed shoes that clip right into the pedals make your ride smoother and more efficient. If riding is a predominant part of your workout routine, cycling shoes are a valuable investment.

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Road Bike close up

How Often Should I Lube My Bike Chain?

Of all the parts that make up a bicycle, the drive chain is among those that receive the most wear. The chain is almost always in motion and under constant tension, bearing against other parts in the drive train. The chain is also open and exposed to any elements that can damage it, including water and dirt.

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Close-up of bicycle gears

How to Use 21 Speeds on a Bike

Most bicycles come equipped with gears to help riders tackle various terrains. Common gearing on bikes include 10, 18 and 21 speeds. The number of gears a bike has is figured by multiplying the number of front chainrings by the number of gears in the rear cassette.

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bicycle motor

How Does an Electric Bike Speed Controller Work?

The mechanism of an electric speed controller varies depending on whether you own an adaptive or purpose-build electric bike. An adaptive bike includes an electric drive system installed on an ordinary bicycle.

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Mother and daughter race mountain bikes

The Best Hybrid Bike Tires

Your hybrid bike has a few design features to enhance your comfort while riding, but few do as much for reducing the jarring and vibration of city riding than your tires. Tires provide absorption and traction, and hybrid bike tires excel at this with wider tread, lower tire pressures, and enhanced grip.

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Cyclocross racing

How to Size Cyclocross Bikes

Cyclocross bikes are designed for versatile terrain. When purchasing one, the correct fit is imperative. An ill-fitting cyclocross bike is uncomfortable and can cause back pain. When sizing a cyclocross bike, the two things to consider are frame size and saddle height.

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bike

Does a Bike Trainer Damage Your Bike?

When the weather turns sour many bicyclists retire their machines to wait for the next season. For those cyclists who want to continue riding in the off-season, an indoor bike trainer is a solid option to stay in shape. In general, bike trainers are very safe to use on bicycles, even very expensive carbon fiber bikes.

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Woman on bike with sunflowers

3 Wheel Bicycle Pros & Cons

Three-wheeled bicycles, more commonly referred to as trikes, come in a range of designs. Some resemble traditional two-wheeled bikes with frame modifications to accommodate a wider axle and additional rear wheel. Others are recumbents, supporting the rider in a chair-type seat, with a frame that is low to the ground.

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Couple mountain-biking

Specialized Bicycle Speedometer Instructions

Specialized Bicycle Components produces a variety of bicycles and bicycle products, including computerized speedometers. With a touch of a button, these devices provide valuable information such as the time, the miles you’ve traveled, your speed and the temperature.

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portrait of a young boy riding a bicycle

The Difference Between Boys' and Girls' Bikes

Although you can usually tell at a glance whether a manufacturer is marketing a bicycle to a girl or a boy, the differences in the frames are largely cosmetic. The main distinguishing feature of a male's bike is the metal bar connecting the handlebars to the saddle, which bicycles for females traditionally lack.

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bike repair or adjustment

Correct Size for Bicycle Disc Brakes

Disc brakes are one of the main types of bicycle braking systems. Disc brakes are made of a metal disc attached to the wheel hub. The disc braking system includes a caliper that squeezes the brake pads against the wheel, causing the tire to stop rotating. Disc brakes can be hydraulic or cable driven.

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