Anatomy of a Bike

When most people think of bicycle structure, they tend to only think of the basics - the frame, the wheels and the seat. While theses fundamental parts of a bike’s structure have remained relatively the same since the inception of bicycles in 1885, bikes have, in fact, advanced beyond the basics in a number of ways.     Bike anatomy is complicated and varies depending on the type of bike and... Read more >

Bike Maintenance

All bicycles need regular maintenance to perform at their best and help you avoid injury. While you can do some of the easier maintenance at home, other bike and mountain bike fix-it work is more complicated and time consuming and, as a result, should be left to a professional.     What you need to maintain on your bike and the frequency at which you need to repair or replace certain parts depends... Read more >

Mountain Biking

  When taking up mountain biking, new riders have a lot to consider. Along with making sure that you have the proper equipment, you will need to start training so you acquire the proper skills and safety techniques. However, before you start buying equipment and paying for lessons, you will have to choose between different types of mountain biking, including: cross country dirt... Read more >

Biking on the Road

Road biking is a popular sport that almost everyone has experienced and can enjoy. You don't need special skills and the equipment it is relatively inexpensive.   Road biking first became popular in the 1790s when a French man, M. de Sivrac, invented the first bicycle. Although bicycles started out being more like scooters, over the years, technology has transformed the bike into what it is... Read more >

Track Cycling

Track cycling is a form of racing bicycles that takes place on a velodrome, a bike track specially designed for high-speed racing. While some Americans enjoy track cycling, it is more popular in England, Scotland, Japan and Australia. The International Cycling Union (UCI) is the organization that is responsible for setting the rules for track cycling, as well as the standards for the design of track... Read more >

Cyclo-Cross

Cyclo-cross racing is rumored to have been started in France where road bike racers would race each other from town to town during the off-season in order to train and stay in shape. The riders would be allowed to go through fields, over fences and through other types of natural terrain as shortcuts to beat the other riders.     This early form of cyclo-cross proved to be a good workout, as riders... Read more >

BMX

BMX, which stands for Bicycle Motocross, is an extreme sport that first became popular in the 1970s. While people of all ages can practice this sport, BMX tends to be a cycling sport that younger generations flock to due its intense racing and jaw-dropping tricks. In general, BMX riding takes place on dirt courses that may include lines of jumps, rocky hills and various obstacles to increase the difficulty of... Read more >

Organized Rides/Events

Organized bike events around the world are exciting for amateurs and competitive cycling enthusiasts alike. While you can easily find local bike rides to get involved in, you may also want to enroll in a renowned competition on the other side of the globe. From mountain biking to BMX to touring, large and small events for all types of cycling draw hundreds to thousands of riders, as well as spectators, each year... Read more >

Bike Safety

Bike safety goes beyond just wearing your helmet. By educating yourself about bike laws and learning how to effectively share the road with other vehicles, you can fully enjoy your bike riding experience without putting yourself in danger.   Because bicycle laws vary by region, check with your city or state for the basic rules of the road, such as when bicyclists have the right of way and how to properly... Read more >

Resources

Anatomy of a Bike Spadout (2005). Bicycle Anatomy. Retrieved January 14, 2008, from the Spadout Web site. Bike Maintenance About (2006). Bike Maintenance. Retrieved January 14, 2008, from the About.com Web site.  Mountain Biking Mountain Bike Magazine (n.d.). Mountain Bike. Retrieved January 14, 2008, from the Mountain Bike Magazine Web site. Biking on the Road ThinkQuest: Library (n.d.). Road... Read more >