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Motorcycle accessories like helmet, are a matter of personal choice. In that case, aesthetic side often succeeds over anything else. At any rate, this has contributed why safety is overlooked.

To shun misconceptions in choosing motorcycle helmets, here are some of the factors that you have to consider:

Shape

This is the most important factor that you have to understand before purchasing a helmet. Riders come in varying head shapes. These shapes include round, oval, egg, reverse egg and earth. Helmets are also particularly made to cater to these varying head shapes. Thus, the choice is given to the purchasers. They must select the most appropriate helmet shape that will greatly support their head.

Visibility

Be sure that your helmet gives you appropriate peripheral vision. This is simply to avoid accidents and other untoward incidents.

Liners

Liners vary depending on the design, material and shape of the helmet. Liners must give comfort and protection to the rider. Thus, it must be compatible with the rider’s needs.

Liners that give pressure points must be avoided. Pressure points are usually located against the temples, forehead and cheeks. Helmet liner ’skull cap’ is preferable. Moreover, it is better if you personally try the helmet before purchasing it. This is to ensure that it will not be burdensome in the future.

Color

Color is important in the sense that it affects conspicuity. Bright colors are preferable over solid and dull ones. The purpose is to make the rider visible even during nighttime. This is to avoid collisions and the like.

Before you purchase a helmet, make sure that you are knowledgeable of all the factors involve. You do not purchase simply because it is hot or at the moment hype.

Also, before purchasing, wear it first for an extended period to be sure of the fit and feel. Wear ear plugs to be acquainted with the surrounding sounds.

Some of the leading motorcycle helmet manufacturers are Arai, Bell, Icon, AGV, Nolan, Thor, Erex. The helmets they are releasing are mostly tested and approved by Snell and DOT. Choosing is using your mind and your senses…

Please visit Street Motorcycle Accesories site at www.streetmotorcycleaccessories.com/ for comments and inquiries regarding this article.

There are many different types and styles of bicycles. You will need to decide on the type of biking you will be predominantly doing in order to help you narrow down your choices. Below are just some of the types of bicycles available on the market today.

The first bicycle we will mention here are what are considered by some to be comfort bicycles. These are the type used by most weekend recreational bike riders. They usually have a comfortable shock-absorbing seat and shock absorbing front forks and wide pedals.

Another type of bike which is a bit more rugged than the comfort bike is a trail bike or light duty mountain bike. These bikes can take a bit more rough stuff than the bikes mentioned above but are not meant for serious mountain biking.

Touring bicycles are for those who go long distances and faster than recreational bike riders. These bikes are built for riding on the pavement. They are light weight bikes with more shock absorbency than comfort bikes.

Cruiser bikes are heavier than the comfort bikes with fatter tires. They are good for the road, or riding in the sand.

A true mountain bike has a stronger frame and components than any other bike as they are intended for off road and rugged terrain. The tires on a mountain bike are knobby and wide for more shock support. The seat and handlebars are positioned to allow for the rider to lean over while maneuvering the bike.

Recumbent bicycles are becoming very popular with older riders and those who have some limits in physical ability. The rider reclines while pedaling in a feet forward position. The seat is much more comfortable than on any other bicycle. Recumbent bikes sit low to the ground and have multiple gears.

Talk with family and friends who own bikes to get their opinion on what may be the best investment for you. If you don’t think that you’ll stick with bike riding long term and if you don’t plan to do more than weekend riding you don’t need to spend a fortune. Visit several bicycles shops and talk with the pro’s before making a decision. You can get many years of enjoyment if you choose the right bike for you.

This article courtesy of www.bicycle-questions.com

Pocket bikes, also known as mini motors are miniature-sized motorcycles, fueled with either gas or oil and powered with gas-burning engines. The concept of motorbikes had begun in Japan, a country known for miniaturizing full-scale products.

Previously pocket bikes were used only on closed racetracks, private roads and on roads that were not under public traffic laws, so that no big car or truck can run into your minute sized pocket bikes. But these you will often find pocket bikes zinging in and out of the parking lots, up and down the residential streets and occasionally onto the side of the cars.

The pocket bikes usually move at a top speed of 35 mph, but often the speed can be raised further. Another interesting feature of these pocket bikes are their duplicate imitation of normal-sized street motorcycles. The pocket bikes are equipped with handlebars, twist-grip throttles, and chain drives, electronic ignition and disk brakes.

The pocket bikes are not at all safe for the highways or high traffic zone areas. If you are driving a small sports car and someone is driving a mini pocket bike behind you, you will fail to see him or the pocket bike. So it becomes really dangerous to move in a traffic-crowded area, as the rider can be easily run-down by the driver of the bigger truck. The pocket bikes are specially designed to travel only on the racetracks.

There are some safety measures that should be followed while one is driving these pocket bikes. The person driving the bike should be an ace in driving and he should always carry his helmet and pads. If by chance if your kid is riding the pocket bike, then make sure that he/she does not go out of the backyard or the driveway.

The pocket bikes follow hi-tech technology so the snazziest models cost even more than thousands. The smaller models, however, cost around $200 to $800. They basically come from Japan and China and are specially famous amongst the teenagers and people in their early youths. These bikes weigh almost 50 pounds, stand about a foot and half high and can be carried stacked in a corner of the trunk of the car. They have really tiny engines with 47 cc to 49cc displacement, less than 1/20th the size of the bigger motorcycles.

Try out the pocket bikes. If you want something thrilling, something exciting, something enticing to bring a difference to your monotonous days, then pocket bikes are the best alternatives for you.

Sharon Albright is the owner of Pocket Bikes Site. Read more articles on Pocket Bikes and visit her recommended resources.

At one time you could only buy cycling equipment at your local cycle shop, if they had what you wanted or you had to hope they could order it and then you would have to wait for it to come and hope it was the right size, colour or price. Then cycling magazines started to have adverts for the bigger stores and you could post off a cheque and wait for your prized article to arrive. Now things could not be easier, your at home watching the Tour de France on television, you see you hero attack on the mountainous slopes of Alpe-d’Huez, what are those sexy carbon cranks he’s using? They look like FSA or are they Campagnolo, they could be Stella Azurra, which are they? How much will they cost? Where can I get them? Well, get on the Web, put the name of that most wanted item into your search engine and see what it comes up with. The next move can be nearly as exciting as riding your bike up the mountains, that’s making comparisons of all the equipment, something you probably wont be able to do at your local cycle shop and then ordering it online, the worst bit is waiting for it to arrive.

All the top cycle components, clothing, frames and cycle manufacturers have their own web-sites, once you’ve found what you really want for your bike, most sites can link you to a retail out let, from there, with the use of your credit card you can order the goods on-line, or check out a store near to where you live and if they stock what you are looking for. This is best for items of clothing, shorts and jersey sizes vary from one maker to another and there is nothing worse than receiving your new professional look a like kit and it is too big or small, so get down to your local cycle shop or sports store, try on your choice for size and if all is OK, you can buy it there and then or if you don’t mind waiting and it’s at a better price, order and pay for it online and wait for it to arrive in the post to your house.

How to wear comfortable cycling shoes

There are many cycling shoes on the market, and finding the right ones for you can be hard. Look them up on the web, go through the search engine or if you have a particular make in mind, find them online and if you can’t try some in a shop, this is best, because size can be a problem, one manufacturer size 9 could be a half size bigger or smaller than another company, and most of the best cycling shoes are Italian, so remember that European sizes are very different from American or English sizes, and German shoes are wider and Italian shoes are narrower and you may be looking for a size 44 or 45, so try as many different shoes you can and then make your decision. Very importantly with shoes is which pedal system you are using, Look, Shimano, Campagnolo, Time and all the other systems have different fittings on the sole of the shoe, check up which they have on the shoe manufacturers web-site and then it should then be safe to order them online.

An other good and very important item you could look for online is a cycle helmet, as with most cycling goods there are many different helmets on the market, some times the helmets you see on the heads of the professionals are difficult to find, but anything is possible on the net, just type it in and away you go, it may be that just the helmet you are looking for is available in Holland, get it ordered, it may take some time to come but if its what you want it’ll be worth it. Sizes of helmets, like shoes can vary, so if it is possible to try before you buy, then make sure it’s a comfortable fit, the big difference between cycle shoes and helmets is that helmets come with different pads to go inside so you can make the helmet fit exactly, which could help if you’ve ordered the wrong size, this is not something you can do with cycling shoes.

The net is a great way to find the frame size you want for your new bike, with the new sloping frame designs it can be tricky to know which size to order, all frame designers have their own ideas for what is best, so if you know the top tube length of your present bike then you can compare online with the design dimensions on the manufacturers web-site and then you will know what size to order either at you local bike shop or from your internet supplier. As this is probably the most important and expensive thing you’ll buy for your cycling, and so with online shopping you can make sure you make the right decision.

Alastair Hamilton is a successful writer who contributes adding technical articles on bikecycling to www.bike-cycling-reviews.com .He helps riders to find the best components and apparel for road and mountain bikes. If look for cycle clothing you may be interested to read www.bike-cycling-reviews.com/clothing/bicycle-jerseys.html

Customizing your pocket bike can turn a common bike into a real pocket rocket when you use pocket bike performance parts. Many pocket bikes performance parts not only make your pocket bike faster and more powerful, they add to the general look of “attitude” you want your competition to see on the track! Those cool side stripes may look great, but they’re not going to get you around the track any faster. Put your money into high performance pocket bike parts and then you’ll have a bike that can back up the appearance of attitude you’ve given it.

When you’re looking for pocket bike performance parts, remember your bike’s speed and power is “all in the mix”. The correct mixture of gas, oil, and air are the elements that combine to work like jet fuel for your pocket rocket. However, if your customized bike is riding too hot, a good solution is to start with a temperature sticker. These parts for pocket bikes are typically sold in packs of three, and can easily be applied to your bike’s engine, suspension and other heat sensitive parts.

Most pros get the largest boost in speed and overall performance from pocket bike performance parts like velocity stacks and air filters. While those are king, take the time to still add some performance pocket bikes parts for pipe and custom carburetion and the only thing that will be able to stop you will be your own brakes! In addition, there’s something about performance parts pocket bikes custom pipes and exhaust system that makes your bike look like a formidable adversary to your competition, and gives you an early psychological edge in any competition!

There are many other performance parts for pocket bike enthusiasts that not only help you stay in the race, but combined with your skill, will put you in front of the pack. Some things that you might overlook are pocket bike performance parts like custom grips and foot pegs that improve your ability to control your bike. Remember not to have immediate expectations. The best racers are those who know their bikes, so it may take some time for you to re-adjust after adding these improvements. Concentrate on getting used to how they ride, and soon the only thing you’ll have to worry about is how far ahead of everyone else you are before hitting the finish line.

Dave is the owner of x7-pocket-bike.info a website that provides information on pocket bikes and mini moto racing.

This summer is showing all of the signs of being a hot one. Temps have already been hitting the 100’s here in the Midwest. With that kind of heat we have to remember that when we are out there riding, we are at it’s mercy.

When you’re riding the possibility of get dehydrated and hot is substantially increased. Between the heat and the wind it can really zap you. This is especially true if you are taking long trips. I know this first hand. A couple of years ago I went on a ride from St. Louis Mo to Eureka Springs Ar. This was not an exceptionally long ride ( a little over 300 miles), but it was hot. I started the day off just fine. Got a good early start with the rest of the group. By lunch time the temps had hit 100 solid and the humidity was pretty close to the same. We ate lunch and started out again. For about an hour I was keeping up ok, but then I lost the group. They just seemed to vanish on me. I didn’t realize it but it was me who’d got lost. Two more hours of driving around and one of the guys came up beside me. He later told me I was only going about 20 miles per hour and was wobbling all over the road. Luckily he forced me to pull over at the next gas station and stop for awhile. That night I was sick as a dog. Couldn’t hold any food down, suffering from chills, and severe cramps.

Bottom line I was suffering from heat stroke and dehydration. Both of which can be deadly on their own. You can only imagine what could happen on the back of a motorcycle traveling down the highway.

How can dehydration be prevented?
Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration, including the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun. When riding you can carry a CamelBak that would allow you to drink while riding.
• Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing. A good rule of thumb is you should need to urinate everytime you stop.
Try to schedule your ride during the cooler parts of the day (early morning and late afternoon)
• Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.

How can heat stroke be prevented?

There are precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke. These include the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids during when on a motorcycle trip, especially on hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice. Avoid tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol, as these can lead to dehydration.
• Wear lightweight, tightly woven (most T-shirts aren’t), loose-fitting clothing in light colors (don’t think this includes black).
• Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a bandanna or skull cap (such as our Flydanna , Road Hawg or USA Made doo rags) to keep the sun from landing directly on your head. and sunglasses.
• Rest in the shaded or air conditioned area when stopped.
  Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat.
• While riding, take frequent drink breaks and keep your body cool by misting with water or using a cooling neck/head wrap to avoid becoming overheated.
• Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.
• If you live in a hot climate and have a chronic condition, talk to your physician about extra precautions you can take to protect yourself against heat stroke.

This has been some information that will keep you safe and allow you to enjoy your riding days a lot more. Be Safe … Enjoy the Ride Tools.

Jeff “Tools” Sinason is a long time motorcycle enthusiats. Being a motorcycle nut, he has run into all kinds of conditions and ridden through them unscathed. He is the owner of http://www.bikerwares.com which is a site dedicated to Enjoying the Ride.

A report from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study shows that cycling more than three hours a week increases a man’s risk for becoming impotent, while cycling less than that decreases risk. Impotence is caused by nerve and artery damage. Exercising regularly helps to keep arteries healthy, so bicycling helps prevent impotence, as long as it does not damage arteries and nerves. Three percent of regular male bicycle riders become impotent and virtually all feel pain or numbness when they ride.

If you feel no discomfort when you ride, keep on riding and stop worrying. If you feel numbness, get a new seat. When a nerve is pinched or the blood supply is shut off to the penis, a man always feel numbness. Men who ride with conventional bicycle seats and do not feel numb are not at risk. Half of the penis is inside the body and the main blood supply comes from the area just behind the scrotum and in front of the rectum. So bicycle seats that press on that area can cause impotence, while those that do not have a nose and have a widened area for pressure on the sitz bones should not cause impotence.

Racers need to have a bicycle seat nose between their legs to help control the bicycle with their legs, but if you have no need to ride with both hands off the handle bars at the same time, you should be able to use a noseless seat, and enjoy cycling without discomfort or impotence,. I use a seat that has no nose and is wide enough to allow me to sit on the sitz bones of my pelvis. I never suffer numbness and don’t worry about impotence.

For information on the “noseless” bicycle seat see http://www.drmirkin.com/fitness/8733.html

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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Do just about anything to your motorcycle, but forget the most basic and fundamental additive - Oil - and your wallet could be hanging loose for a long time.

How often you change the oil, the level you fill it up to and the kind of oil you use all make the difference between a bike that lasts and a bike that doesn’t!

These are a few of the most basic tips when it comes to oil and motorcycles…

When do you change your bike’s oil?

Over time and with prolonged use the integrity of the oil breaks down. Varies forces at work within the engine actually tear away at the very molecules of the oil, so the old oil must be periodically replaced every 2-3 thousand kilometres.

Smaller motorcycles run hotter than bigger bikes, so their oil needs to be replaced more frequently.

Motorcycle Maintenance Tips for Changing Oil:

It’s best to drain the oil when the bike is properly warmed up, this thins the oil and makes it drain out faster.

Remember to park the bike on it’s centre stand on level ground.

Oil gets everywhere when the sump plug is released, so make sure to have a big enough container before hand.

Remember to check the oil filter and change it if need be!

Running in a New Motor

New motorcycles require a little more care when it comes to oil. The surfaces inside of the new engine are quite rough and require time to wear smooth. The particles of metal released during this process need to be flushed out of the engine, so halve the normal oil change intervals for the first two changes.

Additives that are Supposed to Prolong!

The benefits of oil additives sound good, especially when you’ve bought a used motorcycle…

Better performance

Lowered fuel consumption etc.

The stories mechanics tell you vary. Some good, some bad! However, never use additives on a new motorcycle as this will prolong the running in process.

That’s about all. These are only a few of the basics when it comes to oil and your motorcycle. Know your bike and you’ll discover its exact requirements.

BikeFinder provides up-to-date photos of motorcycles for sale in the Cape Town area. Read a selection of articles, see a range of accessories and find special offers.

Stationary Exercise Bikes - Still A Top Choice For Overall Fitness

In all the craze over new fangled fitness equipment, the exercise bike often gets overlooked. Stationary exercise bikes have been around for many years, which can lead some people to think they are outdated or not as effective as newer types of equipment. But for many people, exercise bikes provide a fun, consistent, reasonable means of exercising, improving cardio functions, and losing weight.

Stationary exercise bikes provide all the benefits of riding a bicycle. They provide good cardio workouts, have much less impact on knees, hips and other joints than walking or running, and can be used at any time it’s convenient. Most stationary bikes have manual or computerized controls to allow you to adjust resistance and speed. Many also come with heart monitors and cardio workouts already programmed in. There is a huge selection of price and style, and stationary bikes tend to be the most affordable cardio exercise machine.
Plus, with a stationary bike, you don’t have to worry about traffic, dogs, or bad weather. You can exercise in the convenience of your own home and even watch television or read a book while you bike. Try doing that on the bike path at the park!

Types of Stationary Bikes

Standard, upright stationary bikes come in single or dual action models. Dual action bikes have handles or levers to work the upper body and have been shown to provide more effective cardio workouts, burn more calories, and also improve overall body tone more efficiently than single action bikes. Dual action bikes work well for those with hip or leg injuries who need to exercise but also need to go easy on their legs. The dual action allows the arms to work harder to operate the machine, thus requiring less work from the legs.

A recumbent bicycle, sometimes called a “bent,” is a type of stationary bike that is more laid back…literally. It places the body in a semi or fully reclining position, taking pressure off the back area. Some people feel the position is difficult to adapt to at first, but many who choose recumbent bikes say they are very easy and comfortable to ride. They usually come with a larger seat, which often means you will stay on the machine longer or not have discomfort later.

Because of the reclining position, a recumbent bike works the abdominal muscles more and also creates more hamstring action. The lower center of gravity makes for better balance as well. Doctors feel they are better for those with back problems or with cerebral palsy and related diseases. The recumbent bikes also bring your feet more closely in line with your heart, keeping blood pressure low and providing for a safer overall workout.

Popular Models & Prices

Most stationary bikes come with ways to assess your speed and distance. Economy models have a tachometer/odometer combination and a design that utilizes a flywheel to provide resistance. These models are not programmable and provide the least effective workout, but are at under $200 can be an inexpensive way for a beginner or someone on a tight budget to get some exercise. They can be purchased at many department stores.

Standard models usually come with more features such as a programmable consul that calculates heart rate or allows you to pick a heart rate and then adjust the resistance accordingly. These bikes may use flywheels, fan blades, or magnetic resistance, depending on the quality. Magnetic resistance is usually the best method as it operates more smoothly and is quieter. These models can range from $200 up to $1500 and provide the broadest range of selection for the average person. Some popular models include Tunturi F520 (recumbent), Vision Fitness R2000, and several models from Schwinn, the popular bike manufacturer.

More expensive stationary bikes often use magnetic resistance and typically need to be plugged in to an outlet. They come with all the bells and whistles, including extended warranties, more varied programming features, and comfort options such as built in fans. They typically cost over $1500. Lifecycle 5500HR and 5500RHR (recumbent) are popular choices among those who are serious about their workout or have a healthy budget.
Other popular manufacturers of exercise bikes include Nordic Track, Reebok, Weslo, Keys, Fitness Quest, and Edge.

Compared To Other Equipment

All types of stationary bikes provide a low impact workout that many feel is an advantage over treadmill exercise. The force on the knees, ankles, feet and other body parts that occurs with walking or running can cause swelling or discomfort in the joints. It can irritate old injuries or sometimes even produce new problems. A stationary bike provides non-weight bearing exercise that reduces impact on these areas.

In the health and fitness industries, and among customers, there is an extensive debate over which machines burn more calories and give a better cardio workout. There is evidence on both sides of the issue, but many people agree that a stationary bike should have dual action to optimize weight loss and heart health. The pumping of the arms has a significant impact of the effectiveness of any workout, and a treadmill is less effective as well if you hold onto the hand supports rather than letting your arms swing or pumping them in rhythm to your motion.

Elliptical trainers are another exercise option that provides a low impact workout, but many feel they do not provide the same cardio benefits. Rowing machines are boring, more difficult to use, and can be hard on the back. Other equipment has disadvantages as well, making stationary bikes a good choice for overall effectiveness and satisfaction. Consumer buying shows that exercise bikes continue to rank as a top choice for exercise and fitness training.

In the ever expanding world of health and fitness equipment, there have been some true advances as well as a bunch of gimmicks. A stationary bike is an old standard that has been a proven exercise tool for years, and that continues to improve and adapt through new technology. The overall effectiveness, ease of use and variety of designs and prices makes a stationary exercise bike an excellent choice for beginners and advanced enthusiasts alike.

About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Best-Home-Gyms.com, providing consumer
information on the best discount home gyms. Read our
elliptical
trainer reviews, exercise bike and
treadmill reviews
for great ideas on equipping your gym.

Copyright 2005 Best-Home-Gyms.com

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the
author’s byline is included and all links are hyperlinked.

At first glance the two don’t seem to go together do they? Cycling can be so frenetic, and yoga so serene. Yet, yoga can enhance your cycling experience greatly.

I started cycling in 1992 with endurance rides in the Colorado Rockies. They typically covered anywhere from 68 miles on a single day ride to 700 miles on a multi-day event. Some of those miles were over 12,000-foot passes and others on the flat wide-open plains of eastern Colorado.

After a long ride I would most always pay for a massage to help eliminate the toxins, which had accumulated during the hours in the saddle. Having arrived home I would also stretch to stay limber and decrease soreness.

When I started practicing yoga a few years later I happily discovered unexpected benefits, which lent themselves to cycling very quickly and enhanced what I was already doing.

In yoga breathing is a vital part of every session. You learn to breath slowly, predictably and purposefully. This practice enables you to focus on the muscles being used, the balance required and the mental calmness needed to chase away the rest of the world for a few precious moments.

In cycling breathing correctly is a vital part of the ride. Does that sound familiar? When I saw how much my breathing during yoga changed how I performed, I knew instantly how it would affect my cycling. Learning to breathe during an endurance ride or a race is an important part of performing properly.

Yoga teaches us to breathe into the muscles being worked, relaxing and energizing them at the same time. When I am racing a time trial, which is a race against yourself and the clock, I have learned to apply these yoga principles to keep my breathing under control. Breathing deeply, slowly, and by mentally directing the oxygen and energy toward my legs, lower back, neck, or triceps I can reduce the pain and suffering and increase the effectiveness of racing techniques.

As I mentioned earlier, in Colorado we ride a lot in the mountains and they present a whole host of problems to a cyclist’s body. We climb to absurd heights, descend at ridiculous speeds while covering hundreds of miles. As you might surmise, this takes enormous concentration.

Yoga provides the techniques to concentrate on the tasks at hand enabling the cyclist to push through pain, long hours on a skinny seat, breathe sufficiently in the thin oxygen and focus on narrow roads while descending.

During a yoga session we learn to balance on one foot with our arms extended over our head in the tree pose. Poses like this help you have real sense of your body, gain stability, strength, and a quiet focus on your physical condition. This all translates extremely well to cycling.

Consider combining the two, you may find the results to be worth the effort.