Road Bike Definition
Road bikes refer to any bicycle designed for riding in the road. And, as bicycle riding has grown in popularity, the styles available have grown too. Also in the road bike category are triathlon, touring and track bikes¡ªwhich are all based on the traditional road bike.
*All quality road bikes should have drop-handlebars and thin tires on a tall frame.
The Basic Tool Set
You should carry a basic set of bike tools in their seat pack regardless of whether you¡¯re a pro at fixing your bike or not. Even if you feel you know little about your bike, you¡¯d be surprised sometimes what you can accomplish when you have a breakdown and your only other alternative is to hit the road walking. Be prepared for the worst.Your basic set of tools should include:
? allen wrenches
? box wrenches
? hub wrenchs
? chain remover
? spoke nipple wrench
? tire tube patches
? headset lockring wrench
? mini pump
? third hand
Off-The-Rack Bicycle Fork Adjustments
When you buy an off-the-rack mountain bike, its suspension fork will most likely be adjusted for a 150 to 170 pound rider. So, if you weigh more or less than that, you should change the adjustment. Without changing the adjustment, your comfort level and control over bumps will suffer, as will your fork.
If you weigh under 150 pounds, explore your other options. You might want to think about having a bike built to fit your body type perfectly. If you¡¯re already set on a specific bike, however, you can have it customized to fit your needs.
Reviews of Bike Industry Leaders
For those experienced riders who make substantial investments in their equipment, weighing the choices can be a daunting task. In trail bikes, for instance, leaders like Banshee, Turner, Ellsworth bikes and Azonic all command rave reviews from both industry experts and mountain bike enthusiasts.
The good thing about some of these reviews is that they also reveal a good deal about the way these bikes are constructed as well as how the riders use them¡ªthe bad thing is that they make each and every bike sound appealing. Try testing out products you¡¯re interested in to further narrow down your choices.
Cycling Jacket
A very lightweight piece of cycling gear that folds and can slip into any jersey pocket is a lightweight shell jacket. If the weather turns chilly or it begins to rain, you¡¯ll be ever so grateful to have a one at hand.
*Buy a cycling jacket in a bright color so you¡¯ll be visible through the rain and fog.