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Guide 2 Cycling
Accessories
Bells
Bottles
Computers
Lights
Locks
Pumps
Racks
Reflectors
Seat Covers
Tools
Bikes
How to Choose a Bike
Folding Bikes
Hybrid Bikes
Kids' Bikes
Mountain Bikes
Road Bikes
Books
Bike Repair
Excursion Guides
Mountain Biking
Tour de France
Calendars
Clothing
Gloves
Helmet
Jackets
Overshoes
Shoes
Shorts, Tights & Trousers
Thermals
Magazines
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Safety Tips
Be Seen
Top Safety Tips
Links
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Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes were originally developed as a compromise between
lean fast road bikes,
and chunky, strong, but heavy, mountain bikes.
However, since their initial development, hybrid bikes have developed in their own
distinctive direction, and are today sturdy comfortable bikes suitable for riding around town
or country, and also capable of taking a fair amount of punishment.
For those people who find the riding position of road bikes
to be uncomfortable, hybrid bikes are a great alternative.
Hybrid bikes have straight handlebars and
a high front-end, which together provide an upright riding position, and brake-levers and gear shifters
which are accessible without taking your hands way from the handlebars. Fairly large wheels
(larger than mountain bikes) also help provide
a steady ride when travelling over uneven road surfaces or potholes.
Here are some hybrid bikes:
Related Web Sites:
Schwinn Released: 2008-04-08 Sports
 | List Price: $399.99 Lowest New Price: $243.97 Usually ships in 24 hours (As of 10:08 Pacific 24 Jul 2008 More Info)
Click Here | - Schwinn Aluminum Hybrid Frame
- Sturmey Archer 3 Spd Internal Shifting System
- Promax Alloy Linear Pull
Amazon.com Product Description: The perfect lightweight hybrid bike for comfortable cruising on the road and trail, the Schwinn Excursion Women's Hybrid Bike comes equipped with many convenient features, including a rear rack for storage. The bike is lightweight, maneuverable, and responsive on the road and on the trail. This is a perfect bike for a casual rider who would like to get there and back safely and in comfort. Boasting a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Excursion's front suspension fork and suspension seat post are designed to absorb the bumps of the road for you, keeping your ride smooth and comfortable. With a Sturney Archer three-speed internal shifting system, the bike can adjust easily for steeper grades and uneven terrain. The ProMax alloy linear pull brakes provide optimum control as you ride. The bike's lightweight, alloy wheels are built to last, and the fenders protect the rider from road spray and debris. It is easy to attach a rear basket or strap your bag to the back of the bike with the alloy rear rack, so that you can take necessary items with you and do some shopping as you cruise. Specifications: - Bike Type: Comfort and Cruiser
- Aluminum hybrid frame with front suspension fork
- Sturney Archer three-speed internal shifting system
- ProMax alloy linear pull brakes
- Alloy wheels
- Suspension seat post
- Fenders
- Alloy rear rack
- Meets or exceeds all CPSC (US Consumer Product Safety Commission) regulations
- Measures: 52.36 x 7.68 x 30.31 inches (L x W x H)
Assembly of the Bike: This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used. About Schwinn Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages. Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike: The Right Ride In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories: - Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
- Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
- Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.
The Right Price A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability. - Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
- Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
- High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.
The Right Size Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips: - Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
- Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
- Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.
The Right Accessories When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons: - Helmet (this is a must!)
- Seat pack
- Lock
- Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
- Spare tubes
- Portable bike pump
- Gloves
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