Feb 26 2009

Used BMX Bike Buyers Guide For Beginners

By Keith Nederhoed

When you first enter the Bmx world you have many questions. They begin with what kind of bike should I buy? What brands are good and what aren’t? What on earth is an integrated headset and do I need it? These questions aren’t even the tip of the ice burg when it comes to beginners. This guide will help you out when deciding to buy a used Bmx bike.

The first choice you need to make when buying a used Bmx bike is what type of riding will you mainly do? A rider’s bike who typically rides street is different than a rider’s bike that typically rides street. Obviously you don’t need a bike for each type of riding and any bike can go on any terrain. But if your only gonna ride dirt than there is no need to have pegs. Once you know what your main type of riding will be you can now begin looking at bikes. There are many things to consider when buying a used bike, but I feel these are the most important for beginners.

Frame:

The frame is the most important part of buying a used bike. With a solid, reliable frame you can easily upgrade your parts rather than having to go out and drop a big chunk of change on a new one. The first thing you will want to consider about the frame is the top tube length. Make sure it is a length suitable to you the rider. Taller riders will want longer top tubes. Make sure it’s of a reputable brand and is a newer model. Also check and see if its a stock frame. A stock frame is one that can be bought with a complete bike. For example: the Dk Four Pack is a complete bike. The frame it comes with would be considered a stock frame. Stock frames are not bad, but they are not the best out there. Frames that are not stock have more time put into them to make them the best they can be. Also check to see where the brake mounts are located or if it even has them. You may think that is silly, but some signature frames do not have brake mounts.

Wheels:

Wheels are also a very important piece of a used Bmx bike. You are going to want a solid pair of rims as a beginner. You will be trying new tricks and will not be very “smooth.” And with your lack of skills and fluidity will quickly lead to bent rims and lots of frustration. Try and get a used Bmx bike with double wall rims or better. This will save you lots of money in the future. Also check to see what kind of hub the rims have. Try and get a bike that have wheels with a cassette hub. Although not necessary it is very beneficial. Cassette hubs are much smoother and allow you to have very small gear rations which are a huge plus! The last thing to check on wheels is the color. Yes this may seem dumb to you, but color does matter when it comes to Bmx wheels. Chrome rims have the absolute best braking surface, the pads easily grip to the chrome. With Black rims, as well as other colors, the pad has a tougher time slowing the rim due to the paint.

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Feb 24 2009

Sport Bike Essential Protective Gear

By Ace Smith

Nothing beats riding a sport bike with the wind on your hair, the open road in front of you and the beautiful scenery passing the corner of your eyes. Some people consider owning a sport bike as one of the best things that they have ever purchased. However, statistics has shown that motorcycle accidents have increased 89% from 1997 and that those involved are usually aged 20 to 29.

The high rate of motorcycle road crashes can be alarming so imagine what a high-speed sport bike would fare in terms of crashes and accidents. It’s not therefore a matter of question that protective gear be used and prioritized to prevent the fatal consequences of motorcycle accidents.

1. The Helmet

The all-essential helmet is the most important protective gear for any serious sport bike rider. Full face helmets are usually required and can protect the head better than open-face ones. High impact lightweight helmets are popular but the important features for a good helmet include its ability to absorb shock, a comfortable internal lining and a tear resistant face shield. Make sure that the helmet can also be removed easily and that it has a cooling system that will allow your face to breathe.

2. The Knee straps and braces

This gear is important to prevent any injury to the knee, calves and lower part of the thigh. Make sure that you pick a high quality knee brace that is lightweight as it is durable. Some braces use velcro for straps but this is not advisable. Choose pull on designs that can securely fasten the brace to your knee and can comfortably compress the brace to your knee to prevent it from moving or shifting.

3. The Gloves

Gloves can protect your hands from scratches and gashes. Since they are the ones most likely to borne the impact of any crash, make sure that they are sheathed with gloves made of leather or high-quality synthetic material. The better ones are perforated for ventilation and have a comfortable inner lining to prevent the palms from sweating. Some gloves come fingerless, while others fully-cover the whole hand. Make sure though that they fit you well and the straps holds the glove in place.

4. The Jacket

Primarily, jackets are more for style than they are used to protect the body from injury. Today, however, more and more jackets are produced with protection as the primary purpose. The exterior may be made of leather or of a synthetic material, but inside, the jacket is stuffed full of pads to protect the shoulders, elbows and chest from injuries. It also functions as a reflector for sport bike fanatics who take out their bikes in the evening.

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