FitSugar

Electronic Foldable YikeBike: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:29:51 -0700

If bikes were as ubiquitous as cars, the ozone might not look like lace. In addition to being a great form of exercise, biking is also a great way to deal with heavily trafficked urban streets. In case you don't want to pedal, but still don't want to sit in traffic, there is the YikeBike. This mini two-wheeler is electric, so there is no need to pedal. It has been redesigned in other ways as well. The handlebars are next to the seat so you sit upright instead of hunched over to improve visibility. The speed is limited, so it can only go about 12 mph (20 km/hour), even downhill. Being fairly new, this bike costs around $5,500 - considerably more than a really nice road bike. Check out this video to see the YikeBike in action.

Do you like the Yike?

Cool or Not: Topshop Designing Cycling Gear

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0700

After invading New York retail, Topshop is now invading the world of cycling gear. According to the UK Telegraph, this week the fashion-forward retailer is releasing a line of biking shorts, jackets, and accessories for female cyclists. The edgy, brightly colored goods were designed by Cyclodelic and will be available in the UK. British safety experts caution that hats and headscarves are no substitute for helmets, but I'm loving the bags in particular. Would you pick this stuff up?

Source

Five Mountain Bikes For Women Under $2,000

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I'm looking to get a new mountain bike, so I've been doing a little research. I already have one I spent only a couple hundred bucks on, and after trying out the more expensive ones, I can really feel the difference. So I'm ready to splurge since a bike is something I'll have for a while. If you're in the market for a new mountain bike, here are five women-specific bikes on my list.

Trek 8000 WSD ($1,979.99): I just love the way this bike looks and feels. It has a sturdy aluminum frame, is lightweight enough to schlep around if I need to, and comes in four sizes to get the right fit.
Specialized Myka FSR ($1,450): Made with an alloy frame, this bike is women specific and uniquely designed to give a smooth ride. It's meant to handle rocky descents or cruise on even surfaces.

To see some more affordable bikes read more.

Giant Arête ($1200): Also made with a durable aluminum frame, this bike is ergonomically designed so it's great when racing fast or casually rolling. I love the color - Metallic Eggplant.
Scott Contessa 20 ($1034.99): This bike has a thick alloy frame that's decorated with delicate artwork, and a comfy seat that matches. It offers great control on all surfaces and comes in five sizes so you can get the most ideal fit.
Cannondale F7 Féminine ($579): The frame is strong yet lightweight because it's made of aluminum, and the saddle is women specific so it's very comfy. This bike also comes in pink if you're into that.

Fit's Tip: While price and specifications are important, the most essential thing is to find a bike that fits your size and riding needs perfectly. When you ride it, the bike should feel like an extension of your body. So test drive a bunch - that's the fun part.

You Asked: What Gives With Women's Bikes?

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:30:00 -0700

You're asking and I'm answering . . .

Dear Fit,
I'm in the market for a new bike, but while shopping I've noticed that there are bikes made for guys and then that company will make the same bike but designed for women. The colors are usually very feminine, which I hate. I'm wondering is it OK to go for the guy's model, or is there really a huge benefit to riding a women's specific bike?
-Tomboy Tara

This is a great question since so many of our readers are into cycling. To find out what I think read more.

Regardless of gender, you need to choose a bike that's right for your body type. Most women specific bikes are made to suit the average size woman who typically has a shorter torso than the average man, as well as shorter arms and legs. The benefit of choosing a bike designed for women is that these physical differences are taken into consideration in the construction of the geometry of the "cockpit" - the top tube, length of the handlebar stem, and the position of the seat. Here are some basic differences in women specific bikes: the frame is smaller, the distance between the seat and the handlebars is shorter, the distance from the seat to the peddles is also shorter, the brake levers are closer to account for a woman's smaller hands, and the bike is lighter weight so it's easier to carry. Sometimes the front bar is lower as well to protect your lady business in case you fall forward.

The bottom line is that women specific bikes aren't just made in girly colors, they're actually made to fit a female's body better than male specific bikes. Since fit is the most important thing, try to look beyond the color of the bicycle. If you tend to be on the shorter side, bikes designed for women will offer you more benefits in regards to fit and ease of riding. If you're taller, then the larger frame male bikes may be your best bet.

Fit's Tip: My advice is to test drive all brands and models, both male and female specific bikes. Some companies also make bikes in different sized frames such as extra small, so give those a spin too. If a rugged appearance is important to you, be sure to check out bikes made by Cannondale (like the one shown), Trek, and Giant since their women specific models don't necessarily look girlish.

Source

RealRyder - Mountain Bike Without Leaving Home

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700

I'm big into road biking for exercise and for getting from place to place, but I also love mountain biking because the steep hills and windy trails make riding more exciting and challenging. I realize that not everyone has access to safe places to ride, so stationary bikes are a great option. The only negative thing is that they hardly mimic what it's really like to ride a bike outside. They also only work your lower body so if you want to target your core and upper body more check out the RealRyder ($2,395). I know it seems pricey to buy for your home gym, so maybe your gym has one you can use.

What makes the RealRyder different than a conventional stationery bike? To find out read more.

The RealRyder allows you to steer and move from side to side, just as if you were riding and turning on a road or trail. This bike offers a more realistic riding experience, and you end up improving your sense of balance, working your heart, and strengthening your core, upper arms, and back better than you would on a regular stationary bike. Plus, doesn't this bike look more fun than one that just stands straight up? If it's more fun, then you'll be motivated to hop on more often and ride longer.

Towering Tall Bikes

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700

If you've ever seen one riding down the street, then you know that a tall bike is quite a sight to see. These colossal creations are constructed by attaching recycled abandoned bicycles and random spare parts to regular bikes. Usually the frames are stacked one on top of the other, but the designs can be quite complicated. The bike mechanics are reworked so both the top set of petals and the brakes on the upper handlebars can be used.

Even thought they're super tall, these bikes can still be ridden like regular bikes. Riders actually say they feel safer on tall bikes because they are more visible to cars, other cyclists, and pedestrians. There's also the "wow" factor because they're so unique, so cars are more cautious around them. You may wonder how one gets herself onto a tall bike. Check out this video. It's a lot like mounting a horse.

Fit's Tip: If you're interested in building your own tall bike, here are some instructions.

If you want to see some photos of the crazy tall bikes people have concocted then read more.

View 17 Photos ›

Source

Bike Production Beats Out Cars!

FitSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Here's a bit of news that will please all of you bike-riding, eco-minded types: bicycle production is on the rise. According to the Earth Policy Institute's Eco-Economy Indicators, 130 million bicycles were produced last year, versus 52 million automobiles. What's even cooler is that bike production is increasing at a faster pace than car manufacturing: it's nearly quadrupled since 1970, while car production has only grown twofold.

Of course, most of the credit for increased bike riding goes to Europe, where cities pour money into bicycle infrastructure projects that encourage people to commute on two wheels instead of four. Colombia, South Korea, and Australia also boast great bike-friendly track records. In the US, bicycling has actually declined 32 percent since the early 1990s, and the number of people who commute via bike is especially low. But American cities are working to change that with increased bike lanes and programs like Bike to Work Day.

What do you think about these stats? Do you ride a bike either for transportation or for exercise? Do you wish that the US would follow the lead of Europe and do more to encourage bicycling?

Source

Chanel Bike: Would You Buy It?

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:30:00 -0800

In honor of my girl FabSugar covering everything that is Fashion Week, I wanted to add a little fashion to my site, with a sporty side of course.

Chanel recently launched a city bike that's bound to knock your socks off. This ergonomically designed, eight-speed bicycle could be the most fashionable bike in town. With a fashionable price to boot - this little baby will cost you around $12,000. Yikes.

Let's play pretend for minute. Say you had the money to splurge, would you dare buy this Chanel bike? (And no, it doesn't burn extra calories or anything like that, it's just a regular bike.)

Source

Green Exercise: Ride Your Bike Inside

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:30:00 -0800

Riding your bike is perfect exercise for your heart and a wonderful way to tone your lower body. It's also great for the environment, because it doesn't require any gas or electricity to get it going. If you live in a place where Winter means cold, ice, and snow, I'm sure you've put your bike away till the Spring, but you can still get the benefits of riding your bike without having to go outside.

Transform your favorite bike into a stationary bike by using a cycle trainer like the Blackburn TrakStand Mag ($159.99). All you do is remove your bike's front wheel and mount your back wheel into the cycle trainer's mount, which elevates your bike and keeps it stable, turning your road bike into a stationary bike. This bike mount even folds up for easy storage.

Want to make your indoor ride even more challenging? Then read more

If you're a more experienced rider, you can also use a cycling roller ($169.99) like this one from CycleOps. These are a little harder to use, and you really need to pay attention to steering and balancing so you don't fall off the rollers. They require more concentration than just hopping on your bike and going for a ride since you're not attached to the rollers.

Although cycle trainers and rollers can be pretty pricey, ranging from $100 to more than $300, they're cheaper than having to go out and buy an expensive stationary bike. This is a lot smaller than a huge piece of equipment too, so that means less space taken up in a landfill someday.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Pearl Izumi Sugar Short

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Riding your bike is a great cardio workout since it's fun, fast, and the constant breeze keeps you cool. If you don't ride your bike that often, you probably have a sensitive bum, so I definitely recommend getting yourself some padded bike shorts.

Made by Pearl Izumi, Sugar Short certainly protects your booty and keeps you looking and feeling cool! I love the name and I LOVE these shorts.

The best part about these shorts is that they have something called 3D TOUR Chamois™. It's a big name that basically means an anatomically contoured pad for your bum, to prevent you from getting saddle sore. This comfortable pad is seamless and antimicrobial.

I also like that these shorts are not too short and not too long - they have a 5" inseam. Plus, you can't beat the price - $44.95 from teamestrogen.com. These padded shorts will make a huge difference on your next ride.