FitSugar

Now Is the Time to Buy a Bike

FitSugar — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 03:30:00 -0700

If you're looking for a new ride, now is the time to buy a bike. Just like car dealers, bicycle shops want to move their stock of 2009 models before the new 2010 bikes arrive. This means nice bikes are priced to sell.

You can find deals at large chain stores like Performance Bicycle, as well as small independent shops, where you can bargain a bit too. I suggest you head to a couple of stores and test ride a number of bicycles to find the feel and fit you want. I also suggest wearing bike shorts and bringing your own helmet for your test rides, and test the bikes on the types of terrain you plan to ride. This often means finding a hill to climb near the bike shop, and the folks at the bike store are often happy to suggest a route.

REI has reduced the price on many of its bikes, and the largest savings to be had are on road bikes. I am liking the carbon fiber Cannondale Synapse. It's designed for women's body structure and has been marked down from $1,999 to $1,599. Head to you local REI and take one for a spin.

Brain Bike Sharpens Your Mind, Tires Your Legs

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:30:00 -0800

Cardio is good for our hearts, muscles, and circulation, but because it's so repetitive, it can get boring fast. People help pass the time by listening to their iPods, watching TV or movies, reading magazines and books, and I've even seen someone knitting on the treadmill.

Now there's a new way to help you forget you're exercising. It's known as the NeuroActive Bike, or Brain Bike. It's a computer attached to a stationary bike, and there are 22 "brain-stimulating exercises" or games, that challenge your mind and memory. The goal is to improve your cardiovascular and cerebral health at the same time.

To see a video of how this bike works and find out how much one costs, read more.

They are already showing up in gyms in Canada, and if you want one for your own home gym, it'll run you about $3,000. Would you be into using a Brain Bike if it showed up at your gym?

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Need a Challenge? Step Up to the Nimbus Ultimate Wheel

FitSugar — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:00:00 -0800

You started with a tricycle, then you moved to a regular two-wheel bike. Learning to ride a unicycle seems like the next step, right? If you agree, then check out the Nimbus Ultimate Wheel ($90). It's a unique one-wheel ~~bike~~ cycle with no seat, so it's especially challenging for your balance. Since it has no handlebars, you'll end up working your core and upper body much more than you would on a regular ol' bike. Practicing riding this bike could help you with tons of other sports and activities that require balance, such as snowboarding, yoga, dance, and surfing.

Want to see someone give it a try? Then read more.

Man, this guy is really good (just ignore the pleather pants)!

Love Snowboarding? Then You'll Love the Sideways Bike

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:30:00 -0800

Riding a bike is a childhood milestone. Once you master the technique, you'll know how to ride for life. Cycling requires left-to-right balance, like walking, so it is easy to learn. Although more challenging, surfers and snowboarders turn their bodies to the side using front-to-back balance. This type of balance inspired Michael Killian, inventor of the Sideways Bike. Also called a Snowboard Bicycle, you sit on it with both legs on one side, similar riding sidesaddle on a horse. Killian says that the front-to-back balance, combined with the drifting ability of the independent wheels "affords you tremendous grace and motion. It's dance-like. It's mesmerizing and entertaining."

Want to see this bike in action? Then read more.

Both handlebars can steer independently so it's not exactly a cinch to learn, but once you perfect this type of balance, it can make you a better snowboarder. They're not in production yet, but when they hit stores, would you be interested in giving this Sideways Bike a go?

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Speak Up: How Do You Feel About Wearing a Helmet While Bike Riding?

FitSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:00:00 -0700

When I was a kid, there were no bike helmets – just wind in my hair. Unfortunately bike accidents can mean head injuries, and that's why helmets are encouraged today. Now that I'm a mom, I wouldn't think of letting my girls ride their bikes or trikes without a helmet. I must admit, I really use to despise wearing one myself. They're not very attractive and I felt like a helmet interfered with my sense of awareness. Now, I am totally used to the sensation of the helmet and really appreciate the little visor on the front of mine. How do you feel about wearing a helmet while bike riding? Are there any laws in your town about bike helmets? Do you think everyone should wear one all the time, or maybe only on certain roads? Should helmets only be for children? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Bike Riding and Back Pain: Part Two

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:30:00 -0700

Now that you have your bike set up to fit you to further prevent back, shoulder, and neck pain, you want to ride your bike correctly. These tips should help you have a smooth, pain-free ride.

Check your pedaling technique. If you glance at your knees while pedaling, they should be going straight up and down. Try to keep them from pointing out to the side as you pedal as this will make you pedal slower, could injure your knees or hips, and could be causing low-back pain.
Have good cycling posture. Your back should be slightly arched up like a hill, not swaybacked with your tailbone sticking up. This slight arch will allow you to engage your abs, and is also necessary when you hit bumps in the road. Your back will arch up a little more to absorb the shock. If your spine was arched down, hitting bumps would cause your back to bow in even more, which can cause low-back pain.
While pedaling, make sure not to have your bike set on a gear that makes pedaling really difficult. Switching to an easier gear could ease your back pain.
Be mindful of your shoulders. Consciously remind yourself to relax them away from your ears. Scrunching them up will cause tension, which in turn can cause neck and upper-back pain.

Want to see what else may help ease your back pain? Then read more.

Also make sure that your elbows have a slight bend in them to allow them to act as shock absorbers. This can relieve tension in the shoulders and upper back.
Wear the right sized helmet. One that doesn't fit well can wobble and cause neck pain.
Even though bikes have saddles so you can sit, periodically stand since sitting for long periods of time can make for a sore lower back.
Once your ride is over, be sure to stretch out your hips, hamstrings, and lower back.

Xdream Bike: Who Needs Fresh Air?

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:45:00 -0700

Love riding your bike outside but hate dealing with traffic, inclement weather, and bugs in your teeth? Don't worry. The Xdream is the "first indoor fitness product that accurately simulates the experience of riding outdoors." That means you have real gears, brakes, handlebars, pedals, cranks and seat sensors that enable each move you make to be accurately portrayed on the screen in front of you. Whatever terrain and conditions of the road you see on the screen, the bike will mimic the resistance you feel as if you were actually experiencing it for real. It's kind of like a video game, but much better because at least you're off the couch.

It's great if you live in a busy city, in a bad neighborhood, or the streets are covered in two feet of snow. For most of us though, I'm sure we'll just opt to slap on a helmet and actually ride our bikes outside.

If you want to buy this bike, you'll definitely be breaking the piggy bank for this one. To find out how much it costs and see some great pictures of the Xdream bike then read more

This bad boy costs a whopping $8,999, but just to make you feel better, delivery, installation, and product training for the customer are included. The price also includes a two year warranty. Unless you're rolling in moolah, I'm sure this bike would be better suited for a gym. Check out the pics.

View 9 Photos ›

Fit's Tips: If you have a bike and want to ride it inside because it's not warm enough to hit the roads yet, you can get a cycle trainer or cycling roller.

Bike Riding and Back Pain: Part One

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Bike riding is great exercise since it gets you outside into the fresh air, it works your heart and lungs, and many people find it to be easier on their bodies than running. Some people may experience pain in their lower back, upper back, and shoulders, and a lot of it has to do with their bike. Check out these tips to help prevent discomfort:

Make sure the bike is the right style for where you plan on riding. You don't want to be taking a road bike, that's made for speediness on flat surfaces, out mountain biking. The right kind of bike will support your body better.
Also make sure it's the right size for you. You'll know it's the right height, if you can stand with your feet flat straddling the bike, and the front bar and your lady business are about two to four inches apart. If you have a women's bike where the bar is slanted, imagine that the bar is horizontal and measure from that line.
Be sure the seat is the appropriate height. When sitting on the bike, your leg should be almost straight when on the down stroke. Having your knees lock can cause injury and a jarring feeling in your lower back.
Find a comfortable handlebar height. Start with your handlebar stem one inch lower than your seat. If this position bothers your lower back, you can raise the bars slightly until your back feels good. If you're riding on tough terrain, higher handlebars may be better.
Don't raise the handlebars so that your spine is in an upright position. A straight back doesn't allow any give when you hit road bumps, and will only make your vertebrae jam together, which will aggravate existing back pain.

Stay tuned for Part Two, all about riding technique and posture.

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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.

Bike Tire Skins: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

So you've just taken the plunge and bought yourself a sweet new ride. I am not talking about a gas guzzling ride, but the calorie burning eco-friendly ride.

Problem is, your new bike seems a little boring. You can spice it up with SweetskinZ ($34 and up), new bike tires that are not only totally colorful during the day, but reflective at night as well.

I am not sure I could pull it off. I feel it would be a lame attempt to reclaim my coolness on the streets, but you guys probably could. So what do you think?