FitSugar

What Type of Bike is Right For You?

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Are you looking to get a new bike this summer? It can be pretty overwhelming to choose the right one once you see them all lined up at the store.

The best way to find a bike that is right for you is to ask yourself "What kind of rider am I?" Are you planning on riding on rocky terrain or do you plan on sticking to paved roads and bike paths? Are you a racer looking for a speedy, lightweight bike? Or do you plan on using your new bike to casually commute or enjoy a light Sunday ride?

Here are a few different types of bikes and what they are used for:

Mountain Bike: This bike has wide, knobby tires, so you can ride on almost any surface including dirt roads, mountain trails, and paved streets. This bike has a gear system, which is helpful when you're trucking up hills. It also has a sturdy frame and suspensions, which are helpful when you're on rugged terrain. It's a popular bike (it's what I have) since it's durable, fast and versatile, so you're not limited to certain types of roads.

Want to learn about the other types of bikes? Then read more

Road Bike: This bike is built for speed, so it can be used for racing, but also just for riding around. It has a lightweight frame and strong yet thin tires that are less than an inch wide. If you're planning on sticking to paved bike paths and streets, this could be the bike for you.

Hybrid Bike: This is a bike designed for use on roads and bike paths. It is influenced from both the road bike and the mountain bike, hence the name hybrid. The bike aims to retain the features of mountain bikes, which have made them accessible and popular, but are designed to be more suitable for urban use. Ultimately the manufacturer determines if the hybrid leans more to the mountain or road bike side.

Track Racing Bike: This bike is for serious racing. It's extremely lightweight and has no brakes, since brakes would add extra weight. It also has one fixed gear, so the rider can go as fast as possible. The handlebars are low, enabling the rider to lean down and increase his speed. If you are planning on racing, this is the kind of bike you should look at.

Street Bike (City Bike/Granny Bike): These bikes are made more for casually strolling the streets and/or commuting than for serious riding. The tires are like those you would find on a road bike but the bike itself is more elongated than your average bike. The city bike is very popular in urban areas right now, but they're especially popular in Holland.

Fit's Tips: I definitely recommend going to a trusty bike shop and riding a bunch of bikes to see what feels best to you. Also be sure to pick up a helmet when you buy that shiny new bike - You've got to protect that fabulous brain of yours.

Source

Fittingly Mad: We ALL Need to Share the Road

FitSugar — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I lived without a car for years. I biked to work. I biked to parties. I biked to the grocery store. I biked everywhere. After almost getting door-ed (when the person in the driver’s seat of a parked car opens his/her door just as a biker is coming to pass) repeatedly I became a very defensive biker.

The best way to protect myself was to be super aware of my surrounding as I rode the busy city streets. I used my voice a lot, even screamed so drivers would notice me. I took bike routes whenever possible and avoided traffic heavy streets whenever possible, which I found relatively easy to do. I thought the public service announcements that read “Start Seeing Bicycles” were great and I still love them. Drivers need to deal with the fact that cyclist are around and share the road, use their turn signals, hang up their phones, pay attention to the road and look for bikers before opening their car doors. I definitely got a little hot under the helmet when cars didn’t give me the right of way at four way stops…hello driver you will get to wherever you are going faster than I will reach my destination since I am just pedaling and you are merely pressing the gas pedal.

Now, I own a car but live in a bike friendly town, with lot of “Bicycle Boulevards.” Streets full of pretty purple signs guide cyclists through the town on different routes. These signs are cheerful reminders for drivers to share the road. The streets are painted with an image of a biker (wearing a helmet of course) just to remind those in cars to share the road. These dedicated streets are plentiful. Yet, I still see cyclists on streets with heavy traffic, biking at night, in dark clothes with no light, on a street without a bike lane, when a street with a bike lane, a more quiet street is one block away. I want to yell at them SAFETY is one block away!!! Wear a helmet? Where’s your light?

My driver self knows I need to share the road, and stay calm and keep my crazy mother voice to myself. But the cyclist in me wants these bikers to share the road too, to bike defensively, to use the roads dedicated for biking. I think cars and bikes can get along. We all just need to stay aware of one another. We all need to share the road.

Indoor Cycling Just Got Better: Schwinn Training Bike

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:52 -0800

Winter rain and snow means it is indoor cycling season: I'm talking about spinning. Equinox has filled its Cycling Studio with new spin bikes by Schwinn. The bikes are pretty dang sweet.

I rode one during 45 minutes of Sports Cycling, and the ride was smooth and comfy with so many different hand grips available - the handlebars are tilted for ergonomic placement. The tension on the fly wheel is created by magnets too, ensuring that all the bikes in the room create the same tension across the board. Best of all the bikes have console computers, which not only work with most heart rate monitors, but also measure miles per hour, cadence, distance, and watts. The pedals have cages, if you don't have cycling shoes, and the pedals are compatible with road bike cleats as well as mountain bike cleats - very versatile.

These indoor cycling bikes will arrive at Equinox gyms starting now throughout early Winter. They are exclusively at Equinox for the time being, but these bikes can only spell upgrades for most gyms. Tell me, do you spin?

5 Things For Safe Outdoor Workouts

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:31 -0700

Even though cold temps are moving in, some of you may still love sweating it out in the outdoors. Exercising outside is a great way to lift your spirits, is usually free, and prevents boredom, but you need to be especially aware of your safety. So here are some things you'll need for outdoor workouts.

Road ID ($20): This colorful fabric bracelet ID can be personalized with up to seven lines of text. Wear it on your wrist or attach it to your sneaker or jacket, and in case of an emergency, someone will know your name, where you live, and who to call.
Cell phone case: Whether I'm biking far away from home, or just running in my neighborhood, I always carry my cell phone in case I get hurt and need to call for help.

What else should you have on your outdoor workouts? To find out read more.

Airdrive Earphones ($60): I'm a big fan of listening to music while I work out, but it's not exactly safe to blast Fergie so loud you can't hear anything around you. These headphones sit just outside the opening of your ear, so you can hear your tunes, and also be aware of outside noises.
Reflective gear ($60) or lights ($15): Since the days are shorter, you may be exercising before the sun rises or after it has set, so you need gear that makes you more visible to drivers. They make all sorts of wearable reflective gear now, but when it's really dark, you may also want to sport a headlamp so not only can others see you, but you'll be able to see where you're going too.
Pepper spray ($10.50): If you work out in an unsafe neighborhood, or are in the woods and worried about animals attacking you, then pepper spray could save your life. This one has a handle so you can carry it easily, and it's ready to use instantly.

Reasons to Try Mountain Biking

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:47:34 -0700

Road biking was my first taste of exercising on wheels. I loved the smooth terrain, how fast I could speed along, and how much distance I could cover, which made for great sightseeing. I never gave much thought to trying mountain biking, until my hubby persuaded me to go with him. I tell you, it's a completely different feeling riding on a woodsy trail than it is riding on the road. Here are some reasons you should give it a try.

It's the perfect time of year - the air is chilly so you won't overheat, there are no bugs, the ground is less muddy, and the foliage is gorgeous. It's a great way to celebrate Fall.
It's a major calorie burner. An hour of mountain biking burns over 500 calories.
You can forget about doing endless squats and lunges because mountain biking will effectively tone your thighs and booty. Since you have to pedal hard up steep hills, you really feel the burn in your lower body.
Once you purchase a mountain bike, cycling shoes, and a helmet, the trails are usually free, so it's a great way to stay fit during a time when we're all pinching pennies. Visit a bike shop and purchase an old model that stores are trying to get rid of, or check out Craigslist if you're on a budget.

To see why else you should start mountain biking read more.

It's a great alternative for people who say that running hurts their knees or back.
Since you're biking through narrow trails, over roots and rocks, dodging tree limbs and holes, you really tune your sense of balance. It also requires more awareness and quick thinking, so boredom just isn't an issue.
It's a great form of exercise you can do with a friend or whole group. Not only is there safety in numbers, but your pals can suggest new places to ride.
It's hardcore. I feel so tough after a ride in the woods because mountain biking is so challenging. I come home with scratches from branches, bruises from falling (since I'm a beginner), and mud on my legs. Aside from strengthening my body, my inner self feels stronger.

Tell me, have you ever tried mountain biking?

Biking Basics: Presta Valves vs. Schrader Valves

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:47:24 -0700

Bike tires are a complex science unto themselves - I've heard people say, "It's not about the bike; it's about the tires." When it comes to bicycle tires, you need to know about the two kind of valves out there. There is the tall and skinny Presta valve and the Schrader valve, which you probably had on your bike as a kid.

The Presta valve, sometimes referred to as a French valve, is common on most performance road and mountain bikes. This style of valve has built-in valve caps, which you open before pumping air into the tire and which must be tightly closed to prevent air from slowly leaking out of the tire. Presta valves are used in high-performance bikes because they are lightweight and slender, so they don't require a large hole in the rim of the tire, rendering it less stable. Presta valves are easier to pump air through since they don't have a spring like Schrader valves. You cannot use the automated air at a filling station with the Presta valves without an adapter, which you screw on once the cap has been opened.

The Schrader valve is your basic automotive valve and is sturdier. You will find this style used on kids' bikes as well as utility bikes and beach cruisers.

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.

Yoga With Biggest Loser Trainer Bob Harper

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:47:23 -0700

I gaze out past the middle finger of my left hand into the Hollywood Hills as my right quad quivers holding Warrior 2. This is when Bob Harper, trainer from The Biggest Loser, says, "You might be feeling a bit of heat in your thigh right about now." He's teaching a yoga class to a few bloggers and ladies of the press, and we all laugh as our legs burn.

You can hear Bob's charming smile even in his calm instructions leading us from pose to pose. He's a thoughtful teacher, with smart sensitive hands that gently mold you into correct positions. I've had a bit of a TV crush on him for years, and now after meeting him in person, I'm smitten. This yoga class and round table discussion were produced by Go With the Grain, and although carbs did come up (as well as protein, which Bob thinks is overrated), we mostly talked about the show, yoga, and a dash of musical theater. He mentioned the contestant Shay more than a few times; she was clearly on his mind. Having lived through each moment during filming, Bob doesn't watch the show but checks the ratings the following morning. He's also learned to avoid the online community boards: "They're so mean." He addresses the recent criticism about all the screaming on the show and shakes his head in dismay and bemusement about the clip of a tirade used on the Emmys.

Bob said there is so much of the action at the ranch that ends on the cutting room floor because it doesn't make for good TV. Which brings us to yoga. Quiet, slow yoga. He actually does a fair bit with his contestants because it's meditative. "It helps them own their bodies," he explains. Working with people that weigh over 300 pounds, Bob gets creative with props, using benches to help support Shay in Chaturanga. Ten minutes of sun salutations is often part of the exercise homework he gives his team.

To see if Bob and Jillian, his rival trainer on the show, are buddies, just read more.

Bob still teaches a Saturday spin class at a Crunch in LA and has participated in the SF to LA AIDS ride, so I asked him if he rides a road bike much. "I spin four to five days a week and get my cycle time there. Mostly, I like to ride my motorcycle." Who taught him to ride? Jillian. They hang out all the time. Cute.

As a personal trainer, we know Bob is into fitness, but food is a major part of the health picture. Growing up on a cattle farm, with "two coffin freezers full of meat," Bob is not into animal protein and believes in a plant-based diet. He feels too much emphasis has been placed on protein. He really wants people to focus on fruits and veggies, and of course grains. On the show, he tell contestants that life on the ranch is the little picture. It's extreme. Going forward with their lives after The Biggest Loser they're going to need to find balance. Which is what we all need, especially when doing the standing splits to end a series of standing poses he taught in his class.

Obviously, I am big fan of Bob's - are you? How was your last yoga class? Ever taken one with a celebrity yogi? Share the details in my Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

What's the Most Expensive Piece of Fitness Gear You Own?

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:30:41 -0700

I know we are not supposed to love material possessions, but right now I am carrying on a hot and steamy affair with my new road bike.

I mean hot and steamy as in burning up the calories and sweating profusely - and it's wonderful. Yep, I took the plunge and upgraded from my 10-year-old hybrid to a sweet ride by Specialized. I paid a pretty penny, but I know this relationship is going to last. My bike is by far the most expensive piece of fitness gear I own. What about you?

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?