SFMTRA https://sfmtra.org Tue, 01 Feb 2022 06:34:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://sfmtra.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/SFMTrA-Germon-1.png SFMTRA https://sfmtra.org 32 32 Confessions: Here Is Why People Got Addicted to Cycling https://sfmtra.org/confessions-here-is-why-people-got-addicted-to-cycling/ Mon, 01 Nov 2021 05:57:34 +0000 https://sfmtra.org/?p=231 We’re nothing short of media reports on climate change and how it will affect us soon if we keep doing what we do on a global level. From air pollution and gas emissions to how we acquire fuel, we’re a couple of steps away from disaster. 

 

In addition, the modern way of life is making us more and more unhealthy. Aside from poor diets, the lack of regular exercise is behind every other obese person in the West. Although these two problems aren’t the only ones we should care about, we can do a lot by simply riding bikes.

 

In the following few paragraphs, we’ll take you through some pros of cycling in hopes of convincing you to give it a go.

It’s a Great Core Workout

Firstly, let’s talk about core strength. Riding your bike every day is one of the simplest means to level up your back and abdomen. The way it works is that while cycling, you keep your body in an upright position as you keep the bike fixed. This alone requires a certain amount of core strength, so just imagine what it can do if you keep cycling every other day, let alone every 24 hours.

 

This form of exercise is especially important for your spine, stability, and overall comfort in everyday life. Both abdominal and back muscles are the ones that keep your spine in a normal, straight position. This allows you to stand up straight, be stable while walking, and live a pain-free life well into your later years. Nevertheless, core strength is what helps people have proper body language and be more attractive too.

Improves Heart and Lung Health

Two of our worst enemies when it comes to health are heart and lung diseases. Strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure are three of the most common suspects for cardiovascular-related deaths. However, a study done in Denmark over the course of 14 years concludes how riding a bike can protect people from these diseases.

 

Cycling regularly can stimulate and improve your heart’s functions, including circulation. And when it does, it will positively affect your lungs, as they need proper blood flow to do their work. In essence, cycling is behind increased heart muscle strength. As such, it lowers the resting pulse and also reduces fat levels in your blood.

 

Furthermore, some studies found that people who take their bikes to work are less likely to expose their bodies to pollution. Moreover, people who ride motor vehicles are two to three times more prone to taking in dangerous gasses. With such statistics, we can safely say that people who cycle have much healthier lungs than those who don’t.

It Builds Muscle and Reduces Fat

As we said in the beginning, cycling and obesity don’t go hand in hand. In other words, riding a bike can help people reduce fat and build muscle, just like going to the gym does. The way it succeeds in doing this is that it helps your body raise its metabolic rate. And once it does, your organism will build muscle and burn fat.

 

However, simply riding a bike won’t do much if you don’t mix it with a healthy diet. A good eating plan will lay down the foundation for what cycling will do afterward. And in case you have trouble starting exercise due to lack of motivation, you don’t need to worry. Cycling is a comfortable way of working out as it doesn’t require you to go to a gym. You just sit on your bike, and off you go, wherever and whenever you want.

 

Some research suggests that burning around 2,000 calories a week is optimal for most people when exercising. And when you translate that into cycling, it means that you can accomplish your weekly task by steadily riding a bike for an hour and a half.

Promotes Better Sex Life

One of the best cycling effects is that it helps promote a better sex life. Indeed, riding your wheels every so often can help you make your body fitter, so your chances of finding a sexual partner will skyrocket in a few months.

 

On the other hand, by simply being on a bike, you increase the chances of others liking you. And no, we didn’t just come up with this. A certain study done by the British Heart Foundation concluded that people think cyclists are way cooler and attractive in others’ eyes.

Furthermore, riding a bike helps you relax. It allows your brain to release more happy hormones, just like pot does. That helps people get sexually aroused more easily. Yet, that’s not all. The more you ride your wheels, the more you’ll up your stamina, making you last longer in bed.

 

And to finish this sex talk off, another study done by Harvard University suggests that most elder swimmers still have an active sex life. And seeing how cycling and swimming activate similar muscles, having fun in bed will be no problem, even if you’re over sixty.

Enhances Mental Performance

Another great health benefit of cycling is that it helps with your mental state. From easing depressions, reducing stress, and lowering anxiety, riding a bike is a great way to change your mood and improve your mental health in general.

 

However, it’s not just about dealing with mental illnesses. While you cycle, you need to focus on the road. That way, your mind will learn to concentrate, and your overall awareness will increase. You can use this benefit in all other aspects of life, making cycling both a great physical and mental exercise.

 

On the flip side, it’s not unusual for people to feel like they don’t have a purpose at a certain moment. For whatever reason, this feeling can take you down. But that’s where a bike should come in. Riding it for a mere 10 minutes can help your brain release happy hormones and eliminate the feeling of emptiness. That is also a great way to deal with stress levels too.

]]>
How to Start Cycling: 6 Need-to-Know Tips for Beginners https://sfmtra.org/how-to-start-cycling-6-need-to-know-tips-for-beginners/ Sun, 14 Jun 2020 14:34:25 +0000 https://sfmtra.org/?p=164 From the outside looking in, cycling looks simple—all you have to do is pedal, right? But it can sometimes come off as intimidating. You might find yourself thinking, “Wait, I need more gear?” or simply, “Yikes. Spandex.”

But once you take that first ride, we’re sure you’ll be hooked by the sense of freedom, adventure, and joy so commonly felt on the bike. Getting started is easier than it seems, and we’ll let you in on a little secret: You don’t even have to wear spandex if you don’t want to. To help, we’ve gathered up six need-to-know tips on how to start cycling so you can hit the open road with confidence.

1. Choose the Right Bike

Of course, you can’t get started without a great set of wheels. While we’re big fans of all types of bikes, we’re specifically talking about bikes suitable for the road here. This is the most common and accessible form of cycling for beginners, and the lightweight bikes—with skinny tires and efficient riding geometry—are designed to help you navigate paved bike paths and city streets.

Just like picking the perfect pair of running shoes, you first need to size your bike. Stand over the top tube and shoot for about an inch of clearance between your body and the frame. If this sounds foreign to you, your local bike shop can help with this.

Next you need to pick a bike that fits your budget and riding style. Are you going to log casual miles on the weekends? Do you want to use your bike for exercise? Are you planning on eventually doing long-distance rides like centuries or racing? Road bike frames have specific geometries and components, tailored for each of these goals at every price point.

Think about how you intend to use the bike, and how you might want to grow with the bike. (For example: Maybe you can only ride 20 miles now, but you have a 75-mile charity ride in your sights). Then work with your local bike shop to find the right pick.

2. Get Geared Up

Finding the perfect bike is only half of the equation. There’s also some essential gear you’ll need. A new helmet is the most important and should be worn at all times while riding. Helmets have a shelf life, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and buy a new one instead of reaching for that old one hanging in the garage. New helmets meet the U.S. safety standards, so try them all on and choose one that best fits your head, your style, and your budget best. The more you love it, the more you’ll want to wear it.

Not quite ready to look like a Tour de France rider yet? No problem. There are plenty of brands that make cool cycling apparel for recreational riders, like the Bike Style collection from Pearl Izumi. If you do aspire to look like a pro, we’ve got you covered there, too. A cycling kit (a jersey, matching padded bib shorts or bike shorts, and socks) is more aerodynamic and comfortable on the bike than other athletic clothes. The material wicks away sweat and helps regulate body temperature; the form-fitting cut reduces chafing; and the padded seat (chamois) protects sensitive areas from road vibration. Jerseys are available in race or relaxed fit and endless colors and patterns.

While we suggest starting your cycling journey with standard flat pedals and athletic shoes, eventually you may want to transition to road bike shoes and clipless pedals. This shoe-pedal combination secures your feet in place to improve pedaling efficiency and bike handling. Unclipping can sometimes be tricky, so be sure to practice in a field until you get the hang of it.

Other important items include some tools (tire levers, a mini pump, spare tubes, and a multi-tool) and a water bottle or two. You can also opt for a cycling computer, which comes in handy for tracking mileage and navigating routes.

3. Create a Habit

Your first few rides might be tough—your body is adjusting to the stress of a totally new activity. But like all things in life, real progress is made when you stick with it for the long run. The first step to make riding a habit is to be realistic. Don’t expect to magically become a morning person just because you have a new bike, or plan to ride 100 miles too soon. Start small and grow from there.

No matter when you choose to ride, lay out your kit, fill your bottles, and pump up your tires ahead of time. Prepping and deciding to get on the bike is sometimes the hardest part—doing a little preride preparation will prevent excuses from getting in the way.

Setting a long-term goal is a great way to stay engaged and track progress. You can aim to ride a certain number of days a week or look for a local charity ride, gran fondo, or create your own long-term mileage goal.

4. Stay Safe

We’ve already mentioned how important wearing your helmet is while riding, but there’s more to staying safe on your bike than just protecting your noggin—especially during a global pandemic. CDC guidelines have recently been updated to recommend “wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

When riding alone, always carry a basic multi-tool, a form of identification, cash (dollar bills can also be used as a tire boot), and your phone in case of an emergency. As much as we hate to admit it, sometimes not all rides go as planned—don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road after a crash or with an unfixable mechanical with no help.

Always follow local traffic laws while riding—this includes coming to a complete stop at all stop signs and red lights (even on group rides), and using appropriate hand signals when making a lane change or turn. Also, don’t assume the car coming up behind you knows you’re there just because you’re in their lane. The more aware you are of your surroundings, the more you can anticipate any drivers not paying attention or hazards out on the road.

Headphones or earbuds should never be worn while riding outdoors, either. If you need tunes for motivation during a ride, opt instead for a small Bluetooth speaker and store it in your pocket or water bottle cage.

5. Find Your Ride Style

As you spend more and more time in the saddle, you’ll learn more about your personal riding style and preferences. Maybe you love riding non-competitively with a group, or you prefer heading out on solo adventures. Maybe you find yourself yearning to race, or simply using your bike to commute to work every day. There are endless ways to ride and enjoy riding—it just takes a little trial and error to find yours.

Eventually, you may also find that your body type and talents will naturally lend itself to a specific type of riding. If you find yourself breezing uphill faster than your friends, climbing may be your cup of tea. If you can pull away on a “race” to the town line during the Thursday night group ride, sprinting is likely your forte. Being a well-rounded cyclist is always the goal, but fostering your strengths (or what you enjoy most) is a surefire way to keep cycling fun. Plus, it’s part of the sport—professional cyclists generally specialize in one style, whether it’s sprinting, climbing, or time trialing.

6. (Eventually) Find a Group

There’s something to be said about finding the internal motivation to ride regularly, but sometimes a little positive peer pressure goes a long way. Cycling is uniquely both an individual and group sport. You can certainly ride and accomplish goals solo, but once social-distancing is lifted, riding with a group can make it physically easier (you can draft off each other for less wind resistance) and more motivating.

Many cities have cycling groups who host no-drop group rides, designed to teach beginner cyclists group etiquette and showcase local routes. These groups are usually associated with bike shops, so ask the staff for a ride calendar or resources to learn more.

You’ll quickly find that cycling is a surprisingly social and supportive sport. Weekly group rides can hold you accountable and give you the extra push you need to throw your leg over the saddle when motivation is lacking. Many people in these organized rides have advice from years of experience that they’re more than willing to share— watch, learn and ask questions.

]]>
A Guide to Watching Le Tour de France (and 5 Other Great Cycling Races) https://sfmtra.org/a-guide-to-watching-le-tour-de-france-and-5-other-great-cycling-races/ Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:02:10 +0000 https://sfmtra.org/?p=191 In America, professional road cycling lives in a sort of sports ghetto, almost next door to soccer and just down the street from curling and cricket. While a small core of outcast enthusiasts wakes up early to watch live feeds of the Spring Classics and Grand Tours happening an ocean and six time zones away, most of their countrymen are, at best, vaguely aware of the Tour de France, and can’t talk turkey without bringing up, well, you-know-who.

Le Tour is, of course, a great reference point to start from. Since its 1903 beginnings, it has been an outsized, spectacularly fanciful race. The first edition — dreamt up by journalist Geo Lefevre to boost the circulation of his struggling sports newspaper, L’Auto — was an unprecedented 1,500-mile lap of the French countryside. 60 cyclists set out from Paris and, over the next two and a half weeks, rode over 250 grueling miles of self-supported stages over rutted, unpaved roads. At the end of the sixth and final stage, 21 of the grittiest riders limped across the finish line before a cheering crowd of 20,000.

Today, it’s still the world’s most popular, not to mention prestigious, cycling race. For three weeks each July, the peloton races 2,000 miles between France’s rolling vineyards, through its picturesque villages, and over its alpine passes, shadowed all the way by a vast, rolling circus of fans, international journalists and corporate sponsors. This is the Big Dance, where a single brilliant day in the saddle can catapult a rider from obscurity, and forever change his career.

But there are more great races, many of them just as storied. And at least a couple of much newer races are even gaining prominence and, dare we say it — popularity — right here in States. Here’s our highly selective spin through the world’s greatest cycling races.

Milan-San Remo (Italy)

When: March
First Year: 1907
Length: 185 miles
Why It’s Great: The longest one-day race in pro cycling, Milan-San Remo offers a rare test of endurance early in the season. Long and mostly flat — with just one big hump where the road crests the Passo del Turchino before plunging down to the seaside towns of the Italian Riviera — it’s often referred to as “the Sprinter’s Classic”, and usually ends in a bunch sprint. The winner isn’t necessarily the fastest sprinter, but the one who’s made the fewest mistakes throughout the long day.
Distinguishing Traits: Gorgeous coastal views. Strong winds. Unpredictable weather. Almost always won by a sprinter.
Key Segments: Cipressa-San Remo. There are two small (but noticeable after 280km) climbs, the 239-meter Cipressa and the 160-meter Pogio de San Remo, in the final 20km. If no major breaks are already up the road, this final stretch is where the race will be decided.

Paris-Roubaix (France)

When: April
First Year: 1896
Length: ~150 miles
Why It’s Great: The “Hell of the North” rattles over nearly 30 cobbled sectors, called pavé, on its way from Compiègne (northwest of Paris) to the velodrome in Roubaix. Between the grueling distance, the fickle Northern European spring weather and the challenging terrain (crashes are common and punctures are de rigueur), this Spring Classic is easily the world’s most grueling single-day pro cycling race.
Distinguishing Traits: Bone-rattling pavé. Active railroad crossings. Mud. At least one Belgian on the podium. Crashes, punctures, mechanical problems. Unveiling of the latest vibration reduction technology.
Key Segments: Trouée d’Arenberg. The 1.5-mile, arrow-straight cobbled stretch through Arenberg Forest is one of its bumpiest, most irregular sectors and, as such, has become the symbol of the race.

Giro d’Italia (Italy)

When: May
First Year: 1909
Length: 21 days; 2,000 – 2,200 miles
Why It’s Great: “La Corsa Rosa” kicks off the grand tour season in dramatic fashion, with merciless strings of climbs through the Dolomites and Alps, more than a few fearsome dirt roads in Tuscany and a generous dose of mountaintop finishes. The fireworks usually start in the first week, with several major climbs shocking the peloton into action and creating opportunities for heroic performances. It’s still a relatively intimate, largely Italian race.
Distinguishing Traits: Rabid fans. Sketchy spring weather — often fog, freezing rain and sometimes even snow — high up on the mountain passes. Sometimes condescendingly considered a “training ride” for the Tour. Narrow, steep alpine roads that drastically change pitch.
Key Segments: The Individual Time Trial and the mountain stages will provide the most excitement. In recent years, the Giro has taken cues from the Tour and added fiendishly long solo time trials (up to 60km, or 37 miles), which allow big, speedy riders to put big time gaps into their opponents (though a sprinkling of climbs helps neutralize their gains). In typical Giro fashion, some of the toughest climbs come right at the finish. Keep your eyes on the Colle della Lombarda which features a 7.5% grade over roughly 20 kilometers.

Amgen Tour of California (USA)

When: May
First Year: 2006
Length: 8 days; 650 – 750 miles
Why It’s Great: A decade after its inaugural edition, the AToC has proven America’s most important bike race, attracting nearly half of the elite UCI ProTeams, despite coinciding with the Giro. The gorgeous course takes in the best of California’s wildly diverse terrain — Sierra foothills, coastal redwoods, rolling vineyards, Central Valley farmlands and rugged Coast Ranges — and generally favors spectator-friendly sprint finishes.
Distinguishing Traits: Top-tier sprinters looking to dodge the Giro’s brutal mountain stages. Sponsorship by EPO maker Amgen. Free live streaming of every stage online.
Key Segment: Mount Baldy/Diablo. Since there are so few mountain stages, the annual pilgrimage over either Mt. Baldy or Mt. Diablo is especially critical.

Tour de France (France)

When: July
First Year: 1903
Length: 21 days; 2,000 – 2,200 miles
Why It’s Great: This is the Big Dance — the one race that, without fail, is contested by all of the world’s top riders. In fact, in relation to the Tour, every race beforehand almost becomes training, and every one afterwards a recovery ride.
Distinguishing Traits: Challenged by all of the world’s top riders. A straight week of pancake-flat stages at the start gives sprinters a good crack at the maillot jaune, but also contributes to overly conservative, formulaic racing by the all-rounders competing for the final podium. A wildly international peloton. Off-the-hook parties along the route, especially along alpine passes.
Key Segments: The First Mountain Stages. After a week of indecisive flat stages, the Grand Boucle at last rides into the Pyrenees or Alps. The eventual winner probably won’t be decided this early on, but the losers almost certainly will. Individual Time Trial. Race organizers have a habit of building a very long, often decisive time trial into the final week of the race (often the second-to-last stage), where talented trialists can put precious seconds, even minutes, into their competition.

Vuelta a España (Spain)

When: August – September
First Year: 1935
Length: 21 days; 2,000 – 2,200 miles
Why It’s Great: The youngest of the grand tours, the Vuelta Cyclista a España is a late-season race that’s long been shrugged off by top-tier riders and, therefore, overlooked by weary cycling fans. But since it doesn’t start until late August, it’s become the de facto consolation tour for injured stars, as happened last year when Alberto Contador and Chris Froome (who would go 1-2 in the race) sought to redeem themselves from Tour-ending injuries. That’s some of the special sauce that makes the Vuelta the least predictable grand tour. Its podium has also proven adept at unearthing emerging talent and relatively unknown riders, like Vincenzo Nibali circa 2011 and, a year later, Chris Froome.
Distinguishing Traits: Often considered a “training” ride for the World Championships. Grueling mountain stages. More often than not, a Spanish winner. Brutal heat. Aggressive racing.
Key Segments: Despite the fact that the Alto de L’Angliru (Spain’s toughest climb) is missing from the Vuelta for the fourth year in a row, stage 13 will provide plenty of steeps for the climbers to turn on the gas and look for a stage win. The riders will tackle four major Pyrenean climbs in stage 13, and it could very well be the day the Vuelta is won or lost.

]]>
How To Cycle Faster And Longer https://sfmtra.org/how-to-cycle-faster-and-longer/ Mon, 27 Apr 2020 14:56:36 +0000 https://sfmtra.org/?p=184 Bikes were essentially invented to make our lives easier – to get us from A to B with less physical effort than was previously required. That, ultimately, is the beauty of cycling: there is no great impact on the body because your weight is supported, which means you can frequently achieve prolonged efforts of four hours or even more.

Elements of strength, endurance and power are all naturally included in any type of ride and, in the words of pro cyclist Conor Dunne, “rather than the confines of a gym, workouts will get you out exploring the great outdoors”.

So whether you’re looking to breach the four-hour mark for the first time, or want get better at the long rides you already do, here’s what you need to do when tackling serious distance.

Pace Yourself

“Ensure that the majority of the ride is in the fat-burning domain,” says Lipski, who coaches some of the UK’s top pro teams. “That means cycling at relatively low intensity and as steadily as possible, then if you have anything left in the tank in the final hour you can up the intensity a little.”

“It can be easy to feel like a cycling god at the start of a ride and after a couple of espressos,” says Dunne. “But rein it in and ride within yourself. Heart-rate monitors and power meters are good for making sure you do this, but if you haven’t got one then just use your head and don’t go too far into the ‘red zone’ too early.”

Tackle Hills Correctly

“Carry as much speed into the climbs as possible,” says Lipski. “On the shorter ones, you can get away with going a little harder and using your speed to get up and over it quickly. But you’ll need to ride the longer climbs well within yourself, using your gears effectively to keep on top of the gradient without going into the red.”

At 2.03m tall, Dunne is a man who needs to ride hills conservatively. He says this means keeping your cadence (pedalling speed) high and the legs spinning at the beginning of longer climbs – around 90rpm is the sweet spot. “You don’t want to be grinding a big gear around and tiring your legs out.”

Manage Tiredness

“If you’re starting to struggle, try and keep your cadence as consistent as possible, as changing frequently will mean you’re working harder for the same speed,” says Lipski. “Always aim for around 90-95rpm as a target.”

There are ways to restore energy quickly but Lipski advises caution. “Energy gels can be effective, but come with risks [they can cause stomach problems]. And avoid caffeine-based products until the final 60-90 minutes of the ride as there’s an inevitable slump after the boost. I’d recommend that you try out any energy products on a shorter, less important ride first.”

Nutrition Is Key

Some experts no longer recommend carb-loading for endurance sport but, says Lipski, “the bottom line is it works. Aim to consume 8g of carbs per kg of bodyweight the day before a long ride, as this will increase muscle glycogen concentrations and delay the onset of fatigue. Then have 2-3g of carbs per kg of bodyweight about three hours before you start.”

You need carbs during the ride too. Science suggests 60-90g of carbs an hour, but Lipski’s coaching experience has taught him that eating what you want is important. “If that’s ham and cheese sandwiches, fine. Often morale gives in before the body does, so some comfort food can often be a blessing.”

Use Intervals To Get Stronger

Once you’re feeling comfortable on longer rides and looking to improve, start to introduce some intervals to increase power and aerobic capacity.

“Bike-specific leg strength intervals will improve muscular endurance and power,” says Lipski. “Use climbs to do low-cadence intervals in a bigger gear. Concentrating on pressing down from the tops of your thighs, keeping a strict pedalling style and a solid upper body.”

For the more advanced, try what Dunne calls sweet-spot efforts to increase fitness. “Ride at the pace you could just about hold for an hour or so for a few 30-minute efforts in a longer ride. It’ll really boost your fitness.”

Use Fat Stores As Fuel

A common tactic employed by athletes across a lot of sports is to do some fasted aerobic activity – before breakfast, for example – to train their bodies to use fat as a fuel source, and cycling is no exception. But, Lipski says, this can be a tricky area. “It isn’t as easy as going out for a ride hungry. This is something I’d recommend working closely with a coach on – these sessions need to be completed at an intensity that is quite specific to the individual, and at some instances we complete several physiological tests to determine the exact intensity to get the most out of fasted rides. If done correctly the benefits are plentiful – it can lead to greater adaptations in fat metabolism.”

Adopt The Optimal Riding Position

  1. Get your saddle right: Ensure that your saddle height is correct, with your knee very slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If your hips are rocking it’s too high.
  2. Be subtle: Avoid extreme adjustments. If your saddle and handlebars are being pushed to the limits of adjustability for comfort, chances are you need a different frame size.
  3. Change your hand position: If you’re on a road bike with curly bars, use the tops for climbing, the drops for descending, and the hoods for the flat.
  4. Ride relaxed: For longer rides, having a slightly lower saddle and higher handlebars will be more comfortable because it puts less pressure on your back.

]]>
Cycling – Health Benefits https://sfmtra.org/cycling-health-benefits/ Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:47:51 +0000 https://sfmtra.org/?p=175 To be fit and healthy you need to be physically active. Regular physical activity can help protect you from serious diseases such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, diabetes and arthritis. Riding your bicycle regularly is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Cycling is a healthy, low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to older adults. It is also fun, cheap and good for the environment.

Riding to work or the shops is one of the most time-efficient ways to combine regular exercise with your everyday routine. An estimated one billion people ride bicycles every day – for transport, recreation and sport.

Cycling for health and fitness

It only takes two to four hours a week to achieve a general improvement to your health. Cycling is:

  • Low impact – it causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise.
  • A good muscle workout like these exercises – cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal.
  • Easy – unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high levels of physical skill. Most people know how to ride a bike and, once you learn, you don’t forget.
  • Good for strength and stamina – cycling increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.
  • As intense as you want – cycling can be done at very low intensity to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but can be built up to a demanding physical workout.
  • A fun way to get fit – the adventure and buzz you get from coasting down hills and being outdoors means you are more likely to continue to cycle regularly, compared to other physical activities that keep you indoors or require special times or places.
  • Time-efficient – as a mode of transport, cycling replaces sedentary (sitting) time spent driving motor vehicles or using trams, trains or buses with healthy exercise.

Health benefits of regular cycling

Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. You will breathe deeper, perspire and experience increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level.

The health benefits of regular cycling include:

  • increased cardiovascular fitness
  • increased muscle strength and flexibility
  • improved joint mobility
  • decreased stress levels
  • improved posture and coordination
  • strengthened bones
  • decreased body fat levels
  • prevention or management of disease
  • reduced anxiety and depression, avoiding these effects.

Cycling and specific health issues

Cycling can improve both physical and mental health, and can reduce the chances of experiencing many health problems.

Obesity and weight control
Cycling is a good way to control or reduce weight, as it raises your metabolic rate, builds muscle and burns body fat. If you’re trying to lose weight, cycling must be combined with a healthy eating plan. Cycling is a comfortable form of exercise and you can change the time and intensity – it can be built up slowly and varied to suit you.

Research suggests you should be burning at least 8,400 kilojoules (about 2,000 calories) a week through exercise. Steady cycling burns about 1,200 kilojoules (about 300 calories) per hour.

If you cycle twice a day, the kilojoules burnt soon add up. British research shows that a half-hour bike ride every day will burn nearly five kilograms of fat over a year.

Cardiovascular disease and cycling
Cardiovascular diseases include stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack. Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels. Research also shows that people who cycle to work have two to three times less exposure to pollution than car commuters, so their lung function is improved. A Danish study conducted over 14 years with 30,000 people aged 20 to 93 years found that regular cycling protected people from heart disease.

Cancer and cycling
Many researchers have studied the relationship between exercise and cancer, especially colon and breast cancer. Research has shown that if you cycle, the chance of bowel cancer is reduced. Some evidence suggests that regular cycling reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Diabetes and cycling
The rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing and is a serious public health concern. Lack of physical activity is thought to be a major reason why people develop this condition. Large-scale research in Finland found that people who cycled for more than 30 minutes per day had a 40 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes.

Bone injuries, arthritis and cycling
Cycling improves strength, balance and coordination. It may also help to prevent falls and fractures. Riding a bike is an ideal form of exercise if you have osteoarthritis, because it is a low-impact exercise that places little stress on joints.

Cycling does not specifically help osteoporosis (bone-thinning disease) because it is not a weight-bearing exercise.

Mental illness and cycling
Mental health conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety can be reduced by regular bike riding. This is due to the effects of the exercise itself and because of the enjoyment that riding a bike can bring.

Hand cycling and health

Hand cycles are similar to recumbent tricycles, but they are powered with hand instead of foot pedals. Velcro straps can be used to secure the hands to the pedals if necessary.

This style of tricycle allows amputees, people with spinal injuries and those recovering from certain conditions such as stroke to cycle as a form of exercise and recreation. Hand cyclists get cardiovascular and aerobic benefits similar to those of other cyclists.

Things to remember

  • Cycling can help to protect you from serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis.
  • Riding a bike is healthy, fun and a low-impact form of exercise for all ages.
  • Cycling is easy to fit into your daily routine by riding to the shops, park, school or work.

]]>
5 Facts Onesies Will Change The Way You Think About Everything https://sfmtra.org/5-facts-onesies-will-change-the-way-you-think-about-everything/ Mon, 10 Jun 2019 07:14:37 +0000 https://sfmtra.org/?p=78 Many have seen actors dressed in original costumes, which are popular cartoon characters. And probably each of us mentally tried on these beautiful costumes, dreaming at least for a moment to return to that wonderful time, called childhood. Manufacturers will help to fulfill this dream.

Branded products

Manufacturers offer unicorn onesies for men, which are guaranteed to become the most beautiful and valuable thing of any wardrobe. Collection of Onesies pajamas is represented by a variety of images of beloved animals and fictional cartoon characters.

All models maximize the image of the original and look very beautiful and natural. By production of onesies we use only qualitative material. Thanks to precise tailoring, it is easy to dress in our Onesies and is also easy to take off. In the presence of always there is a large selection of sizes, so that you can always choose your favorite costume.

Where are Onesies?

Men’s Onesies are perfect as pajamas. They are very warm and soft to the touch. Therefore, the dream in them will be pleasant and comfortable. Onesies can also be worn around the house. All onesies are quite spacious and do not hamper movements. So housework will be done quickly and with great pleasure. In addition, the bright and beautiful costume of your favorite animal will always cheer up and create a positive atmosphere throughout the house.

Onesies can be worn on various costumed events and holidays, for example:

  • Matinees
  • Festivals
  • Parties
  • Halloween
  • New Year
  • Birthday, etc.

The pajamas onesies will be an original gift for friends, acquaintances, relatives.

What are onesies made of?

All costumes are made of high quality fleece. Therefore, despite the large size, Onesies are light and comfortable. At the same time, any model of a onesies-pajamas will be pleasing to the eye for many years, without losing shape and its aesthetic appearance. Fleece is a hypoallergenic material, so fleece onesies can be worn by anyone.

Costumes are high quality domestic products. This is achieved through the use of modern sewing equipment and the hard work of professional staff. Before selling, all products are tested for quality sewing and safety. Only after that we put up Onesies costumes for sale.

Buying Onesies in our store, you get a cheerful costume of your favorite animal, which will always be a source of good mood.

Tips for choosing

When choosing a similar onesies, be sure to pay attention to quality. Fabric products must be gentle, pleasant to the touch, quite soft. Usually use fleece, velsoft, velor, produce terry pajamas. Fleece is breathable, so the body will not sweat. In addition, it does not crumple. It will keep its shape well. From the density of the material depends on the service life of the product. However, its products are not cheap.

Velsoft – the material is cheaper, which sellers sometimes call fleece (soft or fluffy). Models of this fabric look bright, the material does not wrinkle, causes pleasant sensations from touch. Fabric is cheaper than fleece, which affects the cost of costumes. It is for these reasons that Onesies from veloosoft are more popular.

Choose a costume from any material, but it is important that it is of high quality. It is from this indicator that it depends on how long you and others will please Onesies.

Buy Onesies Pajamas for Sleep, Fun and Party at Onesies Online Store

You do not know what is Onesies or in American Onesies transcription? Have you ever heard of Japanese performers in the form of cartoon characters, including Onesies animals? Thanks to the Japanese cheerful young fairy Onesies today embodied in the entire industry of Japanese fashion in the form of delicious pajamas. Today, this industry has spread around the world, and people no longer need to go to Japan to buy Onesies pajamas, because they are being released in America.

In America, in the Onesies online store you can buy Onesies pajamas. This online store has been operating since 2011, and was able to recommend itself as a reliable platform for selling Onesies pajamas. It sells Onesies pajamas made from premium fleece and velsoft. There is a product of different price categories, so any buyer will be able to choose for himself and his families. Onesies, where you can sleep, have fun and have fun at pajama, theme parties or just getting along with the fashion trends. All products are made of high quality materials and skillfully sewn. They have an authentic design and various shapes that resemble fabulous animals. The assortment of the online store Onesies has more than a hundred models. For onesies with velsoft or fleece materials with high quality visit https://kigurumi.co

The process of choosing Onesies must be approached with the utmost seriousness.

Many in America have already been able to see people in Onesies on the street and in the courtyards, at parties and in cultural and entertainment establishments. You can also see photos and videos of a person wearing Onesies pajamas. Why don’t you buy this piece of clothing for yourself and for your loved ones? When choosing Kigurimi pajamas, first pay attention to its design. Also important is the material from which the Onesies pajamas are made. It is important to note that the real Onesies are made exclusively from fleece, which is Premium quality. It will keep its shape perfectly, is pleasant to the body and warm, and also breathes, repels water and, last but not least, is hypoallergenic.

Buy only high-quality

Onesies pajamas in the Onesies online store in America and make good purchases. It’s great that images can be changed depending on your mood, company or occupation. At home, you can please your other half by dressing up in a cozy bunny, dissecting on rollers or snowboarding in a tiger or Mickey Mouse costume. Reckless extreme sports and just extraordinary lovers of outdoor activities will appreciate the unique opportunity to stand out and turn on themselves even more admiring glances.

Onesies-style snowboard onesies have firmly taken their place in fan and extreme fan circles. Creative American guys’ snowboarders, as well as representatives of new school skiers, have long noticed a new way to have fun on the slope in animal and cartoon costumes. Don’t be surprised if you see a pink panther riding on a snowboard or Winnie the Pooh’s skiing from a springboard.

]]>
9 Tricks To Open A Nesting Doll That Will Blow Your Mind https://sfmtra.org/9-tricks-to-open-a-nesting-doll-that-will-blow-your-mind/ Thu, 23 May 2019 07:30:58 +0000 https://sfmtra.org/?p=83

Playing with the doll, the child develops logical thinking, fine motor skills, visual perception, and gains knowledge about the properties of objects and possible actions with them. He learns to perform actions in a certain sequence, which contributes to the development of memory.

Start acquaintance with nesting doll can be from one and a half years, and even a little earlier. It should start with a simple presentation of this doll to the child. You can purchase custom-made nesting dolls with images of your family members, so that the child, while playing, would teach the names of his relatives. As you need to know how to open nesting doll you need to have to be the best there in the choice.Show the toy to the child, name itand carefully consider the details.

What is special about her?

How is it different from other dolls? Show how the nesting doll opens. Speak your actions: Nesting doll opens, nesting doll is closing. Look inside the nesting dolls. Surprised, beat the find of a smaller doll: What is it here? Look There is one more doll! How did she get here?  Then explain to the child that the doll has a daughter or sister. Put both dolls together. Compare their big nesting doll and little nesting doll. Let the child take each of them in their hands and feel their difference in size. Then show the child how to hide the little nesting doll in the big one. Beat this moment by trying to hide the big nesting doll in a small one, the little ones will appreciate this funny joke.

When acquaintance with the nested doll takes place, and the child will show more interest, you can continue to master the features of the nested doll. Teach your child to arrange nesting doll in a row of height (for children less than 2 years will be enough and three figures). Play hide and seek – fold the nesting dolls into one another, asks the child to hide the nesting doll on their own.

Nesting doll Games

The following describes the game with the doll after the initial skills are mastered.

Grow by becoming!

Arrange the nesting dolls one by one in height, let the child close his eyes, and the adult rearrange the nesting dolls in some places. Let the child once again place the dolls in height. This game develops visual memory.

Find the nested doll

Hide one nested doll in another. Arrange the remaining dolls in front of the baby. The task of the child is to determine by ear what nesting doll her sister is hidden in. To do this, he must shake every toy. Then take out the found toy and help her find her place – make a row or assemble a nesting doll. This game develops auditory perception and spatial thinking.

Big and small

For this game, you need additional items of large and small size. Put big and small nesting dolls in different directions. Now the child’s task is to send items to visit to the dolls according to their size. Playing this game, the child learns to compare and combine objects according to the signs.

And finally, advice

  • After classes with the child, place the nesting doll in a place inaccessible to the child. Thus, the toy will remain interesting for the child, and new classes will be held with joy.
  • Nesting doll is a Russian folk toy, a girl with an open rosy face and a secret inside. According to legend, when people first saw the toy, then laughing, exclaimed: How she looks like our Matryona!. Thanks to this occasion, the wooden nesting doll got its name.
  • A nesting doll is a welcome guest in every home and the famous Russian souvenir abroad.
  • Russian toy nesting doll is a useful educational toy for children from 2-3 years old. It develops perception, thinking, imagination, fine motor skills.

You can find all these and more adorable design of nesting dolls that your children can use at https://nestingdolls.co

How to teach a child to play with a nesting doll?

To begin with, give the child a nesting doll in his hand and do not interfere; let the child he discover that there is a secret hidden inside her: in one nesting doll another is hidden, smaller. This discovery will delight and interest the child.

  • Children’s nesting doll dismantled, and now you need to collect it. This is not such an easy task for the baby, because you need to choose the appropriate half for each nesting doll. Such tasks develop the perception and eye of the child. Most likely, at first, the baby will act by a brute force methodically, checking each half in order. But after a few games, he taught to correlate the size of the dolls by eye and it will be easy to find the right part.
  • Does a child easily disassemble and assemble nesting dolls? It’s time to move on to more difficult tasks! Ask the child to arrange the pupae in ascending or descending order – the child will recognize such things as: more, less, higher, lower, highest, lowest, etc..
  • For the next game you need a set of items of different sizes (cubes, circles, spoons, etc.). Suggest the child to put the biggest nesting doll on the biggest cube, to put the nesting doll on a smaller cube a little smaller, etc. This exercise will teach a child to compare and match objects.
  • The toy is very simple in structure: consists of only two circles, it is easy to draw and sculpt. You can buy unpainted dolls for children, then the baby will be able to decorate the toy on his own.

Nesting doll educational toy is the heroine of children’s folklore. It can be found in songs, fairy tales, poems and even in tourist attractions.

]]>
Wrist Measuring For Bracelets And Why It’s Important https://sfmtra.org/wrist-measuring-for-bracelets-and-why-its-important/ Sat, 20 Apr 2019 07:05:07 +0000 https://sfmtra.org/?p=73 The bracelet is a jewel coveted by many women and men. In our jewelry our character, habits, tastes are reflected on our wrist, so much can tell the Cape Cod bracelet about its owner or owner. What are Cape Cod Bracelets? How to choose a bracelet? Read about these in this article.

The bracelets are interesting because they are constantly visible. Any movement or gesture of the hands is accompanied by the movement of the bracelet, the play of rays in its reflection. This decoration constantly attracts the attention and views of others and it is very important that you like the bracelet, please those around you, fit your style.

Gold or silver

There are no special recommendations. Everyone has their own preferences and tastes. Someone only likes gold bracelets, someone, on the contrary, silver bracelets. It is possible to pick up a bracelet both under clothes, and under the available jewelry. If silver rings predominate on your hands, then a silver bracelet will perfectly match. By the way, a very good option would be a red gold bracelet. These bracelets look good and there is plenty to choose from. The main thing is do not make a mistake with the length of the bracelet. For more different types of bracelets including cloth wrap or precious jewelry visit www.braceletworld.co

How to choose the length of the bracelet?

It is best for girls to pick up a bracelet that will not closely adhere to the wrist, otherwise it will be inconvenient to fasten it and it will compress the wrist a little. In addition, the bracelet should not be too wide; otherwise it will fly off the arm. The length of the bracelets is measured in centimeters and depends entirely on your wrist. A suitable formula for determining the length is the girth of your wrist in centimeters plus one centimeter to the length of the bracelet.

But the length of the men’s bracelet depends no longer on the formulas, but on the wishes of the man, his preferences. The bracelet can fit snugly to your hand, like a watch, or be a little loose. It is best to choose a bracelet not in absentia, but with fitting.

Appearance

The appearance of the bracelet depends on its thickness and wrist girth, on which you will wear the bracelet. If the hand is thin, then a wide bracelet will look inconspicuous. The best option in this case is narrow models of bracelets. If the hand is full, then a thin bracelet will be almost invisible. And you should choose a wider bracelet.

What else to pay attention to?

Choosing a bracelet, look at the clasp. It should not only firmly fix the bracelet, but also be easily fastened and unbuttoned on your arm without any help from you. In this case, the clasp on the bracelet must be strong, not allowing the bracelet to unbutton itself.

Where to buy beautiful bracelets?

You can buy bright, stylish and beautiful bracelets in the online store. They have a very large selection of gold and silver bracelets at affordable prices. They can deliver by courier your purchases throughout USA.

A few years ago, fitness bracelets, or, as they are called activity trackers, were a wonder, and it was not so common to meet them. To date, their choice is so large that you can easily get confused in a huge variety of models, characteristics and functions. The fact that a fitness bracelet, what it is and that is able to do, we have already mentioned in this article, so we will not repeat. In this article we will try to figure out how to choose a fitness bracelet and what to look for when buying such a gadget in the first place. Fitness bracelet price probably the first thing that almost all buyers pay attention to is the price of the gadget. And this is correct, since fitness-spacers, despite the similar characteristics and design, can differ significantly in price. Moreover, the difference in cost can reach several hundred dollars, or even more.

The cost of the bracelet is influenced by many factors, ranging from the promotion and popularity of the manufacturer, build quality and the number of functions, and ending with the bundle and materials of manufacture. The most accurate and high-quality fitness bracelets are devices from well known companies. They are much more expensive than gadgets. In general, for a start it is worth deciding what amount you are willing to part with. The principle is more expensive. It means it doesn’t work better here. It works more precisely, but not always. Here it is worth building on the price-performance-quality ratio. What is a fitness bracelet for? Most modern fitness trackers track the number of steps, distance and calories. Also, almost all models even include the cheapest Chinese trackers, are now equipped with an optical pulse sensor. More advanced models may have built-in GPS and NFC modules, memory for storing music and other functions that are not available in inexpensive fitness bracelets.

For example, practically any fitness bracelet from any brand will be suitable for counting steps or running. If you want to get the most accurate data on the state of sleep, fitness bracelets will be among the best. In addition to standard functions, some trackers may have more individual functions.

Also, pressure can measure a lot of inexpensive gadgets from lesser-known Chinese brands, although 100% cannot trust their data. It can determine the level of oxygen in the blood VO2max. If desired, you can find a fitness tracker with temperature measurement, ultraviolet level and other specific data. That is, you need to determine the minimum number of functions that you need. The more functions the tracker can perform, the more expensive it will cost. Design and appearance the design of a fitness bracelet is a subjective assessment, but very important. If the first activity trackers did not have the most attractive appearance, then all modern devices except tracking functions often play the role of an element of clothing and style. There are round, square and rectangular fitness bracelets with a sporty, classic or futuristic design, with or without a screen, with a silicone, leather or metal strap. In general, you can choose a model for almost every taste.

]]>
Bicycle Types: How to Pick the Best Bike for You https://sfmtra.org/bicycle-types-how-to-pick-the-best-bike-for-you/ Tue, 22 Jan 2019 00:29:16 +0000 https://sfmtra.org/?p=54 So Many Choices

When trying to decide on the best type of bike, think about these questions:

  • Who do you ride with?
  • What do they ride?
  • What have you had in the past that you liked?
  • What have you had in the past that you disliked?
  • Where would you like to ride your new bike?

If you are buying a bike to ride with a group of friends, buy something similar to what they ride. You will not be able to keep up with road bikes if you are on a mountain bike or cruiser. And a road bike cannot go on the dirt or the sand. According to Men’s Journal, these are the best new bicycles.

If you enjoyed a three speed as a child, you may find this a fun bike again. If you disliked the road bike you bought a few years ago, perhaps a mountain bike would be better.

Road Bikes

Road bicycles are designed to be ridden fast on smooth pavement. They have smooth, skinny tires and “drop” handlebars, and can be used for on-road racing. They are usually lighter than other types of bicycles. They can be ridden on paved trails, but most people find them uncomfortable and unstable on unpaved trails. Most road bikes are not capable of carrying heavy loads, so are not very suitable for commuting or touring.

Cyclocross Bikes

Cyclocross bicycles are a special type of road bike designed to be raced on a mixed surface course (combination of pavement, unpaved trails, gravel, grass). They have a drop handlebar like regular road bikes, but the tires are a littler wider for more off-road traction, and they have a different style of brake that helps to prevent mud buildup in the frame. Cyclocross bicycles are sometimes called ‘cross bikes or cx bikes for short.

Touring Bikes

Touring bicycles are another special type of road bike. They are designed to be ridden on pavement, but are more durable for use on self-supported long-distance riding. They have all of the necessary mounting bolts for cargo racks and fenders, and although they still have a drop handlebar, they usually have a more relaxed frame design so that the rider is more upright, for more comfort when riding long distances for multiple days at a time. They have a lower gear range compared to regular road bikes, to allow for carrying heavy loads up steep hills. They also make good commuter bicycles, because of their durability and ability to carry heavy loads.

Adventure Road Bikes

Adventure Road Bicycles are one of the newest categories of bicycle. They are sometimes called all-road bikesany-road bikes, or gravel bikes, and are the most versatile sub-category of road bike. Similar to cyclocross bikes, they have drop handlebars and the ability to use wider tires. The frame geometry is longer and more upright compared to a cyclocross bike, however, making these bikes more suitable for long days in the saddle, light touring, and commuting.

 

Triathlon/Time Trial Bikes

Triathlon/Time Trial Bicycles are road bikes with a special design that maximizes their aerodynamic properties. The handlebars are also a special aerodynamic design that allows you to crouch forward while riding, to minimize the wind resistance against your body. Triathlon/time trial races usually have staggered starts, where each racer starts on his/her own; these bicycles are usually not allowed to be used in mass-start races.

Fitness Bikes

Fitness Bicycles have most of the advantages of regular road bikes–lightweight frames and relatively narrow tires for efficiency on pavement–with a flat or upright handlebar. These bikes are designed for people who want a light, high-performance bike, but don’t like the drop-handlebar riding position of a regular road bike. These bicycles are sometimes called flat-bar road bikes or performance hybrid bikes. Most of them can accept somewhat wider tires, to make them suitable for use on unpaved trails. They usually have the ability to mount cargo racks and fenders, which make them good commuter bikes.

Track/Fixed-Gear Bikes

Track/Fixed-Gear Bicycles or fixies are designed to be ridden on a velodrome, which is a banked oval track specifically for bicycle racing. Some commuters prefer track bikes, however, due to their simple design, which makes them easy to maintain. They have a single gear that does not provide the ability to coast, so if the bike is moving, your feet must be pedaling. For even more simplicity, some riders prefer to not have brakes, since the fixed-gear mechanism can act as a brake. Most track bikes have drop handlebars, but some riders outfit theirs with flat or upright handlebars.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bicycles are design for riding rough off-road trails. They have flat or upright handlebars, and a very low gear range for pedaling up steep trails. Most mountain bikes have some type of shock absorbers or suspension. Mountain bikes with front suspension only are called hardtails; mountain bikes with both front and rear suspension are called full-suspension bikes or duallies. Mountain bikes with no suspension are called rigid. Mountain bikes can be outfitted for use as touring or commuting bikes, although they would not be as light or efficient as traditional touring or commuting bikes. Fat bikes, with their extremely wide tires, are included in the mountain bike category.

Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid Bicycles were originally conceived to provide the advantages of both road bikes and mountain bikes. Their large, padded seats and upright handlebars provide a comfortable riding position, and are best for casual riding around the neighborhood or bike paths, short-distance commuting, and errands around town. They can be ridden on paved roads, but are not as lightweight or efficient as road bikes. They are ideal for paved or unpaved bike trails, but are not appropriate for rough off-road mountain bike trails. The tires are usually a medium-width with a semi-smooth tread, to provide a fairly smooth ride on pavement, but enough grip and cushion on unpaved trails. Most hybrid bikes have front suspension to smooth out small bumps, but some are fully rigid. Hybrid bikes used to also be referred to as cross bikes, but that term is not used any more in order to avoid confusion with cyclocross bikes (see above).

Dual-Sport Bikes

Dual-Sport Bicycles are a sub-category of hybrid bikes oriented towards riders who want the multi-surface versatility of a hybrid bike, but want a little more aggressive style and riding position. They have a flat or upright handlebar, although not as upright as regular hybrid bikes; they usually have a smaller, more performance-oriented seat, rather than a large comfort seat. Most have front suspension. Dual-sport bikes make good commuter bikes, and are also good for touring on unpaved trails.

Cruiser Bikes

Cruiser Bicycles are similar to hybrid bikes, in that they are designed for casual riding, and have a very comfortable, upright riding position, and a large, comfortable seat. Cruisers usually have wide “balloon” tires, and handlebars that are even more upright, and in some cases, swept back compared to hybrid bikes. Most cruiser bikes are single-speed or 3-speed, and have the old-fashioned coaster brake (where you pedal backwards to stop). They can be used for short-distance commuting and errands, as long as your route is fairly flat. Some cruiser bike manufacturers make a wide array of colorful models available, to suit the fashion tastes of any bike afficionado.

Flat-Foot Comfort Bikes

Flat-Foot Comfort Bicycles are a sub-category of cruiser bikes. They have an elongated frame design that pushes the pedals a few inches forward of the seat. This allows you to ride with the seat low enough so that you can place your feet flat on the ground when you are stopped, but you still get the full extension of your legs while pedaling. All Electra Bicycle Company bikes have the flat-foot technology; some other manufacturers have created their own flat-foot designs.

City Bikes

The term “city bike” doesn’t really refer to a specific category of bikes; it’s more of a general descriptive term. They might also be called “commuter” or “urban” bikes, although many of the bikes listed on this page can be used quite well for riding and commuting in a city. However, there is a certain type of bike that some people have in mind when they use the term “city bike.” This bike has characteristics of both a hybrid bike and a cruiser bike–usually the upright riding position of a cruiser, but the wheel size of a hybrid bike.

A city bike might also have some or all of these features that make it more amenable to riding in regular clothes, as opposed to cycling-specific clothing:

  • Fenders
  • Chain guard
  • Skirt guard on rear wheel

A city bike might also have an internally-geared rear hub for ease of use and maintenance, and a built-in generator and lights for safety when riding after dark.

These bikes are also sometimes called “Dutch bikes,” because of their resemblance to the everyday bikes used in Amsterdam and other bike-friendly European cities.

BMX Bikes

BMX Bicycles are popular with kids because of their small size, but they are used by adults and kids alike for various styles of trick and stunt riding.

Folding Bikes

Folding Bicycles are ideal for those who need to travel with their bike, want a bike to keep on their boat or plane, or who live in small apartments and don’t have a lot of storage space. They’re also good for commuters who need to take their bike on a bus or train for part of their commute, or who don’t have a safe place to park their bike at work. Most folding bikes have smaller wheels, which makes the bike a little less efficient and trickier to handle than a standard bike, but most folding bike fans feel the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent Bicycles have a long, low design and a full-size seat with a backrest. Recumbents are available in two-wheel and three-wheel designs. Many recumbent riders feel that they are the most comfortable option available for bicycling, that bed like comfort feeling. However, they are more difficult to pedal up hills, and they can be a challenge to carry from one place to another in a motor vehicle.

Tandem Bikes

Tandem Bicycles are “bicycles built for two.” They come in all styles, from cruiser tandems and hybrid tandems for the bike path or boardwalk, off-road mountain bike tandems, and high-performance road racing tandems.

Adult Tricycles

Adult Trikes are ideal for older folks who still want to get around under their own power, or those with balance issues or other special needs. They are also popular in environmentally-consious industrial/warehouse applications.

]]>
Update Your Look – Stylish Men’s Bracelets https://sfmtra.org/update-your-look-stylish-mens-bracelets/ Tue, 08 Jan 2019 03:48:22 +0000 https://sfmtra.org/?p=12 For some reason, there are a lot of people who don’t like the idea of men’s jewelry. But, even with that in mind, there are incredible bracelets that will add a bit of flair to your style. So, why wouldn’t you at least give it a try?

Of course, we wouldn’t recommend overdoing it, but a bit of fashionable accessorizing never hurt anyone. We would definitely recommend getting a high-quality bracelet to update your look. Believe us, you won’t be alone. With that in mind, these are our top picks for men’s bracelets.

Railroad Spike Cuff – Giles and Brother

Are you on the lookout for something minimal, durable, and incredibly masculine? Well, this creation by Giles and Brother is the best thing for you. This railroad spike cuff goes with every casual outfit you have. And, it can serve as an excellent conversation starter.

Blue Rope Bracelet – Topman

Take your vacation style to a whole new level by getting a stylish cord bracelet for yourself. And, with this cord bracelet there is no need for you to break the bank. In fact, it is quite affordable. And, if you are looking for affordable jewelry, we would definitely recommend avoiding metal bracelets. The main reason for that is that inexpensive metal can look rather cheap.

Instead, you can just take this Tompan’s nautical rope bracelet to complement your preppy style. You can rock this bracelet with any of your summer combinations.

Sterling Silver hook Chain Bracelet – Miansai

If you enjoy fishing, get ready to get hooked to this bracelet. It is made out of high-quality materials, and it is one of the most elegant bracelets for men in the world. You can use this discrete bracelet to give your regular outfits a stylish accent.

Woven Leather and Gold-Tone Bracelet – Paul Smith

Most people associate leather bracelets with their late teens, but this Paul Smith creation is perfectly suitable for a stylish adult. The weave is excellent, and the golden tones give it a refined look. You can wear this bracelet with any of your summer combinations, including your Sunday bests.

Silver Feline Bracelet – Gucci

When you talk about fashion, you can’t really skip Gucci. After all, Gucci is a company that rarely, if ever, fails with their innovations. And, this silver bracelet will add a stunning roar to your fashionable outfits. Choosing the perfect antique look for your combinations can be tricky. If it is too wide or too big, it can look gaudy. However, that is simply not an issue when you buy Gucci accessories. The design is as flawless as you could expect, but you should also bear in mind that the Gucci logo always comes with a hefty price tag.

Silver and Vinyl Bracelet – M. Cohen

If you are looking for something a bit more on the casual side, this bracelet should be perfect for you or as a gift to someone special. The explosions of color on this otherwise black bracelet will give a really fun accent to your everyday outfit while remaining stylish.

In The End

These are just some of our favorite choices. You can check them out, and hopefully, they will help you on your shopping spree. But, you should always feel free to look around and find the best men’s bracelet for yourself.

]]>