Biking/Cycling & Training Resources (09)

Triathlon Biking Transitions
The transition area is 'another discipline' in the triathlon sport. It is the area that is set out to hold your bikes and kit for the three stages of the race. You will use this area twice, once to change from your swim to your bike, and the second time from your bike to your run, so you need to know the ins and outs of this bustling area. The author suggests, walking around the transition are to find out where you will come out of the swim, and walk the route that you are going to do. In the entrance, make sure you know how many racks you have to run past before you get to your bike. Remember to choose a stationary object, the article advises.

Mountain Biking Basics: The Rules of the Dirt
If you plan on mountain biking, you’ll find this easy frequently asked question guide useful. Topics include: mountain bike riding skills, turning, braking, biking uphill and biking downhill, small logs, bunny hopping, water riding, mud riding, installing mountain bike grips, riding downstairs, increasing break power, improving grip shifters, brake squeaks and much, much more. It also includes the basic rules of the trail, which are set up by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Rules include mountain biking on open trails only, not leaving traces, controlling your mountain bike, yielding to the mountain bike trails and never spooking animals.

A Brief, Easy-to-read History of the Bicycle
This article gives a brief and easy-to-read history of the bicycle. Sources often disagree as to the names of the inventors and the dates of their inventions. Leonardo DaVinci sketched a facsimile of the modern bicycle in 1490. It was way ahead of its time and, as far as we know, never left the drawing board. In the early days, women's dress (corsets, pointed shoes, and voluminous skirts) limited their participation in the new sport of cycling. Newspapers of the day railed against the "sorcers" or bicycle speedsters.

Choosing a Comfortable Bicycle Seat
Selecting a comfortable bicycle seat is not a difficult process, but it does require a little time and patience, and some planning. With the hints at this website, you can find the bicycle seat that is right for you. This article suggests determining if the seat is too wide or narrow, asking other cyclists for tips, and finding a few local shops to check out. One should also test out models in the store, if possible, and be sure to shop around for a quality bicycle seat that you are comfortable with.

Bicycle Tire Puncture Prevention
This is an informative article about preventing a tire from popping, especially when biking a triathlon. Before each ride you should check your tires for serious nicks, cuts, and bulges, according to the article. Any damage to the sidewalls is always more serious than on the tread, because the sidewalls are much thinner and can break more easily. Any nick or cut in any part of the tire that exposes the tube demands that a boot be installed inside the tire. I suggest using one of the larger patches from your patch kit as a boot; the inside of the tire must be thoroughly cleaned with solvent before gluing for this to work. Any bulge in the tire indicates a cord separation; the tire is not repairable and must be discarded. Perhaps the most important pre-ride check is tire inflation pressure. Check the recommended pressure stated on the sidewall of every tire and do not exceed it. More tips are available.