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http://www.enquirer.com/editions/200...hulede111.html
Looking for a bike? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They make great gifts, but buying one can be tougher than you remember By Shauna Scott Rhone The Cincinnati Enquirer It's a two-wheeled wonder for wandering. Powered by sheer muscle, balancing on two inches in a bold defiance of gravity, a bicycle brings a child closer to adulthood and an adult back to a childlike yearning for the carefree, open road. Balancing the symbolism is the cold reality of deciding which bike gets parked under (or near) the Christmas tree. What's with the knobby tires? Do more gears mean more speed? Here are some tips to make shopping for wheels something other than going in circles. How to fit a bike There must be at least 1-2 inches of clearance between the rider's crotch and the top tube (men's, women's or children's measurements). Use a tape measure to measure the rider's pants inseam or try this suggestion from Bicycling for Dummies (IDG Books; $19.99): The rider should stand with back against a wall wearing the same type of shoes and pants or shorts he or she would wear while riding. Then the rider should straddle a book like a saddle (seat), making sure the edges are against the wall. Mark a spot on the wall at the top of the book. Measure the distance from the mark to the floor. That's the inseam measurement. It's best to bring the rider, but if you're shopping for a bike as a surprise, use the inseam measurement to measure the distance from the ground to the top of the bike's tube. For girls or women's bikes, take the measurement up to the level of where a top tube would be. Make sure the handlebar is within reach. You don't want to stretch or feel too cramped. Types of Bikes BMX "bicycle motocross" Also called dirt bikes. Spawned from motocross motorcycles, these have wider, knobby tires. Low speed, usually with hand brakes. Juvenile Standard, traditional-style bikes for ages 2-10. One speed, most with foot brake, although some come with hand brakes. For street cycling. Mountain Off-the-beaten-path, low-gear bikes with fat knobby tires, rugged wheels and frame. Front and full suspension styles. The more expensive ones have suspension wheels that absorb the bumps in the road mountain bikes live for. Comfort Built for pavement riding. Smoother tires, narrow seats, turned-down handlebars. Easy pedaling, upright seating for leisure rides. Road Also built for pavement riding. Has drop handlebars and narrow tires. Good for longer commutes and fitness riding. Hybrid Popular cross between mountain and road bike. Flat handlebars, good for commuting, touring and fitness. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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"Garrison Hilliard" wrote in message ... http://www.enquirer.com/editions/200...hulede111.html Looking for a bike? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ They make great gifts, but buying one can be tougher than you remember By Shauna Scott Rhone The Cincinnati Enquirer Did this come off the back of a cereal box? Do people in Cincinnati read at a 5th grade level, or does she just write at one? Chris |
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Thursday, December 11, 2003
Equip bike, rider correctly -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Shauna Scott Rhone The Cincinnati Enquirer After the bike, the helmet is the most important accessory. Make sure your helmet has the correct fit and adjustment. Any bike store can help you adjust your helmet just right. Although these tips come from Kids Health, they apply to children and adult helmets. A helmet should: • Sit level on your head - not tilted forward or backward. (Do not wear a hat under the helmet.) • Have strong, wide straps that fasten snugly under the chin. • Be tight enough (with straps fastened) so that no sudden pulling or twisting can move the helmet around on your head. • Always be fastened while riding. • Be replaced every 5 years - and immediately if you have a hard fall and hit your head while wearing the helmet. Saddle up Seating comfort is crucial to enjoying the ride. Saddle widths and style vary according to the type of cycling and the preference of the cyclist. The Bikes Belong Coalition(bikesbelong.org) has these tips to prevent a bad fit, or "blazing saddles." Firm, narrow seats work fine for the more athletic rider who put most of their weight on the pedals. For more casual riding, choose a seat with more width and padding. If you're a new rider, expect a little seat soreness on the first few outings. If you're still sore, your saddle may need adjusting. Its top should be level with the ground. If your knees aren't slightly bent when your feet are at the bottom of the pedal stroke, you don't have the correct seat height, which can also cause discomfort. Pain and soreness in the lower back, neck, arm and shoulders may mean your handlebars are set at the wrong angle. Take the bike to a bike shop and ask for an adjustment. Other accessories If you travel away from home, you'll need a bike lock. While the cable locks are more flexible, the U-shaped locks are good for securing to solid items, like posts and railings. Carrying pouches fit just under the seat. Must-haves are a puncture repair kit, mini pump and wrench multi-tool to help remove wheels, unkink a chain and loosen bolts. Biking parents with small children may want to invest in bicycle child carriers or trailers, which allow the little ones to experience the road too. http://www.enquirer.com/editions/200...de11side2.html |
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Thursday, December 11, 2003
Greater Cincinnati bike trails -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are a number of Tristate streets marked for bicycle travel. Those designations are identified on the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Commission Web site (www.oki.org) . Route guides for Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky are on sale at 720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 420, or you can order them online. Separate guides for Cincinnati city and the Hoosier Bike Route for Indiana routes are available from OKI for free. They also offer free guides on bicycle safety and regulations. 621-6300. Off-road cycling Harbin Park, Fairfield Deerfield Park, Landen Keehner Park, West Chester Township Caesar Creek State Park, Waynesville East Fork State Park, Bethel Paint Creek State Park, Bainbridge Hueston Woods State Park, north of Oxford Tower Park, Fort Thomas England Idlewild Park, north of Burlington Paved cycling Little Miami Scenic Trail (along Little Miami River, Milford north to Spring Valley) Hamilton County Park trails in Sharon Woods and Francis RecreAcres in Sharonville, Shaker Trace Trail in Miami Whitewater Park and Winton Woods' Harbor Trail in Springfield Township Hamilton Bikeway, Hamilton Cincinnati's California Junction Trail, Dunham Sport Complex and Lunken Airport Playfield Hike and Bike Trail Northern Kentucky River Path (along Ky. 8) Central Park, south of Burlington Pendery Park, east of Melbourne -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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"Garrison Hilliard" wrote in message
om... (quoting a Cincinnati newspaper) There are a number of Tristate streets marked for bicycle travel. Those designations are identified on the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Commission Web site (www.oki.org) . Maybe they are, and maybe they aren't. I searched aon this site until I got to: http://www.oki.org/maps/transportation/bikeways.html which would seem to be the right page. This page says says: " MAPS & DATA HOME -- TRANSPORTATION -- BIKEWAYS DATA & MAPS | Bikeways Data & Maps No data currently available ALL CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS,' WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. OKI.org HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS WITH RESPECT TO ALL CONTENT" Definitely a government site. -- Mike Kruger I didn't believe in reincarnation last time, either. |
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Garrison Hilliard wrote:
Thursday, December 11, 2003 Equip bike, rider correctly By Shauna Scott Rhone The Cincinnati Enquirer After the bike, the helmet is the most important accessory. 'cos God forbid anyone buy lights... .... actually, our Ms. Rhone doesn't mention lighting anywhere, does she? -- David Damerell Distortion Field! |
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