If you use your bike a lot, whether to get to work or for leisure, there are a number of things that you should do and a number of checks to perform before setting out on a ride. There are a number of cycling accessories that you should carry at all times, with one of the most important being an air pump.

If you cycle regularly you should perform a pressure check in your tyres. You can be sure of the right pressure in your tyres as they should be firm and solid. If there is not enough pressure or if the surface of the tyre can be squeezed easily then it is time to use your cycling air pump to inflate the tyre.

If you?re preferred terrain is off-road then it is of the upmost importance to carry these essential accessories, such as an air pump, as if you are in a remote area it will be difficult to get help. It is therefore a good idea to ensure that you have everything you may need, as if you become stuck on a rural mountain stretch you could be stuck for a long time!

A Cycling air pump is a fundamental part of the cycling essentials that you should carry, especially on more remote routes. On rural routes, due to the loose gravel and mud surface, you are more likely to lose pressure in your tyres, and, in some extreme cases, a puncture may occur. This is usually due to the increased friction between the tyre and the surface. If you ride on a rural route with reduced air pressure then you are more likely to skid or slip which increases the risk of accidents.

On long distance runs and time trials cycling air pumps are especially useful, as you are riding for much longer distances and periods of time, therefore increasing the risk of something going wrong. For this type of riding there is an extensive range of more portable cycling air pumps available, with many being made to suit particular makes and models of bike. These are available to fit to the frame, the handlebars and saddlebags. Some bikes have these either built in or come with one for you to use.

There are some situations where you will come across a flat tyre which is the main use of a cycling air pump, and is also the reason a puncture kit is especially useful.

Westbrook Cycles offers a full range of Cycling Air Pumps to suit all cyclists and models of bicycle – Find out more at Westbrook Cycles

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/cycling-air-pumps-2164449.html

How can I get better at sticking close to the kerb when cycling?

Im 24 & got on a bike for the 1st time in 16 yrs today, picked it up fine but having wee bit of trouble sticking close to the kerb. This is in a car-park not on the road, as I wanna get good at this b4 venturing out.

Answer
In order to be able to ride in a straight line, you have to learn to pedal smoothly. Try to keep your knees as close as possible to the top tube of the bike, if you pedal with your knees splayed out to the sides, they will act as pedulums and cause you to wobble side to side. It is not a good idea to stay too close to the curb, if you encounter an obstacle in the gutter, you will have to swerve out into traffic to avoid it. Ride about 1 meter from the curb, if there is something in your path you will probably be able to swerve towards the curb to avoid it. Too close to the curb and overtaking drivers may not see you, you want to be visible, staying too far over invites drivers to crowd you off the road. Wear brightly coloured clothing to aid visibility, you want those drivers to notice you, do not fade into the background.

The Advanced Guide to Base Cycling Training more info…