Folks young and old are getting a kick out cycling everyday for entertainment and fitness. Making the right choice when deciding to purchase a road bike is sometimes easier said then done. Scott, Jamis, Hewitt, Bob Jackson and BMC are major manufactures of road bikes. Be must be sure you know what you’re getting into before investing in a road bike for yourself. Choosing the right bike will insure that you will have fun and enjoyment for years to come. You won’t go wrong purchasing your next road bike if you remember a few pointers.

Technically, road bikes are designed and produced for quickness and long range rides on smooth streets. For a more streamlined effect, road bikes have thinner tires, lighter wheels and handlebars that curve under. From ten speeds up to twenty or more, “roadies” provide enough gears to be able to conquer hills or speed along on flat pavement.

Road bikes come in different sizes to help accommodate different sized riders. Depending on how tall you are, bikes run from approximately 18.5″ to 24.8″ height wise. There are some bike manufacturers that have designed bikes for women to ride, and they are around 15in tall. You’ll need to sit on a few different sized bikes to find the height that’s just right for you.

Aluminum has been the most widely used material for bike frames. Because it’s lightweight an aluminum frame will give you a terrific ride. One of the first options for a racing bike frame, it’s aluminum. To protect against rust and corrosion, go with aluminum. And this terribly imperative.

Alloy tubing, a nice design and being well put together are some of the benefits of steel frames. Steel frames made with American SAE steel are some of the most mainstream frames around. Steel as been widely used in the manufacture of bicycle forks.

For upper-end bike frames, titanium has become a favorite material for those frames. The features that titanium frames offer can not be found in any other bike frame material. One of the most comfortable road bike frames available. The frame really comes alive because of the nature of the material used to make it. Greater quality, greater cost of course. The manufacturer put a lot into making these frames and it reflects in the price of the bikes.

Along with the frame of the bike sufficient energy should be included when deciding on handlebars. Total control of the bike and your comfort is the name of the game when choosing a handlebar. The right bar can make the difference in your fatigue level in competition as will as leisurely rides. It has been said that a 68-degree angle will provide you with both comfort and stability.

Tires come in different overall designs, some are thick and some of them are much thinner. Thick tires will have a greater amount of surface friction, because of the added surface contact with the road. You could say that, the thinner tires are the racing tires. There are many things to consider when going out to purchase your next road bike, keeping these things in mind will help you get the one for you.

Along with all of the other parts of the bike, (frame, handlebar, tires etc.), you will also become familiar with the headset, bottom bracket and seat post. You will find that the lighter the added features your bike has, the faster it will go, and you will have much better control.

Bring out your own individuality by customizing your road bike to feature your style and flare. Be unique, be a trend setter not a follower by making your road bike a one-of-a-kind expression of you!

To discover more helpful tips and important information on some of the top bicycle brands and the best road bike brands worldwide, please visit my website at http://www.bicyclebrandsdirect.com and check out the latest bicycle reviews, news, videos and more.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/http://www.articlealley.com/road-bikes–how-to-choose-the-proper-bike-today-2396184.html

What’s the best way to train for the swim leg of the London Triathlon (1 mile) – I need to be fit by August!

Swimming ability is not a problem as I used to train in a local club when I was younger. I am a member of a gym with a pool so what I would love would be for someone to give me some tips on an overall weekly training program that would raise my fitness and include pool work, possibly with gym machines as well.

Any other triathlon swimming tips also greatly appreciated (I’m entering as part of a team so no cycling or running for me!) – and yes, I do realise that the Thames is not the nicest place for a dip, but it’s for charity and I was drunk when I agreed to do it!

Many thanks!
Hannah

Answer
Week training schedule
Goals: Begin baseline workout.
MONDAY:
Lift: Legs (include abductors and adductors)*, Back and Abdominals. 2 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions for 2 exercises each body part.
Bike: 30 to 45 minutes
5 minute cool down!
Stretch: 10 to 15 minutes of FULL BODY stretching!
TUESDAY:
Swimming (freestyle )
200m warm up
Drills : 200m leg kicks/ 300m arm pulls/ 400m swimming/ 100m cool down
Stretch: 10 to 15 minutes of FULL BODY stretching
WEDNESDAY:
Lift: Shoulders, Chest, Abdominals. 2 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions for 2 exercises each body part.
Bike: 30 to 35 minutes(Upright Bike ) 5 minute cool down
Stretch: 10 to 15 minutes of FULL BODY stretching
THURSDAY: Track running 4km or treadmill running 5.5km
5min. cool down
Stretch: 10 to 15 minutes of FULL BODY stretching
THURSDAY : rest day
FRIDAY :Bike 45 to 60 min
Swimm: 800m (freestyle)
Cool down 5min
Stretch: 10 to 15 minutes of FULL BODY stretching
SATURDAY:
Lift: Shoulders, Back, Abdominals. 2 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions for 2 exercises each body part.
Bike: 60 to 70 minutes / Set the bike for an interval or hill workout
5min cool down
Stretch: 15 to 20 minutes of FULL BODY stretching
SUNDAY:
Do some water jogging 15min ( Shallow water slow jogging )/ 3min walking in shallow water
Drills : 400m arm pulls
100*4 fast swimm ( to improve your finish )
100m swimm cool down
Stretch: 15 to 20 minutes of FULL BODY stretching

Hope this will keep you busy all week and dont forget to eat well
Good luck!!!