Everyone has heard of the Tour de France, one of the world's premier extreme road races (approximately 2,000 miles over the course of 21 days). Although the riders are only in the saddle for 4-6 hours per day, the speeds they carry are incomprehensible to most cyclists - nearly 30 mph on flats (consistently); nearly 15 mph on very steep climbs; sometimes 60+ mph on Alpine descents; and an unbelievable 40-45 mph in the sprints!
There are other races, though - in particular, the Race Across America, which is arguably the most difficult road race in the world. Racers ride from the west coast to the east coast of the USA, following a prescribed, closely monitored route. Racers can do the race as solo competitors, as a two-person, a four-person or an eight-person team. The 8-person teams are generally "fun" teams, and usually ride for the benefit of a charity.
The solo racers cross the continent in 10-12 days of long, long days in the saddle (20-22 hours per day). Duo teams takes approximately 7-9 days to finish. In duo, the racers alternate riding and resting; each rider is in the saddle 12 hours every day. The four-person is by far the fastest, crossing the country in about 5 days. This category is all about speed. Each rider takes short turns of approximately one hour (with a 3-hour rest); and their shift is ridden time-trial style which is much, much faster than the endurance pace held by the solo or duo riders.
Considering that the USA is approximately 3,000 miles wide, the Race Across America is an incredible accomplishment, no matter the category a rider participates in!
For more information on road races and all aspects of cycling, please visit mbikeworld.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugene_Rog
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There are other races, though - in particular, the Race Across America, which is arguably the most difficult road race in the world. Racers ride from the west coast to the east coast of the USA, following a prescribed, closely monitored route. Racers can do the race as solo competitors, as a two-person, a four-person or an eight-person team. The 8-person teams are generally "fun" teams, and usually ride for the benefit of a charity.
The solo racers cross the continent in 10-12 days of long, long days in the saddle (20-22 hours per day). Duo teams takes approximately 7-9 days to finish. In duo, the racers alternate riding and resting; each rider is in the saddle 12 hours every day. The four-person is by far the fastest, crossing the country in about 5 days. This category is all about speed. Each rider takes short turns of approximately one hour (with a 3-hour rest); and their shift is ridden time-trial style which is much, much faster than the endurance pace held by the solo or duo riders.
Considering that the USA is approximately 3,000 miles wide, the Race Across America is an incredible accomplishment, no matter the category a rider participates in!
For more information on road races and all aspects of cycling, please visit mbikeworld.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugene_Rog
If you are interested in racing bikes, you will need to learn some things about the bikes before making a decision as to which one to purchase and race. There are a few different kinds of racing bikes to choose from. They are standard, time trial and track racing bikes.
The standard bike is the most common. This type is perfect for road riding. The rider will be positioned hunched over the bike, however it is high enough that they can still see where they are going. These bikes are extremely fast. The next type of racing bike is the time trial bike. These bikes are designed to go incredibly fast while making turns on an a circuit or oval on a closed road course. Much like the standard bike, the rider is hunched over the bike, however, they have the option of adding extensions on the handlebars for comfort and to get a better grip.
They can also attach smaller front wheels to change the riding position to a lower position than usual. The last type of racing bike is the track racing bike, this is used indoors on oval circuits. These have a single fixed gear with no brakes. The only way for a rider to stop is to slow down his pedaling. There is no way to stop the bike immediately. This type of racing bike is stripped down to the minimum required framework so that it is as light and fast as possible.
All of these racing bikes are made as light as possible. The lighter the bike, the faster it will be able to go. These bikes are also equipped with slick tires which offer very little drag on the road surface, also assisting in maximum speed. The aerodynamic design of the bike and the riders position lends itself to the least amount of wind drag possible. All of these design points do have their drawbacks. Because the bike is stripped down to only necessities, it can be extremely uncomfortable to ride. In addition, because of the position the rider is forced into, they may experience back, neck and wrist pain. Since the tires are so slick and thin, they do not protect from vibration and can cause discomfort for the rider.
No matter what type of racing bike you are looking for, make sure that you do some research before purchasing. Talk to other racers that you may know and see what types and brands they recommend. Once you have narrowed it down, head to a store and try them out. If you know exactly what you want, you may be able to find it cheaper on the internet. However, be sure that you have tested out that specific type of bike before purchasing.
Sydney Garrison is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. She is also a partner in an online bike carrierstore. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sydney_Garrison |
I have started to loose count of the number of times I've heard questions such as, "What type of mountain bike should I buy?" and "What is the difference between a full suspension mountain bike and a hardtail mountain bike?" One type of bike is not better than the other. The choice between the two should be made based on the riders' personal riding preferences, budget and physical capabilities. The FAQ below was compiled in order to help you with this all-important choice.
Question: What are full suspension bikes?
Answer: Also known as dual-suspension mountain bikes, these bikes have shock absorbers installed in both the front and rear tires.
Question: What are hardtail bikes?
Answer: Also known as front or single suspension mountain bikes, these bikes have shock absorbers installed in the front tire only.
Question: Which type of mountain bike tends to be faster?
Answer: Hardtail bikes tend to be faster and pedal easier in smooth terrain than full suspension mountain bikes because of the former's light weight and stiff rear end.
Question: Which bike is better at handling obstacles and rough terrain?
Answer: Because of the shock absorbers in both the front and the rear, full suspension bikes outperform hardtails in rough terrain. The suspension absorbs the impact of obstacles and allows for more traction to be transferred to the ground.
Question: Which bike is better at climbing hills?
Answer: Because of their light weight and easier handling, hardtail mountain bikes are better at climbing hills. However, full suspension mountain bikes do outperform hardtails on hills that are made up of rough terrain.
Question: Which bike is easier on the body?
Answer: F.S. bikes are more comfortable than their counterparts. It minimizes the stress on riders' arms and backs caused by vibrations and jolts during long rides.
Question: Which is more affordable?
Answer: Hardtail bikes are usally more affordable than full suspension bikes of similar quality.
Now you are equipped with the information you need to make the right choice. Happy Trailing!
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Question: What are full suspension bikes?
Answer: Also known as dual-suspension mountain bikes, these bikes have shock absorbers installed in both the front and rear tires.
Question: What are hardtail bikes?
Answer: Also known as front or single suspension mountain bikes, these bikes have shock absorbers installed in the front tire only.
Question: Which type of mountain bike tends to be faster?
Answer: Hardtail bikes tend to be faster and pedal easier in smooth terrain than full suspension mountain bikes because of the former's light weight and stiff rear end.
Question: Which bike is better at handling obstacles and rough terrain?
Answer: Because of the shock absorbers in both the front and the rear, full suspension bikes outperform hardtails in rough terrain. The suspension absorbs the impact of obstacles and allows for more traction to be transferred to the ground.
Question: Which bike is better at climbing hills?
Answer: Because of their light weight and easier handling, hardtail mountain bikes are better at climbing hills. However, full suspension mountain bikes do outperform hardtails on hills that are made up of rough terrain.
Question: Which bike is easier on the body?
Answer: F.S. bikes are more comfortable than their counterparts. It minimizes the stress on riders' arms and backs caused by vibrations and jolts during long rides.
Question: Which is more affordable?
Answer: Hardtail bikes are usally more affordable than full suspension bikes of similar quality.
Now you are equipped with the information you need to make the right choice. Happy Trailing!
Nicole H. is one of the owners of http://www.mountain-bike-place.com Full Suspension Mountain Bikes - Your home for a wide selection of mountain bikes for men, women, children and mountain bike accessories. |