Mountain Bikes, helmets, and parts
Before the time of the automobile, the bicycle reigned supreme. Early incarnations such as the Draisienne, Velocipede and the High Wheel, captured the imagination of people across the globe. Advances in metallurgy eventually allowed manufacturers to turn these elementary machines into what we now commonly recognize as the bicycle. Today’s bikes are much more advanced than they were just a decade ago.
Bike-shows.com was designed to provide the most up to date information available about all aspects of cycling. Whether you’re a novice, or a long time rider, we want this site to be a resource for everyone. Cycling is our passion, and we want to make it yours as well.
Nowadays, the term “bike” can mean a number of things. In the most obtuse of definitions, a bike is a human-powered, two-wheel vehicle. However, there are many different categories of bicycle that fit into this basic design, and many other variations within each basic category. Each variation is meant to optimize its effectiveness related to a specific style of riding.
Road bikes are strictly designed for street use only. They are manufactured to be lightweight, with a thin profile to allow for a minimum of wind resistance. Depending on whether the bike was designed for racing or touring, the gearing set-up can differ quite a bit. Racing bikes tend to have a much tighter gear ratio, allowing for higher speeds but requiring much more leg strength than does a touring bike.
Recumbent bikes can be considered a sub-category of the road bike. These machines are meant for street use only, but the seating configuration is much different than on a standard bicycle. A recumbent allows the rider to sit back, very much like you would in a chair, and the pedals are moved forward the rider rather than below. Electric bikes are another sub-category; and are essentially a road bike that utilizes an electric motor to assist the rider.
One of the newest members of the bicycling family is the mountain bike. Originally made from modified road bikes, the modern versions utilize a specialized bike frames and other mountain bike parts that can withstand the rigors of off-road use. The bike tires that are used on most mountain bikes are much wider, and are aggressively treaded to achieve a maximum amount of grip on dirt surfaces.
BMX bikes have been around since the 1970’s. These bikes are single geared machines that are small and lightweight to accommodate the quick movements and aerial tricks common to BMX racing. The BMX bike has been often been cited as the first bike a rider ever owned.
If you’re a cyclist, then you know the value of a good bike shop. They are the ideal resource for most accessories such as bike racks, bike helmets, spare bike parts, and a host of other bike gear. They can also be a great place to find specialty items like folding bikes, which are becoming very popular with commuters.
If you need further information on any of the topics covered on this page, we suggest perusing our learning center. There you will find more detailed information on a variety of bicycle related topics.
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