Saturday, April 14, 2012

What is a Hybrid Bicycle? How to choose One

All bicycles used to fall under 2 common categories - mountain bike and road bike. The mountain bicycle is meant for rough terrain riding, while the road bike is meant for smoother roads.

However, many riders are uncomfortable owning more than 1 bicycle. They usually voyage on a wide range of terrain - both rough and flat. So the mountain bike alone or the roadie alone just won't meet the needs of such habitancy very well.

Aluminum Mountain Bike

So bike manufacturers come up with the idea of hybrids - a cross in the middle of a mountain and road bike. What are some characteristics of a hybrid bike?

What is a Hybrid Bicycle? How to choose One

1) Flat handlebars with more than 1 hand position.

A customary mountain bike has flat handlebars. But the rider is forced to stay in the same hand position. On occasion, a hybrid rider can change hand positions due to the improvements made on the handlebars. This will help accomplish a more aerodynamic posture, or contribute a more comfortable posture. Many riders prefer such handlebars as it makes it so much easier to navigate the bike through separate types of terrain.

2) Thinner tires for less rolling resistance.

Hybrid bikes have thinner tires compared to mountain bikes. But these wheels are still thicker than those on road bikes. The size of the wheels is the perfect size if you are looking for a equilibrium in the middle of protection and speed. It's safe sufficient to ride (even in wet conditions) and it provides less rolling resistance compared to customary mountain bike wheels. Over long distances, such wheels can save the rider lots of costly energy!

3) Middle weight frames for a equilibrium of stability and speed.

There are many types of bike frames in the market, and the frame on a hybrid can vary greatly. However, most hybrids are targeted at the "leisure riding" group. So prices are quite affordable. Most of the bicycles are built with aluminum. Aluminum is an affordable material that can be indubitably engineered into durable frames. Unfortunately, such frames are usually heavier and less stiff, which leads to power loss.

If funds permits, take a look at hybrids that are made from carbon fiber frames. Such bikes can cost thousands of dollars, but once you own one, you won't want to own an additional one hybrid bike.

The carbon hybrid is the cream of the crop. It's one of the lightest building material around, and it offers very good power transfer capabilities. That means every pedal and every ounce of energy comes from you is put into good use.

Such bikes are perfect for those who are protection conscious. Due to the rider cordial designs of hybrids, even beginners find it easy to ride one.

The next time you go social riding with your friends, bring a hybrid along and zip past all those mountain bikes as if they are standing still!

What is a Hybrid Bicycle? How to choose One

Tent Poles

Tent poles are the primary maintain material for most tents. Wood has been the material traditionally used for such poles. However, over the years, aluminum and fiberglass have emerged as the most sought after material for the poles. These poles are not only stronger than wood, they also come with a cheaper price tag and seem to be ideal for the median American consumer. Plastic poles are also widely available. But they should be avoided since most of them tend to come to be fragile with time. A valid point about metal tent poles should also be remembered. Although they are currently the toughest tent pole material available, there are some who feel that they may prove to be hazardous if lightning strikes. However, there are others who say that metal poles cannot be a death threat unless one decides to pitch a very high tent and ends up having the top tent with a metal pole in the vicinity.

Another point to be noted is that tent pole finishing can sometimes prove to be tricky business. Some tent pole manufacturers deliver unfinished tent poles to help the buyer customize it for himself. In such cases, tent pole finishing must be carefully done to reap the maximum potential benefit.

Aluminum Mountain Bike

Ordering tent poles is commonly a plane affair. The constructor or the seeder will just want to know the exact pole length that a buyer wants. Other little details will commonly be comprehended by any constructor worth his salt.

Tent Poles

Tent pole facility is no hard job either. Most tent poles these days have push buttons in order to make the indispensable adjustments according to the height and width of the tent. User manuals should be effectively followed in order to relax too much stress on the center pole. The stamina of tent poles, in many cases, depends on spoton installation. Although most tent poles are extremely long lasting, to buy a tent-pole-repair-kit and retention it handy is a safe option.

The bottom line remains that tent poles are mostly an indispensable accessory in case of tents that want additional support. It is for potential buyers to remember that tent poles furnish a excellent look of balance and stability that add to the charm of a tent.

Tent Poles