Many cyclists are very entangled with a question at the beginning, that is, whether to install a bicycle foot support or not. In the later practice, it proved that there is really no need to install, some said it was because of weight reduction, some said it was ugly, and some said it damaged the bike. In short, don't install it! For sports bikes, we don’t advocate the installation of bicycle foot supports, so what should we do when I need to park when we go out? Here are some bike enthusiasts who use the things at hand and the surrounding environment to help park their favorite bicycles. Let’s learn together! Share eight parking methods for your reference: 1. Put the handlebar against the wall Handlebars against the wall are something many cyclists will do, or they are against roadside railings, etc. It requires a little skill and a little adjustment. 2. Use the rear wheel against the wall Similarly, use the rear wheel is against the wall. It is also very good to just use the rear wheel to find a support point on the wall. 3. Use the bicycle saddle against the wall Of course, Use the cushions against the wall, the reason is the same. The advantage of placing the cushion against the wall is that you don’t worry about the wall bumping into other parts of the bicycle. Extend it, you can also lean against trees and lampposts. 4. Upside down It takes a little bit of effort. After all, not everyone likes to turn the bike upside-down, so it depends on personal preference. 5. Hook the railing Limited to the handlebars, the handlebars of bicycles have found a new purpose. Hooking on the railings may be more stable than leaning on them. 6. Support front and back together It means that as long as you lean against the wall, you can stabilize it. It is also the easiest and most practical way. 7. Fall to the ground (put the side with the rear derailleur up) Pay attention to the fact that the transmission is facing upwards. When parking, be careful not to let the rear transmission directly touch the supporting surface; this can reduce the damage to the transmission and affect the accuracy of shifting. 8. Two bicycles lean on each other This requires technology, and it’s very easy to rely on. If you don’t rely on it well, the bike falls in minutes. 9. Use the road teeth to put the foot on it This method is very cool and the most commonly used. The bicycle is standing on the side of the road, and you are standing next to the bicycle. Finally, I would like to remind you that when you park your bicycle, you must protect it. Don’t let your bike bump into it. If you drop a piece of paint or something, you will feel very distressed.
The way of breathing is different in different stages of cycling. Before cycling: Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth Before setting off, you must first adjust your breathing by inhaling and exhaling to make your body adapt to the rhythm of exercise in advance. Method analysis: first close your mouth and use your nose to inhale deeply and slowly until you can no longer inhale, and then open your mouth to slowly exhale the air. After exhaling, close your mouth and inhale deeply with your nose. Repeat the above operation 9 times in succession. After you are done, breathe naturally through your nose a few times and you can set off. Cycling on flat roads: abdominal breathing When you start cycling, your body’s oxygen consumption will increase, and abdominal breathing can inhale more air, thereby increasing oxygen intake. Method analysis: close your mouth and roll your tongue up against your upper jaw to prevent excessive air from staying in your mouth. Then use your nose to inhale deeply. At this time, you can clearly feel that your abdomen is contracting. When you exhale, you should exhale as much as possible. At this time, your abdomen should be protruding outward.It doesn’t matter if you don’t get used to it at first, you will get used to it if you practice consciously. When climbing: fast inhale and fast exhale Compared to cycling on a flat road, climbing a hill requires more energy, so more oxygen is needed to power the muscles. At this time, although abdominal breathing requires a large amount of oxygen, such a relatively slow breathing rhythm cannot meet the demand. At this time, it is necessary to change the breathing mode. Method analysis: When you first start going uphill, you can use the same way of inhaling and exhaling before you set off; pay attention to inhale and exhale slowly. When you find that your breathing is getting more and more rapid, you should speed up your breathing rhythm-close your mouth, inhale quickly through your nose, and exhale quickly through your mouth.If your breathing becomes more and more rapid, you might as well stop the cart and adjust your breathing. Precautions. During the entire cycling process, whether you are cycling or getting off the cart, be sure not to breathe in with your mouth.On the one hand, although the amount of oxygen inhaled by mouth is relatively large, it is easy to inhale insects and other dirt, and inhalation of cold air often causes coughing and even diarrhea, which greatly affects the cycling experience. On the other hand, the nose itself has the ability to filter air, and at the same time, after the air passes through the nasal cavity, it will become warm and humid. In contrast, inhaling through the nose is more beneficial to the body.
Carbon fiber is an incredible material that has completely changed the design and performance of bicycle frames. It is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, can be molded into various required shapes and is very strong in use. The claim that carbon fiber frames and related parts are generally brittle and unreliable is not true, but just alarmist. It is strong enough to be used in F1 and the aerospace industry, and there is no doubt that it is naturally used in the bicycle field. If it is produced by a credible manufacturer and used correctly, there is no reason why the carbon frame will not give you enough mileage to ride happily, and now many manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty for the frame. No matter what frame material you choose, whether it is a carbon frame, a steel frame, aluminum alloy, or titanium alloy, quality is the key, and good quality is always more durable. Riding a carbon frame bike, you don’t need to deliberately change some cycling methods, but you can pay attention to the details of the daily maintenance and use of some carbon fiber bikes. Buy a torque wrench Despite the incredible force performance in the design direction, squeezing can easily damage the carbon fiber, such as over-tightened bolts and clamps, handlebars, and seat posts are the most common causes of damage to the carbon fiber frame. All parts of a carbon fiber bicycle will be marked with a recommended torque value in Newton meters, which can be found on the relevant parts, manuals, or on the manufacturer’s official website. If you have a carbon fiber bike, a torque wrench is necessary, it can ensure that you will not use more than the recommended torque to tighten the components. If you have previously owned a bicycle with a metal frame, you may be surprised that the force required to assemble and adjust a carbon fiber bicycle is so small. Use carbon assembly paste The relatively small torque required for the carbon frame and its components also has the drawback that it is easy to slip off. This especially affects the Seatpost. Don’t risk trying to tighten the Seatpost with extra, more force, you should use carbon assembly paste. This is a gel containing fine particles, similar to a thin film, which increases friction between the contact surfaces to prevent slippage. Assembling paste and torque wrench are necessary for carbon fiber bicycle owners. Be careful Damage to the carbon frame caused by accidents or collisions is usually difficult to predict and avoid in advance, but some collision events that damage the carbon fiber can be easily avoided. A common situation is when the handlebar is rotated and hits the upper tube of the frame. This often happens when the bicycle is inadvertently lifted. So be careful not to let this happen when picking up the bike. In addition, try to avoid stacking bicycles on other bicycles, and do not use the seat part to lean on poles or pillars, so that the bicycle will easily slip and cause a collision with the frame. Leaning the bike on a surface such as a wall is much safer. Of course, you don’t need to be too nervous to wrap your bike with cotton wool. You just need to be more careful and take reasonable precautions to avoid unnecessary collisions. Keep it clean Regular cleaning can give you a chance to inspect the bike carefully to see if there are obvious signs of damage. Regardless of the material of the frame, this should be your routine during cycling. Of course, rough cleaning also needs to be avoided, which will damage the epoxy resin wrapped around the carbon fiber. If you have any questions about how to clean your bike scientifically, you can consult the manufacturer for advice. Any degreaser or cleaning products for bicycles and old-fashioned mild soapy water should be used appropriately and reasonably. Avoid squeezing As mentioned above, try not to over-tighten the parts. Carbon fiber is easily damaged by extrusion. Therefore, you need to be especially careful when using a repair rack or an onboard bicycle rack to clamp the frame tube. The bicycle should be fixed with minimal pressure, or a protective layer can be wrapped on the frame. Of course, you can also consider changing to a bicycle transportation method. If you want to take your bicycle on the plane, we strongly recommend using a hard special box for packing. Don’t reverse For metal frames and parts, for example, during the installation process of handlebars and Seatposts, it is normal and acceptable to give a certain amount of rotation or pull for fine adjustment after being fixed. However, this step will cause damage to the carbon fiber bicycle and must be strongly avoided. The correct way is to use the recommended torque value and use the assembly paste. If the position and angle of the parts need to be adjusted, the parts should be completely loosened in advance. Measure twice, cut once If you need to cut carbon fiber parts, such as handlebars and the entire Seatpost, remember to measure carefully and accurately, and wrap it with tape as a mark for the cutting part. Cutting requires a special carbon saw blade, which can prevent fiber tearing and abrasion. . Never use a pen or sharp tool to mark the position on the seat post that needs to be cut, because even a small scratch may damage the carbon fiber. Instead, you can use insulating tape to paste and wrap it to mark the cut position. Avoid chain jamming Many people have encountered the situation of chain drop, especially when shifting gears incorrectly. In the worst case, the chain gets stuck between the smallest chainring and the chainstay after the chain is dropped, and it gets stuck instantly. For carbon fiber bikes, this is a great “pain”. When this happens, stop pedaling immediately and avoid further exertion. After returning home, thoroughly clean and relubricate your drive system. Check your chain, including wear, elasticity, etc. It is best to replace it if necessary. Replace the brake pads If you use alloy training wheels and carbon fiber racing wheels alternately, replacing your brake pads accordingly is the most basic. Although there are dual-purpose brake pads, the remaining metal fragments on the surface of the brake pads can easily scratch and destroy the carbon fiber rim. If the worst happens In the event of a crash or accident, unlike the metal frame, where the depression or bending damage can be clearly seen on the exterior, the carbon fiber may appear to be undamaged on the exterior, but it has actually been damaged. If you have such a crash and worry about your frame, be sure to ask a professional technician to do a professional inspection. Even serious damage can be repaired well. Even if the aesthetics are not perfect, they can at least guarantee safety and function.
The development of mountain bike Speed gear: Since the mid-90s, the speed gear of mainstream mountain bikes has been changing. The development process is roughly like this: 3×8=24 speed→3×9=27 speed→3×10=30 speed→2×10=20 speed→2×11=22 speed →1×11=11 speed →1×12=12 speed. The more popular speed gear such as 3×9, 3×10, etc., have now been replaced by lesser speeds such as the front 1-2 speed and the rear 10-12 speed. Why is there less and less speed gear? Not use so many speed gears: Bikers who often ride mountain bikes cross country know that in the process of cycling, the three-disc configuration is actually not very useful. Take me as an example. In the era of 3 discs, I would basically use the big disc to ride on the road, the middle disc for climbing or cross-country. For the adjustment of the front and rear speed ratio, I used more on the rear derailleur. It is not needed because it is too “light” and it feels like kicking in the air. And in use, the 3-disk system will have a lot of overlap between the front and rear speed ratios, which is actually too redundant. The wheel diameter is getting bigger and bigger: In addition, the current professional mountain bike wheel diameter is mostly 27.5 or 29 inches, which is much larger than the traditional 26 inches. The large wheel diameter and the larger chainring make the foot feel very heavy, which is not suitable for XC cycling, So manufacturers will reduce the number of teeth of the chainring to a more suitable number of XC teeth, such as a single disk with 34-36 teeth, or a small disk with about 26 teeth. This allows the cyclist to obtain a more suitable pedaling force during cross-country cycling. Cassette gears gradually increase: At present, the freewheels of mainstream mountain bikes are all 10 and 11 speeds, and SRAM has even introduced a 12-speed freewheel. For the outdated 8 and 9-speed freewheel era, the current freewheel covers more speeds, with double discs and even A single disc is completely sufficient, and the increment range of the number of teeth is small, and a very fine increase/decrease of the gear ratio can be obtained-the fine speed change is more reflected in the freewheel than the chainring. Easy to operate: Too many gears will make you feel very complicated to operate, especially in XC cycling that requires a high degree of concentration, and can handle changing terrain at any time. Simple operation is particularly important. Therefore, streamlining the transmission system allows cyclists to concentrate more on cycling. Moreover, the higher the intensity of mountain bike cycling, the more downhill and the less frequently the transmission system is used. Practical application: At present, 3×9 and 3×10 speeds are still in use, but they are mostly concentrated on 26-inch hardtail mountain bikes. 3×9 speeds are basically only used for entry-level mountain bikes. The dual-disc transmission system is mostly found in the middle and high levels. Hardtail mountain bikes with 27.5 or 29-inch wheel diameters, and suspension bikes with stronger off-road strength (mountain bikes with rear shocks) basically use a single-disc transmission system. As shown below:
Generally speaking, for long-distance riding on good roads, a road bike is a good choice. A road bike will be faster and improve your efficiency. If riding on complex and varied mixed terrain, mountain bikes will provide better traction while handling more complex road conditions better. Reliability The biggest advantage of riding a mountain bike is reliability. The frame of the mountain bike is strong enough and can adapt to all kinds of bad weather and road conditions. The probability of failure during riding is much smaller than that of road bikes, so you can rest assured when riding mountain bikes. Although road bikes are strong enough, they are still a little bit worse than mountain bikes. Efficiency Mountain bikes were originally designed to cope with off-road riding. The tires are wider, the texture is more complex, and the body is heavier. These all limit the speed of mountain bikes, so mountain bikes will be slower than road bikes. If you want to achieve efficient long-distance For cycling, a road bike is a good choice. Comfort Mountain bikes are equipped with shock absorbers, which can effectively absorb bumps from the road, and the riding posture of mountain bikes is more upright, which greatly improves the comfort of long-distance riding. The advantage of road bikes in terms of comfort is the drop handlebar, which allows you to change the position of the grip and adjust the riding position, which can prevent sore hands. Load A touring road bike designed entirely for long-distance riding, the frame can be fitted with various panniers. In this regard, road bikes are no worse than mountain bikes. It’s just that the road bikes that you usually come into contact with are mainly based on speed. You must know that there are road bikes first, and then mountain bikes. Many world tours use endurance road bikes. So if you want to go on a long-distance ride, what kind of car would you choose? You can check this Trifox Carbon Road bike X16
Wet road When the field is wet and slippery, drivers are especially reminded to avoid passing through white lines, gutter covers, zebra crossings, etc., otherwise heavy pedaling is easy to slip; in fact, once the ground is wet and slippery, even light brakes are likely to cause crashes It is a good policy to reduce the speed to 30-40 kilometers, and try to avoid the action of pressing the car and skidding when cornering. In addition, players should choose appropriate equipment before the game, especially when encountering mechanical failures. Carbon fiber wheels and aluminum alloy wheels use different brake blocks. Let the brake lose its proper braking ability. Considering the maintenance cost, the coach also recommends that the players use aluminum alloy wheels to play on rainy days, so as to avoid the carbon fiber wheels being worn by sand and stones and causing damage. In addition, after climbing to the summit, athletes should use gloves and windbreakers to assist them, and supplement with hot food to warm their bodies before going down the mountain. This prevents the hand stiffness caused by the low temperature and maintains the sensitivity of fingers when braking. If you are still affected by the low temperature on the top of the mountain and feel uncomfortable, the coach recommends using safe sections to do handshaking and stretching to help blood flow. Downhill section During the race, you only need to use the brakes when cornering and going downhill. Please refer to the cornering skills of road bikes when cornering. You should remain vigilant at all times on the slope section, and prepare in advance at about 100 meters when there is expected braking demand ahead. After climbing to the top, it is also recommended that players pay attention to their own safety when going downhill, and focus on low-speed skating. The training should focus on climbing. Respond quickly at 30-50 meters, but the average player should slow down at 80-100 meters in advance to test safety. If you are the first player to attack downhill, courage is the most important factor if you want to maximize the distance between you and the players behind you on the downhill; sit slightly backward, and use the strength of the back muscles and abdominal muscles to help support, do not put all the weight on the handlebars for more maneuverability. Roadblock, bumpy road Encountering predictable bumpy road sections, the driver should avoid excessive relaxation and pressure into “ostrich eggs” or potholes in the road. For people with poor eyesight and lowering their heads will is a taboo. Hold on to the handlebars or lower the handlebars to keep running in a straight line, and pass naturally after slowing down. In addition, don’t rely too much on following the car, especially in professional competitions, you may encounter situations where the line of sight is poor or the opponent’s player digs a hole for you to jump into, and some players even fail to dodge and directly hit the electric pole. Don’t be careless. Encountering obstacles on the road, whether it is small gravel or large stones, is quite dangerous for cyclists. It is also recommended to activate the rear brake first, then follow the front brake, and go around the outside. If you are really facing a crash, It is recommended to use Judo’s body protection method, shrinking the jaw to protect the head, looking at the situation of the crash, and rolling forward or sideways to consume the forward inertia and release the damage of the crash. If your reaction is fast enough, it is not too difficult for players to fly over obstacles after leveling the pedals and pulling the handlebars, which is also very common in international competitions. Pre-match site scouting If you are not a landlord or a seasoned veteran, you must prepare in advance when you go abroad or on an unfamiliar road section. Even if you line up in a downhill one-stop array, you will inevitably encounter a situation where good and bad players are mixed. Even if you follow the car, you must pay attention to the front and back, The left and right sides also have time to react, and slight changes in an instant may cause damage. Small reminder: When using the rear brake, you must grasp the key of “holding” and rubbing slowly, instead of stopping suddenly, so as to avoid slipping and even causing the car to roll over.
The fit of the bicycle is the most important thing. Choosing the right bicycle seat may only be the beginning of the fit. You also need to learn how to fine-tune the bicycle to make yourself more comfortable to ride. The bicycle handlebar is a key fine-tuning part. By adjusting the handlebar, you can put yourself in a more comfortable riding position. It will even improve your riding efficiency and help relieve back pain while riding, so it is important to learn how to adjust the height of the handlebar. Tools needed to adjust the handlebar height. Adjusting the handlebars is relatively simple, usually requiring only a multi-tool or a set of Allen keys, or a torque wrench is more suitable for carbon fiber handlebars. Method The easiest way to adjust the height is to add or remove spacers. 1. Loosen the nut. There will be two screws on either side of the stem, use an Allen key to loosen these two stems (it doesn’t have to be unscrewed completely). (If you have a carbon fiber bike, you may notice that the steerer tube has an expansion wedge. Called a plug, this is non-adjustable and has no effect on height) 2. Remove the bowl top cover. Use a hex wrench to unscrew the top cover and a 4 or 5-mm wrench is required for the bag cover (you can buy a good-looking top cover and replace it by the way). 3. Adjust the height of the handlebar. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted by adding or removing spacers, spacers are usually readily available in 20 or 30-mm sizes. 4. Install it back at your desired height. When installing, you should make sure there is a 3-5mm gap between the stem and the spacer/stem (this will make the stem stronger), and this will ensure that the top cap has enough room to tighten. 5. Install the headset top cover. Install the headset top first, then work on the alignment of the wheels to the handlebars, preferably checking the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings. 6. Tighten the screws on both sides. Once aligned, try turning the handlebar back and forth, left and right, if the handlebar does not turn smoothly, you can tighten the screws on both sides of the stem, usually around 5 to 8Nm. If the rotation is not smooth, continue to adjust the headset screws. 7. Simple detection. You can clamp the front wheel with your legs and shake the handlebars to adjust. If the handlebar is stable, it is a good fit.
All around are flat roads without slopes, but many cyclists prefer to climb hills. Why do you prefer to climb mountains? Satisfaction. There is an unexpected satisfaction in climbing a mountain. Anyone can ride a bicycle on Pinglu Mountain. Only when you climb the mountain can you show your true self. The more difficult the climb, the easier it is for you to show your true self. When you climb to the top of the hill, that feeling makes you more proud and satisfied. Comfortable environment. Relatively flat roads mean that there will be more means of transportation, and the vegetation is relatively monotonous. When you climb a mountain, you soak up the fresh air, sunshine, solitude, and sweeping views. These are mostly experiences that flat roads cannot bring you. Double the joy. Cycling releases mood-boosting substances like endorphins and dopamine, chemicals that make you feel happy. Mountain climbing represents a longer, longer-lasting exercise, which will release more substances that make you feel happy. Also helps avoid mood disorders such as depression. Build muscle. Biking uphill is a full-body workout that strengthens your legs, upper body, and core. Uphill cycling physically challenges your muscles. When you ride up hills you work your quads, glutes, and calves more than when you ride on flat terrain, and your legs get really strong and muscular. Up and down. “The world is flat”, when you climb to the top through hard work, you will be rewarded with a big downhill. Downhill for free is something every cyclist hates, isn’t it? Uphill Riding Tips Whether it is uphill or downhill is a “technical activity”. Know the length and size of the slope in advance and adjust your climbing plan. Pace yourself so that you don’t burn yourself out in the first place. The correct adjustment gear, which gear you should use when riding uphill depends on your preference, so explore different gears, determine the best gear for you, and adjust your gear to make it easier to Tackle those uphills. Take your time, don’t rush, or you’ll burn out. Instead, take your time. Set a rhythm and stick to it.
From an outsider’s perspective, frequent cyclists usually have a high seat, which is necessary for actual riding. Of course, this height may be an optical illusion. The handlebars of road bikes are very low. If there are two bicycles with the same height seat, the lower handlebar will obviously give people the illusion of a higher seat. The seat of ordinary riders looks relatively high, which is largely an optical illusion. The saddle of the same professional rider looks taller, often because their handlebars are lower and the body is more compact. After all, the height of the saddle is determined according to the length of the rider’s legs. Two people with the same leg length have the same height of the saddle, and a bicycle with a lower handlebar will appear to have a taller saddle. Bike Seat Height Matters When your knee is bent, your leg is weaker, and when it’s almost straight, your leg is stronger. A lower saddle lets you pedal with very bent knees, making it harder to ride at the same speed. And the taller saddle (within reason) keeps your legs in a stronger, more comfortable zone. Just like squatting, the further you squat, the more your legs bend and the more tired you will feel. Locked shoes and pedals also affect the height of the saddle The bike looks taller for a rider with clip-on shoes. Because the cleats of the lock shoes are often under the forefoot, they are connected to the lock pedals and fixed together. For casual riders, the position of the cleats of the lock shoes is generally a little further back, which also makes the saddle of the rider with the lock pedals look a little higher. NOTE: For real riding, you should keep your forefoot over the center of the pedals, even if you’re not using cleats. Set the correct seat height There are various professional and advanced technologies that can do a complete simulation test for you and customize a fully fitting height (accurate to millimeters). As an ordinary person, it is completely unnecessary, a simple setting will do. When you get on the bike, put the heel of your foot on the pedal and ride slowly. This is about the right height if your knees are fully straight and you have some pedaling strength on the pedals. If your knees are still bent, raise the saddle to adjust. If your heels aren’t working on the pedals, or you have to tilt your butt to keep pedaling, lower the saddle a little. Many people worry that the seat of the bicycle is too high and the feet cannot touch the ground when parking, so when actually riding, if you want to stop, you can park on the curb on the side of the road, or leave the car to sit (you can stand after sitting for a long time) Relieve pressure on soft tissue) Standing parking is a safe and reliable parking method.
