Blog

Here are the top 5 benefits of biking:

Health Benefits

Biking is one of the best kinds of exercise for keeping fit.  Being fit means having a healthy, strong heart and being able to exert muscles for an extended period. Biking helps increase cardiovascular fitness; improve strength, endurance, and stamina; and enhance balance and flexibility. It also helps in losing weight by burning a significant amount of calories in the buddy. It is undeniable that human beings were designed to be physically active most of the time. Biking, as a physical activity, reduces your risk of heart attacks, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.

Moreover, riding a bike and getting some moderate exercise can also boost your immune system. You can, therefore, beat off colds and minor infections much easier than if you were a couch potato.

Further, most people start jogging or running when trying to lose weight. While jogging is without a doubt a cost-effective and an excellent way to lose some extra fats and some weight, you can go further on a bike regardless of your fitness levels. Biking is known for being a low impact activity that is generally kinder to your joints and your body. It causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise. Also, studies indicate that cyclists continue to burn calories even after they’ve stopped biking. This means that you’re likely to still be burning energy several hours after your ride.

Biking also helps in reducing stress regardless of if you are riding purely for pleasure or for a specific purpose such as losing weight. Studies show that cycling improves mood, releases stress and creates a rush of endorphins to the brain.

Tones Muscles

While it is true that biking works the glutes, quads, and calves and leaves you with lean muscles from your ankles all the way up to your lower back. Most people do not realize that biking actually a whole-body workout. It improves the core muscle groups which in turn improves posture and body build.

Cycling is Fun

Fun is one of the most important aspects of life because it turns ordinary activities into things you can enjoy. When you ride a bike, you get to see the beautiful view of the trail you are riding. You also get to breathe fresh air. Riding around with the wind in your face will make you feel like a kid again. When you ride with a group, you will get to enjoy the company. Generally, when you ride a bike you feel pleasure with excitement. Only when you get to experience such fun in cycling will you be able to understand what we really mean. The fun keeps your mind busy while your body does all the work, so you are more likely to keep it up long term.

Save Money

Gas is a major cost for drivers. When biking, you won’t need gas. Riding a bike allows you to save money on bus fares or on Gas. So each time you swap a car trip for a bike trip, you’re saving money. A bicycle is also cheaper to buy and maintain than a car. Biking is often a faster and more convenient option than driving with regard to traffic-jams and parking difficulties. Lastly, if you’re riding your bike most days of the week, you won’t need to pay for costly gym membership.

Meet Friends

Biking is surprisingly a social pastime. Riding with other cyclist makes it very easy to roll along and hold a conversation. Joining a cycling club or group is an excellent way to grow your social circle. It is always nice to share moments with people whom you have the same interest with. Riding with another cyclist also gives you the chance to learn some maintenance tips and training advice.

The bike industry offers us bikes for every kind of riding, making it difficult to choose the bike to ride. There are a confusingly huge and growing number of different types of bike and they are divided into a seemingly endless number of categories and sub-categories.

Road bicycles are designed to be ridden fast on smooth pavement. These bikes rule the road due to their extreme efficiency and speed. This type of bikes is usually lighter than other types. They are also not capable of carrying heavy loads. Road bikes’ lightweight frames and skinny tires are designed to help the rider achieve maximum speed for minimum effort. Their dropped handlebars allow riders to get into an efficient and aerodynamic riding position and gearing. However, this aerodynamic riding position may put more strain on your back if you are less flexible.

There are a few types of road bikes. The following the different types of road bikes and all the things you need to know about choosing a road bike:

Cyclocross Bikes

Cyclocross bikes, also known as cross bikes or cx bikes, are a special type of road bike designed to be raced on a mixed surface course like a combination of pavement, unpaved trails, gravel, or grass. These bikes are lightweight, yet tough enough to deal with the extreme conditions of cyclocross racing. They have a drop handlebar like regular road bikes, but the tires are a little wider for more off-road traction, and they have a different style of brake that helps to prevent mud buildup in the frame. Most cyclocross bikes have semi-knobby tires to handle the terrain challenges.

Racing Bikes

Racing bikes are light and aerodynamic bikes which are built for fast pacing on the flats and charging up hills on race. They are designed for competitive road cycling. Generally, they have an aggressive geometry with steep angles that make them turn quickly. Their frames are usually made from carbon fiber or aluminum and they have a slimmed-down design that’s intended to be as light as possible.

Touring Bikes

Touring bikes are ideal for long-distance bike tours. They are designed with sturdy frames capable of carrying heavy loads on the front and rear racks and feature multiple attachment points so you can attach racks, fenders, water bottles, pumps, lights and more. Many touring bikes tend to have a lower center of gravity and have a longer wheelbase than other road bikes, making them easier to control. Many touring bikes also have disc brakes for improved stopping power while hauling heavy loads on non-paved surfaces. The ideal bike for your touring trip will depend upon the terrain you plan to cover and how many kits you want to take with you.

Endurance Bikes

Endurance bikes offer comfort over long distances and are usually closer to a race bike than a traditional touring bike. In fact, they have many of the performance features of racing bikes, but with a frame geometry that puts you in a more comfortable riding position. Some endurance bikes have flat handlebars, for those who prefer a more heads-up riding style. They generally have taller head tubes, slacker (lower) angles and sloping top tubes intended to reduce stress on your back and neck.

Commuting Bike

A commuting bike is any bicycle used as general transportation. They generally have practical amenities such as lights, rear racks, bags, locks, and fenders, making the bicycle a utilitarian tool. Using bicycles for transportation is a great way to get some exercise, save money, help the environment and to have fun.

Triathlon/Time Trial Bike

Triathlon or time trial bikes are road bikes with a special design that maximizes their aerodynamic properties. They are built specifically for triathlon or time trial events. These type of road bike have forward bull-horn shaped handlebars and aero bars that allow the rider to crouch forward while riding, to minimize the wind resistance against the body.

Track Bike/Fixed Gear

A track bike is a road bike with a single gear that does not freewheel or coast. Fixed gear bikes are the outdoor version of a track bike. They have a single, fixed gear but may have brakes and different styles of handlebars. These bikes are often used for racers in training because they force the athlete to spin their legs in a consistent circle and run a higher cadence.

Biking is considered by many as a healthy hobby. It is a whole-body workout and a gives a whole lot of health benefits too. Some people bike because they have spare time while some rides a bike to lose weight. But although people have different reasons why they bike, the most common reason is probably the fact that biking enables you to see a lot of beautiful places. Indeed, biking is one of the best ways to see the world. There a number beautiful bike trails around the world and here are some of them.

Great Divide Mountain Route, USA – Canada

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the perfect route for those who are looking for an intense path. It is America’s premier cycling route which is 2,768.4 miles long. Stretching from New Mexico, USA to Alberta, Canada, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is officially the longest biking trail in the world. The biking route does not require highly technical mountain bike riding skills. It only requires basic off-pavement riding skills to complete because about 90% of the Great Divide Mountain Route is on unpaved roads and trails.

The GDMBR is often defined as remote. Its remoteness equates with spectacular terrain and scenery. The biking trail will make bikers ride through ghost towns, past deserted mines, through the Colorado Rockies, down dirt roads and unused railway beds, and through mountain passes. Highlights in this biking trail include the Flathead Valley in British Columbia; Grand Teton National Park and the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming; South Park and Boreas Pass in Colorado; and Polvadera Mesa and the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is definitely one of the best biking trails in the world.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road is 277km route stretching from Torquay to Allansford of Southeastern Australia. It is known for its fabulous views and dramatic coastline. The Great Ocean Road is a winding road of wetland views, all ending with the spectacular Bells Beach. It is suitable for moderate to advanced bikers. For those looking for something a bit more extreme, there are mountain biking trails hidden off of the main road. The road can also take you to famous beaches for a stopover for a swim or to check out the surf.

Dordogne Valley, France

In addition to the list of the best biking trails in the world is Dordogne Valley. The Dordogne is an ideal region for visitors to France with miles of scenic rolling countryside, fascinating ancient bastide towns, and delicious gourmet delights. The best way to explore the Dordogne is by bike. Dordogne takes its name from the 300-mile river that runs through it. This valley is largely rural with beautiful stone buildings, reminiscent of bygone years, and a slower pace of life. Dordogne Valley is blessed with lovely bike routes for cyclists of all abilities. Biking trails in Dorgogne are suitable for novices or experienced cyclists.

Bikers will be mainly riding on country roads and specific cycleways. The biking routes are mostly unpaved, although they will have a compacted gravel or stone surface, making it bit of a bumpy ride on occasions. Although the trails are quiet country lanes and forest tracks with very little traffic, some routes in the Dordogne offer greater distance and more challenging hill climbing. Cycling in the Dordogne is pleasant from April to October.

Salzach Valley, Austria

Salzach Valley is an Austrian bike trail, complete with beautiful meadows and mountains as a backdrop. Ride the family-friendly 150-mile Salzach Valley trail and cycle through the Grossglockner Mountain, the Hohe Tauern National Park, and Europe’s highest waterfall. The route starts at Gerlos Pass and ends in Salzburg. Along the route you will pass between pine forests, quaint villages and meadows bursting with brightly colored flowers. The breathtaking scenery makes Salzach Valley one of the best biking trails in the world.

The Shimanami Kaido, Japan

Shimanami Kaido also known as Nishiseto Expressway s an expressway in Japan that connects Onomichi, Hiroshima, and Imabari, Ehime, going through nine of the Geiyo Islands, including Ōshima, Umashima, and Innoshima. The expressway contains ten bridges and is famed for its scenic views. The road and bridge route was designed with an integrated cycle lane which is approximately 70 km in length including bridge access ramps. Since its opening, it has become one of Japan’s most popular long-distance cycle routes. Bikers can stop for a photo halfway across a bridge or detour to investigate lighthouses, shrines and natural wonders most automobile travelers zip past.