This is part 2 of cycling accessories tips for any cyclist whether you are in the UK,Ireland,America,Australia or anywhere else to get the maximum enjoyment and health benefits from cycling.
Cycling Shoes
Shoes for
the cyclist are next on the list. Ask any seasoned cyclist how much better true
cycling shoes are. Normal shoes have too much flexibility at the front of the
shoe. Cycling shoes don't. When you're spinning
circles with a pedal, a flexible sole doesn't do much for you, except to make your
foot tired.
There are
a couple of option with cycling shoes. Some attach to "clip-less"
pedals -- a little like ski bindings. Some work with toe-clips or platform
pedals. Some way of attaching your foot to the pedal is good, because you can
press down as well as pull up, you can crank pretty hard without worrying about
the shoe coming off the pedal, and it keeps your foot properly positioned.
The key
to buying a good cycling shoe is fairly straightforward. Pick the type you
want. Looks are important, but blisters and other assorted foot problems are a
very high price to pay. At Alimay Sports you will be easily able to find the
right cycling shoes which are both attractive and comfortable.
Cycling Clothing
Cycling
clothing especially designed for the cycling community really are the business and
really adds to the cycling experience. In terms of comfort and function,
top-quality bicycle apparel is incredibly well-matched to the task of bicycle riding.
In order
of priority, bicycle accessories related purchases could be a helmet and shoes
(which we've already discussed in part 1), cycling gloves, and not forgetting some sort
of eye protection. The helmet and gloves top the list, because they help
protect the cyclist from the ground in case of a fall. Eye protection, such as
goggles, keeps bugs and dirt out of your eyes, which also has safety
implications. Shoes are so practical that they can't be ignored either.
Beyond that, there's a whole world of dazzling cycling clothing that can help make you a
more efficient, more comfortable, and safer cyclist.
Why
choose cycling-specific clothes beyond this? There can be a lot of wind (of the weather variety) out
there in the world. Loose-fitting clothing flaps around, makes lots of noise,
traps a lot of air, and makes you feel clammy from the perspiration. Shirts can
ride up in the back. There usually aren't enough pockets in the right places.
Drab colours may have looked more normal to a conservative eye, but they don't
do a thing for visibility in traffic.
So, if
you are a city cyclist, consider bright clothes. For cutting through wind, look
at reasonably tight jerseys with high-tech fabrics for comfort. There's a lot
to pick from. The issue is function.
That also
means wearing cycling shorts with padding. You can get casual-style or
racing-style shorts --somewhat traditional looking, or very tight. Cycling jerseys,
fit tighter, are longer in the back, don't hold too much moisture, and come in
designs for improved visibility. For colder weather, there are specialised
cyclist jackets, tights and pants, heavier gloves -- a whole variety of great cycling
stuff available on Alimay Sports.
Other cycling accessories
A keen
cyclist will also have a few more little essentials stored away. One would be a
floor pump and a Tyre pressure gauge. If your pump doesn't have a gauge built
in, there are separate gauges available for not too much money on the Alimay Sports website. Proper bicycle Tyre
inflation lets you know you're rolling along efficiently, without excessive
drag. It also lets you know you haven't pumped the tyres up way beyond their
rated level, risking a blowout in the process. A gauge can also warn you of
slow leaks. Most experienced cyclists check the Tyre pressure every time they
ride, along with tightness of key bolts.
A good
chain lubricant is another basic. Chain wear, and the related wear on your
sprockets, has a lot to do with how a chain is maintained. There's no big
mystery about this. Keep the surface of the chain wiped off. Lubricate it with
something designed for bicycle chains (no 3-in-1 oil, for example). Don't let
it dry out or rust. Don't blast it with water from a high-pressure hose. A
squeaky bike is a tell-tale sign that you don't know what you're doing. The
chain should last thousands of miles, with proper care.
If you
want to occasionally clean the chain more thoroughly, there are chain cleaners
available which remove grime (as well as the lubricant) with a solvent. These
are especially useful for off-road riding, where the chain (and everything
else) can get caked with crud.The lubricant can also do double-duty in keeping
your other moving parts moving. You might also want to use something to keep
the frame clean and waxed, and to discourage corrosion. You want something
that's easy to spray on, and wipe off.
So there
you have the Alimay Sports list of cycling accessories covered in two parts. We hope you enjoyed the read. Happy cycling.
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