Cycling engages various muscles all throughout your body, from your biceps, core, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves. Your hamstrings alone contribute to about ten percent of your pedalling power. These muscles all work together in maintaining your balance and keeping you stable, providing you with pedalling power, and more.
Riding a bike is fun, and it’s even more exciting when you’re taking on big adventures such as riding through tough terrains and difficult bike trails. The only thing is, you never quite know what’s bound to happen, and next thing you know, you and your bicycle are covered in mud.
We’ve all seen electric bikes, maybe not in person, but at least on television or online. They are quickly becoming popular and in demand as a great alternative to regular bicycles that require more effort as a way of commuting and getting around the city.
Unlike driving a car, riding a bicycle or even a motorbike leaves you out in the open, and therefore exposed to the elements. This means that there’s much in the way of physical barriers that serve as protection in the case of unwanted accidents.
Do you want to take maintaining and taking care of your bike more seriously, but without the added hassle? Do you want to make things more convenient by freeing up both hands to work on your precious bicycle?
A fun and quality way to spend your time shouldn’t have to be a choice between you playing with your puppy, and you exploring the world. If you are creative enough, there is a sure way that you can do both.
Are you an avid cyclist who is in need for some extra storage space to help you carry heavy items with ease while you ride around town and beyond? We’ve got the perfect solution!
Each and every bicycle owner deals with an unfortunate flat tire every now and then, so it just goes to say that you should know how to pump a bike tire, so you can easily remedy this situation whenever it arises.
A tire might also deflate faster when you carry too much stuff. Make sure not to put too much weight on one tire by using one of the best bike cargo trailers out there.
To help you out, we have provided a detailed step by step guide on how to pump a bike tire, complete with everything you need to know about tire valves and bike pumps!
The first thing you should do is identify what type of valve your tire has, since this will determine how you can connect the tire to the pump. Here are the most common valve types:
One of the most common valve types you’ll encounter are Presta (French) valves. High end bicycles typically feature these high pressure valves, which are narrow and have a removable lock ring that closes the valve at the top.
Another common valve type is the Schrader valve, which is usually found on recreational kids bikes, as well as car tires. These are wider, have a round opening, and feature a spring mechanism that opens and closes the air passage.
For a number of countries in Europe and Asia, you’ll find Woods or Dunlop valves, which feature a wider base than a Presta, but are the same size as a Schrader. These valves can be inflated with both a Schader or Presta valve adapter.
Finally, there are tubeless bike tires, which are tires that don’t have an inner tube, requiring a layer of casing or sealant to keep the air inside the tire. These tires usually feature conventional clinchers or tubulars.
The next step is to get the right type of bike air pump for your tire. Here are some of the most common pump types you’ll find, and the difference of each one:
First off, a floor pump, also called a stack or track pump, is a standard pump that every bike owner should have in his garage, especially since it can quickly and easily inflate your tire with high pressure air. Your best bet is the Bontrager bike pump, since it’s durable, reliable, stable, and always ready to use.
On the other hand, it’s also great to have a hand pump to bring along everywhere. These mini portable pumps are great for the accidental flat tire on the road. A great option is the Lezyne pump, which is lightweight, portable, and works for both Presta and Schrader valves.
Of course, if you want a multi-functional pump that’s great for a variety of uses, you will benefit from a specialized bike pump, like a stand pump, electric pump, or CO2 inflator. What’s important here is to carefully read and follow the manual on how to use it, since mistakes can be costly and dangerous.
If you have a generic pump that can’t fit securely on your valve, you can always just opt for a bike pump adapter, which typically features multiple connections to accommodate Presta and Schrader valves, and more.
Once you know your valve and have the pump ready, it’s time to remove the valve cap (or dust cap if you have a Presta valve), then connect the pump head to the valve, either by screwing it on, or pushing and locking it in place. You’ll know it’s attached correctly when you don’t hear any air escaping from the valve.
Before you air up your tire, it’s important to check what’s the recommended air pressure for your tire. You can easily find this imprinted on the side of the tire. If you can’t find it or it’s too worn out, just look up your tire manufacturer online. Then again, if your tire is worn out, perhaps it’s best to just replace it altogether.
Some bikes, like those that are protected with a fat bike fender, need air than others. Here’s a quick reference for you: if you have a mountain bike, expect 25 to 45 psi, or 40 to 80 psi for a hybrid, and 80 to 120 psi for a road bike.
Don’t go above or below the indicated pressure, or the tire will either feel flat and spongy, rough and lacking in traction, or may even explode from too much pressure. The right tire pressure is especially important for off-road adventures. Make sure you stay safe and protect yourself with one of the best MTB knee pads.
Making sure that no air escapes from the air nozzle, and the bike pump needle is securely attached to the valve of the tire, gently but firmly inflate the tire until you fill it with the right air pressure. Remember, fill it up to the correct tire pressure only!
The best and easiest way to do it may vary depending on what type of pump you’re using, but the general rule is to use your upper body and core strength to pump effectively. The right position is essential in delivering complete and consistent pumps throughout.
Finally, remove the pump head quickly, making sure not to bend or damage the tire valve. Then, put everything back into place, including the lock ring (for a Presta valve) and the valve cap. You can try pinching and bouncing the tire a couple of times, just to make sure it’s adequately inflated.
Then, go ride on your merry way! Just make sure to ride safely and carefully, and avoid paths with lots of pointy rocks and sharp objects that can puncture your tire. After all, airing up your tire only works if it’s not peppered with holes and tears, right?
That’s it! When it comes to how to pump a bike tire, it really is quick and easy, so you have no reason not to do it yourself. Just follow these simple steps, and you’re good to go! And if you have any questions, feel free to write them down below!
Are your bike pedals loose and worn out? Then they most likely need replacing. The good thing is, changing your bike pedals is simple. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to take off bike pedals in 6 easy steps.
To make things easier, we have divided this guide into two parts – removing old bike pedals, and installing new ones. But first, let’s see what tools you’ll need for the job:
Unless you want to spend your precious time unsuccessfully removing your bike pedals and getting frustrated in the process (not to mention probably breaking the bike pedals), it’s important that you understand the correct removal direction of your bike pedals.
The thing is, the right and left-hand pedal have opposite threads. While the right pedal has a normal right-hand thread, the left pedal actually has a left-hand thread so it doesn’t come loose and fall off whenever you use your bike.
This means, in order for you to remove the pedals, you need to rotate the left pedal CLOCKWISE to loosen it.
Before you can change your bike pedals, the first part has to do with removing the old ones. Now, let’s review the basics: The flats are located in between the pedal arm and the clank, while the sockets are at the end of the axle connecting the pedal arm and clank.
This involves three simple steps, but you might have a hard time if the spindle feels stuck. Don’t force it, instead, apply a little grease to make it slick and easy to remove.
First, prop your bike up to a steady position, with the right side facing you. For easier access, put your bike on a bike repair stand., rotate the pedal crank until the pedal is at the top to see what kind of wrench you’ll need. Place the wrench on the right pedal in such a way that it securely grips the spindle flats or sockets.
Hold your wrench with one hand and the left pedal with the other, and rotate the wrench (counter-clockwise if you’re using a pedal wrench, or clockwise if you’re using an allen-key wrench) to loosen the spindle. The pedal should easily unscrew from the crank.
Move on to the left pedal, repeating the same process, only this time rotating the wrench in the opposite direction. This means clockwise for a pedal wrench, and counter-clockwise for an allen-key wrench. Set aside the removed pedals.
It’s important that you do this part carefully and correctly, so your new bike pedals can do their job properly, and so you won’t have a hard time taking them off in the future, once they need to be replaced once more.
Moreover, make sure to check which pedal goes where. They should either be marked with “L” and “R” or curve up to either the left or right side.
Bike grease does three things: they prevent seizing, they help you pedal smoothly, and they help you remove the pedals easily. Apply enough grease on the spindle threads until it’s fully covered with a thin coat.
Insert the new pedal onto the spindle and rotate it a couple of times by hand before using your wrench. This time, it’s clockwise for the right pedal, and counter-clockwise for the left pedal when you’re using a pedal wrench. Do this step for both right and left pedals.
To fully secure the pedals in place, tighten them a bit more after you feel a bit of resistance. How much you need to do so depends on the manufacturer’s specified torque, but on average, it should be ⅛ of a full rotation.
To sum it up, when it comes to how to take off bike pedals off a bike, you need a wrench to loosen the old pedals from the crank, a bit of grease to coat the spindle, and the same wrench to screw the new pedals back in place.
That’s it! Changing your bike pedals is simple and easy. Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
Finding the right bike size for your kid is important, so your child can mount, ride, and dismount the bike as easily and safely as possible. A bike that’s too small will feel cramped, and one too big and your child’s feet won’t even touch the floor.
So, to help you choose the right bike, we’ve provided this comprehensive guide on how to measure a kid’s bike, including some helpful tips and tricks for you!
There are many different types of bicycles for kids, and even more so for adults. When it comes to children’s bikes, you’ll find cute stroller bikes and run bikes for toddlers, mini bikes with training wheels for young children, and 26” wheel bikes for tweens and teens. Essentially, these bicycle types are categorized based on age group and wheel size.
Bicycles for children are classified according to sizes, which are determined by a couple of factors, most commonly being the wheel size, which is what manufacturers use to measure a kids bike size. If you’re wondering, “What size bike should I get?”, we’ve prepared a definitive guide for you:
If you’ve found (or already have) a bike for your little one, and want to find out whether it’s the right fit for him/ her, here’s a quick and easy way on how to size a bike using the bike wheel:
One thing you can do is to measure the outer diameter of either the front or rear wheel (including the rubber tire) by using a measuring tape or ruler. Take several measurements to ensure that you’re getting the correct number.
Better yet, examine the tire and look for the markings indicating its dimensions. The first dimension should be the tire diameter (the second one is the tire thickness). For a more accurate measurement, you may opt to do both steps 1 and 2.
The wheel size roughly represents the kids bike size. Take a look at the size chart below and look for your bike’s wheel size.
Here is a complete bike size guide so you can find the perfect bike for your kid:
| Bike Type | Run Bike | Training Wheels | Training Wheels | 2-Wheel Bike | 2-Wheel Bike | Adult Bike |
| Wheel Size | 8 to 12 inches | 12 to 14 inches | 16 inches | 20 inches | 24 inches | 26 inches |
| Approx. Age | 2 to 3 yrs | 2 to 4 yrs | 3 to 6 yrs | 5 to 9 yrs | 8 to 13 yrs | 10+ yrs |
| Child Height | 31 ½ to 40 inches | 31 ½ to 44 inches | 34 ½ to 48 inches | 40 to 56 inches | 46 to 66 inches | 60+ inches |
| Approx. Inseam | 15 to 18 inches | 15 to 20 inches | 16 to 22 inches | 19 to 25 inches | 23 to 28 inches | 25+ inches |
As you can see above, we’ve got toddler bike sizes with small 8 to 14-inch wheels. These are mostly run bikes and stroller bikes, meaning, they come with a handlebar for you, and no pedals so your little one can just enjoy moving forward by “walking” while on a bike.
Once your kid is a little bigger and is eager to really ride a bicycle, a 14-inch bike with training wheels is a suitable bike for a 3-year-old, or a 16-inch bike for 5-year-olds.
2-wheel bikes with 20 to 26-inch wheels (or the less common 18-inch bikes) are best for bigger kids, tweens, teenagers, and adults. At this point, your child’s inseam and the bike height becomes important.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, wheel size is not the only factor that affects the size of your child’s bike. So, for a better and more accurate bike fitting, take these other factors into consideration:
You might be thinking you need to determine the bike frame size. Well, that mostly applies for adult bikes. When it comes to bicycles for the youth group, the height we are referring to is your child’s height, as well as his or her inseam. This is important since most children’s bikes don’t come with adjustable saddles and handlebars.
If you look at the size chart we’ve provided above, you’ll see how the child height and inseam play into effect.
Your kid’s height alone is not definitive enough to help you pick the perfect bike size. For one thing, boys and girls of the same age and height may have different inseam measurements, so a bike that fits one may not work for the other.
To measure your child’s inseam, grab a thick book, and have your kid stand firmly on the floor, with feet slightly apart. Insert the book, spine side up, between his legs, until the spine rests firmly against his crotch. The distance from the floor to the book spine is his inseam.
How well your little one rides a bicycle is also important. For example, even if your child is big enough to ride a 20” bike, if he doesn’t know yet how to balance, then getting a bike with training wheels may be better and safer. Or, he may be on the smaller side, but already cycles like a pro. In this respect, factor in your kid’s riding experience when buying a kids bike.
Of course, you also need to allow some room for growth. You want your child to be able to use the bike comfortably even after a couple of years. Getting a bike that’s too small means your kid won’t be riding it for long. (But then again, don’t get a bike that your kid will have to wait a year to be able to ride.)
Bonus facts: here is some must-have bicycle equipment so your kid can ride safely at all times, no matter what:
Reflectors and lights– while you wouldn’t want a toddler outside past sunset, older kids tend to love riding around the neighborhood during the early evenings, hence, reflectors and bright headlights are important.
Chainguard – little kids love to explore, but bike chains shouldn’t be included in their list of playthings. Chain guards should be present on a kids bike to prevent accidents like your kid’s foot getting trapped in the chain, or your kid touching the greasy chain.
Brakes– of course, with any bicycle, strong and fast brakes are important so your kid can stop as needed. So, when purchasing a bike for your little one, make sure that the brakes are good quality as well.
You can easily and confidently choose the right bike size for your child as long as you know what to look for. Of course, you can also choose to tow your kids so you can go on adventures together. If that sounds like fun, check out these best bike trailers.
To sum things up, the right way to measure a kids bike is by factoring in everything, from determining the wheel size, measuring your child’s height and inseam, then factoring in your child’s age and riding experience, as well as making room for growth.
That’s it! If you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear them!
