Cycling is one form of exercise that has been practiced by many for years now not only as a training exercise but also as an exciting activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Healthy and fun, this activity can be practiced by anyone regardless of age and gender. With the popularity of this training exercise, bicycles, which are the tools used in cycling, are also today available in a variety of forms for cyclists to use and choose from. One of the most popular types of bikes today that can be used in racing competitions as well as in casual morning bike rides are cross bikes.
The cross bike also known as the "hybrid" is a type of bicycle which combines two types of bikes, the road and mountain bikes. It is a compromise between the features of both types. It is mostly made of light materials and is designed for cyclo-cross racing. They are light for lifting because riders must carry them while running during cyclo-cross events.
Being a compromise between a road bike (RB) and mountain bike (MB), a cross bike usually include strong features of both types. Examples of these features include the three front chain rings and straight or sweep up handle bars which are seen in mountain bikes. Tires of hybrids on the other hand look more like those of the road bike. It is also common to find shocks of some kind on MBs, but less so on hybrids, and unheard of on RBs. The combination of these features results to a hybrid which can also be described as somewhere in between the lighter RB and heavier MB.
Frames materials used in cross bikes are different from those used in RBs and MBS. Unlike the other two types, this bike aim to produce a lightweight, yet stiff and responsive frame. This is essential in ensuring in lightness of the bike especially in cyclo-cross races wherein the bike needs to be carried as many as 60 times by the cyclist. Among the most popular frame materials used include aluminum, carbon fiber, steel and titanium. Frames are also slightly wider to accommodate the size of the tires. The frame geometry is a bit more relaxed than that of a road bike, not as upright in the seat tube, which allows for more shock absorption.
Choosing the best cross bike in the market is often considered a tedious task in today's marketplace given the number of options to choose from. As such, various factors should be carefully checked before making a purchase decision. As mentioned, one of the most important parts of a cross bike, and hence, should be checked carefully, is its frame. It should be easy to carry over the shoulder, but at the same time, strong and stiff enough to traverse over wet and muddy terrain. On the other hand, the tires should have plenty of grip and mud clearance while the pedal should not hinder running. As such, it is recommended to shop for a pair of knobbly tires and double sided SPD type pedals. Lastly, the gear combinations and brakes need to be fool proof to prevent accidents during runs on varied terrains and steep inclines.
Using a cross bike in biking can be a new and exciting experience to old and new cyclists. Despite being more popular cross bike off road tournaments, they also make excellent and fast commuter bikes, capable of keeping pace with road bikers.
The cross bike also known as the "hybrid" is a type of bicycle which combines two types of bikes, the road and mountain bikes. It is a compromise between the features of both types. It is mostly made of light materials and is designed for cyclo-cross racing. They are light for lifting because riders must carry them while running during cyclo-cross events.
Being a compromise between a road bike (RB) and mountain bike (MB), a cross bike usually include strong features of both types. Examples of these features include the three front chain rings and straight or sweep up handle bars which are seen in mountain bikes. Tires of hybrids on the other hand look more like those of the road bike. It is also common to find shocks of some kind on MBs, but less so on hybrids, and unheard of on RBs. The combination of these features results to a hybrid which can also be described as somewhere in between the lighter RB and heavier MB.
Frames materials used in cross bikes are different from those used in RBs and MBS. Unlike the other two types, this bike aim to produce a lightweight, yet stiff and responsive frame. This is essential in ensuring in lightness of the bike especially in cyclo-cross races wherein the bike needs to be carried as many as 60 times by the cyclist. Among the most popular frame materials used include aluminum, carbon fiber, steel and titanium. Frames are also slightly wider to accommodate the size of the tires. The frame geometry is a bit more relaxed than that of a road bike, not as upright in the seat tube, which allows for more shock absorption.
Choosing the best cross bike in the market is often considered a tedious task in today's marketplace given the number of options to choose from. As such, various factors should be carefully checked before making a purchase decision. As mentioned, one of the most important parts of a cross bike, and hence, should be checked carefully, is its frame. It should be easy to carry over the shoulder, but at the same time, strong and stiff enough to traverse over wet and muddy terrain. On the other hand, the tires should have plenty of grip and mud clearance while the pedal should not hinder running. As such, it is recommended to shop for a pair of knobbly tires and double sided SPD type pedals. Lastly, the gear combinations and brakes need to be fool proof to prevent accidents during runs on varied terrains and steep inclines.
Using a cross bike in biking can be a new and exciting experience to old and new cyclists. Despite being more popular cross bike off road tournaments, they also make excellent and fast commuter bikes, capable of keeping pace with road bikers.
About the Author:
Michiko Yang is a cyclist based in Switzerland. Throughout her cycling career, Michiko have tried using different types of bikes and one of her favorites is the Crossbike.
Posting Komentar