May 15, 2013

How To Selecting A Bicycle Tube For Mountain Biking



Hybrid Mountain Bike - A good tube mountain bike can be the difference between a long and a very short drive. As surprising as it may seem, there are many different types of bicycle inner tubes. Different depending on the type of adapter sizes, there are tons of options.

Determine Your Tire Size

The first step in choosing the right tube, determine the size of your mountain bikes tire. Bicycle tire type, the size of the wheel in this format (26x2.25). These figures show the diameter of the wheel (26 inches) and the width of the tire (2.25 inches). For determining a tube size we only need the diameter, in this example that is the 26 inches.

Choose A Valve Type

The valve on a bicycle tube is where you will connect your pump and put air inside the tube. There are two types of valves that come on most bicycle tubes. Presta or Schrader. Sometimes your bicycle is designed for a particular valve, other times either one can fit. It's best to examine the valve you currently have on the bike before selecting a new tube.For the most part the type of valve you use it a personal preference, but there are some benefits unique to each bicycle tube valve type.

Schrader valves are short, fat and identical to the valves you see on a car. A benefit of this type of valve is that it is a universal fit. If you get a flat all you have to do is make it to the nearest gas station and use their air pump. The downside of the schrader valve is that they can be harder to pump than a presta valve because of the spring in the core.

Presta valves are long, skinny and have a locking nut on the top of them. The locking nut on the top of a presta valve prevents accidental depression of the core which could release the air in your tire. Unfortunately, presta valves also require a special pump that fits over the valve head.

Flat Proof Gel Filling

Probably the reason why you are looking for a new tube, because you had a flat in your old tube. If you want to avoid a home occur in the future, most of the shops and stores have bicycle inner tubes that are filled with mud perforation or gel filling. These are highly recommended for mountain bike trails with thorns and will only add a dollar or two for the price.

Dec 28, 2012

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike Best Price

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike Best Price

Hybrid Mountain Bikes - I looked at numerous bikes in the price range of $170 to $300 and found that this one gave the best quality and component for the money. Until I found the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike. I am very Happy with the bike is everything I expected it to be. This bike was easy to setup and once I took care of some of the fine tuning (adjust the seat/handle bars) it rides great. Brake levers felt solid and not cheap. Grip shifters also feel solid and no problems shifting. The back luggage rack is of solid construction and is not cheap feeling at all. The kick stand is really good and sturdy. The adjustments are a bit trickier, but I was fortunate to have a friend who races bikes and was able to get me set up and offer me lots of great tips. The bike worked perfectly the first time, no adjustments were needed. I would highly recommend this Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike.

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike Product Features

  • Color: Women's White
  • Women's comfort bike with aluminum city frame
  • SR Suntour suspension fork; SR Suntour alloy crank
  • 21-speed SRAM grip shifters; Shimano rear derailleur
  • Promax alloy linear pull brakes; rear gear carrier
  • Swept-back upright handlebar and padded saddle


Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike Customer Reviews


A great inexpensive aluminum frame bike with great features for riding around town and hauling stuff home - By W. ANDERSON

The number you are looking for is 35.2 to maybe 35.4 lbs for the weight of this bike, that is as close as my bathroom digital scale could get, and yes this bike does have the Aluminum frame. With it's black paint and "Schwinn" name on it, this is the ultimate sleeper bike, looking like one of those cheap Chinese made bikes that weigh much more with a steel frame, no one will guess this is actually a nice bike. So this is probably the only aluminum frame bike that doesn't have "steal me" written all over it, and is probably going to still be there when you come out of the store even with just a mid-grade bike lock on it. This is a great price for a low end Aluminum bike and it comes with just the right features.

The twenty one speeds are managed with a left hand twist handle grip with three speeds for the front derailer, and a right hand twist handle grip for the rear derailer with 7 speeds. The bike does have the quick release on the front wheel.

One point to be aware of, is this is a large bike, the seat is at the lowest setting, is 36 ¼ inches above the ground, I am 5-10 and I am barely tall enough to ride this bike. The shock absorbing seat post raises the seat by an inch, so the seat could be lowered a bit more by replacing the seat with a regular seat. But I like the shock absorbing seat post and front fork, I don't think the roads are going to be getting smoother in the future with the way things are heading in the world. This is also a great bike for hauling things, I recommend a pair of Basil Cardiff Rear Baskets that can hang on the back wheel rack. The fenders are another important feature, since although Schwinn doesn't recommend riding in the rain, (who does? But what are you going to do?) fenders on bikes were designed to keep the water spray off of the rider, otherwise merely riding on a wet surface will spray water up the front and back of the crouch of your paints. That is why I insist on fenders, just imagine walking into your local grocery store looking that way. The small chain guard seems to be large enough to keep my paints out of the chain. There are reflectors in each wheel and one on the back and one on the front. The bike of course doesn't come with a light or a bell. A good light is a must if you end up having to ride home in the dark, also not recommenced by Schwimn, and a horn or bell is a good idea if you ride where people walk so you can let them know that you are coming up behind them so they don't unknowingly step sideways in front of your bike at the last minute.

The bike arrived in a double thick box, the inner box was beat up with some holes while the other box was in fine shape. It appears that Amazon or Schwinn has the bikes shipped to them, and after a quick look over, are placed in a larger box and shipped to the customer. (Hint, Sears also carries the Discover bike)

Dec 26, 2012

Schwinn Women's SX2000 Bicycle (Purple) - Disc Off

Schwinn Women's SX2000 Bicycle (Purple)
Hybrid Mountain Bikes - This bike is a metallic light purple color with a black seat and handlebars. The price and shipping is great, the packaging is excellent. The Schwinn Women's SX2000 Bicycle is a Great quality bike, rides nice, solid structure. One of the things that I like about this bike is its durable tires. If you're having issues with the wheel hitting the pedals, you have to adjust the "camber" so that the wheel is angled outward, the earlier reviews are unfair if you take into account that they had to put it a certain way to fit it in the box and you have to adjust it yourself. Remember to test ride it so you can adjust the gears in front and back to stop the squeaking or grinding you get from the tightened screws... Overall an awesome bike for the amazing bike.


The Schwinn Women's SX2000 Bicycle is ready to hit the trails with its rugged aluminum frame, front shock-absorbing fork, comfortable padded seat and 21 speed Shimano transmission. Because its a Schwinn, you know it uses only quality components and is backed by a lifetime of expertise in the cycling industry. Features: aluminum mountain geometry frame for easy controlled riding, front suspension fork smoothes the path and increases control, 21speeds with Shimano rear derailleur and SRAM twist shift levers for quick shifts. Rustproof alloy rims are strong and light. Alloy linear pull brakes stop precisely, alloy cranks offer optimal on or off-road gearing, 26" all-terrain wheels,tires Schwinn quality padded saddle softens ride.*16" Frame SizeFrame Aluminum / 16 inchSuspension Front-suspensionGender WomenAssembly Assembly RequiredShipping Method FedExAdjustable seatSRAM-Grip ShiftersWater bottle holderWeight 42 lb.Length 68 in.Width 23 in.Height 41 in.

Schwinn Women's SX2000 Bicycle (Purple) Key Features:


  •     Schwinn aluminum mountain geometry frame for easy controlled riding
  •     Front suspension fork smoothes the path and increases control
  •     21speeds with Shimano rear derailleur and SRAM twist shift levers for quick shifts
  •     Rustproof alloy rims are strong and light
  •     Promax alloy linear pull brakes stop precisely
  •     Alloy 3-piece crank offer optimal on or off-road gearing
  •     26-inch all-terrain wheels
  •     Padded Schwinn saddle 

Schwinn Women's SX2000 Bicycle (Purple) Specifications:


  •     Manufacturer's Suggested Age: 18 Years and Up
  •     Gear Speeds: 21
  •     Bicycle Frame Height: 16 inch
  •     Bicycle Frame/Component Features: Adjustable Handlebars, Chain Guard
  •     Bicycle Frame Material: Aluminum
  •     Suspension Type: Front
  •     Suspension Features: Front Suspension Travel
  •     Seat Features: Adjustable, Adjustable Seat Height, Quick Release Seat
  •     Brake System: Linear
  •     Front Brake System: Linear
  •     Rear Brake System: Linear
  •     Bicycle Chain Material: Steel
  •     Pedal Material: Plastic
  •     Wheel Features: Quick Release Front Wheel, Pneumatic Tires
  •     Rim Material: Metal Alloy
  •     Front Wheel Height: 26 inches
  •     Rear Wheel Height: 26 inches
  •     Tire Type: Knobby
  •     Tire Width: 1.95 inches
  •     Includes: Kickstand
  •     Maximum Weight Capacity: 300.0 Lb.
  •     Care and Cleaning: Clean with Water and Mild Detergent W
  •     Dimensions: 68 by 24 by 39 inches (L x W x H)
  •     Weight: 38 pounds
  •     Warranty Description: 1-year limited manufacturer warranty on parts

Dec 24, 2012

Schwinn Crest Urban Women's Hybrid Bike (700c Wheels) Review

Schwinn Crest Urban Women's Hybrid Bike

Hybrid Mountain Bikes - I am so happy with the Schwinn Crest Urban Women's Hybrid Bike.This is really a great bike,It does not come with model specific instructions, but it's not to difficult for anyone who has ever raised or lowerd a seat or handlebars or changed a flat tire.Pedaling up hills has never been easier and I don't even have to stand. The brakes are responsive and smooth. The gearing is great for urban riding and I can ride in a more upright position, something I could not do on my mountain bike. I find the fenders and rear rack a real plus. This bike has met all my expectations and its a great bike to ride.  
If you are looking for a versatile bike that can do some urban trail riding and just get you around the neighborhood. Then you will like the Schwinn Crest Urban Women's Hybrid Bike. 


Whether you're commuting to work or cruising around town, the Schwinn Crest urban women's hybrid bike offers a comfortably smooth ride. The Crest is outfitted with a 17-inch aluminum hybrid frame and an SR Suntour front suspension fork, helping the bike hold up to shocks from bumpy or rough terrain. The Shimano TX-31 rear derailleur and SRAM 21-speed grip shifters, meanwhile, give you a host of gear options for flat or hilly rides. And riders will love the 700cc rims and 700 x 38c hybrid tires, which are thinner than mountain bike tires but sturdier than most road bike options. Other features include an SR Suntour front derailleur, an alloy adjustable stem with a 30mm rise comfort bar, and alloy linear pull brakes.

Schwinn Crest Urban Women's Hybrid Bike Key Features


Frame: 17-inch aluminum hybrid
Fork: SR Suntour suspension
Crankset: Suntour alloy with 28/38/48T
Bottom bracket: Cotterless 3-piece
Pedals: Steel-cage platform pedal
Front derailleur: SR Suntour
Rear derailleur: Shimano TX-31
Shifters: SRAM grip shift
Cog set: 13-28, 7-speed freewheel
Chain: KMC Z-51
Rims: Alloy, with 24-hole grouped spokes and ground sidewalls
Hubs: Alloy with front QR
Spokes: 14G black
Tires: 700 x 38c hybrid
Brakes: Alloy linear pull
Brake levers: Alloy 4 finger
Handlebar: Schwinn hybrid riser bar
Stem: Alloy adjustable
Grip: Schwinn dual-density Kraton
Saddle: Schwinn hybrid
Seat post: Alloy

Schwinn Crest Urban Women's Hybrid Bike Costumer Review

Here some reviews about Schwinn Crest Urban Women's Hybrid Bike.

Comfortable and smooth - By Molasses Lindsay

This bike is a perfect combination of features:

-substantial wheels stand up to cracks and dips in the road
-adjustable handlebars allow for a more or less upright riding position (I love to cruise with a tall straight spine... hate hunching my back on other bikes)
-shocks on the front wheel and under the seat make for a smooth ride despite potholes
-wide comfortable seat doesn't dig in to the wrong "parts"; instead, there's some nice padding under the sit bones
-plastic guard protects pants from getting caught in the chains

I've been riding my new bike to work every day through the city, where I encounter all sorts of conditions; the bike gets me through them all pretty comfortably. Pedaling up hills has never been easier and I don't even have to stand. The brakes are responsive and smooth. This is a hardcore comfort bike.

Excellent commuter bike for women,-  By Cynthia R.

This is really a great bike, and I've owned some great bikes. It does not come with model specific instructions, but it's not to difficult for anyone who has ever raised or lowerd a seat or handlebars or changed a flat tire. Be sure to have your allen wrenches ready. You will have to put on the handlebars, the front fender and wheel, the seat and the pedals (I added toe clips to my pedals). This is a good solid commuter bike for the price.
UPDATE: I have been riding this bike for a few months now through the Vermont winter. I still love it. I fell on a patch of ice on this bike hard enough to break a bone in my left hand. The front wheel went a bit out of wack and I ended up doing a little bit of work on it - nothing major. Still, I have the skills to do the work myself. If I had to take it to a bike shop it still would have been worth the money to repair it. Even with the added expense, this bike is saving me much bus fare and will pay for itself in the first year. I used a milk crate to add a basket to the back rack. This is still the best commuter bike I have ever had, and I have had bikes that cost a great deal more than this one did. I still say BUY BUY BUY!!!

Nov 20, 2012

Schwinn Excursion Men's Hybrid Bike (700c Wheels)

Schwinn Excursion Men's Hybrid Bike (700c Wheels)

Hybrid Mountain Bikes - This bike is a lot of fun to ride. It comes mostly pre-assembled, yet there is still some assembly required that might pose difficulty for someone with not so much bicycle maintenance under their belts. The Schwinn Excursion Men's Hybrid Bike main features of the bike are an aluminum frame, stainless steel spokes, and alloy components (the chain ring is steel).  The bicycle includes fenders, a kick stand, a rear rack, and a chain guard.  The front forks are Sun Tour suspension forks and, with the suspension seat post, provide adequate shock absorption. The hand grips are extra wide and very comfortable to the hands. The handlebar stem does NOT adjust up and down in the head tube. The vertical bolt that holds the handlebars also hold all the headset (steering) bearings in place. It also has a plastic weather guard that goes over the gear assembly; but this is a protective non moving piece. Good Bike and should last a long time. I do enjoy this bike very much.

Schwinn Excursion Men's Hybrid Bike Specifications


  •     Bike Type: Comfort and Cruiser
  •     Aluminum hybrid frame with front suspension fork
  •     Sturney Archer three-speed internal shifting system
  •     ProMax alloy linear pull brakes
  •     Alloy wheels
  •     Suspension seat post
  •     Fenders
  •     Alloy rear rack
  •     Meets or exceeds all CPSC (US Consumer Product Safety Commission) regulations
  •     Measures: 53.5 x 8.5 x 33.5 inches (L x W x H)


Schwinn Excursion Men's Hybrid Bike Product Features


Schwinn Excursion Men's Hybrid Bike offered with 700c wheels at a great value and comes with many convenient features, including a rack for storage. The bike is the perfect lightweight hybrid bike for comfortable cruising on the road and trail, maneuverable, and responsive on road a trail. This is a perfect bike for a casual rider who would like to get there and back safely and in comfort.

Boasting a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Schwinn Excursion's front suspension fork and suspension seat post are designed to absorb the bumps of the road for you, keeping your ride smooth and comfortable. With a Sturney Archer three-speed internal shifting system, the bike can adjust easily for steeper grades and uneven terrain. The ProMax alloy linear pull brakes provide optimum control as you ride. The bikes lightweight, alloy wheels are built to last, and the fenders protect the rider from road spray and debris. Here some features on Schwinn Excursion Men's Hybrid Bike :
  •     Schwinn Aluminum Hybrid Frame
  •     SR Suntour Trekking Front Suspension Fork
  •     Sturmey Archer 3 Spd Internal Shifting System
  •     Alloy Adjustable A-Head Stem W/ swept Back Comfort Bar
  •     Promax Alloy Linear Pull

Nov 18, 2012

Schwinn Crest Urban Men's Hybrid Bike (700c Wheels)

Schwinn Crest Urban Men's Hybrid Bike (700c Wheels)

Hybrid Moutain Bikes - It is the perfect cross between a mountain bike and a street bike. The Schwinn Crest Urban Men's Hybrid Bike itself looks huge compared to the 26" mountain bike I was riding previously, and I ride pretty high over those around me. The bike comes nearly fully assembled and is well packaged, inside an inner and outer protective carton. Setting up the handlebars, pedals and seat were a snap. The limited assembly was easy, although I must say the 1st one took me longer than the 15 minutes referenced by the original reviewer. I love the big 700c wheels on this bike and the level of comfort when riding. We have been riding for a couple of weeks now and really like the way the bikes handle. This bike is really cool and looks good, worth the price.

Schwinn Crest Urban Men's Hybrid Bike Specifications

  •     Frame: 17-inch aluminum hybrid
  •     Fork: SR Suntour suspension
  •     Crankset: Suntour alloy with 28/38/48T
  •     Bottom bracket: Cotterless 3-piece
  •     Pedals: Steel-cage platform pedal
  •     Front derailleur: SR Suntour
  •     Rear derailleur: Shimano TX-31
  •     Shifters: SRAM grip shift
  •     Cog set: 13-28, 7-speed freewheel
  •     Chain: KMC Z-51
  •     Rims: Alloy, with 24-hole grouped spokes and ground sidewalls
  •     Hubs: Alloy with front QR
  •     Spokes: 14G black
  •     Tires: 700 x 38c hybrid
  •     Brakes: Alloy linear pull
  •     Brake levers: Alloy 4 finger
  •     Handlebar: Schwinn hybrid riser bar
  •     Stem: Alloy adjustable
  •     Grip: Schwinn dual-density Kraton
  •     Saddle: Schwinn hybrid
  •     Seat post: Alloy

Schwinn Crest Urban Men's Hybrid Bike Product Features
You will work or touring the city, Hybrid Schwinn Crest Urban Men offers a comfortable ride with no problems. The peak is fitted with an aluminum frame and 17-inch hybrid SR Suntour front suspension fork, helping the bike hold up to shocks or rough terrain. The Shimano TX-31 rear derailleur and SRAM 21-speed grip shifters, meanwhile, give you a host of gear options for flat or hilly rides. And riders will love the 700cc rims and 700 x 38c hybrid tires, which are thinner than mountain bike tires but sturdier than most road bike options. Other features include an SR Suntour front derailleur, an alloy adjustable stem with a 30mm rise comfort bar, and alloy linear pull brakes. Here some Features that you can find on Schwinn Crest Urban Men's Hybrid Bike:
  • Men's hybrid bike with 17-inch aluminum hybrid frame
  • TX-31 rear derailleur and SRAM 21-speed grip shifters
  • SR Suntour suspension fork and steel-cage platform pedals
  • 700cc rims and smooth-rolling 700 x 38c hybrid tires
  • Schwinn hybrid saddle; alloy linear pull brakes

Oct 12, 2012

Hybrid Bike - Characteristics and How To Choose



hybrid mountain bike
Hybrid Mountain Bike - Biking became so popular such that many types of biking and bikes have evolved such as road, mounting, dirt, hybrid bikes, and more. In a former article I tried to give a short introduction to Mountain bikes. As implied by its name, a hybrid type is to some extent a combination of two types of bikes, specifically mountain and road bikes.

The hybrid type combines in its design some characteristics of mountain bike, which is designed for hard topography unpaved treks, and the road one, which is designed for best performance on paved roads and streets. All bicycles used to fall under 2 common categories - mountain bike and road bike. The mountain bicycle is meant for rough terrain riding, while the road bike is meant for smoother roads.

For example, the hybrid type uses narrower tires compared to the Hybrid Mountain Bike. This enables better riding in city road, however little bit less convenient for pure hard mountain biking. Also, the handles bar of a hybrid bike can be positioned flexibly in any convenient position, while the mountain bike handle is fixed in a flat position. Hybrid bikes are lighter than mountain bikes, as they are slimmer.

So, the hybrid bicycle enables the rider to perform quite well in various types of roads. From my perspective, as a beginner rider, choosing a hybrid bike s a good compromise that combines characteristics so that beginners can feel and experience, and then go on and choosing a more appropriate bike for them.
 

Characteristics of a Hybrid Bike


So bike manufacturers come up with the idea of hybrids - a cross between a mountain and road bike. Here some characteristics of a hybrid bike:
hybrid mountain bikes

  • Flat handlebars with more than 1 hand position. A traditional mountain bike has flat handlebars. On occasion, a hybrid rider can change hand positions due to the improvements made on the handlebars.
  • Thinner tires for less rolling resistance. Hybrid bikes have thinner tires compared to mountain bikes. But these wheels are still thicker than those on road bikes. It's safe enough to ride (even in wet conditions) and it provides less rolling resistance compared to traditional mountain bike wheels.
  • Middle weight frames for a balance of stability and speed. There are many types of bike frames in the market, and the frame on a hybrid can vary greatly. However, most hybrids are targeted at the "leisure riding" group. Due to the rider friendly designs of hybrids, even beginners find it easy to ride one.

Why is it that hybrid bikes appeal to so many?

In essence a hybrid is an amalgamation of the best attributes of a mountain bike and a road bike. Those who do the majority of their cycling on the road find the wide knobby tires and small frame of a true mountain bike hard toil.  Semi-slick tires, with a thickness somewhere between road and mountain bike tires. The wheels are customarily road size, 700mm, instead of the 26" rims fitted to mountain bikes. Top-of-the-range bikes are often of carbon fibre. For you, a road-bike influenced design would in all probability be the best option.