French Cycling – The Nuts N’ Bolts
GETTING STARTED
There are exceptions to the truism “you get what you pay for.” Buying a French Cycling bike is not one of them. This is not a cost. This is an investment. A chocolate bar is a cost. Once it’s gone – end o’ story. A good touring bike is an investment. A continuing story. More than simply reliable transportation. It’s also your confidante, dream facilitator, passport to adventure and your best travellin’ pal. So – ya need to find the best travelling pal possible. N’est ce pas?
Here are the “Friendship Qualities” to look for:
THE FRAME.
Light n’ strong. Here’s where “more”(dollars) is,most often, mo’ beddah.$400-800 should getcha 90% of the cycling enchilada. In this price range the frame will likely be “cromoly” – a tasty blend of chrome and aluminium.
The more pictures of dead presidents you have to play with – the lighter the frame. The nth degree being carbon fibre. After that, it’s “the sky’s the limit price club.” Frames built with stuff NASA is only dreaming about!
TIRES.
Don’t, repeat don’t economize here. This is what “floats yer boat.” So invest in the best. $25 to $45 per tire is the range. I use, and recommend, the “Dutch perfect” brand.(Even tho’ they’re not paying me for this. Hint-hint!) This tire has an interior layer that traps tire-puncturin’ nasties. Preventin’ ‘em from doin’ in the rubber you float on.
The “Dutch Perfect’s” come with a one year guarantee. (in normal use) I’ve used them abnormally (what else?) six months with no punctures…… but two (one front, one rear) “tube failures” due to heat and weight. Sadly, there are no “quality options” for tubes.
Should ya carry a spare? This is a “should I wear a helmet?” question. Depends on yer comfort zone /weight preferences. But, in a zillion and a half years of cycling, I’ve only had a tire explode on me once. (Front one, at that!)
TUBES.
ALWAYS a minimum of two spares. I used to repair tubes. But(again, “too soon old -too late smart”) all the hassle/time/aggro of finding the puncture, marking it applying the glue, waiting for it to set, applying the patch, “proving” the patch..etc (getting tired already are’nt ya?) Finally burned the truth into my tiny brain. This is a classic definition of false economy. Ok – I’m not a zillionaire yet but $5(or less)to avoid this dance? – sign me up!
SADDLE.
What non-bike folks call “the seat.” Like a good mattress it should be firm.(ie-support not surround) Softy/foamy saddles are for “girly men” and Sunday cyclists who’s idea of adventure is a 10 mile(return) expedition to “Lattes ‘r Us.”
DA BG recommends an all leather saddle. England’s “Brooks” makes one of the best. Several models, Again, they’re not paying me for this glowing endorsement.
The reason a leather saddle is the “bee’s knee’s”,”the cat’s pyjamas”, and the greatest thing since all night pizza, is that it morphs, ab/fab and uniquely to fit yer rear. The bad news is that the morphing process is two weeks of “I’m sitting on a concrete block” hell! But -hang in(actually hang on) there. Cus’ after that….you’ll be ridin’ with a happy butt.
ACCESSORIES.
Panniers.
Technically an accessory. But, practically, a necessity!
Mimimum two decent sized(ie -not “Sunday cyclist” size) on the back. Ideally, also,”low riders” – frames that attach to yer front forks supporting two smaller(but not tiny) cheap panniers. These “friends on the front” will not only give you a better balanced “unit”, but are essential to carry all the goodies those friendly foreign folks are gonna be tryin’ to weigh ya down with.
My M.O. is to put all the stuff I don’t use during the day in the front – leaving at last half vacant for the swag! (”Build it, and it will come.”)
Water.
Mimimum of two one litre bottles. Or the “camel style” back paks, with “tube feeding” for hand free guzzlin’.
Should ya buy the super spendy insulated bottles? Depends, as always on yer wallet. My experience is that they’re great, for about an hour. (Keep in mind I’m usually in 35-40° celsius heat, every day) Being the boy scout I am, my solution is to freeze the standard (non-insulated) plastic bottles, then tape ‘em with aluminium foil in the a.m.
They’ll defrost slowly, keeping ya cool through most o’ the day. However, as your Nutritionist/Doctor has probably told you, as good as that cold aqua goes down on a boiling day, water does ya the most good at room temperature. (No happy medium here.)
Lights.
Really jonesin’ to barrel down those country roads in da pitch black? Then lights will definitely decrease yer chances of an unexpected meeting with a Sanglier. (The French wild boar. Think small,hairy Rhinoceros.)
Reflectors.
On the bike. And/or around yer ankles. Why not? Inexpensive and practical. (Now there’s a combo ya don’t see often!) And, chances of you cycling in twilight, are much greater than those of “Sanglier surfing.”
GPS.
Since I’m from the “getting-lost-is-part-of-the-adventure” school, I can’t give ay any….ahem……”guidance” here. A map, a mouth, and half a brain(on a good day,bien sur) usually saves my bacon.
Counters.
If you’ll be countin’ sheep all night cus’ you don’t know how many kms of adventure you did…….get one. Personally, I could give a rat’s ass. But it is the logical question everyone you meet is gonna ask. I just tell my friendly froggies where I started – and let them do the math!
Parts.
Unlike those four wheeled metal monsters who offer you the unrivalled thrill of waiting for you part to arrive; or even better, waiting to see if your part even exists, and if so, can be ordered – bike parts are bike parts. A brake cable is a brake cable. In the mall super store, or the back o’ beyond.
That should get ya started on your French Cycling adventure.
Anything I missed?
Cycling Eyewear for Road Racers and Mountain Bikers
Whether you like to tear up the roads cycle racing, or prefer to go “off-roading” on your mountain bike, one thing you will certainly need is a pair of cycling glasses. They will offer much needed protection against flying debris, whether that is dirt and dust on the highways, or mud and broken twigs on the cross country bike trails.
Cycling eyewear is designed to fit perfectly, whatever your style. There are several brands that cater to the road racers, and which offer many ranges suitable for hobby cyclists and professional cycle athletes alike. For the road, cycling sun glasses are generally made to wrap around the head so that the wind cannot blow into your eyes. They fit closely to the face, and most have air vents in the frames to prevent fogging up when you are exerting yourself. Otherwise, they are worn just like normal glasses.
Because of the nature of mountain biking – which is less about smooth, fast riding, and more to do with jumping over rough terrain, with the added risk of crashes – riders tend to wear cycling goggles instead, which are held on by an elasticated strap. Most brands of mountain biker cycle glasses are made to accommodate the fact that the riders also usually wear full face helmets, so they offer protection and comfort.
If you are shortsighted, both road cycling glasses and mountain biking goggles are available with prescription lenses, though you may need to find a specialist brand that provides this option, especially for the goggles. However, this is a far better option than trying to wear goggles over the top of normal eyeglasses. If you cannot find a good pair of prescription ones, you might be better off wearing contact lenses, and you then open up the wide range of options available to normal sighted people.
Whichever terrain you specialize in, always aim to get cycling eyewear that is made from tough polycarbonate, so that it can withstand the shock of being hit by debris. Also look for the right color of lens for the light conditions you will ride in. There are loads of colors available, so it is best to consult the manufacturers’ websites to find the correct ones for you.
Comfortable Bicycle Seats
Comfortable bikes and biking arrangements are a must when one is looking forward to exercise. A proper exercise bike seat is one of the best things that one should look out for when turning to exercise in a way that is beneficial for the body. Cardio must be done in the right way else they cannot give you the kind of results you are expecting. Instead you would be turning the wrong way altogether if the cardio is done in a contrary way. All sorts of exercise bikes are important for riding.
Mountain bikes, exercise bikes, outdoor bikes, indoor bikes, touring bikes, comfort bikes, stationary bikes, mopeds, etc. are some of the most incredible types of bikes that can get you great exercise as well as healthy routine maintenance. You will notice yourself getting healthier by the degrees in terms of exercising with bikes. They are rather unique to keep your legs in shape and get your circulation going on great. Comfortable bicycle seats should be acquired as a must if one is really looking forward to have the greatest exercise routines possible. Cushioned bicycle seats as well as exercise bike seats are some of the beneficial kinds that can be bought and fitted externally to your bicycle. If your bicycle is worn out then you are going to have to fit in new seats. Recumbent bike seats also make great deals when you are opting for them as they bring in some of the greatest benefits in terms of biking.
Doctors recommend seat pads and special spinning class seat pads. There are special road bicycles for road bikes and they come with padded bike seat covers. Look for bigger seats if you are going for heavier training sessions in your bike. Having a comfortable bike seat is of the utmost importance, and sure to help you stay on your exercise routine!