Beginner Cycling

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Takara Kabuto Bike Review

Here at Beginner Cycling, we are always on the look out for articles that may be of interest to people who are new to cycling. We recently came across the following Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike Review, and thought that it would be of interest to our readers:


Takara Kabuto - Click Photo to See Current Pricing
Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike Review
By Eugene Brooks
Features of the Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike - A Cycle for Taller Riders
If you enjoy cycling, then you won't want to miss out on buying the affordable and durable Takara Kabuto single speed road bike. The lightweight bike, which weighs just under 30 pounds, is one bike that provides an exceptional ride for commuters. With its strong, superior frame made of steel and horizontal dropouts, you can take on pot holes and other street imperfections as your ride over the city pavement. Indeed, you'll enjoy the support afforded by 32-hole alloy wheels on the Kenda 700 by 32 tires. The bike, which is designed to fit taller riders (at least 5 foot 8 inches tall), features a stand-over clearance of just over 30 inches.
Other Notable Attributes
In addition the bike features alloy side pull brakes, pedals with alloy cage and toe clips, an alloy seat collar and a seat post and kickstand, both made of steel. You can also ride the bike in a single speed, freewheel mode, without having to concern yourself about making adjustments as you ride your bike.
One of the Five-Star Reviews
Most reviewers felt the bike was outstanding for the price they paid and liked the sturdy, steel frame. Adjectives such as "awesome" and "great" were sprinkled throughout the commentaries, with no one giving the bike less than a 3-star rating. One of the reviewers, who gave the bike a 5-star rating, said his bike was an easy, 10-minute assembly, and that he only needed a few basic tools to get the job done.
A Comfortable Ride - Smooth and Fast
He said that the bike was a comfortable ride - smooth and fast. He liked the flip-hub feature on the cycle, which game him the alternative of riding in a fixed gear. He said that the bike, in the single setting, was more challenging to ride over a hilly terrain. However, he, like most reviewers, felt that the bike was almost a steal, given its quality and affordable price. He added that most people he encountered when riding the cycle liked the looks of it and that he received compliments all the time. He noted that the tires on the bike were much larger and thicker than most standard tires used for a road bike.
Another Positive Review - An Amazing Cycle
Another rider, who said that he was happy with his purchase overall, said that the Takara Kabuto single speed road bike was an amazing cycle. He felt that the bike was manufactured with high-quality materials and that it was strong, if not durable. He commented that the bike had a good gear ratio and that it could be ridden over hills as well as go at a fast pace. The bike was easy to pedal as well as accelerate. When the tires were set at the right pressure, he said that the bike could coast for quite a distance too. He commented that he was 5'11" tall, so the bike was a pretty good fit, considering his height. Just one issue - he felt that the brakes may be a problem, commenting that people who used the bike daily should make sure that they changed the brake pads that were currently on the bike.
One Negative Aside
The most negative comment about the bike came from a user who said that the inner tubes on the bike were not, in his estimation, up to standard. He said that he blew a tire on his second ride. Therefore, although he said the bike was a good cycle for the money, he recommended that riders check the inner tubes before embarking on any biking journey.
Overall - A Solid Frame but a Few Issues with the Brakes and Tires
Overall, most cyclists liked their purchase of the Takuro Kabuto single speed road bike. While most felt the bike offered a good value for the money, some said that brake pads on the bike should be switched or the inner tubes should be inspected before riding the well-made bike.
For in depth reviews including the popular GMC Denali Pro, please visit the author's website Road Bike Reviews.

>>CLICK HERE to read more Takara Kabuto reviews or to buy the Takara Kubuto bicycle.<<

We hope you find this Takara Single Speed bike review as helpful as we did. Be sure to take a look at the other articles on our blog for more information about cycling for beginners.
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Sunday, February 12, 2012

How to Shop for a Mountain Bike

Here at Beginner Cycling we search the web to discover articles that are of interest to people just beginning to get into cycling. We recently found the following article relevant to beginner mountain biking, and we thought that it would be interesting for our readers who are looking to buy the best beginner mountain bike for themselves:

>>Click Here to Buy Discount Mountain Bikes or to Read Reviews of the Best Discount Mountain Bikes<<

Shopping for Mountain Bike for the First Time by Andreja

When buying a mountain bike, decide first the riding style that you really want to do most. Buying it after only looking at the first few ones you inspected is very tempting. This often happens because they, at a glance look basically the same. They are usually loaded with features and stuff, ruggedly built that can stand punishment than most bikes. Too many times, a mountain bike is bought designed to climb steep inclines and loaded with impressive upgrades but never gets off the pavement. This is like buying an impressive four by four SUV that was never used off road. There goes the fun.

But if you really enjoy riding off road, zip through the woods, sand or rocky trails, you deserve a good mountain bike.

Before you buy it determine your riding style and the terrain that you will be using it for.

Wheels - mountain bikes are mounted on knobby tires. The wider threads are designed to give the rider better grip on the road when traveling over rocks, dirt, sand or gravel. The tire pressure is also less so that more rubber is in contact with the road thereby getting more traction. The spokes and rims are designed to be sturdy to handle the riding that mountain biking requires.

Whatever the tire you use, these bikes do not go as fast as road bikes. They are designed to be sturdy with a higher riding position, wider threads, stouter frames, higher ground clearance (so the rider can better negotiate a rugged terrain); features straight handlebars and can generally take the punishment. Speed takes a back seat on this one.

Frame - if you have money to spend, spend it well on frames. Beware of mountain bike set ups with very appealing add-ons like front and rear shocks, multiple gears etc. If it's built from heavy frames, it probably will not last long in rugged off road conditions. You will also be encumbered with the added weight that should be the last thing a mountain biker needs.

Choose your frames well. If you have to buy a good one, choose a good dealer. Your bike is often just as good as the dealer that sold it to you. Mass retailed ones that are sold in department stores serves a purpose but if you want something really good, find a good seller.

Handlebars - choose handlebars that offer the best position for vision and control. All handle bars are flat and straight but this should also allow the rider to sit comfortably straight.

Riding position - they are designed so that the rider is in an upright position. This position may not be as comfortable as the riders' position in a street bike but this position allows the biker to get a better grip and very effective control.

Suspension - the choice is between full suspension and a hard tail. Whenever you can, go for full suspension. It does not only allow you to control your down slopes well it is also easy on the back.



If the budget allows it, resist the temptation of buying cheap. The old adage that tells us that we only get what we pay for will always be true. Mountain bikes are meant to be fun and safe. Much of these are lost when buying cheap. If more expensive choices are not an option for the moment, choose the ones that you can continually upgrade later.

If you must skimp, skimp last on the frame.

Going biking? Here you can find all the accessories that you will need.
Click it and find out!

More information on the interesting mountain bikes pictured above:

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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Cruiser Bikes for Women

Here at Beginner Cycling we are always checking the internet for articles that are of interest to people just starting to get into cycling. Today, we found the following article about ladies cruiser bikes, and we thought that it would be interesting for our readers who are looking to buy cruiser bikes for women:

>>CLICK HERE NOW to see cruiser bike reviews and great deals on cruiser bikes.<<

Beach Cruiser Bikes for Women

By Deniz Selcuk

Are you trying to find best beach cruisers for women? Simply, the best beach cruisers for women are the most comfortable ones. If you don't feel comfortable while riding, your cruising experience won't last long. Keep your comfort quotient at the top of your list and then keep reading to find out what other qualities you should consider while looking for the best cruiser bikes for women.

First of all, in a beach cruiser, you should be able to sit upright. This feature makes cruisers different from road bikes and mountain bikes. On a cruiser bike, you should be able to comfortably sit with your back straight up.

Secondly, the best beach cruisers' handlebars face toward the rider. The position of the handlebar is what helps keep your back upright and helps reduce back aches that can occur from slouching. Also, the typical grips which come with cruisers have finger groves so when your hands get hot and sweaty they won't slip off the handlebars.

Thirdly, the tires of cruisers are known as "balloon tires" and they offer more height and tire strength than other type of bicycles. The best beach bikes for women need to have tires that require low pressure, are easy to pump, and rarely go flat.

Next, the best cruiser bikes for women are the ones which offer a comfortable style. Cruisers for women generally have round and flowing lines. Also, the center bar should either be absent or very low so that you can ride the bike comfortably with your skirt.

Finally, the best cruiser bikes for women are the ones that have the fanciest styles. These cruisers are painted in "candy paint" and are often pink, white or powder blue. These shiny colors give the rider greLinkat joy during the bright summer days.

If you want to learn more about the best beach cruiser bikes for women, visit a helpful blog where you can find a great deal of information about beach cruisers for sale.

>>CLICK HERE NOW to see cruiser bike reviews and great deals on cruiser bikes.<<

We hope you find this article on finding the best cruiser bikes for women as helpful as we did. Be sure to take a look at the other articles on our blog for more information about cycling for beginners.

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

How to Buy a Mountain Bike

At Beginner Cycling we scour the internet to find articles that are of interest to people just beginning to get into cycling. We recently found the following article relevant to beginner mountain biking, and we thought that it would be interesting for our readers who are looking to buy the best beginner mountain bike for themselves:

How To Purchase A Mountain Bike

By Jake Austin

The popularity of mountain bikes certainly has taken off over the last few decades. They are built to endure punishment while out on the rugged trails due to their tough frame and wide tires. While they are slower than road bikes, they are typically more comfortable and durable.

Buying a mountain bike isn't all that easy even for those who are more experienced. One of the reasons for this is the wide selection of bikes that are available. Asking others for advice can certainly be helpful, but may only cause more confusion. If you asked 10 people what mountain bike you should buy, you might get at least 3-4 different answers. The key is to know what you're looking for.

What first has to be decided is your budget. What is your limit? When it comes down to it, you can spend as much as you really want to. Some bikes cost upwards of $5000, while the entry level models are in the $300 range. It's easy to go to a bike store or shop online and get enamored with the most expensive bikes. If you know your limit, then it will narrow down you selection right away.

>>Click Here to Buy Discount Mountain Bikes or to Read Reviews of the Best Discount Mountain Bikes<<

Also, shop from stores that specialize in bicycles, whether it be online or offline. The reason is because the quality of bike and service is superior at these stores.

Suspension is an important consideration. Some bikes only have front suspension, while others have full suspension. The amount of suspension could be anywhere from 1-4 inches, and some are even adjustable. Full suspension is ideal if you do plan on riding in rough terrain. It won't pedal as efficiently and will be heavier than a hardtail, but you will gain comfort and control.



The size of the mountain bike must be a good fit. A typical road bike is much bigger. If you already own a road bike that fits you well, then look for a mountain bike with a frame about 3-inches smaller. Size impacts comfort and your performance. Be sure you know what size is best before buying, particularly online. Also consider what components matter to you the most. Then, look for the bikes that have what you want.

The prices of mountain bikes varies throughout the course of a year. The best deals usually come in the fall and winter, since the spring and summer is when most choose to buy. Some stores may even throw in a few accessories for free as well.

Indoor Cycling Bike Reviews:

Stamina CPS 9190 Cycle Trainer, Motus USA M-Racing Fusion

More information on the interesting mountain bikes pictured above:

We hope you find this article as helpful as we did. Be sure to take a look at the other articles on our blog for more information about cycling for beginners.

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Dahon Espresso Review

Here at Beginner Cycling, we are always on the look out for articles that may be of interest to people who are new to cycling. We recently came across the following Dahon Espresso review, and thought that it would be of interest to our readers:

Dahon Espresso – A Size for Everyone by Mark Belmont

This is a folding bike that is really two bikes in one and thus works twice as hard for you. As a commuter bike it is fantastic, but for pleasant rides on the weekends the Dahon Espresso also shines. Just like the drink from which it gets its name, the Espresso is like taking a swig of caffeine as your ride.

As with all of the other pro-environmental cycles from Dahon, this is a folding bike so you can go anywhere without feeling burdened. Using a Dahon more often means you will be using polluting vehicles less often.

The Espresso is now in the process of getting a fresh new look, with a new axis designed by Dahon that is the center point for the ease with which it folds. This mechanism eliminates any apprehension you may have about setting your bike at the best height for you to ride.

There are three sizes to the Espresso that help riders identify with the right fit. For those ranging from 5'2" and 5'6" the smallest sized Espresso is the best fit for you. If you are between 5'6" and 6'0" it is recommended that you consider the midsize frame. Of course, if you are over the six feet tall, then the largest of the three frames would be for you, but only if you are no taller than 6'4".

The Espresso uses durable Schwalbe tires so that your rides are smooth and quick regardless of terrain, whether you are commuting or taking a leisurely weekend ride.

You may have heard the Dahon Espresso can be folded in ten seconds. This feature tends to silence the critics as it relates to the convenience of operating the bike. It should be second nature to take it anywhere with no worries. It doesn't matter if it's in the city or out in the country, deciding to bring your bike is not a difficult decision to make.

With its 26" wheels the Espresso compares quite nicely with other non-folding bikes such as mountain bikes and cruisers; and the rides are very comparable.

The philosophy that drives Dahon centers upon developing transportation that doesn't negatively impact the environment by being as inconspicuous a carbon footprint as is possible to manufacture. It might seem like a complex goal to achieve. But Dahon has been doing this very thing under the radar for a number of years, creating and then perfecting the technology that accomplishes the results that delights the environmentalists.

For three decades, since 1982 when the company started, Dahon has operated with a few goals in mind. First and foremost they want customers to enjoy a fantastic ride. Yet they also want to deliver a product to the masses that will not harm the environment.

For the bike rider who wants to "go green", both for everyday commuting as well as for recreation on the weekends, the Dahon Espresso is a great choice. You will not only enjoy your ride, but you will be thrilled with the tiny carbon footprint you left behind.

About the author: Mark Belmont is a review writer for cycles and other outdoor products. For more great information visit Dahon Bikes. Here you can find reviews and buying guides for cycles such as the Dahon Cadenza, Dahon Espresso and others.

>>>Click here for more information or to buy the Dahon Espresso.<<<

We hope you find this review of the Dahon Espresso as helpful as we did. Be sure to take a look at the other articles on our blog for more information about cycling for beginners.

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Friday, July 22, 2011

Best Discount Mountain bikes

Here at Beginner Cycling we are always checking the internet for articles that are of interest to people just starting to get into cycling. Today, we found the following article about beginner mountain biking, and we thought that it would be interesting for our readers who are looking to buy the best beginner mountain bike for themselves:

How to Choose the Right Mountain Bike, by Dirk Aikman

Discount Mountain Bikes are Tough to Shop For

Discount mountain bikes are easier to find than you think. You love the idea of purchasing your very own mountain bike but it can become overwhelming when you begin to research which bike is best for you. Some of things you consider are price (of course), size of the bike, color and maybe even ease of use. You have been in a sporting goods store before and noticed that some discount mountain bikes seem harder to operate than others. But when it comes to purchasing the perfect mountain bike for you, this article has all the details you will ever need.



Things to Consider to Help You Decide

1) Determine how much you are willing to spend. As with any major new purchase, you must first come up with a price range on your new mountain bike. Discount mountain bikes can cost from over $100 to as much as over $1000.

2) Never purchase from a major retailer. As good as these discount mountain bikes look at Wal-Mart, Sears or Target, you should purchase your bike from a smaller bike shop because they will be more knowledgeable and have better service for when something goes wrong.

3) What will you be using the bike for? There are several ways to use a bike. You may just want one to ride on the beach. You may want one to ride with your dog running alongside. You may want one to ride on dirt roads in the middle of the country. Here are some simple tips to help:

If you just want one for an easy ride in the park, then you don't need to spend a lot of money.
If you plan on riding off-road, then tires become an issue. You should look into buying a bike with big treads.


If you plan on riding in rough conditions, you will need a bike with suspension. By visiting a local bike shop, they will be able to help you find the perfect bike based on how you answer the questions above. Otherwise, you may choose the wrong bike from a major retailer.



Comfort vs. Efficiency

The question of comfort versus efficiency really leads to the question of suspension versus hardtail.

You should think about choosing a bike with suspension if your wallet can afford it. Bikes with suspension are much more comfortable and enjoyable to ride. They are also more controllable. The negative to bikes with suspension is that they weigh more and they are less efficient.

Hardtail bikes on the other hand pedal more efficiently (especially on smooth terrain). These bikes are weigh less and are easier to maintain. Hardtail bikes are popular for the dirt jumping stunt crowd and a good number of cross-country racers.

The decision between comfort and efficiency is a tough one. Full suspension mountain bikes are more expensive than their hardtail counterparts. In the end, this may be all the influence you need when choosing a hardtail. But as mentioned earlier, because of the comfort and overall control of the bike, a bike with full suspension is the way to go.

When to Find a Good Deal

As with many consumer products, bikes shift in price depending on the time of the year. Clearly, the main buying season lasts from the beginning of spring and throughout the summer. If you are patient and wait until the fall or winter, the price may drop a few hundred dollars on the bike you are interested in. And one other word of advice: Never ever be afraid of purchasing last year's model. There is nothing wrong with that at all.



Find a Good Local Dealer

Finding a local dealer will be very beneficial. When purchasing from a local bike shop, they will be able to match you to the perfect bike based on your needs. Sure, you may run across that commission hungry salesperson who will try to talk you out of your price range but just stay on course to get the bike you want.

The good things about local dealers is that they will send you reminders for maintenance, send you information on new deals and discounts and will always know how to service your bike when something goes wrong. Let's face it, bikes are like everything else we purchase. After a little while of use, things will start to break down. Having an experienced local bike shop take care of the repairs will be very important.

Test, Test, Test and Test Again

It is human nature to find the perfect item and want to buy it right away without testing. Maybe it's the perfect color or it's not too big or the price is just right. Regardless of these factors, you should always test ride all bikes in your price range.

As you are testing these discount mountain bikes, you will easily notice that some bikes "feel" better than others. Whether it be the amount of strength it takes to pedal or the amount of force it takes to stop, bikes will differ from model to model. The more bikes you test drive, the more you will start to narrow down on which bike is right for you.

Do Your Research

After you have narrowed your decision to a few bikes, now it is time to do some consumer research. The Internet is full of customer reviews, especially at Amazon.com. Find the bikes you are interested in purchasing and see what other buyers have to say.

The good thing about Amazon.com is that both positive and negative buyers will post reviews. When you visit another site and every review is negative, you really don't learn anything. So do your research and chances are, you will find the same bike you are interested in at a lower price.

But what about all that talk about buying from a local dealer? Well, you have actually visited the dealer and you took the opportunity to test drive their bikes. So you already know which bike you would like to purchase so you are not risking anything by ordering online. But what I would recommend is that you let the local bike shop take care of the warranty and maintenance work in the future.

>>Click Here to Buy Discount Mountain Bikes or to Read Reviews of the Best Discount Mountain Bikes<<

Discount Mountain Bikes - The Conclusion

When choosing a mountain bike you should purchase a bike with full suspension that you have road-tested and is in your price range. In order to do road testing, you will probably have to go to a local dealer rather a huge department store. Always read consumer reviews and look for a better price online. And if you are looking for the absolute best price, purchase your bike in the fall or winter. But first and foremost, when analyzing discount mountain bikes, choose a bike that feels right for YOU, not the salesperson.

For current reviews, descriptions and photos of today's latest mountain bikes, please visit [the author's] website at Discount Mountain Bikes

More information on the interesting mountain bikes pictured above:

We hope you find this article as helpful as we did. Be sure to take a look at the other articles on our blog for more information about cycling for beginners.

Other articles on cycling:

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Teaching Kids to Ride a Bike

Those of us at Beginner Cycling are always checking out topics that might be of interest to our readers who are learning about cycling. Below we have a guest article about teaching kids to ride a bicycle that we thought would be of interest to our readers:

Teaching Children to Ride a Bike
by Haden Smith

With all the choices available for balance bikes you may not know which one to choose. There is one common goal between all the different styles and brand and that is to teach your child balance. These learning bikes do not work the same way normal bikes do as they do not have pedal or chains. The bike is simply propelled by your child walking, running or gliding. Once your child's balance improves they will be able to glide the bike down hills and across flat areas with only a slight push with their legs. Gliding and a sense of balance allows for your child to transition to a pedal bike when he or she is ready.

With so many choices you will want to pick a balance bike that best suits your child. The rest of this article explains more criteria that you should take into account when selecting a no-pedal bike. Balance bikes can be chosen by considering the available styles and the age of your child. Strider and Glide bikes are two manufacturers to consider if you are wanting to purchase a metal bike.


Both of these models have similar heights from seat to floor. The handle bars are low as well, which allows younger children to hold on easier. Strider and Glide Bikes are great options to consider for children starting from 2-3 years of age. These bikes are built to last and will grow with your child. Once your child is around 4 years old they are ready to try a bike with petals and no training wheels.

Easy Rider makes great wooden bike for younger children. With a large range of bikes for all ages Easy Rider is a fantastic pick. You can start a child as young as 12 months up to the age of 5. Smart Gear Classic is another great pick if you are looking for a wooden bike. Looking for a larger seat range, Smart Gear no-pedal bikes have a range from 15 inches going up to 19.5 inches. If your preschooler is not super tall yet, or is your toddler is really tall, these balance bikes are a great fit in both cases.


If you child is at least 45 inches tall, then moving to a Go Glider bike by Glides Bikes may be the best option for you. It is important to remember you don't want to purchase a bike that is too big hoping your child will grow into it. If the bike is too big your child may not be able to handle it or ride it immediately.

The most important thing to remember when sizing a no-pedal bike is your child's inseam has to be long enough from the starting end of the bike. Look at your child's inseam size range and this will allow you to pick the perfect sized bike. Most manufacturers build their bikes to fit an average sized 3 year old.


BalanceBikeAnd.com - Kids Balance Bikes
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>>Click Here to Buy Balance Bikes or to Read Reviews of the Best Balance Bikes<<

We hope you find this guest post about teaching children to ride a bike as helpful as we did. Be sure to take a look at the other articles on our blog for more information about cycling for beginners.

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