The Classic Urban Commuter Single Speed Bike Review

by besthybridbikeguide

This bike is designed by Vilano to give riders an easier way to get around in an urban riding situation while giving them a modern bicycle that has classic style. It is an adult Dutch style, single speed hybrid that has coaster style brakes which are easy for people to use and so that you will not have a lot of wires hanging from the handlebars. This also contributes to its overall sleek style.

Key Specs:

 

Brand:                Vilano
Type:                  Hybrid
Model:               Classic Urban Commuter
Gender:             Mens
No. of Gears:    1 gear, single speed
Brakes:              Coaster pedal brakes
Frame Sizes:    M (54cm), L (58cm)
Weight:             45 LBS Shipping
Assembly:         Light
Ideal for:           City
Price:                 $249.94 *As at July, 2014
Model for other sex:  Women’s Classic Urban Commuter

Pros

• Coaster brakes allow for easy stopping by using foot pedals rather than hands
• Ideal for most average sized adults
• The classic design of the frame and mustache style handlebars is great for people on the go or taking a leisurely ride.
• Comfortable riding position thanks to the handlebars and seat positioning
• Reasonable price
• Easy assembly that includes attaching handlebars, pedals, seat, and front wheel and 3 Allen wrenches and a cone wrench that comes with the bike is the only required tools.

Cons

• The steel frame and size may be difficult to maneuver if you live in an apartment
• The cruiser brakes are hard to get use to for some people who are used to hand brakes
• Mustache handlebars are also different and may be difficult to get comfortable with

Verdict

Most users who have already purchased the Classic Urban Commuter all agree that if you live in a city and you want an easy and fun way to get around town, than this is a great way to do it. This bicycle gives you a smooth ride through urban areas and in general it’s easy to ride, if you can get use to the unique handlebars and cruiser style brakes. The style of it is also one that will make others take notice.

Classic Urban Style Commuter Single Speed Bike General Info

This is a sleek steel framed, Dutch style bicycle that features mustache style handlebars and cruiser brakes to ensure that it is easy to ride. The tires are large enough to make you comfortable and even though it only has a single speed. It is easy to pedal throughout any city so that you can avoid downtown traffic.

Key Features

Variety
The frame is created with Hi-Tensile 700c steel and has a classic curve fork, mustache style handlebars, and comes in a variety of sizes that go from 54cm to 58cm. This makes it a great choice for anyone who is between 5’7” and 6’2” and it is a sturdy steel frame made to last. The shipping weight on it is about 45 pounds, though if you get the larger model it may be a little heavier. It is easy to assemble and just in general designed to be the ideal bicycle for anyone who wants to pursue a healthier, more physical trip through town.

Price
If you purchase it through amazon.com you can get it for the price of $249.95 which saves you up to $149.05 as compared to other places that you can get the Classic Urban style Commuter style Single-Speed Bicycle as of July, 2014.

Men’s or Women’s Available
There is also a bike available for women which enables couples to ride in pairs if you want to enjoy a relaxing ride through your local park and get a little exercise. The ladies bike is available in Mint Pearl and size small which is 50cm and medium which is 54cm. This allows ladies to ride comfortably if they are between 5’2” and 5’11”.

Easy Single Speed
The Dutch style bikes are a basic black or grey Hi-Tensile steel frame and feature a classic curve fork design. Because of the fact that it is purely a single speed bike, you do not have to deal with a shifter. The rims are 30mm double-walled alloy and tires are 700c x 28c. The Saddle has a classic brown suspension, a silver 44t crank set and the classic coaster style brakes.

Customer Feedback

If you want a bicycle that will get you compliments on how great a bicycle it is as far as style goes, then the Classic Urban Commuter could be just what you are after. Amazon users who have already purchased it all seem to agree on this one fact, as do the reviewers from other websites. Some people love the handlebars and the back-pedal stop that it comes with, others say that it takes a little getting used to. Of the people who have reviewed it, only one gave it less than a 5 star review and that was because of damage that happened during shipping which was rectified.

Q&A

Question: How much does this bike weigh?
A: Approximately 45 pounds. This is the shipping weight.

Accessories

This bicycle comes with everything you need to assemble it and ride, however, you can purchase different handlebars if you do not like the mustache style after you get it. It comes with the platform pedals and a kickstand. However, if you want to accessorize your bicycle you may need to add reflectors, especially if you will possibly end up biking in the evening or early morning hours. Some people also choose to change out the pedals of the bike.

In Conclusion

If you are looking for a great and easy riding bicycle, the Classic Urban Commuter is the ideal solution for most people. All of the reviews you can find on it agree that it is an enjoyable bicycle to ride and to own. Considering how many bicycles there are on the market and all of the user reviews on amazon and other websites, it seems safe to say that everyone who owns this bike, loves it. And why not? It is a classic style that is easy to ride because there are no tricky gears to deal with. You simply pedal and enjoy. It’s a great way to get your exercise while traveling throughout the city you live in.

–>> Click Here for Ratings, Reviews, and Pricing on Amazon.com <<–

Dynamic Runabout 8 Hybrid Bicycle Review – Chainless Internal Hub Bike

 

 by besthybridbikeguide

Dynamic Runabout 8 Hybrid Bicycle Review

This is how many satisfied Dynamic Roundabout 8 hybrid bike users profoundly describe their riding experience with this new model. Beginners and professionals alike are reeling with delight as to how their pleasure rides or commuting rides turned out to be extraordinary. With the new innovative technology of the Runabout city 8-speed bike, comfort and performance are packed into one great amazing deal.

To give you a more winning review of this 2012 hybrid bike model, let us have some clearer picture why this technology is better than the derailleur bikes.

Why go for chainless hybrid bikes?

Chainless bikes are now the hype of the century, the must have for cycling enthusiasts. Day by day, chainless internal hub bikes are gaining popularity for they save bicyclists a lot of trouble and heaps of embarrassment. The new shaft drive technology now being used by hybrid bikes, adds total comfort to recreational riding and commuting due to the relaxed and upright position provided for by the comfortable seat and swept back handlebars.

Why not derailleur bikes?

One distressing concern using derailleur bikes entail the high maintenance plus the grease and grime that go along with it. When you’re riding in the outback or through tumbleweeds, you have to stop from time to time to clear the chains from entanglements. A total cheese off to the fun! The chains could also make gritty noise that make people look at you. A total embarrassment!

–>> Click Here for Ratings, Reviews, and Pricing on Amazon.com

The Dynamic Roundabout 8-speed Hybrid Bike

Why end up with a Dynamic Roundabout 8-speed city hybrid bike? Because it’s the hype of the century, the must have for cycling enthusiasts. And it’s manufactured by Dynamic Bicycles, the leading manufacturer in the industry. Could there be a better reason?
Let me run down some basic ideas of the technology in Runabout 8 Hybrid Bike:

• It features the Shimano’s Nexus internal hub and enclosed Dynamic shaft drive. The Shimano’s nexus 8-speed system’s spotless look is proof to its heavy-duty constructed and wide-ranged gearings. Nexus internal hubs were the product of necessity in urban cities where bicycle is a major means of transport. The gear mechanisms, the seal and its sturdy construction were engineered to give riders smooth and accurate shifting. This would promote no scheduled maintenance to the hub and no periodic grease added to the shaft drive. Only the highest performance is there to expect.

• Mechanism of the components. The major components of the Dynamic Roundabout 8 are made of super-standard quality materials such as 7015 Aluminum for the Frame, Cromoly comfort fork, Dynamic forged alloy crank arms, Tektro alloy 2-finger for the front Fork, Alex double wall alloy for the Brakes, alloy polished chrome with 2” rise for the Tires, double density Ergonomic Velo plush for the Stem, and height adjustable polished alloy chrome for the Handlebars.

• Fitted with frame size that is customized to compliment the rider’s height and inseam measurements. The comfort and safety of the rider is ensured more when Dynamic runabout 8-Speed hybrid Bike is customized to your size and measurement. There are many available frame sizes to choose from.

• Lifetime warranty feature on frame and shaft Drive and 1 year on all other parts. A real proof of its durability in the face of challenging riding conditions.

• Reliable in any weather condition. The shaft drive is really at its best in salty and snowy roads in the winter. The width of the wheels ensures stability with higher level of air pressure to maintain speed and consistency. So whether you’ll be driving on slippery roads or rough trails and terrains, the Roundabout 8 is the best for you.

The Dynamic Runabout 8-speed Hybrid Bikes are the perfect blend for comfort and performance. It’s the best value and the perfect bike for pleasure rides. Biking can now be a workout without a bit of work!

Check out more customer reviews to know why Dynamic Runabout 8 is worth your money at Amazon

Diamondback 2014 Insight 2 Performance Hybrid Bike Review

by besthybridbikeguide

This is one of the best entry level hybrid bikes on the market. For the price factor, it’s a great deal. The linear brakes and missing shock options keep it from soaring, but Shimano parts and lightweight but durable frame make up for the weakness.

Key Specs

 

Brand:             Diamondback
Type:                Hybrid
Model:             Insight 2
Gender:           Unisex
No. of Gears:  24 gears (8×3)
Brakes:             Linear Pull Brakes
Frame Sizes:   S(16″), M(18″), L(20″), XL(22″)
Weight:            25 lbs
Assembly:       Moderate
Ideal for:         Light Off Road
Price:               $484.07 – $500.05
Model for other sex: Diamondback 2014 Clarity 2

Pros

• It’s really light.
• Four size options practically guarantee you’ll be covered.
• Shimano hardware is standard.
• 8 Speed Options, instead of 7.
• Great price for the quality.

Cons

• Brakes aren’t great on rainy days.
• Pads on the handle grips twist under pressure.
• Bike doesn’t come with a kickstand.
• Installation can be tricky.
• It doesn’t have shocks, so it can be uncomfortable in rocky terrain.

Verdict

The Diamondback 2014 Insight 2 is a good hybrid for practically every purpose besides heavy off road adventures and rainy days. You can, however, upgrade your brakes to disk brakes if the latter is an issue. Great for the entire family, you may be best off buying several for your household. It’s one of the best entry model hybrids you can buy at the current price point.

2014 Insight 2 Performance Hybrid Bike General Info

Diamondback shines again with one of the best novice hybrid bike options on the market. The Insight 2 is an all-purpose performance hybrid intended to cover the needs of riders who commute, exercise, train, or simply intend to use it for recreation purposes. The Insight 6061-T6 Butted Aluminum Performance Hybrid frame with a formed/hooded top tube, an integrated headtube, and vertically compliant stays ensure your bike is as tough as you are. And the Insight Integrated Aero Alloy straight blade fork keeps your ride smooth and stable. The cockpit is made of Diamondback alloy with a 31.8mm low rise alloy handlebar and 3D Forged 7° stem to ensure comfort and control. 8 speed Easy Fire shifters, 32h Equation R23 Doublewall rim, and alloy linear pull brakes provide a solid structure and braking security for all day use. The DB Performance Hybrid gel-topped saddle ensures constant comfort whether you’re heading to the triathlon or just down the road.

So then, what are the differences between the Insight 1 and Insight 2 this year? Actually, there’s just one. The Insight 1 is a 7-speed bike, whereas the Insight 2 is an 8-speed option. All of the specifications are identical except for the shifters and derailleurs. The Insight 1 has a Shimano EF-51 Easyfire 7speed shifter, Shimano TX51 front derailleur and Shimano Altus rear derailleur. While the Insight 2 sports the Shimano EF-51 Easyfire 8spd shifter, Shimano FDM-191 front derailleur, and Shimano Acera rear.

 

Specifications

• Butted 6061-T6 Aluminum Insight Performance Hybrid Frame
• Insight Integrated Alloy Aero Straight Blade Fork
• Shimano Crankset w/Integrated Chainguard
• Shimano Acera Rear Derailleur matched with 8 speed Rapid-fire Shifters
• Equation Double Wall Alloy Rims

Key Features

Complete Control
Between the aluminum dual sport frame with suspension fork, and the strong alloy linear pull brakes, controlling your ride and stopping abilities is a piece of cake.

8 Speeds
The Insight 2 gets a minor (or major, depending on how important it is to you) makeover in gears. 8 speeds allow for more riding freedom and road choices. While this may not make a huge difference to recreational users, it may make all the difference in the world to those using their Insight 2 for training, offroad, or cause riding needs.

Comfortable Seating
Too many hybrid bikes come with a hard or narrow seat. The Insight line includes a custom designed performance hybrid seat with gel top. It’s secured to the 27.2mm alloy micro adjust seat post to let you remain in control during even your most extensive riding adventures.

Plenty of Size Options
Diamondback knows life doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all mentality, so neither do they. Four different sizes; SM (16″), M (18″), LG (20″), XL (22″); ensure almost every adult height need is taken care of right off the bat.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers give this bike 4.9 out of 5 stars. Comfort is a key factor which all customers agree upon. It’s much lighter and more durable than it looks. There’s only one color, but the size options make up for that. This bike works well for every member of the family – moms and dads, kids, even grandparents. It’s good for training, commuting or recreational needs, and light – medium offroading. But it’s weak on extremely rocky terrain and on wet or slick roads. Some customers upgrade to disk brakes to offset that issue. The brake line can be hard to adjust during installation, so it may be beneficial to take it to a pro shop and let them deal with assembling it. You’ll be out $50-100, but it will be done right. For those who are familiar with hybrid assembly, all necessary tools are included.

Q&As

Question. I’ve been looking into buying either the 2013 or 2014 model. Any difference in the shifters? The triggerfire vs the easyfire?

A. Easyfire is the shifter used on the Insight 1 model. It looks like they put this shifter on the Insight 2 model for 2014 for some reason, maybe lower cost. Triggerfire is the better shifter and is included with the 2013 Insight 2, but both are good.

Question. What type of tire valves do the 2014 DB Insight 2 have, Schrader or Presta?
A. Presta, thinner ones.

Worthy Accessories

You’ll need to buy a kickstand for this bike. If you’re riding for any distance or length of time, you may need to buy a decent bike rack and bike panniers. A Delta Stem Riser runs under $20 and will allow you to life the handle bars to seat level in the event you find you’re bending too far. A Mirrycle MTB Bar End mirror is a great addition for extra safety and security. But you’ll need to cut the ends off of the handle grips in order to mount it. Eventually upgrading the brakes and grips may also be an option if you’re an all (or most) weather rider.

In Conclusion

This is one of the best entry level hybrid bikes on the market. For the price factor, it’s a great deal. The linear brakes and missing shock options keep it from soaring, but Shimano parts and lightweight but durable frame make up for the weakness. It’s not intended for heavy off road use, but it handles any type of city, path, and light-medium off road needs effortlessly. While this looks like a man’s bike and may be advertised as on, women who are strong and agile can also easily handle the model. Kids love this bike as well, so you may have trouble finding it when you’re ready to hit the road again. In fact, it might be best to just order two.

–>> Click Here for Ratings, Reviews, and Pricing on Amazon.com <<–

How to Buy Your First Bicycle : Tips for Beginner Cyclists

How to Buy Your First Bicycle

The tips and tricks you need to know for bike shopping 

 

If you plan to do more than just salivate over the shiny new bikes in our Buyer's Guide, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by your options. Before your head explodes, allow us to demystify the process of bicycle buying.

Start by deciding which of the most common bike types makes sense for you—mountain, road, hybrid, or city/commuter. Next, factor in your cycling goals. Consider things like what kind of terrain you'll ride most, what distance you want to cover, and what you want to accomplish.

If you're more interested in exploring off road, your choice is pretty straightforward: Look for a mountain bike with wide, knobby tires, a flat handlebar, strong brakes, and shock-absorbing suspension that's made for rough, unpredictable trails. You'll then need to decide how much suspension you want (most have between 4 and 8 inches of travel) and which wheel size is right for you: 26-, 27.5-, or 29-inch. Smoother trails require less travel and allow you to use larger, more stable wheels.

If you expect to spend most of your time on pavement, your options increase. Depending on your goals, you might want a road bike, a commuter, or a hybrid. Most road bikes have smooth, skinny tires and a curved handlebar, and place you in a bent-over position suited for speed. Hybrids provide comfort and stability via moderately thick tires and an upright riding position, a compromise that allows you to ride easily on city streets or packed-dirt paths. Commuter bikes range from sturdy workhorses to stylish fashion accessories, and often have utilitarian features like rack and fender mounts, an upright frame design, and low-maintenance drivetrains.

Choosing between the three depends on how hard, how long, and where you want to ride, says Mattie Davitt, sales manager at Piermont Bicycle Connection in Piermont, New York. Many bike makers offer hybrids with high-quality drivetrains and disc brakes. They're lightweight and fun to ride, making them a solid choice for commuters or new riders who want one bike to run errands, cruise the rail-trail, and ride with the family. But if you're planning to burn some serious calories, train for a charity ride, or maybe even sign up for a race, you'll be more satisfied with a road bike, says Davitt.

In terms of versatility, don't discount a road bike just because the name implies a single purpose. "Manufacturers are getting better at catering to people who want to do more than one thing," says Nelson Gutierrez, owner of Strictly Bicycles in Fort Lee, New Jersey. They see that buyers often want to use one bike for exercise and commuting. With features like thicker tires, disc brakes, and a more upright geometry, many current road models are fast, efficient—and rugged.

Budget for More Than Just the Bike
Decide how much money you want to invest in your cycling goals before you start shopping. Then, regardless of your budget, allocate about two-thirds of it to the bike. You'll want the rest for accessories—because no matter your price range, you still need basics like a helmet, a pump, a water bottle, and bottle cages.

Prioritize Fit
Even a top-shelf bike will be miserable to ride if it doesn't fit. Any good salesperson should help you find the right size, then make at least four adjustments: seat height, saddle position, handlebar height, and reach. Better: Find a shop staffed with a certified fitter who will take precise measurements, set you up on multiple bikes, and swap parts if necessary to dial your position. This kind of service usually costs extra, so factor that into your budget. And beware: Sometimes retailers offer deep discounts on odd-sized bikes left over from past seasons; resist the temptation unless the bike is truly your size.

IT'S OK TO...
Bring along your old bike and explain what you like or don't like about it.

Ask the salesperson to translate jargon into English.

Allow aesthetics to influence your decision—but not to the detriment of a good fit.

Test Lots of Models
Bike shopping is a lot like buying a house or car—you should rarely purchase the first model you see. If you're still riding the same clunker that's been in your garage since high school, almost any new bike is going to feel amazing, but that's only because the technology has come a long way. On the other hand, an unfamiliar bike at the shop might feel wrong just because it's different.

Narrow Your Search
Try to focus your options to three models based on your budget and intended use. Then make sure you take an adequate test ride of at least 15 to 20 minutes—longer if you can. Before you take that spin, though, ask for fit adjustments and a quick tutorial on how the bike operates, says Gutierrez. You might dismiss an otherwise worthy model if you're stretching to reach the handlebar or fumbling with a type of shifter you've never used.

Dress the Part
For test rides or bike fittings, put on the same apparel and shoes you plan to use on actual rides. A bicycle can fit one way when you're in jeans and another when you're wearing cycling shorts.

Seek Personal Service
There's nothing wrong with shopping for bargains online. But consider all the advantages of going to a brick-and-mortar store. Besides fit sessions and test rides, a shop will ensure quality assembly and might offer free adjustments for a period of time, as well as other discounts on accessories included with the purchase of a complete bike. A shop is also a venue for getting to know other cyclists through organized group rides and events, says Charles von Isenburg, owner of Mock Orange Bikes in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "We invite our customers into the cycling community," he says. "It's our greatest service for the new rider."


Anatomy lesson: know your bike parts.

Learn to Shift with Andreas Hestler

By Mountain Bike

 A little know-how and a gentle touch will let you change gears more efficiently. 
Once a new rider figures out which lever motion shifts to a harder gear and which makes pedaling easier, he or she knows how to shift, right? Perhaps. But to avoid being the mis-shifter whose grinding bike can't find the right gear takes practice and timing, says Andreas Hestler, a seven-time Canadian national cross-country champion and promoter of the B.C Bike Race stage race. Know what you're doing when you shift, he says, and you'll ride faster and extend the life of your drivetrain. Here are his best tips.

THE CROSS-CHAIN DILEMMA The conventional wisdom is that cross-chaining--riding in a combination of the big chainring and big cog, or the small ring/small cog--is bad, but all racers set their bikes up to handle it, Hestler says. The reality is that it can at times provide the ideal gear, though it can lead to clumsy shifts. If you're on the inner chainring in the front and the small cog in the back, chances are if you shift into the big ring the chain will fall off. Conversely, shifting from the big/big is often slow.

DON'T GET CAUGHT "The key to proper shifting is thinking ahead," says Hestler. "Anticipate what gear you need, and anticipate when to accelerate." Shifting after the terrain changes slows you down and robs you of energy. The same idea holds true when approaching traffic on the road or a sand or water crossing while mountain biking. Look ahead and be in the right gear before you get there.

THINK ON YOUR FEET When you want to get a jump on someone in a group ride or race, don't telegraph your attack with noisy shifts, Hestler says. Instead, use your feet to unload the drivetrain, so you can "butter up or down into the gear you need," he says. Done correctly, this decreases your wattage for just a moment, so you can quietly shift into your attacking gear and pounce.

REMEMBER THE CHAIN If your chain is shot, shifting suffers. "Change the chain more frequently, and you won't have to replace your cogs and rings as often," Hestler says. He often changes his chain after spring training camps or after he's been riding in wet weather because, he says, constant wet-dry riding can weaken the chain. If your chain is in good condition, and a cable adjustment doesn't fix your shifting issues, inspect your chainrings and cassette for burrs and nicks.

BE KIND When he does a crit and can walk back to the car if something breaks, Hestler slams shifts and stands on the gears hard. On long rides that take him away from civilization, though, such as the TransRockies Challenge, a weeklong epic, Hestler is a bit more gentle. "I don't want to break something and throw away a good finish, or worse," he says. "If you love your bike it'll love you--shift lightly and carefully."
 

Beginner Cycling: 14 Tips to Ride Better Than Ever

By Jason Sumner

The pro cyclists you saw swooping around France in July didn’t always have those wiry calves and ninja-like reflexes. At some point, they all had to learn how to train smart, to clip into their pedals, even how to shift gears. While only a select few of us will ever take in the view from atop a podium, we can all rejoice in the fact that no cycling skill is impossible to master. To that end, we asked coaches, mechanics, top racers, and other experts to help you improve your ride, whether you’re trying to set a century PR or just figuring out how and when to push that little lever on your handlebar. Here’s what they told us.

Stay Fresh
Ride new roads once in a while, says Tom Zirbel of Optum Pro Cycling: "Bust out a map and explore. The variety will help you stay engaged and may lead to some exciting new discoveries."


Intervals Made Easy

With descending intervals done at maximum intensity, it’s easy to remember what to do, says renowned coach Chris Carmichael. Beginners: Do this set twice. More advanced riders can work up to six sets per session.

2 minutes hard » 2 min. easy »
1 min. hard » 1 min. easy »
30 seconds hard » 30 seconds easy »
15-second sprint »
5 min. easy

Conquer a Steep Climb
It’s all about pacing, says Chris Carmichael. “Unless it’s an important climb in a race, don’t charge into it with everything you have. Start at a steady pace and shift through your gears until you reach a balance between maintaining a decent cadence, about 75 to 80 rpm, and a sustainable intensity.” If you go hard too early, you’re likely to stay in too big a gear, which will tire you out and slow you down.

Fly for Cheap
Ditch the telltale case and stuff your bike into a hockey-goalie bag, says multi-time mountain bike world champion Brian Lopes. “I haven’t paid more than $50 to fly with my bike in about three years.” To get his bike to fit, Lopes removes the fork and puts it inside his suitcase. (Same goes for brake rotors if he’s packing a mountain bike.) He jams everything else, wheels included, into the duffel. “After you unpack, you just have a big bag, not some giant bike case. That’s a big help if you’re staying in a tiny hotel room.”

Finish Your First Century
“Add an extra 10 miles to your longest ride once a week until you reach 80 miles,” says cycling coach Frank Overton. “Use this time to dial in your food and fluid intake. If you finish a ride feeling overly depleted, you probably didn’t eat or drink enough.” On the big day, pace yourself, says physiologist and coach Neal Henderson. “Many first-time century riders get caught up in the excitement and start too fast. Also, be prepared for some mental highs and lows. Being ready for a psychological roller coaster will help you enjoy the journey.”

Stop Stressing Over Flats
Don’t wait until you’re on the road to hone your flat-changing skills, says Lennard Zinn, author of Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance. "Practice changing a tire in the comfort of your garage using the same pump and tools you carry on your ride, and you’ll be less worried about getting a flat far from home."

Ride a Fast 100
Take a cue from the pro peloton and ride with a group of friends, says 1984 Olympic gold medalist Connie Carpenter. "Cycling is always more fun—and faster—in a group. And don’t stop for long at the aid stations, if at all."

Find the Right Saddle Height
“Lean against a wall, sit on the saddle, then hang both feet straight down,” says Todd Carver of the bike-fitting company Retül. "If your saddle height is correct, your heel should just graze the pedal at the bottom of the pedal stroke." If you have pain in the front of your knees after the first few rides, your saddle is probably too low. If you feel pain in the back of the knee, drop the saddle a little.

Drink Responsibly
It’s okay to glance down at your bottle before grabbing or replacing it, says former Tour de France rider Frankie Andreu, "but keep your eyes on the road as you reach. Don’t tilt your head to get the water into your mouth—tilt the bottle." "If something comes up while you’re drinking," adds mountain bike pro Todd Wells, "bite the bottle until you’re through the tricky part."

Shift Like Butter
Anticipation is the key to proper shifting, says Frankie Andreu. "To make the transition smoother, try to change gears just before you really need to." Tom Zirbel recommends shifting at the dead spot of your pedal stroke, when your feet are at 12 and 6 o’clock. "The less pressure you put on the pedals," he says, "the more reliable your derailleurs will be."

Remove Arm Warmers on the Fly
First, peel them down to your wrists,says Todd Wells. “then take them off one at a time and put them in your jersey pocket. If you’re not comfortable taking both hands off the bar, use your teeth to pull the warmers off your wrists.”

Descend with Confidence
Stay loose when plunging down a hill, says Chris Carmichael. “If you’re stiff, you’ll be rigid and skittish. Get your hands into the drops to lower your center of gravity and put weight on the front wheel. On downhill turns, focus your weight on your outside foot and inside hand. This will help you maintain an inside line.”

Eat Predictably
“Never eat anything new on race day,” says cross-country pro Heather Irmiger. “If you eat a bowl of cereal every morning, stick with it. experiment on training days.”

Your Preride Checklist
"Do this quick exam before every ride," says former ProTour mechanic Daimeon Shanks, founder of The Service Course, in Boulder, Colorado.
 

WHEELS They should spin straight and not rub the brakes. Make sure your tires have plenty of tread and no cuts or large nicks, and that they are properly inflated.

CHAIN Too much lube will attract dirt and grime, which wears out your drivetrain. A good test is to wipe your finger on your chain. It should come away with just a small amount of oil.

COCKPIT Check your headset by grabbing the front brake and rocking the handlebar back and forth. If you feel movement in your headset, loosen the stem’s clamp bolts and tighten the top cap until there is no more movement. Don’t forget to retighten the stem bolts before you ride.