Cycling Sizing and Safety

VIEW ALL RIMS »   

Choosing The Right Rims

The rim is the outer part of a wheel that, along with the hub and spokes, supports the tire.

• Rim size
  • Rims come in various sizes and materials
  • Rim sizes for road and hybrid bikes are usually 27-inch or 700 centimeters
  • Most mountain bikes have 26-inch rims
  • BMX and freestyle bikes have 20-inch rims
• Rim width
  • Rim width will vary depending on intended use
  • Some rims are designed to accept a few different tire widths
  • Road and hybrid bike rims are narrower than mountain, BMX or freestyle bike rims
  • Narrow rims are lighter and offer less rolling resistance, whereas wide rims are heavier but offer greater durability
  • Rims can be made of steel, aluminum alloy, heat-treated alloy, carbon fiber or, at the extreme high-end, can consist of other expensive, space-age materials
  • For most types of riding, aluminum alloy rims offer the best value because they are light and absorb road shock
• Quick-release wheels
  • Quick-release wheels are wheels that do not require tools to detach from the bike
  • They are particularly handy if you have to change a flat tire or transport the bike in a car

VIEW ALL TIRES »   

Choosing The Right Tires

Tires greatly influence a bike's riding characteristics, since they directly affect traction, steering and braking. There are two basic types of tires clincher and tubular.

• Clincher
  • Refers to a conventional bike tire with a separate inner tube
  • When inflated, the tire clinches the rim as its inner edges, called the bead, become captured against the rim walls
  • Most road and all mountain, BMX and freestyle tires are clincher
• Tubular (or sew-up)
  • Refer to a tube that is sewn into the tire, and then the tire is glued onto a special edgeless rim

How To Size A Bike

The type of riding you plan to do will determine the style of bike you choose, which in turn will dictate the frame size and components you will need. The most important part of buying a bike is finding one that fits you.

Determining your proper frame size

Frame size is not dependent on your overall height. Rather, it is more a matter of leg length. Here are some starting points to help you determine if a particular bike is within your size range.

Frame height

• Generally speaking, when sizing a diamond frame bike, sometimes called a men's or unisex frame, you need to measure how it will fit when you straddle the top tube while flat-footed in the shoes you'll be riding in. So measure your inseam from the bottom of your feet to your crotch.
  • For a road or hybrid bike, you should have an inch or two of clearance between your crotch and the top tube
  • For a mountain bike, clearance should be about three inches--especially if you'll be riding in rugged terrain where an unplanned dismount is likely
  • BMX and freestyle bikes all have 20-inch wheels, so frame size isn't really an issue. A rider's physique and riding style is accommodated by choosing the appropriate seatpost, stem, handlebar and crankarm lengths.
  • When considering a women's frame, or frame with no top tube, clearance isn't an issue. In this case, the best fit is usually determined by reach.
  • Frame sizes come in inches or centimeters, depending on the manufacturer
  • Not all manufacturers measure from the same points on the frame. Some measure from the bottom of the crankset to the top of the seat tube. Others may measure from center to center, bottom to center, or some other angle.
  • Also, not all frames have the same geometry. All of this means that a 21-inch frame from one company may fit very differently than the same size from another manufacturer.

Reach

• Finding the right reach (the distance from the seat to the handlebars) is important for both comfort and control
• As a rule of thumb, when you sit on the seat with your feet on the pedals and your hands on the handlebars, the handlebars should block your view of the front hub. You shouldn't be stretched out like Superman or sitting upright.
• Be sure you have at least a slight bend in your elbows no matter what style of bike you choose
• Locked elbows (caused by too-long reach) are a frequent cause of shoulder, neck and back pain
• If you feel scrunched up and your elbows are in your ribs, the reach is too short
• If the top tube is slightly too long or short, reach can usually be adjusted by changing the stem length - the stem being the part that connects the handlebars to the steering tube

VIEW ALL LIGHTS & BELLS »   

Choosing The Right Safety Equipment

Whether you're hitting the streets, trails, or BMX course, go equipped with the right tools and protection.

How to Buy Cycling Safety Equipment And Accessories

Cycling accessories and safety equipment consist of anything added to the bike for comfort, utility, or protection. Choosing the right accessories depends largely on what kind of riding you like to do and the style of bike you have.

Choosing the Right Bike Safety Equipment

Lights

To ride safely in the dark, you not only need to see where you're going, but others need to see you.

• If you ride where there are streetlights, choose a bright white headlight and an LED (Light Emitting Diodes) taillight. Low-wattage headlights (approximately 6 watts of power) are bright enough to be seen by approaching traffic.
• For riding on dark roads, choose a powerful single- or dual-beam system. High-power headlights (as strong as 32 watts) can practically turn night into day.
• Single-beam lights are good for road riders and commuters
• Double-beam lights are especially good for off-road use
• Helmet-mount lights are good auxiliary lights for off-road riding, because they will shine where you look
• Taillights usually have LED rather than bulbs, which means they won't burn out. Most can run for about 200 hours before needing new batteries.
• Taillights come with flashing and/or steady beams and most models will mount easily to a seatpost

Reflectors

• Although reflectors are important to have, they only work when light shines directly on them. They do not adequately protect a rider from traffic approaching from the side, such as at an intersection.
• If you plan to ride in low-light conditions, you should have a white headlight and rear reflector or taillight

Pads

• Pads are particularly recommended for freestyle and BMX riding, where constant spills are the norm
• Knee and elbow pads are good for beginning riders
• Gloves, arm, thigh and shin guards are commonly used by BMX riders
• Some manufacturers offer sport-specific apparel in which padding is an integral part of the garment

VIEW ALL CYCLING HELMETS »   

Choosing The Right Cycling Helmet

Your helmet is the most important piece of equipment you can buy. Make sure to choose one that's right for you.

How To Get a Great Fit

A helmet is the single most effective means of preventing and reducing the severity of head injuries (anywhere from 45-85% of cyclist's brain injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet) there is no good argument against wearing a helmet. A helmet must fit right and be worn properly in order to be effective.

See our simple guide to the ABC's of fit:

Step 1: Size It

• Measure the circumference of your head by wrapping the measuring tape around your head just above the ears and level front to back. The helmet must be positioned low enough in the front to protect the forehead.

Step 2: Adjust the Chinstrap and Buckle

• Fasten the chinstrap buckle and tighten the straps until the helmet fits snugly. How snugly? You should be able to open your mouth wide enough to eat without feeling choked or pinched. Make sure the chinstrap is well back against the throat (NOT on the point of the chin) and that the loose ends of the strap pass through the rubber O-ring near the buckle.

Step 3: Adjust the Interior Pads

• The helmet fits correctly when it is held firmly but comfortably in place by the straps and interior fit pads. You can adjust the fit of most helmets by moving the pads slightly, or by using any combination of the different thickness pads provided with the helmet.

Step 4: Check the Fit

• (A) Once you think the proper fit has been achieved, grab the helmet and twist it to the left and to the right. If the helmet fits, the skin on the forehead will move as the helmet moves. If it does not, the helmet may be too loose.
• (B) Grab the helmet and try to remove it by rolling it forward and backward. If they can roll it off the head completely, roll it so far forward that it blocks vision or backward far enough to expose the forehead, it doesn't fit correctly.

Choosing the Right Helmet

You should wear a helmet every time you ride. In many states helmets are mandatory for children under a certain age, usually 14 years old. Be sure that your helmet fits comfortably and correctly, and check that it is certified for impact protection.

Helmet Types

Bike helmets are available in four styles: sport, road, BMX and mountain bike. All are designed to be light, comfortable and protect against impact.

Sport Helmets

• Are good for all-around use
• Usually value-priced

Road Cycling Helmets

• These helmets are designed to be as lightweight as possible
• Usually the construction consists of a plastic shell, foam padding and a chin strap
• These helmets often include large vents for air circulation and to cut down on weight

BMX Helmets

• These helmets tend to offer more coverage around the back and sides of the head and sometimes include face protection
• Generally BMX helmets are larger and stronger than cycling helmets
• These helmets are intended for use on rough terrain

Mountain Bike Helmets

• Mountain bike helmets offer maximum protection during off-road use

Safety Certification

• By law, all helmets sold in the U.S. must meet standards set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Look for additional certification that the helmet meets standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Snell Foundation, generally regarded as the industry's toughest

Care Tips

• Avoid suspending your helmet from handlebars or brake levers. This may cause accidental dents and scratches.
• It is best to keep your helmet on your head even during short rest stops. When not wearing your helmet, keep it in a protected area such as a shelf or closet.
• It is best to store your helmet in the box in which it came or a nylon gear bag
• Do not toss your helmet in the back seat or trunk of a car, especially on hot days. The helmet may be damaged if it rolls or is subjected to high temperatures.
• Do not use petroleum-based solvents or automotive wax to clean or polish your helmet. These chemicals may destroy the helmet. Always use water-soluble cleansers.
• Helmets with worn or frayed straps should be replaced.