Bicycle Designs & Styles - Choosing Between Custom Made Cycles and Factory Built Bikes

Currently there are many types of bicycles available. Even so, the standard safety bicycle design developed in the 1800's is the basis of our current bicycle designs. The types of bicycle most commonly used today are mountain bikes, cruisers, touring bicycles, racing bikes, BMX's and utility bikes. The class a bicycle falls in hinges on a number of elements; style of construction, number of passengers, gearing and propulsion.

Mountain bicycles were intended for trail and mountain riding where the terrain is tough. The frames are constructed to resist the rough treatment of riding in natural settings. In addition, special tires and gearing make it easier for riders to get the power they require to keep moving.

BMX bicycles are another unique style. These cycles usually have little 16 - 24 inch traction treaded tires. They are small framed, making them easier to maneuver and much faster. BMX bikes are usually used for racing and even for doing fantastic tricks.

Racing cycles are designed for road cycling and they are all about speed. They're light weight and have excellent handling. Racing bicycles use drop handlebars, positioned lower than the saddle. This puts the riders body in the best possible aerodynamic posture. The closeness of the derailleur gear ratios permit the rider to pedal at the most effective cadence.

Touring bikes are unique in that they have racks mounted on them to carry the riders gear. These racks are attached to the frame of the bicycle in front and back. The wheel base is also longer than on a standard bike, which makes it able to carry more weight. Also, features such as wider tires and additional water bottle mounts are commonly incorporated.

Tandem bicycles carry two or more passengers at once. Tandem refers to the way the seats of the bicycle are set up, and not to the number of passengers it will carry. All the passengers of a tandem bike pedal, providing power. In most tandem set ups, the front rider controls the steering just like in a standard bicycle.

Low rider bicycles are normally home-built, extraordinary customized bikes. They have normally got an old-school curled banana seat with a extremely tall sissy bar. Ape-hangers are the norm for handlebars, giving the bicycle a "chopper" look & feel. They're normally chromed to the limit and have glittery, high spoke-count wheels.

Recumbent bikes & trikes are designed so that the rider is reclining back in a low-statured position. Also commonly referred to as 'bents. The seat supports the passengers back and the legs are extended forward to the pedals. The seat and pedals are usually at the same height. Tires used on recumbents are commonly smaller and farther apart than they are on an upright bike. Recumbents can be guided using either over- or under- seat steering.

There are other types of human powered vehicles referred to as "bikes" too. Though they are not technically regarded as bicycles, they work on the same general principles. They include unicycles, tricycles and quadracycles. Fun to ride, no doubt, none of these styles are used very often.

Despite the multitude of bicycles that are commercially available, there are always those that want to construct their own. Building a bicycle, trike, or tandem at home is fun and not awful hard. In fact, nearly anybody with a can-do attitude, a a couple of tools and some simple instruction could build a decent bicycle.

Bike building can be done in a shed or garage and it's an excellent small project. For individuals that want a custom-made bike without the custom built cost it's an excellent choice. The bicycle you make could bring back a old-time style or lead the pack into the future of bike construction.

Whether you decide to ride a factory built bicycle or a unique custom bike, the important thing is to get out there and ride! Next time, we'll discuss the important topic of bicycle safety.

Top 4 Clothing Styles

There are many different types of brands out there these days and this is especially true when it comes to clothing brands. This is probably down to the number of new styles of clothing that have evolved in recent years. The emergence of extreme sports and new musical genres, has contributed to that art collided head fashion.

Here are my top four styles of clothing.

Surf Wear

Surf wear is an expression that has been invented to classify surfer clothing. Thisstarted with the surfers on the scene in southern California, which began creating its own brands of clothing. This was a result of the growing popularity of surfing and its recognition as a sport has meant that sailors could get sponsorship deals with the surfboard manufacturers and mute. Examples of famous brands of surf wear including Volcom, Billabong and Quiksilver.

Skate Wear

Skate wear has been used to describe the brand of clothing that came out to skate scene. Skate Wear has close tieswith surf wear such as the two styles is born of the same scene that skateboarders and surfers tend to be one and the same. This is not a surprise because the original skateboards were designed by surfers for surfing on land. Both styles of clothing are very similar, but each individual responds to the needs of skateboarders and surfers. Renowned brands include Vans skate shoes, Etnies and Element.

Urban wear

Urban wear is born thanks to the influence of hip hop and raplifestyle. During the late '70s and early '80s, hip hop and rap began to emerge with such artists as Run DMC and Beastie Boys breaking into the mainstream. These artists were known to wear loose clothing, gold chains and Adidas shoes with laces Out These styles developed over time and with the growing popularity of many hip hop labels started their clothing. Those who have been inspired by these styles of music also started to create clothing brand influenced by theirfavorite artists. This has given rise to many urban clothing brands like Roca Wear, Phat Farm and Sean John.

Street Wear

Streetwear is a style of clothing that draws influence from all styles of clothing before. Street wear is probably best described as garments that are inspired by the urban life in cities and metropolitan cities. Hence the use of the road draws influence from all aspects of life in this environment, including graffiti, street art, skate, bmx, surf and musicrock to hip hop. Street Wear Clothing designs often feature brilliant graphics and drawings and a touch of camouflage graffiti here and there. The Addict Clothing Co, Stussy and Obey Giant are excellent examples of innovative streetwear brands.