• Electric Assist Bikes (e-Bikes)

Electric assist bikes, or e-bikes, have gained immense popularity and have become a game-changer in the cycling world. These bikes are equipped with an electric motor that assists riders as they pedal, making cycling more accessible to people of all fitness levels and ages. Here are some key features and benefits of e-bikes:

a. Pedal Assist: E-bikes offer various levels of pedal assistance, allowing riders to choose the amount of help they receive. This makes it easier to conquer challenging terrain and longer distances.

b. Commuting Efficiency: E-bikes have become a preferred mode of transportation for urban commuters. They offer a faster and more eco-friendly alternative to cars, reducing traffic congestion and emissions.

c. Health Benefits: Contrary to the misconception that e-bikes promote laziness, they still require physical effort from riders. E-bike users enjoy improved cardiovascular health and better fitness levels.

d. Accessibility: E-bikes open up cycling to individuals who may have physical limitations, making it an inclusive form of exercise and transportation.

• Smart Bikes

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has given rise to smart bikes, which are equipped with sensors, GPS, and connectivity features that enhance the riding experience. Here are some exciting developments in the world of smart bikes:

a. Navigation Assistance: Smart bikes can provide turn-by-turn navigation, helping riders explore new routes without getting lost. Some even integrate with smartphone apps to offer real-time traffic updates.

b. Fitness Tracking: Many smart bikes collect data on riders’ performance, including speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. This data can be analyzed to help cyclists track their progress and set fitness goals.

c. Theft Prevention: Smart bikes often come with anti-theft features, such as GPS tracking and remote locking. This technology helps protect valuable bicycles from theft.

d. Safety Features: Some smart bikes are equipped with collision detection sensors and automatic brake systems, enhancing rider safety on the road.

• Lightweight Materials and Aerodynamics

Advancements in materials science have led to the development of lighter and more aerodynamic bicycle components. Carbon fiber frames, forks, and wheels have become increasingly popular due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio. These materials make it easier for cyclists to achieve higher speeds and endure longer rides while expending less energy.

• Electronic Shifting

Electronic shifting systems, such as Shimano Di2 and SRAM eTap, have replaced traditional mechanical shifters in high-end bicycles. These systems provide precise and effortless gear changes at the touch of a button, enhancing rider comfort and reducing maintenance requirements.

• Sustainable Power Sources

With a growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints, bicycle technology has also started to incorporate alternative power sources. Solar panels integrated into bike frames and accessories can harness energy from the sun to charge electric components, such as lights, GPS devices, and even e-bike batteries. This not only extends the range and functionality of these bikes but also promotes eco-friendliness and reduces the reliance on traditional energy sources.

• Augmented Reality Cycling

The integration of augmented reality (AR) into the cycling experience is another exciting development on the horizon. AR glasses or heads-up displays can provide riders with real-time information about their route, speed, and performance metrics while overlaying navigation cues on their field of vision. Imagine riding through a city and having directional arrows and safety alerts projected onto your eyewear, creating a safer and more immersive cycling experience.

         Conclusion

Technological advancements in the world of bicycles have transformed the way we ride and experience cycling. Electric assist bikes have made cycling more accessible, while smart bikes offer navigation, fitness tracking, and safety features. Lightweight materials and electronic shifting systems have improved performance, making cycling more enjoyable for enthusiasts. As technology continues to evolve, the future of cycling promises even more exciting innovations, further enhancing this timeless mode of transportation and recreation. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, there’s never been a better time to embrace the technological wonders of the cycling world.

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How do I choose the right cycling outfit?

Choosing the right outfit is an important aspect of safe and comfortable cycling, it should protect you from injury and discomfort. The use of equipment increases your safety on the road, reduces the risk of injury from falls or collisions with other objects, and increases riding comfort by protecting you from the sun, wind, and rain.

There are many factors to consider when choosing bike gear, such as weather conditions, riding style, and the objectives you set for yourself. In this article, we will look at all the nuances and explain in detail how to choose the right outfit.

What types of cycling equipment are there?

There is a wide range of cycling equipment in the world of cycling, each of which has its own characteristics and is designed for specific tasks. Some of them are:

• Helmets

Helmets are probably one of the most critical pieces of cycling equipment you should look out for. This is due to the fact that they provide reliable protection for the head in the event of a fall. The right bicycle helmet should provide good ventilation, a secure fit and fit your size.

• Goggles

Goggles protect your eyes from wind, sunlight, dust, insects and other small particles. They also prevent photokeratitis, an eye disease caused by ultraviolet radiation.

• Gloves

Gloves are designed to protect your hands and prevent blisters. They also help you better grip your bike handlebars, especially important on long rides.

• Elbow and Knee Pads

Elbow pads are made of tough, durable materials that can significantly reduce impact and prevent injury. They allow you to protect your skin from scratches, wounds and bruises and increase your level of cycling safety.

• Cycling Shorts

Cycling shorts provide comfort while cycling. They have reinforced cushions in the sciatic area that help reduce pressure on the bone and prevent the formation of diaper rash.

• Jackets and Vests

Jackets and vests may be necessary to protect against wind, rain, and cold. Models equipped with reflective elements increase your visibility on the road in the dark.

• Shoes

Cycling shoes should provide secure foot support and protection against shock. They may also be equipped with pedal clips that help improve pedaling efficiency.

How to choose the right size of equipment?

Incorrectly sized equipment negatively affects its protective properties and increases the risk of injury. To determine your size, you should measure your body parts.

• To determine helmet size, measure the circumference of the head above the eyebrows and ears. The helmet size should be comfortable and tight without excessive pressure on the head.
• To select gloves, measure the length of the palm from the wrist to the fingertips. They should be neither too tight nor too loose.
• Elbow and knee pads must be the same size as your thighs and forearms. Before you buy, make sure they fit comfortably on the body and do not slip.

It is important to remember that sizes may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. Therefore, it is best to try on cycling equipment before buying to make sure it fits you.

How to choose the material?

For maximum protection it is necessary to choose equipment from reliable and tested materials, let’s consider the most popular of them, their advantages and disadvantages:

1. Polypropylene is a lightweight, flexible and durable material that is used to protect elbows, knees and shoulders. It absorbs shock well, but can be uncomfortable to wear in hot weather.
2. Plastic is a lightweight and durable material that is commonly used to make helmets and protective pads. It can protect you well from impacts, but can break down if you fall hard.
3. Nylon is a breathable and durable material that provides good protection against scratches and abrasion. It is lightweight and comfortable to wear.
4. Kevlar is a strong and flexible material that is widely used to make protective elbow and knee pads. It adapts easily to the shape of your body and provides a high degree of protection against impact and scratches.
5. Leather – used to make gloves and other equipment. It provides excellent protection, but can be uncomfortable to use in hot weather.
6. Carbon Fiber – A lightweight and durable material that is used to protect the head in helmets. It provides excellent impact protection, but can be expensive.

When choosing a material for your cycling gear, you need to consider your riding type, personal preference, and budget. However, the main selection criterion should be maximum protection in case of a fall or accident.

Cycling equipment depending on the type of riding

The style of riding directly affects the choice of equipment, as each style requires its own special requirements and functions.

For road riding, cycling equipment should be lightweight and well ventilated so that the body does not overheat during long rides at high speeds. For mountain riding, it is important to provide extra protection for the head, arms, legs and body, since mountain biking trails are usually more difficult and dangerous. You should wear knee, elbow and wrist protectors when riding BMX, because this style of riding is connected with performing tricks and jumps.

In conclusion, we would like to remind you that biking is not only a fun sport and a great way to spend time in nature, but also a serious activity that requires a reliable protection. So do not skimp on your safety and choose only high quality cycling equipment that suits your individual needs and riding style. Have a pleasant and safe ride on your bike!

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Descenders

High-speed action game from the studio Rage Squid. Descenders involves single and team races on mountain bikes, where the rider is available professional tricks, skids and rotations. Riding style depends on the team to which the player joins, a total of 3.

Extreme slopes and jumps look realistic and are generated here every level, so do not expect repetitions. Reputation in the game shows the professionalism of the rider, gives the right to earn a new bike and equipment. Developed for PC (Linux, macOs, Windows), game consoles, Nintendo Switch tablets, smartphones on Android and iOS.

Lonely Mountains: Downhill

Sports stimulation for fans of the cycling game from the German company Megagon Industries. Features precise controls and an impressive sense of flow.

The entertainment is based on the mobile skiing game Skiing Yeti Mountain. Eventually evolved into a full-fledged mountain biking game for consoles and PC. Lonely Mountains: Downhill involves single races on mountain trails with stunts, high-speed descents. As levels are passed, riders can unlock new trails, rewards, change bike parts, new outfits and bikes.

Pro Cycling Manager 2021

A game where everyone can become the owner of a sports team and go through all the stages: from recruiting participants to honoring the winners. A dynamic simulation/strategy style reality game developed by Cyanide Studio. The enhanced version of 2021 allows you to:

• Participate in national races with up to 80 teams competing;
• manage the equipment development department;
• change tired athletes before important races;
• increase team endurance through unchanging weather conditions, during multi-day cycling races.

Pro Cycling Manager 2021 is available for single-player and multiplayer PC play.

Riders Republic

Riders Republic is a multiplayer gaming platform with breathtaking views: from U.S. national parks, snow-capped peaks, to desert canyons. Developed by Ubisoft Annecy. Assumes simultaneous connection of up to 50 players on next-generation consoles. Supports cross-platform format.

The game includes various activities: races, stunts, competitions in PVP-arenas. Here everyone can try their hand in 4 disciplines: cycling, snowboarding, skiing, flying on a wingsuit. When you reach a certain skill riders are available to upgrade equipment and participation in competitions from Red Bull, X Games.

Riders Republic is suitable for play on PC, XBox One (X, S), Stadia, PlayStation 4 (5). Free improvements to the next-generation version are available in the game.

Tour de France 2021

Casual 3D game with realistic panoramas of the Tour de France. Designed for one player, with the possibility of selecting a profile: miner, sprinter, puncher, all-rounder.

Tour de France 2021 features:

• creating a cyclist;
• participation in races in the leader’s role;
• selection of tour conditions;
• setting up the list of teams;
• participation in unofficial races;
• state bonuses for winning various stages.

In the updated version, the favorites ride closer to each other, teams behave consistently, the pursuit looks more believable, you can see the real brands on the bikes. You can experience the Tour de France on your PC or console.

MTBFreeride

Mountain Bike Freeride is a realistic first-person mountain bike simulator. The gamer is available:

• Various tricks on the slopes of mountains and in the wild forest;
• riding without reference to the tracks and checkpoints;
• improving the look of the bike;
• adding colorful locations;
• walking around the terrain.

Passed stages can be written down and work on errors in control. Graphics and physics in the game worked to the maximum, so master the skills of driving in the simulator at the initial stage is difficult.

MTBFreeride can be played on pc, macbook, mobile devices and tablets.

Shred! Remastered

Platformer game created by lone developer ASBO Interactive in realistic graphics. It’s an enhanced version of Shred 1!, where every millimeter is inspired by mountain biking and MTB culture. The game features more than 30 twisty tracks with climbs and jumps of dizzying heights, mountain cliffs and circular platforms. The game will not make you bored. From the first seconds will give a lot of adrenaline, will keep the gamer in suspense all the way. Shred! Remastered is suitable for PC, Android, game consoles.

Food Delivery Battle

An exciting race with action elements, where the player enters the role of a food delivery guy. The gameplay begins with the creation of your character. Then you can go on a trip through the city, deliver orders, competing with competitors, to receive compensation for delivery and tips.

On the way the player meets bonuses, acceleration areas, points of collection of orders. The game will have to be ahead of the competition and on time to make a delivery. For the funds and bonuses the gamer can pump up the bike. The developer is STP WORKS, there are versions for PC and mobile devices.

Downhill Domination

A racing game with two modes, with third-person views. In addition to fictional racers, you can choose famous ones: Richie Schley, Missy Jove, Tara Llanes, Eric Carter. Downhill Domination is developed by Santa Monica Studio, presents a sports simulator with tracks that start on almost steep mountains. Each track is unique and has its own features.

Up to four players can participate in multiplayer mode. During gameplay, in addition to racing, characters can engage in combat with other participants, collect power-ups, perform tricks and achieve goals. A bike store is available in single player mode. As the game progresses, additional items and features are unlocked and displayed in the menu. The game is released for PS2.

MTB Downhill Simulator.

Numerous obstacles, steep turns and a variety of routes meet the user of MTB Downhill Simulator. The gameplay involves single races for speed, cash rewards, pumping your bike and equipment. The game is created by a single developer, with a focus on mountain biking. Suitable for computer, laptop, gadgets.

Choice of games about cycling depends on the requirements for effects, realism and genre. If you want to relax and unwind – choose Lonely Mountains: Downhill or MTB Downhill simulator. Turn on the strategic thinking Pro Cycling Manager 2021, want to plunge into the world of freeride and realistic landscapes – play Riders Republic online.

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Outside the sport of cyclocross, cyclocross refers to riding in lower gears off-road. Many people associate this activity with rivers of mud, which, in principle, is not far from the truth.

It is believed that cyclocross originated in France. The organizer of the first ever race was the Frenchman Daniel Gousseau in 1902. And it was not just a competition, but the championship of France. The new sport discipline spread to the neighboring states – Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
The first world championship was held in 1950 in Paris, and was won by the hosts. Subsequently, the title of champion was won 7 times by Eric de Flaminck of Belgium, brother of the famous rider Roger de Flaminck.

The greatest development of cycling cross was in Belgium and the Netherlands, good results are shown by athletes from France, the Czech Republic, Italy and Germany. Leading positions among women are occupied by racers from the United States and Great Britain.

The first historical case of mechanical doping was recorded just in cyclocross. In 2016, a motor was found in the bicycle of the Belgian rider Femke van den Driesse at the World Championships. As a result of long proceedings, the athlete was disqualified for 6 years.

These are cross-country cycling races. Cyclists ride on a course that includes not only asphalt, but also paving stones, gravel, soil, grass, etc. On their way there may be ascents, descents and artificial obstacles: hills, barriers, etc. Some of them, especially difficult, have to be overcome by running, with the bike on his shoulder.

Velocross consists of several laps, each of which is about 3 km long. Race among men lasts a little over an hour, among women – 40 minutes. But these are averages – it all depends on the track. Some courses are easy and allow you to develop a good speed, while other sections have a high level of complexity, especially in bad weather. Therefore, the average speed varies at 20 km/h.

The track on cyclocross necessarily has a “pit-zone” – where the athlete has the right to change the iron horse on the other with the help of qualified personnel. To do this is not uncommon, because cyclocross associated with a large number of breakdowns due to the complexity of the tracks. If it rains or wet snow, the mud adheres to the wheels of the bike, and it has to clean every lap.

Competitions in cyclocross have a seasonal nature – they are organized in the fall and winter, when road riders have a rest. This feature allows athletes to compete in both road cycling and cyclocross.

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1.Cyclecross Bikes.

The ideal cyclocross bike is a mix of road bike and mountain bike: lightweight aluminum, carbon, steel or titanium frame, carbon fork, road bike handlebars, built-in hand grips or brake levers, 700c x 30-38c studded tires, mountain bike contact pedals and a single or double chain (shorter than on a regular road bike) with protection. The frame and fork of the bike are stiffer than on a regular road bike, the top tube of the frame is shorter, and the carriage is often located higher. Disc brakes are very popular because they allow braking in all weathers. Some riders still use bikes with cantilever-type V-brakes or cantilever brakes, which, with the proper setup, can perform well. Brake levers are placed on the handlebars for better control of handling. Many cross-country bikes reach their full potential when you add fenders and racks to them for daily commutes or weekend explorations of the surrounding areas.

2. cyclocross shoes and pedals

Have you figured out by now that there’s a lot of dirt on cyclocross trails? Dirt can get caught in the cleat and moving parts of the contact pedal and ruin all your efforts. This means that most riders will lean toward choosing mountain bike pedals because they are designed to handle the harsh conditions and keep up the good work. Mountain bike shoes are also popular because of the spikes on their soles.

3. cyclocross clothing and equipment

Cyclocross races are often short and steep, and even though they are also held in the winter, it is never cold at them. Regular cycling clothes will suffice, but just think about the conditions of the race and it may turn out that your best choice, is not the best choice at all. With that in mind, make sure you have something to change into when you finish the race.

Cyclocross is a great discipline for keeping you fit and healthy, and it’s great for those who don’t have a lot of free time.

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• Hybrid can not withstand riding on bumps, bumps, jumping from curbs, etc. This is not true – to overcome small obstacles they are quite able to, this is what they are designed for. If you ride a cross bike only on the asphalt, in its acquisition makes no sense.
• Cross bike can not move with the load. Although the bike has a lightweight design, it is able to carry a load of about 100 kg. However, it is still not recommended to ride it with a passenger.
• Cross machine can be converted into a mountain bike, replacing the tires and a shock-absorbed fork. Perhaps some mountain bike characteristics will appear, but the frame will remain adapted to the average style of riding, and he still will not become a full mountain bike.
• There is no difference between the passability of the wheels in 26 and 28 inches. This difference is not very noticeable when riding on rough roads, but on the asphalt becomes appreciable because of the size of the tire.

The benefits of cyclocross
For many enthusiasts, cyclocross is a lot of fun. They enjoy racing through mud and leaves, skirting tree roots, bouncing on bumps and skidding down hills.

In addition to the extreme pleasure, cycling cross-country has other advantages:

• The ability to work the large muscle groups of the body, arms and legs well. Riding on a road bike, this level of stress you will not get, even with a long ride.
• Acquisition of skills in controlling the bike at the professional level. This is understandable: it is impossible to imagine a more complicated race than cyclocross. The acquired skills will not interfere in normal journeys, because no “emergency” situations will not be afraid of any more.
• The cyclocross lessons do not depend on the weather and road surface. The worse they are, the better for riding. In this case, a couple of hours can replace a long workout in the gym.
• Cross-country cycling is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the forest or field scenery. It is the special emotional mood created by cyclocross that has made this sport so popular.

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A cross bike is a hybrid of a road bike and an MTB. Basically, it is versatile in its application, so it is in high demand among cycling enthusiasts.

With a cross bike you can:

• Travel long distances.
• Ride in urban conditions.
• Move over rough terrain.
• It looks like a road bike, but its parameters are:
• 28-inch wheel diameter.
• Elongated rear feathers.
• Narrow tires.
• The largest front sprocket corresponds to a highway 48T.

The wheel size allows the crossbike to go uphill easily. However, its maneuverability is lower than its highway counterpart due to the weight of 28-inch wheels.

The frame is similar in shape to a road bike, but the tubes are thicker, which also makes the unit heavier. It can be curved – this makes it easier to carry the bike on your shoulder. The carriage assembly is placed higher, due to which the directional stability suffers on a level road.

Unlike road bikes, hybrids have a shock-absorbed fork. The fork plus the heavy frame and wheels ultimately slow you down on the highway. On the other hand, tires adapted to off-road conditions make it possible to overcome roads with unpaved and poor pavement without difficulty.

The pressure in the hybrid tires is adjusted depending on the route and environmental conditions. In order to get a better grip on slippery pavement or gravel, experienced riders reduce pressure by increasing the tire’s contact area with the surface.

Hybrid brakes have vector brakes (racing ones have pincer brakes). Some types of crossbikes are equipped with mechanical disc brakes. The advantages of disc brakes are that they don’t need to be serviced and are very effective on dirt.

Cyclecross runs at lower speeds compared to regular racing, so cross bikes have lower gears. The cables are located at the top of the frame – this protects the system from dirt and allows you to change gears even when riding on water.

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