http://www.viewpoints.com/Cycling-Biking-Equipment Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:51:24 GMT Reviews about Cycling & Biking Equipment http://www.viewpoints.com/Pro-Form-Pro-Form-XP-110-R-Bike-Exerciser-review-e1195 I bought this indoor recumbent bike with the intention of having a form of cardiovascular exercise to do from the privacy of my living room. I was fortunate enought o buy this item on sale saving $100.00 off the original price, as Sears is trying to sell out some of their 2008 models to make room for the new items coming in next year. Not only was this bike a great bargain for me, it works fantastically and I have had no problems with it so far. It is just as good as the recumbent bikes I used to utilize at the gym, except now I am in the privacy of my own home and don't have to share! I highly reccommend this product to anybody who is seeking a recumbent bike that handles well and is at a reasonable... Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:51:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Pro-Form-Pro-Form-XP-110-R-Bike-Exerciser-review-e1195 Catalystforlife 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Schwinn-Varsity-review-497b5 Just thought some might be interested in my Schwinn Varsity restoration process.  This will be ongoing & updated as I (HOPEFULLY) progress.  Today (8-6-08) is day one.  Late yesterday afternoon I drove about 40 miles west of St. Louis to pick up a old Schwinn Varsity...for FREE!  For that amount, it needs almost everything.  The chain, along with other parts, is rusty, the tires are dry rotted & flat.  The front wheel has missing spokes.  It doesn't shift properly & the brakes are almost non-existent.  In fact, one brake pad on the rear wheel is missing.  Yes, I AM CRAZY! Judging from the serial #, and what I can find via the Internet, the bike was made in December of 1973.  It is "Campus Green" in color.  The frame size is twenty inches.  Frame size is measured from the center of the crank, to the top of the seatpost tube.  What made a Schwinn Varsity unique from other bikes was the 27"... Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:25:43 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Schwinn-Varsity-review-497b5 OldHippie 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Dynacraft-16-quot-Girls-Ride-With-Me-Barbie-Bike-review-d6750 16" Girl's Ride With Me Barbie Bicycle — by — Dynacraft — What is it? — The 16" Girl's Ride With Me Barbie Bicycle is a bike sold at Toys R Us for little girls, ages 4-8 years old.  It's pink and purple and has a Barbie backpack w/ water bottle on the handlebars, as well as a pink bike attached for a Barbie doll to ride on. — The 16" Girl's Ride With Me Barbie Bicycle has coaster brakes (pedals) and front caliper brakes (right handle) and training wheels. — Priced at $79.99 at Toys R Us. — My Viewpoint! — My daughter just had a birthday and we were looking for a "big girl" bike.  One that will help transition from training wheels to without easily and most importantly, stylish.  After shopping around, we finally decided to visit Toys R Us.  (Why we didn't start there, I have no idea.)    When we saw the Ride With Me Barbie Bicycle, I knew my daughter would love this bike! — We bought it and... Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:08:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dynacraft-16-quot-Girls-Ride-With-Me-Barbie-Bike-review-d6750 CrystaBush 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Specialized-Bicycle-Helmet-review-5eb70 Specialized is a major manufacturer of bicycles, bicycle components, and bicycle-related equipment. When I bought a bicycle helmet I decided to go with the Specialized brand because they make so many top-quality bike products, including the bicycle that I own. — First of all, you may think that a bicycle helmet looks kind of weird and it's just one more thing to spend money on. The best reason I can give to use a helmet is that bicycling has some risks, with approximately 800 deaths each year in the U.S. Of those deaths, about 2/3 are from head injuries sustained in a bike-car accident in which the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. In a nutshell, a bicycle helmet could save your life. — The Specialized Bicycle Helmet I have is elongated and fits snuggly on my head, but is not tight. There is a nylon strap with a buckle clip that goes under your chin. This is adjustable and should just lightly touch under your chin. The interior is made of dense Expanded Poly Styrene... Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:21:44 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Specialized-Bicycle-Helmet-review-5eb70 JovialCougar 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Axiom-Seymour-Panniers-review-d46f6 For once in my life, I got the wrong item ordering from Amazon.com...and I'm keeping it!  What I ordered was the Axiom Appalachian Panniers; Capacity: 20 liters. (1,220 cubic inches) What I got was the Axiom Seymour Panniers; Capacity: 27.85 liters. (1,700 cubic inches) In other words...I got the better, more expensive & roomier panniers (bags) for the price of the lesser model. — Axiom's Seymour Panniers are large enough to carry all your gear and they attach quickly and securely to your rack. (sold separately...see pictures) Do not, repeat NOT use either the Bell or Schwinn bike rack.  These are made only for stowing something on top; not hanging panniers on the side.  A quality bike rack allows you to strap or tie down the sides of the panniers & will not interfere with the spokes on the wheel.  Also, a quality bike rack will hold about 40 lbs.  The others only 15 to 20 lbs. — I gave the panniers 4 stars & not 5 for one reason; they are not... Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:01:50 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Axiom-Seymour-Panniers-review-d46f6 OldHippie 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Schwinn-adult-helmet-review-45f52 Once again...why spend 2 or 3 times as much at a bike shop, when a discount store fills the bill?  My "Sound Bite" is Necessary Evil because I'm not a big fan of helmets for casual biking.  Yes, kids should wear one, and you too for pure off-road mountain biking.  I couldn't believe when a cop in the Central West End part of St. Louis stopped me, and read me the riot act for having no helmet.  I thought, "Shouldn't you be busting some drug dealer?"  My feelings are, if a car hits me on a bicycle...I'm dead.  If I fall on a paved path in a park...I'm the dummy. — Anyway...it's lightweight & breathable.  All of the discount stores carry these, or ones similar to the picture.  Don't buy the first one you try on.  Try several and get one that fits best.    — ... Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:55:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Schwinn-adult-helmet-review-45f52 OldHippie 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/CatEye-Combo-Light-Kit-review-29205 Once again, I should've shopped at Amazon.com first.  Oh, well...I made the local bike shop slightly richer.  This light set is $24.99 on Amazon.com.  About $10 higher at your local bike shop. — What impressed me first is two words you never hear anymore...BATTERIES INCLUDED!  Alkaline batteries at that.  The headlight naturally mounts on the handlebars & the the tail-light can be mounted on the seat-post, or comes with a belt clip; great for night-time joggers. (You won't find me jogging with my weak back & legs.) Another plus...no tools required for installation. — The headlight can either shine continuously or flashing.  The rear has three choices; continuous, flashing, or random flashing.  Both use three LED lights.  Battery life, according to specs, should be about 150 hours flashing and 80 continuous.  The front headlight takes two AA batteries; the rear two AAA batteries.  Once again...alkaline batteries... Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:26:07 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/CatEye-Combo-Light-Kit-review-29205 OldHippie 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Citizen-Folding-Bike-review-2c244 Bought three( Citizen bikes) for my family, one came in a damaged box and that was just the begining. — Had numerous trips the bike shop on brand news bikes for tires fixes, brakes that didn't work — and more. Had a crank(peddle) arm fall off during a ride. My kids bike handles keep slipping (very dangerous) — All from Brand new bikes. I would avoid citizen bikes, go buy something decent also — folding bikes are not as convenient at least to this reviewer as one would think. Avoid. —... Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:24:20 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Citizen-Folding-Bike-review-2c244 Retailman 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Avenir-Plush-Saddle-review-4b471 So...you just bought a new bicycle from Wal-Mart, K-Mart or Target.  You jump on for a ride and "OW, My butt hurts."  You go back to the discount store and look at replacement saddles (seats).  You buy one of those Bell "gel saddles".  No offense...there's your second mistake.  Avenir saddles come standard on Raleigh bikes for a reason; comfort.  Whether it's a comfort bike, a mountain bike or a road bike, there's an Avenir saddle that's right for you. — Short review & to the point...  This is THE MOST COMFORTABLE SADDLE I've ever placed my derriere on. (And Lord knows, I have a big one!)  Run, do not walk, back to your PC.  Then log on to Amazon.com.  Under "Sports & Outdoors" search Avenir Saddle.  You'll find a wide variety of saddles for about the same price as those from the discount stores.  This is a direct 'copy & paste' from a Wal-Mart review on the Bell gel saddle.  "All gel seats... Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:21:37 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Avenir-Plush-Saddle-review-4b471 OldHippie 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Schwinn-Mountain-Bike-review-44152 I've been told by many that Schwinn bikes are the best.  I am looking for a BMX bike for my son and am hoping that Schwin makes one.  The prices are higher than other bikes but I've been told they are worth it.  Looking at them in the store, they seem well built and tough for those who are hard on their... Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:11:36 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Schwinn-Mountain-Bike-review-44152 manofvoices 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Schwinn-Mountain-Bike-review-a4412 Judging from the picture...this is the same model sold by Wal-Mart.  #1) It's not a mountain bike but a comfort bike.  #2) Steel frame...heavy.  #3) Your lucky to find one assembled correctly from Wal-Mart. — Don't get me wrong...Schwinn sells some fine bikes.  But the ones they mass produce for Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target are JUNK!  Spend a few extra bucks and go to a real authorized Schwinn dealer and check out the Schwinn Sierra GS. (Suggested retail price $299.99.)  Good Morning America/Consumer Reports, 5/16/2008 - "Best Bike For Summer" So you'll spend about an extra $50.  You'll get a better bike with an aluminum frame, better saddle (seat) not to mention a suspension seatpost and front fork.  From consumer reports..."Riding a bike is a great way to stay in shape and save money on gas. Consumer Reports recommends getting moving this summer on the Schwinn Sierra GS, a comfort bike for leisurely riding. It features... Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:00:49 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Schwinn-Mountain-Bike-review-a4412 OldHippie 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/LeMond-eTape-Womens-Road-Bike-review-1a381 I purchased a Lemond eTape Women's Road Bike 1.5 years ago from Johnny Sprockets cycling shop in Chicago. Since then my drive to stay active has skyrocketed from -50% to at least +80%. I loved exercising during my college years... primarily running. Not sure what happened after graduation but all motivation to run or weight train vanished somehow. I hate gyms. Aerobics, pilates and yoga classes have never really done it for me either. So I obviously needed some form of exercise that I actually enjoyed. Here's where road biking saved the day. — I contemplated back and forth about hybrids vs. mountain bikes. With no mountains to bike in Chicago, I quickly determined neither of these bicycles were great options. Honestly, I was a pretty intimidated by a road bike. In my mind, the stereotypical road biker was a tall, extra lean, muscular, Lance Armstrong-like individual. So basically... the opposite of me. Road bikes appeared awkward and... Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:23:50 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/LeMond-eTape-Womens-Road-Bike-review-1a381 Meredith 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Huffy-26in-Mens-Stone-Mountain-Bike-review-bc6c2 A few years ago my "Made in the USA" Huffy got stolen. (sigh) Not knowing any better at the time, I went to K-Mart & bought this one to replace it.  What a mistake!  — #1) It has a very uncomfortable seat which was soon replaced.  #2) It has a steel frame vs. aluminum frame. (much heavier) #3) It wouldn't shift properly from day one.  K-Mart couldn't and/or wouldn't do a thing.  So I went on-line to the Huffy web site and looked up how to adjust it myself.  #4) Going uphill was nearly impossible.  Even the slightest hill would mean LOW GEAR. — Do yourself a favor and invest the extra bucks into one with an aluminum frame, a comfortable seat, and the gears to handle hills.  Don't waste your money on this one. —... Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:45:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Huffy-26in-Mens-Stone-Mountain-Bike-review-bc6c2 OldHippie 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Finish-Line-Dry-Teflon-Lube-Chain-Lubricant-review-20713 I know a lot of people who don't maintain their bicycles in any way. As long as the tires aren't flat they just hop on and go for a ride. While that works for a while, eventually the parts will grind to a halt. If you are resistant to working on your bike, one of the easiest things you can still do that will make a difference is lubricating the chain. How hard can it be? — Lubricating the chain will make it easier to pedal, since there will be less resistance amongst the moving parts. Also, lubricating the chain will extend the life of the chain. Otherwise, grit and dust gradually accumulate and grind away at the mechanisms. Some day the unmaintained chain will snap, and then you will be stuck. — Finish Line makes a variety of chain lubricating products that are very helpful in keeping a bicycle chain operating, and I use Finish Line Dry Teflon Lube.  The so called ''dry'' lubes are best for bicycling in dry conditions, like on pavement. — Dry lubes apply as a... Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:07:14 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Finish-Line-Dry-Teflon-Lube-Chain-Lubricant-review-20713 JovialCougar 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Walmart-Bicycles-review-5fe22 The bikes at Walmart are just as good as expensive bikes. The difference is in the comfort. Both are durable and will last as long as they are well taken care of. You can purchase comfortable bike seats at a bike dealer. Walmart does not sell them. So if you buy a bike at Walmart - check out your local bike shop for a more comfortable... Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:48:22 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Walmart-Bicycles-review-5fe22 jostanner 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Bell-No-Mor-Flats-Inner-Tubes-review-a42f2 I purchased the No-Mor Flats Inner Tube by BELL last week at Wal-mart. I have been using it now for most of that time. When I first put it inside of my tire it seemed hard and difficult. I read the directions again, and I saw that it had to be watered down first. I actually just put it in my tire without the water. You have to have patience because the tube is kind of hard. —... Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:43:56 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Bell-No-Mor-Flats-Inner-Tubes-review-a42f2 shcpenn 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Next-20-Boys-Turbo-BMX-Bike-review-801a2 I have been buying next bikes for my older sons for a number of years. they love the durability, these bikes can take a beating and still keep going! the only problem we seem to have is the chain falls off alot, so you have to keep tightening it. My sons also love the pegs that come standard on all next bikes. they are good for tricks, but mostly for towing friends. —... Wed, 21 May 2008 16:11:27 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Next-20-Boys-Turbo-BMX-Bike-review-801a2 hamsterhands 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Specialized-Hardrock-Sport-Bike-review-38385 I've had a Specialized Hard Rock for a while. However, I haven't been on the bike in a while because I don't want to spend the money on new gear shifts or new front shocks. Some of the factory equipment on the bike will need to be upgraded to withstand regular use in mountain terrain. Otherwise, the frame is sturdy, but not as light as one may prefer. At its price point, it's not a bad... Fri, 16 May 2008 13:37:04 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Specialized-Hardrock-Sport-Bike-review-38385 gdsov 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Amazing-Bike-Rack-for-Auto-review-c3545 Found out aout this product from my brother who purchased it after having his bike AND his Thule bike rack stolen. This "Amazing Bike Rack" bolts directly behind your license plate. I used 4 allen keys and it is totally secure. I use a small cable lock and lock my bike to it when I stop by the store on the way to the trail. Best of all no more ugly straps all over my trunk as with my older rack which also scratched the trunk. Very good design and the guys at www.amazingbikerack.com have given me great customer support. — — —... Thu, 08 May 2008 02:55:45 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Amazing-Bike-Rack-for-Auto-review-c3545 speedsquad3 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Walmart-Bicycles-review-3dad3 I got a bike from Walt Mart. And it's pretty descent. Acually it wroks very well and I enjo riding it whenever I can. If you are looking for a great bike...this might or might not be the right place to look for one. I used my bike and went on an over 100 milke bike trip on a canal and it worked perfectly. I suggesst these bikes if you need a cheaper descent bike. They are good and god is... Sun, 04 May 2008 12:11:26 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Walmart-Bicycles-review-3dad3 donthave 3