​Orlando is a great city for all types of cyclists, ​whether it be ​competitive, casual, ​or even a family outing with the children. Being part of the rails to trails project, Orlando has already begun converting a multitude of old railroads into cycling paths. In the general Orlando area there are a handful of trails that stand out as the best in the area, and arguably the best in the State. Here’s our pick for the best cycling trails in and around Orlando.

5. Seminole Wekiva Trail

Overview: This is an absolutely gorgeous trail with a handful of surprises in store along the way. It runs along the former line of the Orange Belt Railway and offers a peaceful, well-marked option for cyclists.

Notable Features: This trail is unlike others in many ways. Most notably, the trail art spread along the first half of the trail. Local artists have been given the approval to paint the trail view section of residential fences. Throughout your ride, you will see a variety of art ranging from comic strips to movie poster renditions and more.

Via cloudfront.traillink.com

Via cloudfront.traillink.com

Overview: This is an absolutely gorgeous trail with a handful of surprises in store along the way. It runs along the former line of the Orange Belt Railway and offers a peaceful, well-marked option for cyclists.

Notable Features: This trail is unlike others in many ways. Most notably, the trail art spread along the first half of the trail. Local artists have been given the approval to paint the trail view section of residential fences. Throughout your ride, you will see a variety of art ranging from comic strips to movie poster renditions and more.

Length: 14 Miles

Trail Access: The San Sebastian Trailhead is currently the best place to start this trail if you plan on traveling North to South. This trailhead is not technically the start of the trail, but all sections before it are either still under construction or have scant options for parking.

You can access the trailhead from 436/Semoran Boulevard. The entrance is roughly 1.5 miles off of I4 and is well marked. There is shaded parking and benches if you are planning to have lunch before or after your ride.

4. General James A Van Fleet

Overview: This scenic rural trail is on the outskirts of what would be considered the greater Orlando area, but due to its charismatic appeal, it makes it onto this list. The James A. Van Fleet State Trail runs 29 miles through Central Florida’s rural wetlands. This trail has a lot to look at, without very many intersections. This being said, it’s nearly all nature. There isn’t much change in scenery but you are almost guaranteed to see a variety of birds, tortoises, snakes, bore and even the occasional alligator.

Notable Features: This straight-line trail is great for those looking hop on their bike, clip their shoes in, tune out the world and just go. It is on the boundary of the Green Swamp, Florida’s protected wetland wildlife areas. Thanks to its remote setting, it is a lesser traveled trail and you will see significantly fewer cyclists here than on other trails in the area.

Via cloudfront.traillink.com

Via cloudfront.traillink.com

Length: 29 Miles

Trail Access: There are multiple trailheads, all providing sufficient parking. Depending on where you are coming from, the best trailhead with vary.The Polk City trailhead can be accessed from Lakeland. This is a bit of a trek for those traveling from Orlando but is an option.

The Green Pond Trailhead can be accessed from Clermont off of Route 33.The Mabel Trailhead is the best trailhead for those cyclists coming from the city center of Orlando. It is located just off of state road 50 but has multiple route access options.

3. Cross Seminole

Overview: One of the longer Orlando area trails, the Cross Seminole Trail stretches from some of Orlando’s most densely populated areas all the way up to beautiful rural/residential Oviedo. This is a fairly popular trail due to its ease of access and convenient path to much of the greater Orlando area’s popular destinations.

Notable Features: The length and quality of this trail is its main winning feature. You can use this trail as a commuter path or, if you ride it there and back, a great way to easily knock out a 50-mile cycling trip.

Via cloudfront.traillink.com

Via cloudfront.traillink.com

Length: 22.8

Trail Access: There are multiple trailheads, but the most popular is the Aloma Avenue trailhead. It can be accessed from SR 436/Semoran and Aloma.

Other trailheads are Black Hammock Trailhead (Located near Sanford Oviedo), the Layer Elementary Trailhead (West Sanford), and the Lake Mary Trailhead located near Reinhart Road.

2. Cady Way/Lake Baldwin

Overview: The Cady Way’s claim to fame is its convenience for cyclists and pedestrians who are looking for a trail that links popular neighborhoods and shopping areas. It runs from the start of the Cross Seminole Trail’s Aloma trailhead to the Fashion Square Mall.

Notable Features: This is a great commuter trail. It gives a handful of residential areas, including Baldwin Park access to a safe route towards downtown. It is also right on Cady Way Park, which hosts soccer, softball, and football games for local leagues.

Via cloudfront.traillink.com

Via cloudfront.traillink.com

Length: 6.5

Trail Access: Parking for this trail is available in 3 main places. One of the most popular parking areas is at Cady Way Park. This can be accessed off of Semoran and Aloma.

The Fashion Square Mall entrance is located near the post office near the mall on SR 50.

The Winter Pines Golf Course entrance can be accessed off of South Ranger Boulevard in Winter Park.

1. West Orange Trail

Overview: The West Orange Trail is a favorite amongst local cyclists. It is arguably one of the most popular trails in Florida. There are a variety of “stations” scattered amongst the trail that marks different sections and gives riders the chance to take a break, refill water, and have a snack.

Notable Features: This trail is known for its variety of trail scenery. The trail ranges from busy downtown Winter Garden where you can stop on the trail for shopping, ice cream, food, among many other things. Other sections of the trail include Orange groves, heavily wooded areas where you can see a variety of wildlife, as well as through residential areas.

Via cloudfront.traillink.com

Via cloudfront.traillink.com

Length: 22

Trail Access: The main trailhead is Killarney Station. It is near exit 272 on the Turnpike and has ample parking. There is even a small bike shop here where you can fill your tires for free and pick up last minute supplies for your ride.

Other trailheads include the Northern Trailhead which is located at the intersection of Route 435 and East Welch Road. Note: There is no parking at this trailhead, but you can find parking along the route.

Orlando is by far one of the best cities in Florida for cyclists. The trails options are plentiful and well maintained. Any of these trails are a great option if you are looking for a cycling path in the greater Orlando Area.

Image via victorcamilo from Flickr

Across the United States, the legality of wearing a bicycle helmet varies.

While there is no federal law requiring you to protect yourself with a helmet while riding, at present, 22 states (including the District of Columbia) maintain statewide laws. In all of Alabama, for example, cyclists under the age of 16 have to wear a helmet, while in Alaska, any cyclist of any age can legally ride without one.

Safety-conscious cyclists wouldn’t even consider taking to the road without their helmet, while others are happy to take the risk. However, do you really need to wear one, or is it less necessary than you might think?

Casting Doubts

Recently, a neurosurgeon at London’s St. George’s Hospital admitted that he never wears a helmet when cycling, claiming that those countries in which they are compulsory have seen no reduction in bike-related injuries.

As unlikely as it may seem, there is some evidence in place to support his bold words. Research has shown that drivers tend to become a little less safety-conscious and cautious around helmeted cyclists, driving three inches closer to them; as a result, this makes accidents more likely. This study demonstrated that a cyclist wearing a helmet affects some drivers’ own margins for error, and implied that a helmeted rider appears more experienced with road safety.

Furthermore, a 2001 article by the New York Times claimed that bike-related head injuries had risen by 51 percent in the decade following the introduction of widespread helmet-use. The results of the aforementioned study may go some way toward explaining this, though other factors – such as the behavior of the cyclists themselves, the condition of roads, and other environmental features – should still be considered.

On top of this, cyclists may well feel an inflated sense of security and robustness when riding their bikes with a helmet, perhaps even enough to encourage them to act in ways they otherwise would not. For example, in that same New York Times article, one severely-injured cyclist discussed how the feeling of safety prompted by his helmet led him to perform a slightly risky move – one he claims he’d normally avoid.

The Importance of Personal Responsibility

While there is compelling evidence to suggest that wearing a bike helmet could potentially increase your risk of injury, there is also no denying the major role played by personal responsibility.

If you wear a bike helmet and believe this somehow means the rest of your body is at reduced risk of injury, or that your helmet will withstand any force of impact (no matter how strong), this is down to a misinformed personal mindset. To say that cyclists would be safer without a helmet at all is misleading: the wearer pushing themselves further than they normally would is down to their own perception, rather than the helmet’s inability to protect them.

Likewise, anyone who refuses to wear a bike helmet on the road, be it in the countryside or in a sprawling urban environment, is not impervious to accidental injury simply because they are more aware of their vulnerability. True, one study demonstrated drivers were more inclined to move closer to cyclists, thereby increasing the risk of collisions, yet there are many other potential hazards to consider.

To start with, the cyclists’ sense of road safety and grasp of their surroundings could well be inhibited – entirely possible, when one in five killed in crashes have blood alcohol concentrations of.08 grams per deciliter or above. This illegal level could seriously impair your judgment.

Likewise, if a cyclist feels they understand the rules of the road, have many years’ experience riding a bike without a helmet, and have never suffered an injury as of yet, this has little bearing on the actions of others. For example, you may well take your time to ride through a bustling city center, stopping at every turn, maintaining a cautious speed … but what about a cab driver rushing to make a pick-up before a competitor, or someone under the influence at the wheel of a truck?

You have no control over the actions of others, and your careful approach would have minimal impact in the event of a collision. Add to this that a cyclist without a helmet would have nothing protecting their head as they struck a vehicle, hit a brick wall, or collided with a street lamp, and the risk is only intensified.

Statistics from New York City show that almost all cyclists (97 percent) who died during a set period wore no helmet, while the American Journal of Surgery discovered that helmeted cyclists faced a 51 percent reduction in their odds of receiving a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). There was also a further 44 percent reduction in their odds of death, and the odds of facial fractures dropped by 31 percent in cyclists wearing a helmet.

Further afield, in Australia, the evidence in support of bike helmets is equally strong. According to research conducted by the University of NSW (New South Wales), bike helmets were shown to reduce fatal injuries to cyclists’ heads by around 65 percent.

Given how lightweight yet durable the best cycling helmets are today, there is no excuse to leave them on the shelf. For example, while clunkier, heavier designs could well cause discomfort to the head or neck over extended use, a streamlined model provides robust protection without such physical strain.

In an ideal world, cyclists would both wear a helmet and stay aware of their own vulnerability, exercising the same caution they would without the protection. The best way to stay as safe as possible on the road is to remember that, while a helmet can absorb impacts, it doesn’t make you impervious to harm or give you license to ride faster or more wildly than you otherwise would.

Take the time to choose a helmet that fits properly: it should come halfway down your forehead, and cover much of your head’s rear; the strap needs to sit closely under your chin, and create a V-shape around your ears. Try multiple sizes and styles until you find one that feels secure and comfortable, seeking expert advice as needed. If you’re a female and want to protect your hair, then check out special hair helmets for women.

​Take the time to really consider how a bicycle helmet could save your life while ​cycling on the road.

​Instead of buying your next set of car wheels, why not consider ​getting yourself some new bicycle ​tires instead? While cars are fast and exhilarating, riding a bicycle has far more benefits to your health, your wallet, and the environment. Clocking some mileage on your bike can help you lose weight, enjoy your natural surroundings, and commute faster to work. Furthermore, riding a bicycle in your city or locality opens your eyes to new adventures, possibilities, and locations. The following are reasons why bike riding is good for you, and why you should consider getting on the saddle and cycling more often.

Saves Money

Cycling is a great way to travel without burning a hole through your bank account. A high-quality bike can cost $2000 or less, compared to an automobile, which costs upwards of $9,000. This is before factoring in the cost of fuel, maintenance, parking, and insurance which can add up to thousands of dollars every year.

The cost of bicycle maintenance is quite low, especially if you choose to do it yourself. However, the financial benefits of hopping on a bicycle are not limited to the individual. Cost benefit analysis in certain cities show that the population can save millions of dollars in health care costs if they invest in bicycle infrastructure. This is because cyclists are more productive and take fewer sick days compared to people who don’t exercise at all.

Cycling Can Help You Lose Weight

Cycling helps increase your heart rate, which boosts your metabolism and helps you burn ​fat. The number of calories you burn depends on the terrain and your speed. However, on average, a person burns as many calories cycling as he does jogging. Fortunately, cycling is a low impact sport that is a lot kinder to people who are a bit on the heavier side.

If you are not very fit, you should try cycling for weight loss, as most of your weight is supported by the saddle. If you are just starting out, one of the best bike riding tips for beginners is to start slowly and to pace yourself in order to reduce the chances of burnout. As you get stronger and fitter, you can challenge yourself by conquering hills and rough terrain.

Improved Physical Health

Forget apples! Cycling every day can literally help keep the doctor away. Studies show that cycling can help improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, and reduce the risk of suffering from diabetes. There is also some evidence to show that cycling can help reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer.

Improved Mental Health

Research has shown that daily ​cycling can help boost your brain power, sharpen your memory, and reduce cognitive decline. It is also a great form of aerobic exercise, and can help improve reaction times and boost creative thinking. Cycling has also been known to relieve the symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

You can pace back and forth in your office all day, but nothing beats the calming effect and the repetitive action of pedaling your bicycle. Cycling helps organize and clear your thoughts and make them more manageable. As a form of exercise, it also helps your brain release feel-good endorphins, which make you feel happier.

It Can Help You Get To Your Destination Faster

Get ready for envious looks from drivers stuck in traffic jams. As a cyclist, you can whiz through traffic and get to your destination in record time. This is especially the case if you live in an urban environment, where most drivers are stuck in bumber-to-bumper traffic. Furthermore, you don’t have to spend up to ten minutes looking for a parking spot, as you can simply lock your bike on the nearest pole.

It’s Environmentally Friendly

Need to reduce your carbon footprint? Then get pedaling. There are zero emissions from cycling, making it an environmentally sustainable form of transport. The production and use of motor vehicles is responsible for about 30-percent of all greenhouse emissions. Furthermore, since you are the one who powers your bicycle, you reduce over-dependence on harmful and non-renewable energy sources.

It’s Ideal for People of All Fitness Levels and Ages

Cycling is a low-impact sport, making it ideal for people of all fitness levels and ages. Unlike running, cycling does not put a lot of stress on your joints, making it suitable for people with joint problems such as osteoarthritis. Cycling is also ideal for people who are at risk of cardiovascular diseases, as it improves their heart rate and circulation.

Riding your bicycle is a comfortable form of exercise for people who are obese, and it can actually help them shed some weight. Individuals who are cycling for weight loss should start slowly and combine it with a healthy diet to notice results. Riding a bicycle is also easier on your feet, your knees, and your legs, making it a great form of exercise for people recovering from injuries.

As you age, you may have to kiss certain forms of exercise, such as weightlifting, goodbye. However, you never have to say goodbye to cycling, and you can actually ride your bike for the rest of your life.

Helps You Discover Your Surroundings

Walking and running are great ways to explore your surroundings, but you can go further on a bicycle. Riding the open countryside gives you the feeling of freedom, and helps you discover parts of your neighborhood that you wouldn’t have noticed if you were driving your vehicle.

Furthermore, commuting by car reduces your trips to the same routes. If you use a bicycle, you can explore new bike trails and routes that get you to your destination while showing you an unexplored part of your town or neighborhood.

Via adventurejay.com

Great Form of Exercise

Most people have very little time to head to the gym for a proper workout. Between work, family, and business, it can be hard to squeeze in most forms of exercise. Fortunately, cycling is a great way to kill several birds with one stone, as it is a legitimate form of both travel and exercise. You can burn as much as 500 calories on a five-mile commute, making cycling a great way to stay active without dedicating a specific block of time to exercising.

Safety

The more people take up cycling, the safer the roads will be. This is because there will be fewer fatal collisions when more people ride their bikes to work or school. Furthermore, a 2008 study by the University of New South Wales showed that motorists drive more safely when there are more pedestrians and cyclists on the road. This creates a virtuous cycle that makes the roads safer for everyone involved.

Conclusion

The reasons why bike riding is good for you cannot be over-emphasized. Whether you’d like to hop on a bike to lose weight, exercise, or explore nature, you’ll feel a lot better after cycling.

The tires of your bike have the most significant effect when it comes to performance and handling. It’s possible to have the highest quality brakes, shifters, and frame, but your bike will still handle poorly if your tires are no longer suited for the terrain.

Since bike tires can be very expensive, most cyclists would rather make the most out of their existing tires. However, there are certain cases when the only option is to get a fresh set of rubber. This is why you need to know when to replace bike tires.

Wear and Tear – Your Biggest Enemy

Most of the times that you’ll need to replace the tires of your bikes are when they are too worn out to function properly. However, you have to know the right signs of wear and tear or you’re just replacing your bike’s tires sooner than you should. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to look for replacements as soon as possible.

Regularly Flat Tire

Tires are designed to be tough; a flat tire can easily be fixed with a flat tire kit and a trip to the tire shop later on, but this shouldn’t happen on a regular basis. If you happen to experience flat tires just a short time after the last patch job, it’s a sure sign that your tire’s overall integrity is failing and they have to be changed.

Via pbs.twimg.com

Cracks on the Surface

While it’s common for bike tires to get scratched up, older ones tend to lose their flexibility and become brittle over time. These cracks are easiest to spot on your tire’s sidewall and on the treads. Once these cracks show up, it’s already too late and the tires’ exterior are already weakened.

Smooth Treads

The treads on your bike’s tires are specially designed to provide enough traction on the road. However, these treads are worn down after constantly grinding against the asphalt or rocky surfaces. Bike tires with smooth treads are very dangerous, since they are very likely to cause your bike to slip and fall, especially on wet terrain or when making high-speed turns.

Via farm7.static.flickr.com

Bulges or Bumps

Bike tires must have consistent thickness all around to ensure a smooth ride. If you’re feeling a regular bumping sensation even when riding on ​roads that are smooth, it’s a sign that air is pushing through a weakened part of the tire. This is even more dangerous than having worn-out treads because the tire may burst any moment.

Via i29.tinypic.com

Visible Casing

The casing is the only thing separating the tube from the exterior. This part of the tires is not designed to get in contact with the road. If you’re riding a bike with tires that have visible casing, you need to get off of it and get the tires replaced immediately.

Via i.imgur.com

Age

Even tires that don’t get subjected to wear and tear may have to be replaced. If you haven’t used your bike for over a month, you may want to check the tires before riding it again; rubber can become hard and brittle over time and catch you off-guard by blowing out even if your tires look like they’ve been barely used.

Other Reasons

Sometimes, it’s not just about the condition of your bike’s tires. There are other situations when you’d want a new set of tires before riding your bike.

Cosmetics

While cosmetics may be a subjective area, many bikers value the appearance of their rides. If you are one of those who value both form and function, the best way to get a matching set of tires is by replacing both front and back wheel tires at the same time.

Via cxmagazine.com

Terrain

Some types of bike tires are designed to perform better on certain terrain. Planning on taking on a challenging dirt trail? Switch to wider tires with deep treads. Need something for the smooth, open road? Swap the pair for something with more even treads for better road traction.

Maintenance

Not all tires are made equal, which means some tires would wear out slower than others. This greatly depends on your riding habits; it won’t be much of a problem if you’re a casual cyclist, but you’d want to switch to more durable high-end tires if you’re the type who goes on extended rides every weekend unless you want to deal with worn-out tires on a regular basis.

Personal Ride Preference

Personal preference is a major deciding factor when switching tires. You can have bike tires that are suitable for the terrain but cycling isn’t fun if you feel that the tires are still a bit too heavy or are not responsive enough.

Changing the Tire Pressure

You can also change your tire’s performance without having to replace them. By adjusting the pressure, you can customize your bike tires’ traction, bounciness, and overall handling. This takes some experimentation; try different tire pressures on your front and back tires until you find a comfortable setting.

Most people are familiar with the thought of assembling bicycles before taking them out for a ride, but there are times when some of the parts have to be taken apart. This is especially true when it comes to the bike’s pedals, which also happen to be trickier than they look.

​There are plenty of reasons why bike pedals have to be removed. Despite being one of the smaller bike components, they tend to stick out to the sides, and can still add to clutter when storing the bike. When mounted on the back of a vehicle, the pedals can come in contact with the hood, scratching and damaging the vehicle’s paintjob.

One of the most common reasons why bike pedals have to be removed is for shipping ​a bike. The bike itself must be small enough to fit in a box, and it is only possible by removing all the parts that stick out of it, including the pedals.

In some cases, the bike pedals have to be removed for maintenance purposes. This is especially true for mountain or hybrid bikes, where the mud can get into hard to reach gaps that even a narrow cleaning brush can’t get into. Stock pedals also have to be removed when upgrading them to aftermarket parts.

Regardless of the reason, taking the pedals off a bike has to be done properly. Carelessly pulling or forcing the pedals off the peg can cause damage to the pedals and the bike itself. Although removing the pedals isn’t a straightforward process, it’s still a relatively simple task as long as the right tools are available.

Important – Although pedals are available in all shapes and sizes, they can be categorized into pedals that can be loosened or tightened with an Allen wrench or a standard wrench. We’ll get into more detail later on in this guide.

Benefits of Proper Pedal Removal

Not all cyclists are aware of it, but properly removing a pedal actually has a few benefits

• Less wear and tear on the crank arm tread – this is very important since it can be difficult to secure even a new set of pedals with a worn-out crank arm tread
• Removed pedal will stay in good condition and can be reused
• ​Proper removal means easy cleanup before installation of new pedals
• Less chances of misaligned pedals caused by worn-out treads after reinstallation

1. Know the Material and Treading

Different materials used for making pedals can pose different sets of problems. For example, stock pedals on low-end bikes are usually made of plastic, but the crank arms are made of aluminum or steel. If removed the wrong way, the treads on the pedals themselves can get severely damaged. The opposite can happen with steel pedals, which can damage the tread on the crank arms.

Via singletracks.com

Another thing to keep in mind when taking the pedals off the bike is that the left and right pedals have opposing treads. The right pedal loosens if turned counterclockwise, while the left one loosens if turned clockwise. Pedals are made this way to prevent the left pedal from accidentally getting loosened and falling off while on the road.

2. Get the Right Tools

While most pedals can be loosened with an Allen or standard wrench (depending on how it is secured), there are also specialized pedal wrenches. Pedal wrenches are narrower than usual for extra reach and feature longer handles for better leverage.

Via ae01.alicdn.com

Conventional wrenches may be too short, but a simple trick can fix that problem: by slipping a hollow pipe on one end of the wrench, it’s possible to “extend” the handle length and gain that last bit of leverage needed to properly loosen the pedals.

Choosing between an Allen and a standard wrench is the easy part: if the pedals have flat spots on the axle near the crank arms, it can be loosened with a standard wrench. Otherwise, the pedals will have a whole or engraving at the end of each pedal’ axle, and can only be opened with an Allen wrench.

3. Secure the Bike

One of the most common mistakes when taking the pedals of the bike is failing to secure the bike. When turning the wrench, the pedal and the crank arm may go with the wrench as it turns, causing the wheel to move and the bike to fall down. This can not only cause damage to the bike but also cause minor injuries.

Via i.ytimg.com

Another common mistake is forgetting to shift to one of the larger chainrings. The pedals are very easy to move when at the smallest chainring. Accidentally pushing on the pedals while trying to work on the pedals can send the crank arm reeling; this can cause a hand to slip into the sharp gear teeth.

Some will recommend removing the chain altogether to help keep grease off the hands and arms, but this could make the pedal swing in free motion and may end up being more dangerous unless there is some other way to secure the crank arm axle.

Removing other parts of the bike may be necessary to get the components out of the way. These parts include the bike stand, chain guard (rare), and even bottle holders. However, this isn’t always the case, since these parts are usually well away from the pedal.

4. Lubricate the Pedals

Pedals that are caked with mud and rust or stuck because of freezing temperatures can be very difficult to remove even with the right tools. While some may consider warming up the pedals with a blowtorch but the lack of experience may lead to overheating and warping the crank arms. Instead, one can use penetrating oil to help ease up the pedal before attempting to turn the axle with a wrench.

Via sportivecyclist.com/

If there’s need for more leverage, the crank arms themselves may have to be removed from the bike with the pedals still attached and secured to a vise. This allows a wider range of movement and force without the danger of moving the bike (although putting them back will require extra work).

5. Turn the Wrench

Because the crank arm and pedals are not stable, extra care must be taken when turning the wrench. When using a standard wrench, it’s best to have it at a small angle, slightly parallel to the crank arm for better stability. However, there must be some distance between the wrench handle and the crank arm so the wrench can still twist the pedals loose.

Via cdn.bicyclethailand.com/

Although some force may be required to loosen a stubbornly locked pedal, it’s important to avoid putting too much effort on turning the wrench. The wrench may accidentally get knocked loose from the pedal and the extra force can cause it to hit something else, or the momentum from turning the wrench can knock one off-balance and get injured.

Replacing the Pedals

Now that the pedals are removed, the only thing left to do is have them replaced. This is the perfect opportunity to make the process of removing the pedal easier next time it has to be done. Here are a few general tips on putting the pedals ON the bike:

1. Tighten Them Just Enough

Tightening the pedals too much not only makes it more difficult to take the pedals off the next time, but also causes unnecessary wear and tear on the treads. It’s important that the pedals are locked in just tight enough to avoid loosening without being too tight.

2. Lubricating before installation

Unnecessary friction can also cause the pedals to get stuck. Fortunately, this can be avoided by adding lubricant on the treads before the pedals are installed. However, too much lubricant can “leak” outside the joint and cause dirt and debris to stick so excess lubricant must be wiped clean.

3. Start with the Hands

A good way to speed up the installation process is by making the first few turns into the axle by hand. This also makes it easier to tell if the pedal is already getting to the right tightness. Once turning by hand is no longer possible, the pedals can then be turned using the wrench until it’s sufficiently locked in.

4. Checking the Pedal

A poorly installed pedal may not be properly aligned with the crank arms. Over time, uneven force on the pedal can bend or warp the treads. This can be checked by listening for subtle clicking or ticking sounds as the pedal turns. If the pedal is making a lot of noise, it should be removed and reinstalled properly.

Removing the pedals is one of the things that any cyclist must learn. By being aware of the proper steps, it’s possible to extend the pedals’ lifespan, as well as the rest of the bike. Do you have any experiences related to taking off your bike’s pedals? Share it with us thru the comments section.

Picture this: you’re all set for the next cycling trip with your buddies in this awesome location a long distance away from your home. You already planned your riding route, prepared all the necessary gear, and even thought of what to call your next big adventure so you have something to name your online album later on. However, there’s just one problem: you can’t get your bike there on your own. What’s your best option?

Get your bike in a box and ship it.

Yes, seriously. Bike in a box.

For those new to the cycling community, having your bike shipped may seem like a bad idea. Yes, we all love our bikes and we wouldn’t want to part with them, but experienced cyclists know that it’s actually a practical way to get bikes where you need them. Shipping a bike means you get to avoid the following.

• Spending a lot on fuel because you’re driving a car with your bike on it
• ​Bringing less stuff along the trip because your bike added to the baggage (especially if airplane trips are involved).
• ​Getting your bike damaged or scratched up by something along the way
• A very high risk of your bike getting stolen or lost along the trip

With so many possible stress-inducing scenarios, I’d be surprised if you still had it in you to ride the bike once you get there. What else are you going to do? Buy a new bike then and there? You’d still have to take it back home afterward. Bike in a box it is!

Tips on Shipping Your Bike

Shipping a bike works wonders, but you have to make sure you do it properly. You have two options: have professional bike shippers do all the work for you or handle the packaging part yourself. The first one’s pretty straightforward, so we’re going to focus on the second option because it’s a)cheaper and b) gives you more shipping options.

1. Get a box

Because most people prefer having their bike assembled at the bike shop, getting the right box size is just a matter of going to your local bike shop and asking if they have one to spare (they either sell it for cheap or just give the ones left behind). If you can’t get a box for bikes, you can also use wide boxes from larger, flat screen TVs.

Found a box that’s a bit too big for your bike? You can trim it down by cutting along the corner edges of the box. This will make the flaps longer (they will overlap when closed), so you may have to cut the excess away. This may not seem like much until you get to the third step in which you…

2. Estimate the cost

Most shipping companies have a calculator on their website that can help you get an idea of how much it will take to ship your bike. You’ll need to figure out the size of the box and the overall weight of the packaged bike. Fortunately, bikes are relatively light for their size. Yay for aluminum and carbon frames!

3. Take Your Bike Apart

Unless you’re willing to pay for a big enough box (why would you?), the best way to fit your bike in a smaller box is by disassembling it. You can either have it disassembled at a bike shop, but most bikes today are easy to disassemble even without the help of a professional.

Necessary tools depend on the bike you’re shipping; you can get away with just a multi-tool and the right size of Allen wrench with most modern bikes. Older bikes may require the use of screwdrivers, but you’ll rarely need a heavy tool for taking a bike apart.

Start with parts that may cause the bike to stick out. The most obvious ones are the wheels, the handlebars, the seat, and the pedals. Parts that are mounted within the frame like the bottle cage don’t take up that much space, so removing those are optional unless you’re using a very small box.

4. Sealing and Labeling Your Package

Now that your bike’s in a box, all that’s left is to seal it. Packaging tape is cheap and effective so don’t feel bad about using too much. Tape everything; tape the box flaps, the edges, any seams, then tape them again just to be sure. The more tape you use, the more secure your bike is.

JUST MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EVERYTHING INSIDE BEFORE SEALING THE BOX. I once forgot to put the bike saddle inside and I had to cut and reseal the box a second time which is such a waste of good tape (plus the box looked ugly).

Having the details on the shipping label isn’t enough since it could get detached while on the way. Use a permanent marker to write the following info on the box itself:

• Destination address
• Return address
• ​Your name
• Contact number

That’s it! You can finally have your bike shipped to your destination and have it available by the time you need it. I’m guessing you won’t be there forever, so you may want to recycle the box for the return trip. Now that everything’s taken care of, all you need to do is prepare yourself for your next adventure!

In the past, carrying a child while riding a bike was generally viewed as a bad idea. After all, bikes were meant to be ridden solo or with another adult. The most common option was to have them stand on the back, with feet on the pegs.

I can’t help but think this option can be very dangerous since there’s not much for the child to step on, or they may have trouble holding on to something. Children can also get rowdy and move around too much, distracting the rider from focusing on the road or even cause the bike to lose its balance and ​potentially cause an injury.

Thanks to cycling’s ever-growing popularity and the demand for safer options for children, there are now plenty of better, safer ways to bring a child along for the ride. We’ll take a look at four of the most popular ways to carry a child on your bike, and what each option is best for.

Warning! – While these options are highly recommended, avoid riding with children younger than 12 months old or as long as the child can’t support their head while sitting upright.

Child Bike Seats

Child seats are the lightest (and most affordable) option for avid parent cyclists. Child seats are mounted either on the just behind the handlebars (front mounted) or behind the rider seat (rear mounted). Child seats feature safety belts or harnesses to keep children secured and have back rests and padding to provide both support and comfort.

Via origin.bibaleze.si

Choosing between front and rear-mounted child seats depends on the age of the child. Front-mounted child seats are great for smaller children since they can get a good view of what’s ahead of them, while rear-mounted ones are better for slightly older children (around 3-5 years old) because too much weight on the front can affect the steering.

Trailers

Trailers are basically wagons attached to your bike. Some trailers are covered with mesh windows to protect the child from dust or debris while still providing a good view. Others can be fully closed to keep the inside dry during very sunny or rainy days. Depending on the trailer model, the trailer can be a solo seater or have an extra chair to accommodate another child.

Via i0.wp.com

Trailers are great for children because there’s plenty of room inside for toys or other stuff that they can play with. Cushions provide plenty of support and can even let them sleep while on the go. Because trailers are attached to bikes via a swiveling hitch, they won’t roll over in case the bike loses its balance and tips to one side.

Cargo and Box Bikes

Originally meant for transporting cargo, parents have learned to use cargo and freight bikes to carry children with them during their cycling trips. Essentially bikes with boxes at the front, a box bike (or a “Bakfiet” as people call it as a nod to their Dutch origins) gets its stability from having two wheels on both sides of the box, although some models don’t have those wheels.

Via christianiabikesuk.com

Of all the possible child-carrying options, I think box bikes are unmatched in terms of safety and cargo space. The box has enough room for 2-4 children and the front-loaded 2-wheel box also means the rider won’t have to worry about getting caught off-balance. Riding a box bike may get some time to get used to, but they are worth the trouble, especially for parents bringing two or more children with them on a regular basis.

Tagalongs and Tandem Bikes

Tagalongs and tandem bikes are like smaller, individual bikes attached to a larger bike. These options work best for older children (5-6 years) because a child will be sitting on a smaller seat with minimal support. Tagalongs are bolted to the back of regular bikes, while tandem bikes are specially designed with frames designed for two people.

Via hikeandbikeholidays.com

Tagalongs and tandem bikes aren’t just a great option for bringing a child along for the ride; they are also great for giving the children the experience of riding their own bike without the risk of them veering off course. Because these options feature a handlebar in front of the child, it can help them get used to riding their own bike one day.

Which option works best? – A Quick Guide

All four options are viable, but they work best if they are appropriate for the child. I made a quick list to help you find out which option to go for.

Seats – 1-5 years old

Trailers – 1-6 years old, 2 children

Box/Cargo – any age, 2 or more children

Tagalong/Tandem – 4 (6 for tandem) – adulthood

Which option are you planning to take? Let us know by leaving a comment below!