Bike Sleuth

Are you looking to get more than just fresh air and exercise out of your biking commute? If you said yes, then you may want to upgrade your bike with a GreenWheel. It’s not the type of wheel that you could use on your road bike for competitive racing and it would be impractical on a mountain bike for rough trail riding, but works perfectly for those most practical pedal-powered commuter bikes. With the GreenWheel, you’ll be able to generate electric power, as well as store it and even use it as an electric motor. This would make your bike and your commute even more productive and environmentally friendly.

The GreenWheel was developed at MIT and was designed so that all of its parts are enclosed within the actual wheel with the exception of the throttle. As it has a universal design, it can be installed any just about any bike frame or wheel size, but should be done by someone with at least some moderate technical knowledge as it requires shorter spokes. If installation is beyond your technical abilities, then just about any local bike shop should be able to set you up and have you riding out on a new GreenWheel. Whether you have a GreenWheel installed on just the front, the back or both wheels is up to you.

A fully charged GreenWheel has a range of about 25 miles, but not when traveling at the top speed of 30 mph. However, you can easily double your range with some simple pedaling to charge it. As well as pedaling to charge this wheel, you can also plug it into any ordinary outlet as well. If you’re worried about the life of the GreenWheel, testing shows that it has a total lifetime of about 40,000 miles or about 8 years on a 20 mile daily commute. That’s plenty of time for some fully charged riding, and you could expect that there will be newer, more efficient versions of the GreenWheel by the time you’re ready for another commuter bike.

Children and older bike riders may get the most benefit from retrofitting a bicycle with the GreenWheel, but may also convert a few die-hard car drivers to taking up a bicycle commute a little more often. Discovery had the chance to test the GreenWheel and you can find more information about this bike wheel development at Discovery’s website.

Nirve Chopper Series - Switchblade Three Speed Cruiser Bike

Usually when people think of riding on a cruiser bicycle; they are not imagining a bicycle that is particularly stylish, but something their parents may have ridden. Although many people may imagine a bike from Leave it to Beaver, we can assure you that the Beaver never road a cruiser bike like this. This cruiser has the distinct look of a chopper motorcycle, and is part of the Chopper Series of bicycles from Nirve.

The Switchblade is this bike’s name and cruising in cool style is it’s game. Everything about this bike looks retro including the front fender, the chrome plated double crown chopper fork, the double spring saddle with matching hand grips, scalloped rear fender and wide tires. Although this is a bike that is truly old school in style and even comes with a kickstand, which is something you probably haven’t seen since you were a kid, it does have some modern touches like 3-speed gearing and front disc brake. You will definitely have fun riding this chopper-style bike as well as turn a few heads in the process.

CLICK HERE to buy the Nirve Switchblade cruiser bike from Randall Scott.

Lazer Chrono 3 Helmet

We all know how important it is to be safe when riding our bikes, and head injuries are always the most serious, so you should always wear a helmet in case of an accident. Even if you’re in a road race and looking to make great time, you should ride with a helmet especially when it can make you even more aerodynamic. If you’re looking for performance as well as safety in a helmet for road racing, then look no further than Lazer Chrono 3.

Although your goal may be to reduce your wind-resistance, safety is the main purpose for having a helmet. The Chrono 3 helmet does both by keeping your head safe with multi-impact protection using a rigid cage, and is ready for competitive cycling as it has been wind tunnel tested for time-trial racing. Safety doesn’t mean that you have to live with discomfort, because the Chrono 3 is highly ventilated with 19 vents to keep you cool along with Coolmax pads for a soft touch. An aerodynamic helmet should be on the head of every cyclist, or at least on their wish list.

It’s always better to be safe, especially when it can increase your cycling aerodynamics, which is what you will experience with the added safety of the Lazer Chrono 3 helmet.

CLICK HERE to buy the Lazer Chrono 3 helmet now.

2008 Iron Horse Sunday Mountain Bike Factory Frame Kit

If you’re the type of person that has to build their bike from the ground up, then you know the first step is getting the perfect frame kit to begin with. When it comes to building mountain bikes, there’s a lot to like about a specific frame from Iron Horse. The mountain bike frame kit that you’ll want to start with is the 2008 Sunday, because of its reputation in the downhill racing circuit from world championships, world cup victories, national championships to many other wins on the regional and local levels. This frame is sought after by professionals and amateurs alike based on its solid performance.

When you’re building your new mountain bike you’ll be glad you chose a frame with this pedigree. Depending on the size, the Iron Horse Sunday frame can be 3/4 of a pound to 1 pound lighter than World Cup frame, which gives you an even greater weight advantage. As we know how rough the trails can be, with this frame you’ll get a FOX DHX 5.0 coil rear suspension spring that can accommodate 300 lbs. for a smooth ride downhill, especially if you choose to match it with comparable suspension fork. With a frame of this quality you’ll be able to build a world-class mountain bike to your needs. Available in black or white, you can check out Randall Scott’s website for more specs on the 2008 Iron Horse Sunday Frame Kit.

Click here to buy the 2008 Iron Horse Sunday Frame Kit from Randall Scott now.

TITUS X CARBON XTR BIKE ‘09

No matter where you go riding, it’s always more fun to choose your own trails with the confidence in knowing that your bike will help get you through even the roughest parts. Having a bike that is designed for hard trail riding while being light and durable is key. The X CARBON XTR was designed to be lightweight and sturdy with a monocoque carbon frame and carbon seatpost that can stand up to the riggors of the roughest terrain you choose. This 2009 model year mountain bike from Titus has more than just a light frame, because this full suspension bike comes complete with Shimano XTR components including hydraulic disc brakes that will let you stop on a dime. When you’re riding the Titus X Carbon XTR you’ll be sure to opt for the rougher and more difficult trails with its proven Horst Link Suspension system and Fox Racing F100 RLC fork that work together making even the most abrupt brake bumps smooth. This bike is top-notch all the way, from the careful frame design to the featured components including DT Swiss rims, hubs and spokes, the Kenda Nevegal tires, Maxm MX-5 handlebar to the Fizik Gobi XM saddle along with every other component. So if you’re looking for a bike that will let you choose your trail, no matter how difficult, buy the Titus X Carbon XTR 2009 Mountain Bike and see the difference a bike can make.

Click here to buy the Titus X Carbon XTR 2009 Mountain Bike now at JensonUSA

If you’re looking to buy yourself a new bicycle before the year is out or are looking for a bicycle as a gift for someone on your Christmas list, then you’ll love the discounts that are on hand Jenson USA. However, you’re not limited to just buying complete bicycles as you’ll find accessories and components at every price level with huge discounts that you’ll welcome at this time of year. Many of these discounts are available through early January, so you’ll have plenty of time to take advantage of these huge savings for all of your biking needs.

For those enduring road racers, you’ll find top of the line road bikes with huge savings so you can afford to ride in every race you want on the bike that you’ve always wanted. Mountain bikers are a going to appreciate the varying trail bikes from hard tails to full suspension with savings so steep that are reminiscent of the most treacherous drop-offs you’ll ever come across. These discounts aren’t limited to bikers that compete in long and tough rides, because the casual bike rider will find classic cruising bicycles that are meant for leisurely rides.

As well as the bicycles themselves, you’ll be able to save on the accessories that make your bike unique and comfortable to ride, whether it’s high-end brakes, cranks and wheels or just the standard safety equipment like helmets. You’ll also find great deals on other bike parts, accessories and tools to keep your ride in top condition. So if a new pedal-powered ride is on your wish list or have a bike in mind for someone else then make sure you take advantage of these holiday discounts.

Remember, if there is someone you know who is trying to go green, looking to curb their transportation expenses or wanting to get into better physical condition then bicycles are the perfect gift and cover all of the above needs. Cycling in itself is the solution to multiple problems that face modern society as well as being a great recreational activity that the entire family can enjoy. Here are some of the great savings you can expect for Jenson USA this holiday season, so you’ll have an excuse for a little extra Christmas shopping this year.

Selle San Marco Magma MG Saddle

When the average person takes a quick glance at bicycle, they may notice an aerodynamic road bike, a hard-tail or full-suspension mountain bike as well as few of the components, but may not think twice about the seat. Although your bike seat may not get much attention, it may be one of the most important components you have, as it needs to be durable for distant rides in less than desirable conditions, and it needs to keep you comfortable as well. Fortunately, there are saddle makers, like Selle San Marco, that know all to well the importance of a good bike seat. With the Magma MG Saddle, you’ll get the durability and comfort you require for those enduring bike rides, no matter if your in a triathlon, extended road race or on a casual ride. This is the padded version of Magma MGC saddle allowing for better comfort with Lorica cover on Titanox (hollow stainless steel) rails. When you’re an avid rider, then you really understand the importance of a good, and so does Selle San Marco. So if your road bike is in need of a new saddle, then you’ll appreciate the light and comfortable ride you’ll experience on the Selle San Marco Magma MG Saddle.

2008 Eddy Merckx Carbon AXM Road Bike (Professional Race)

If you’re looking to ride like a champion on every road then you’ll need a bike that’s built for a champion, which is exactly what you’ll get with this road bike from Eddy Merckx. When you want a bicycle that’s truly meant for the ultimate in road performance, then you need not look any further than the Carbon AXM. Now in its 25th year, the Eddy Merckx Carbon AXM has a durable and light monocoque frameset that doesn’t require the need of any internal or external reinforcements allowing it to deliver a smooth and quiet ride. The frame is made from titanium along with 100 plus layers of various grades of carbon fiber and kevlar which is complimented with an integrated full carbon fork, seatpost and headset that makes this bike superior in its stability, particularly at high speeds. This 2008 bike offers more than just a light, carbon frame that delivers quality and performance that’s easy to ride, it also offers the rider an optimum balance of comfort and safety thanks to the curvilinear seat stays. Since being painstakingly crafted for the ultimate in road performance, you’ll notice that the Eddy Merckx Carbon AXM packages include top-of-the-line Campagnolo and Shimano components that will have you riding at competitive levels. When it comes to the design and component details, this road bike has left nothing to chance, because it’s ready to perform. You will be able to ride like a champion in comfort and style at high performance speeds when you’re on the 2008 Eddy Merckx Carbon AXM Road Bike.

CAMPAGNOLO GHIBLI DISC TUBULAR WHEEL

When it comes to competitive cycling, you’ll want to have every possible advantage you can to make sure that your the first rider over the finish line. Even if you’re riding the lightest bicycle you’ll still encounter plenty of wind resistance not just from you yourself, but also from your bike’s components. Bicycle wheels can create much of the drag based on each spoke adding to your overall wind resistance that means you have to work harder every time you crank your pedals. Campagnolo is intent on helping you beat this wind resistance with a light disc rear wheel. As this rear wheel is a doubled disc, it has no spokes and the air flows around it smoothly creating less drag that allows you to cut through the wind much easier. The Ghibli disc wheel features a tubular design that makes it both smooth as well as fast. To make sure that you get the best benefit from the Campagnolo Ghibli, it requires the use of a Ghibli cassette on a Campagnolo 10 speed system to ensure proper functionality. This rear wheel accommodates a rim braking system and comes with quick release. Don’t let wind resistance hold you back on your next bike ride by making sure that your bike is equipped with the Campagnolo Ghibli Disc Tubular Wheel.

TRIKKE Carving Vehicles

Although we normally talk about bicycling (two-wheeling) in its many forms, there is a 3-wheeled conveyance that could qualify as cycling even though there is no pedaling involved. Yes, a 3-wheeler or tricycle, but better known as a carving vehicle. You may have seen this product advertised on late-night television, the Trikke, and although it doesn’t technically fit squarely into the bicycle culture it is a very compelling and fun ride that is human-powered. Unlike your standard bicycle you’ll be required to use your entire body to keep the Trikke moving on a flat surface or even uphill. When riding on the Trikke, your leaning body movements from side to side, much like carving down a ski slope, to propel this carving vehicle forward allowing you to reach a fast pace quite easily for long distances. The Trikke provides an amazing workout that is also exceptionally fun and will have you moving at a fast clip along the road depending on how active you like to be. This is a ride that is extremely low impact and will work those muscles that may sometimes neglected during your conventional bike riding. Riding the Trikke may very well be the best way to compliment your normal cycling activities in an equally exhilarating way and may help you become more physically fit for competitive cycling. If you like cycling for the freedom, fun and exercise it provides, you may like the idea of riding the Trikke for the same benefits but with a different feel.