Sunday, February 15, 2009

Mongoose Strike Boy's 20-Inch BMX Bike

Mongoose Strike Boy's 20-Inch BMX Bike Tear up the road, field, and woods, with the Mongoose Strike Boy's 20-inch BMX Bike. Built for all terrain riding, the Mongoose can handle rugged rock and mud surfaces, urban skate parks, and vigorous back yard riding. With BMX knobby tires, the bike can maintain traction no matter where you go, and the handcrafted, high-tensile steel frame and jumping fork are designed to handle tough use, and as many tricks as you have up your sleeve.

The Mongoose Strike is equipped with strong and reliable front caliper brakes and rear V-brakes for extreme stopping power for safe riding. The tough aluminum alloy rims will stand up to impact, and have a solid braking surface that will not rust. The BMX knobby tires with small raised knobs that grip the surface, provide plenty of traction for stable off road riding. With a BMX style padded seat for protection from hard riding and a chain guard that keeps shoe laces from getting stuck in the chain ring, the Strike is equipped to keep young adventurers safe and secure on the bike.

Specifications:

  • Bike Type: BMX
  • Bike Frame Material: high-tensile steel
  • Front Brake: Caliper Brake
  • Rear Brake: V-Brake
  • Fork Type: Hi-Tensile
  • Saddle: BMX Padded
  • Rims: Alloy made from aluminum
  • Tire Type: Knobby
  • Chain Guard
  • Bike Gender: Boy's
  • Bike Wheel Size: 20 Inches
  • Some Assembly Required

About Mongoose
In 1974, BMX Products, Inc., later to be known as Mongoose Bicycles, launched from a humble garage. The first of its kind, the BMX bicycle was named after bicycle motocross and was designed to fit the needs of the rough-and-tumble dirt-racing pastime that took its toll on wheels and bicycles. The heavy-duty, one-piece cast-aluminum Mongoose Motomag wheel was soon born, and it was the first competition-ready BMX bicycle available. Skip Hess, while in Australia pursuing his motor sports passion, came into contact with a strange and unusual cat-size animal--the mongoose. Known for its passive nature while unprovoked, yet vicious and aggressive enough to kill a threatening Cobra twice its size, the Mongoose impressed Hess, who quickly registered the Mongoose trademark for his new bicycle racing frame.

The Expert BMX bicycle model, which is still a cornerstone of the Mongoose BMX line today, was introduced in 1980. Shortly after, Mongoose captured the first ever ABA National #1 Cruiser Title. Previously known for the 20-inch bicycle, this title signaled the re-direction of Mongoose bicycles to larger-wheeled, adult-sized models. Several years later, Mongoose continues to dominate the cruiser racing circuit with six National No. 1 Cruiser titles, leading to the introduction of adult-sized Mongoose all-terrain bicycles (ATBs).

In 1992, Mongoose pioneered the full-suspension market with the introduction of the Amplifier. This design is still the most-copied suspension design in the market. Several year later, Mongoose launched the Newman adult bicycle frame, which is proven to be 15% stronger than any other bike frame in the market. The design, while functionally sound, also raised eyebrows because of its distinctive look.

In the next few years, Mongoose increased its marketing focus to dominate the bicycle industry, and more important, extend beyond it. The Mongoose brand marketing initiative makes more than 100 million impressions. Mongoose’s brand awareness increased by over 130% in 1999 and solidifies the No. 2 market share position in units and dollars. Mongoose was acquired by Pacific Cycle, LLC, and continues to grow and prosper with more than 40 models of BMX, mountain, trail, freestyle, jumping, comfort, road, and cyclocross bikes.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide

Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

  • Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
  • Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
  • Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

  • Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
  • Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
  • High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

  • Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
  • Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
  • Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:

  • Helmet (this is a must!)
  • Seat pack
  • Lock
  • Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
  • Spare tubes
  • Portable bike pump
  • Gloves

Huffy Blackwater Women's 26-Inch Mountain Bike

Huffy Blackwater Women's 26-Inch Mountain Bike Enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank with the Huffy Blackwater women's 26-inch mountain bike. Crafted around a sturdy steel frame and rigid fork, the bike is ultra-versatile, letting you cruise smoothly through the forest or on the pavement. The FIS thumb shifters, meanwhile, make it easy to change between the 15 gears, with hand-operated steel side-pull brakes providing reliable braking power. Other details include a Falcon rear derailleur, a padded saddle that encourages longer rides, a kickstand, and steel rims for added durability. Huffy bikes carry a lifetime warranty on the frame and a six-month warranty on all components.

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide

Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

  • Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
  • Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
  • Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

  • Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
  • Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
  • High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

  • Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
  • Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
  • Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:

  • Helmet (this is a must!)
  • Seat pack
  • Lock
  • Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
  • Spare tubes
  • Portable bike pump
  • Gloves

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Kent Sierra Madre Men's Comfort Bike

Kent Sierra Madre Men's Comfort Bike

The Kent Sierra Madre Men's 26-Inch Comfort Bike has an 18-inch lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with dual suspension to absorb shock and offer a smoother ride. The bike features a high-quality Shimano Revo Megarange Gripshifters and a 21-speed index which makes it easy to ride on a variety of grades and terrains. And the ProMax linear pull brakes combine strong power with light lever action so you can stop on a dime. Its adjustable alloy stem ensures a proper fit and its soft saddle ensures a comfortable ride.

About Kent Bicycles
A family-owned company, Kent's history dates back to the early 1900s when the current President's grandfather immigrated to the United States and got a job working for the owner of a bike shop in New York. During the process of restoring old bike frames, a love for cycling was born. In 1909, he opened his own bike shop on the Lower East Side of the city. This small bike shop led to a larger store in New Jersey where his father developed his own passion for the business. In 1947 he was inspired to start his own company, Philkam Cycle, supplying bikes and parts to stores all over the Eastern part of the United States. In 1958, the company changed its name to Kent International and has been supplying Kent products to fun-loving parents and their children across the nation ever since.

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

  • Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
  • Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
  • Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

  • Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
  • Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
  • High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

  • Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
  • Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
  • Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:

  • Helmet (this is a must!)
  • Seat pack
  • Lock
  • Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
  • Spare tubes
  • Portable bike pump
  • Gloves


Customer Review: Better quality components than Walmart Next Avalon
My men's Sierra Madre shipped extremely fast (via "free" ground) and arrived with only minor damage (broken front reflector, paint/words of right handlebar shifter rubbed off by friction with box enclosure). Although the packaging is not very protective, the bike does come with a 6 months warranty for parts and I'm happy (replaced both reflectors with head and tail lights; never notice rubbed off paint on shifter when riding).

I ride on 3/4 mile of dirt road and grass to get to a paved road. Although no bike is totally comfortable, this one is surprisingly so. Note that the rear suspension pivot is behind the crank so that one's feet are insulated from shocks (and the distance from seat to pedals remains fixed). The tires are large (26 x 2.125) with 50 psi max with no kevlar and with cheap tubes (plan on replacing these to prevent flats). The other components are inexpensive but name brand and they look good. If I didn't have to go uphill on grass, I might not need the granny gear. One poster mentioned the quirk shifting from 1st to 2nd chainwheel. FYI, there is no problem shifting between 2nd and 3rd chainwheel, and from 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st. On paved road I use 2nd and 3rd chainwheels only. I will drop to the granny gear (1st chainwheel) while going uphill on grass. The rear sprockets shifting system works perfectly.

Walmart has a sort-of similar model named the Next Avalon (same manufacturer). The frames are practically the same, but the gearing (21 speed vs. 7 speed), brakes, shifters, etc., are different (more toy-like, as on their other below $100 bikes). I also bought an Avalon for my wife recently. These two bikes have the same frame features and the same seats. The rest of the components are different and I can see and feel the quality differences. I'm tempted to return the Avalon and get another Sierra Madre (for the better quality, not the extra speeds which my wife doesn't need).

I found Kent International very responsive to my questions. Should I decide to change bikes in the future, I will surely consider their products for purchase.
Customer Review: Great Bike - Could be packed better for shipment.
This is a great bike; my husband loves it. The only problems we've had are more to do with the way it was boxed than the quality of the bike itself. The box was too narrow for the bike so, rather than use a wider box, the manufacturer CUT A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE BOX to accomodate the derailleur! Who does that?! Because of the poor packaging, there were minor scratches, that didn't bother my husband, and one of the wheels had a broken spoke, which cost us about $12 extra to fix and balance, on top of the $35 to assemble the bike at a local bike shop. My husband says the bike is estremely comfortable but doesn't pedal as smoothly as my Trek, which is to be expected.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Nirve Island Flower Women's/Girl's 24-Inch Single Speed Cruiser Bike (Coral Teal)

Nirve Island Flower Women's/Girl's 24-Inch Single Speed Cruiser Bike (Coral Teal)

Whether you're meandering around your beach community or looking for a stylish neighborhood ride, the Nirve Island Flower women's/girl's single-speed cruiser bike is an excellent choice. A scaled-down version of the standard Island Flower that's ideal for smaller and/or younger riders, this bike sports such features as a proprietary 15-inch carbon-steel Galaxie frame and smooth-rolling, polished-aluminum 24-inch wheels with stainless spokes. The flame-embossed double spring saddle and cruiser-style handlebars, meanwhile, let you ride in comfort every day of the week. And riders will love the stylish whitewall tires, which put the finishing touch on the coral-teal-colored frame. Other details include coaster brakes, full-length flare tip fenders, a forged chrome crank, a steel chain guard, a quick-adjust seat clamp, and a welded cartridge kickstand. The Island Flower carries a five-year warranty on the steel frame and a one-year warranty on the components.


Customer Review: great deal
Great price for this bike. Couldn't find this size in stores. Came very quickly. It was a birthday present for my daughter and she loves it - so do all her friends.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

GMC Yukon XL Road Bike

GMC Yukon XL Road Bike The GMC Yukon XL 700C 14-Speed Road Bike is built around a lightweight aluminum 6061 road bike frame (20-, 22-, or 25-inch frame) and Shimano tourney 14-speed gearing. The bike features high-profile Vitesse aluminum rims that look as good as they perform, and a Vitesse racing saddle with an alloy seat post for a smooth ride. Lastly, Shimano STI shifters and an alloy crank set round out this sturdy road racing cycle.

GMC Yukon XL 700C Road Bike Specifications

  • Frame: Aluminum 6061 straight gauge
  • Fork: Aluminum Aero600 700C-11/8
  • Headset: TS B52S-11/8
  • Chain: KMC Z 51
  • Crankset: Shimano Tourney 39X50 L170mm
  • Front Derailleur: Suntour FD-XR05
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney SIS 7SPD
  • Shifters: Shimano Sora STI L2/R7
  • Brake Levers: Integrated with Sora shifters
  • Brakes: Tektro 510A alloy caliper brake
  • Hubset: Alloy quick release front and rear
  • Rims: HJC alloy black 700CX14GX32H
  • Tires: Kenda black with yellow band 700X25C
  • Stem: A-Head aluminum silver EXT:90mm -7D
  • Handlebar: Maesbend W: 430mm D:25.5mm
  • Sadle: Vitesse Pro black
  • Seat Post: HL aluminum micro adjust 27.2 X 300mm
  • Pedals: VP-390 with toe clip
  • Weight: 26.0 pounds

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

  • Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
  • Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
  • Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

  • Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
  • Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
  • High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

  • Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
  • Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
  • Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:

  • Helmet (this is a must!)
  • Seat pack
  • Lock
  • Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
  • Spare tubes
  • Portable bike pump
  • Gloves


Customer Review: exceeded my expectations
Received my 25 inch unit about 2 weeks ago. If your close to 6 feet, I suggest this size after reading some of the reviews. Glad I did. As advertised, all components were there and the bike was assembled perfectly. Not one bolt /screw was mis-torqued. It took about an hour to put the components together. Have rode it 30 miles and only needed a minor front dérailleur adjustment. I really like the bike. The fit/finish/attention to detail is spot on. I don't see how they can sell a bike of this quality for $324. Their customer service is great too!
Customer Review: good bike
Me: 6'2",220 pds and 44 years old. I have several bikes and ride about 100-150 miles a week. I bought this bike because I did not want to abuse my nicer($1200 cannondale) road bike,part of my riding is in rough terrain and I also take my bike in the train etc.
The bad: the bike came with crooked rims and needed some adjustments. The average owner can take it to a bike shop and repair the minor items for +- $50.00. This bike is good for up to 20-22 mph constant speed.
The good: most riders( me included) are happy with the 20mph speeds on this bike. I love the looks , the shifters and the overall quality( I've ridden 500 miles so far). THIS IS A GOOD BUY FOR THE AVERAGE RIDER, however, understand that you are not buying a top of the line bicycle. But, this bike is a good buy for 95% of amateur riders. Enjoy!!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Schwinn Z-Force 20-Inch BMX Bike

Schwinn Z-Force 20-Inch BMX Bike Equipped with a tough alloy frame, a Hi-Ten BMX fork, and a two-piece handlebar, the Schwinn Z-Force 20-inch BMX bike offers everything you need for trick riding or cruising on dirt tracks. The bike is set up with Schwinn Power three-piece forged cranks, 36-hole alloy rims with stainless-steel spokes, and a Schwinn BMX saddle. The alloy caliper brakes, meanwhile, make it easy to stop on a dime. Suitable for boys between the ages of 8 and 12, the bike is backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork.

Specifications

  • Frame: 6061 alloy boy's Schwinn Power BMX
  • Fork: Hi-Ten BMX
  • Handlebar: Schwinn 2-piece BMX design
  • Stem: Front-loading alloy piston
  • Freewheel: 44T steel/16T
  • Crankshaft: Schwinn Power 3-piece forged
  • Chain: Schwinn Dirt Star stamped
  • Rims: Schwinn, 20 x 1.75-inch alloy, 36 spokes
  • Tires: Schwinn BMX 20 x 2.125 inches
  • Hubs: Alloy BMX
  • Brakes: Alloy caliper
  • Brake levers: Alloy
  • Saddle: Schwinn BMX
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime on frame and fork, 1 year on components

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

About Schwinn
Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages.


Customer Review: Cool Bike
My son loves this bike and it wasn't too difficult to put together, plus it looks very cool!
Customer Review: Excelent Bike for the price point
This bike would have been well over $200 in any local bike store, so ordering it from Pacific Cycle and Amazon saved me lots of $$ and it was easy to assemble, just as the bike stores do.
Great shipper and store to work with. The bike arrived double boxed and in a timely manner.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Pacific Shorewood Men's 26-Inch Cruiser Bike

Pacific Shorewood Men's 26-Inch Cruiser Bike Customer Review: good value for the money
The bike came double boxed and I did not notice anything bent or broken. Haven't put it together yet because it is a Christmas present. Based on previous reviews, assembly should be easy. Keep you posted. still waiting for the ladies version. Hope I receive it prior to Christmas.
Customer Review: Rim got bented
I got this bicycle, and I assembled it. After I assembeld it, I was trying to ride on the bicycle, but I felt that the wheel was not smooth. So, I looked it, and the rim got bented, therefore brake kept reach.

At first time, I thought that it was a brake problem, so I fixed a gap between a rim and a brake.
However, it was not a problem. Rim was bented. So, now what? I have to go to a bike shop to fix it.

There are also a dent and a scratch.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Giro Xen Bike Helmet

Giro Xen Bike Helmet By combining the low-profile style and coverage of skate-style helmets with the lighter weight and ventilation of high-performance XC helmets, the Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet is built for all-mountain riding. This mountain-bike helmet is constructed with Giro's Hardbody in-mold technology that fuses a tough outer microshell to the helmet's EPS foam liner. The fusion process reinforces areas around vents and ribs, making the helmet lighter, cooler and tougher. The Xen utilizes Giro's Roc Loc 4 system, which includes adjustments for fit tensioning and helmet positioning, plus a supple rubber over-molded fit belt for both comfort and stability.

This Giro helmet features wind-tunnel ventilation that combines 17 active vents with internal exhaust channels that force cool, fresh air over and around your head while forcing stale, warm air out. Giro's Xen helmet also features a P.O.V. (Point Of View) adjustable visor that is anchored by a patented internal clutch, which allows 15-degrees of vertical adjustment and prevents the visor from rattling and coming loose over rough terrain.

The Xen mountain helmet comes in three Super Fit sizes, which combine human scale factor data with handcrafted headforms and rider feedback for ultimate comfort. Giro's Xen helmet is a lightweight 310 grams, and complies with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's safety standards for bicycle helmets.

Helmet Tips--You Should Always...

  • Wear a helmet when you ride
  • Wear your helmet low in the front to protect the forehead
  • Fasten your buckle and tighten your chin strap
  • Check your adjustments every time you wear your helmet
  • Inspect your helmet regularly for signs of wear or damage
  • Wear a helmet designed for your activity

About Giro
Working late nights in his garage, designer/bike racer Jim Gentes created the first lightweight adult cycling helmet in 1985. Friends at NASA helped tune the final helmet shape and vent placement, and the result was the Giro Prolight, a helmet that was better looking than traditional designs while offering a superior fit and still met the industry's toughest safety standards. Plus, it was half the weight of traditional helmets. Since then, Giro has advanced its helmets, many of which have set the standards for styling, function, and innovation for progressive, performance-oriented riders on dirt, pavement, and snow. Giro helmets are worn by millions of riders, cyclists, skiers, and snowboarders around the world. Young-bloods and old-timers; hard-cores, heshers, and hipsters; rookies, experts, and a few regular Joes too--in fact, pretty musch anyone that appreciates superior fit and function, cutting edge styling, and the very best ideas you get in a helmet.


Customer Review: Totally saved my head!!
This helmet is awesome! Fit is excellent if you pre-measure your head or try one on at the dealer. Nice style, coverage, and very good air-flow. I took a HUGE spill off my bike this past weekend.....a sweet superman over the bars and the first thing to hit the rocks was this helmet. I put a nice dent in the outside, cracked the helmet all the way through, but I got up and walked away with not even a headache. The helmet is finished, but my head is totally intact so I can ride another day. It did exactly what it was designed to do. Plus, if you break your helmet under normal use, Giro will kick you down 30% off of a new one. Not a bad deal when it saves your head!
Customer Review: Giro Xen Helmet
Nice helmet - comfortable, light, could use a little more coverage on the back of the neck - good price for a top of the line helmet.