Which Belt Drive Bikes are Quicker?

If you are looking for a belt drive bicycle, you need to check out of variety of bikes that you can find at Downtube. The following article will discuss which types of drive systems are quicker.

Toothed belt drive systems are popular with commuters because of them having a quiet operation. They also have an almost maintenance free design, are light in weight and are very smooth because there is no lubricant required.

Is a belt drive bicycle more efficient than a conventional chain drive? A conventional chain drive consumes 2.92 watts on average, while the belt eats up 3.93 watts. Although the difference is just 1 watt, it is not enough for most people to care about but the fact of the matter is it is a substantial 34.6% difference. The efficiency differences of installed systems are obviously good to know for track racers and any rider who wonders about the efficiency of a belt drive bicycle compared to a chain drive bicycle. As long as installed per the manufacturer's instructions, the belt drive is going to be less efficient than the traditional single speed chain drive bicycle. Chain drive bicycles are going to give you almost no friction when there is no preload applied, while a drive belt bicycle is going to still eat up 1.73 watts. 

The slope of the two lines is not equal with respect to increasing applied load. Even more so, this means that the chain drive is going to generate more friction than the belt with increasing applied load. The crossover point is going to fall at about 208 watts in terms of constant pedaling output and the belt drive's advantages are going increase even more from there.

Most of your recreational bicyclists (and even some of your bike enthusiasts) are not going to notice much of a difference between a drive belt bicycle and a chain belt bicycle. On the other hand, top level bikers are going to be interested in reducing frictional losses, especially given their much higher power outputs and the fact that races can be won or lost by just hundredths of a second. Systems with a shallower slope on the applied load is going to be simply too much to overcome. If you do go with a lower roller in order to prevent skipping on the cog, it is then going to be possible that bike racers could benefit from a toothed belt drive system. The unexpected portion of the results is going to become apparent when the efficiency of the belt itself is analyzed in an apples-to-apples tension comparison to the chain, without any preload. These results are going to show you how the belt is going to become more efficient above 208 watts.

The findings between the two drive systems can help to open up the door to new drive train concepts, which can help to take advantage of the belt's inherent high efficiency for power transfer but without any of the efficiency-robbing preload requirements.

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Tips on Travelling with your Bike

If you are looking for a travel bike, you need to look no further than Downtube. You will be able to find a variety of Folding bikes that will work great for all of your travelling needs.

While travelling on bikes has got easier over the years, transporting the travel bike safely on planes, trains and in vehicle is always some cyclists worry about. The following are some tips on how to travel with your bike, especially if you are not able to purchase a folding travel bike as of yet.

The most stressful of all public transport options is by travelling by air. When you have to do this, you literally are going to have to hand your travel bike over to airport staff before you board. You just need to hope that your bike gets to the other end at the same time as you do, and in the same way that you left your bike. There are a variety of bike packing options. The following are a few tips on how to reduce the chances of your bike being damaged in transit, which is also going to reduce your stress levels of your bike possibly being damaged:

• Remove the bike’s front wheel.
• Remove the bike pedals.
• Remove the rear derailleur of the bike.
• Remove the stem, not the handlebars.

• If you have hydraulic brakes on your bike, you need to make sure to put something in between your brake pads in order to prevent them being forced together.
• You need to make sure most of the air has been taken out from the bike’s tires, which is actually a requirement of the airline company.
• Make sure your Travel bike is marked clearly with your name, and your home and destination addresses.

You can pack your bike in a cardboard box or in a hard-shell box. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The cardboard option is inexpensive and easy to access but is also requires a lot of extra protective packaging in order to secure your bike and is very time-consuming to pack and unpack. The hard shell offers a good deal of protection for your mountain bike but it is extremely cumbersome to transport around train stations and airports. One of the best options to go with is with a bike travel bag. The bag will have your bike safely packed away in under ten minutes. Even better, your bike will be built up and ready to ride within ten minutes of you arriving to your travel destination. 

Conclusion

Always check how much the airline is going to charge you in order to transport your bike before you book your flight. You should also make sure you check the fine print of your luggage insurance to see if it is going to cover you for sports equipment. It is very likely that your bike will not be insured and you may need to take special insurance in order to cover you for loss or theft of your Travel bike while it is in transit.

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Tips for Riding Bikes in Winter Time

If you are looking for a belt drive folding bike, you need to check out the variety of folding bikes that can be found from Downtube. You will be able to find a bike to fit your needs. The following article has some handy helpful tips for riding your bike in the winter months.

Following Plows

Bike paths are regularly plowed in many of your major metro areas.

Road Conditions

During most winter commutes, it is often the same dry pavement as in the summer. Sand, salt, sun and snowplows can help to eliminate ice and snow from roads in the days after a snow storm.

Ride Steady

For slippery stretches, bike riders should slow down. You should brake only on the rear wheel in order to avoid spinouts on slick surfaces. You should be prepared to take your feet off the pedals of your belt drive folding bike if it starts to fishtail or tilt.

Watchful Eye
Cars are less aware of bikers in the winter months. Always ride your belt drive folding bike defensively and make eye contact with car drivers.

Cold and Clean

You should keep your Belt drive folding bike cold and store it in the garage. A room-temperature bike in new snow can cause ice to form on the brakes and gears more easily.

Going With Studded Tires

Carbide-studded tires can increase grip on snow and ice.

Protect Your Core

Layering is the key to staying warm and managing your sweat in the cold. A common configuration for biking includes a wicking base layer shirt followed by an insulating fleece top, then with a waterproof and windproof shell jacket. For your bottom half, one less layer is going to be needed. Many bikers wear normal pants like jeans covered up with a wind-shell pant. If you have a long commute, you should consider bike tights or shorts with a chamois pad combined with long underwear bottoms and the shell pants on top.

Headwear

You should not wear the hood on your jacket while you are biking because air can funnel in as you move. Many bike riders wear balaclavas and sunglasses or ski goggles. Tight-fitting fleece skull caps are popular as well. You should always top your headwear with a helmet, perhaps sized larger in winter to fit over all the insulation.

Warm Hands and Feet

You should not wear gloves but wear mittens or bifurcated lobster-style hand wear as they will keep your fingers close together and warmer. Winter boots are best for the coldest days but you need to use platform pedals with aggressive tread for good grip as you crank. If the temperature is 20 degrees or more, you can get away with bike shoes, making sure to have on neoprene covers to add insulation and buffer warm air.

Public Transit as Retreat

Many metro trains and public buses are going to allow bikes, letting riders surrender on the worst days and hop a ride home.



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Which Belt Drive Bikes are Quicker?

If you are looking for a belt drive bicycle, you need to check out of variety of bikes that you can find at Downtube. The following article will discuss which types of drive systems are quicker.

Toothed belt drive systems are popular with commuters because of them having a quiet operation. They also have an almost maintenance free design, are light in weight and are very smooth because there is no lubricant required.

Is a belt drive bicycle more efficient than a conventional chain drive? A conventional chain drive consumes 2.92 watts on average, while the belt eats up 3.93 watts. Although the difference is just 1 watt, it is not enough for most people to care about but the fact of the matter is it is a substantial 34.6% difference. The efficiency differences of installed systems are obviously good to know for track racers and any rider who wonders about the efficiency of a Belt drive bicycle compared to a chain drive bicycle. As long as installed per the manufacturer's instructions, the belt drive is going to be less efficient than the traditional single speed chain drive bicycle. Chain drive bicycles are going to give you almost no friction when there is no preload applied, while a drive belt bicycle is going to still eat up 1.73 watts. 

The slope of the two lines is not equal with respect to increasing applied load. Even more so, this means that the chain drive is going to generate more friction than the belt with increasing applied load. The crossover point is going to fall at about 208 watts in terms of constant pedaling output and the belt drive's advantages are going increase even more from there.

Most of your recreational bicyclists (and even some of your bike enthusiasts) are not going to notice much of a difference between a drive belt bicycle and a chain belt bicycle. On the other hand, top level bikers are going to be interested in reducing frictional losses, especially given their much higher power outputs and the fact that races can be won or lost by just hundredths of a second. Systems with a shallower slope on the applied load is going to be simply too much to overcome. If you do go with a lower roller in order to prevent skipping on the cog, it is then going to be possible that bike racers could benefit from a toothed belt drive system. The unexpected portion of the results is going to become apparent when the efficiency of the belt itself is analyzed in an apples-to-apples tension comparison to the chain, without any preload. These results are going to show you how the belt is going to become more efficient above 208 watts.

The findings between the two drive systems can help to open up the door to new drive train concepts, which can help to take advantage of the belt's inherent high efficiency for power transfer but without any of the efficiency-robbing preload requirements.

Source: Click Here

Bike and Ride the Subway System

If you are looking for a collapsible bike, you need to look no further than the variety of bikes that can be found at Downtube. The following article talks about being able to ride your bike and then taking the bike on the subway. 

Collapsible Bike

The best way that you can actually take your bike on the subway system is to purchase you a collapsible bike, such as from Downtube. It is not always easy to take a full-size road or mountain bike on the subway system and being able to fold your bike down is definitely going to make taking your bike on the subway system a whole lot easier. Besides the folding bike making it easier for you to get your bike on the subway, it is also going to make others around you a lot more pleased. There are many people that are very easily going to be irritated with you if you try to fit a full-size bike onto a subway that is already overcrowded and busy with people. There are also some subways systems that are going to limit the number of full-size bikes that can be placed onto each car of the subway. It is definitely worth looking into bikes that can easily be collapsed if you want to take them on the subway with you.

Bike Racks

Another option that you are going to have if you want to bike and ride the subway system is to use the bike racks that you will find for the public to use. If you do decide to use the bike racks, it is very important that you make sure to lock your bike up. If you leave your bike without it being locked up, it is very likely that it will be taken from someone for keeps. This is also another good reason to purchase a collapsible bike because you do not have to worry about finding a bike rack and you also do not have to worry about someone stealing your bike when it is left on the bike rack. Bike racks are good but always make sure that you are using them wisely and to the best of your advantage.

Bike Lockers

Bike lockers are very popular in cities that have subway systems in them. Bicycle lockers are going to safeguard your bike by providing protection from theft, vandalism and inclement weather. The lockers are designed to hold one bike each as well as your bike gear. You will find quite a few bicycle lockers around subway systems. The lockers are going to have a unique lock and key. The space inside is the lockers is standard where regular size bikes will fit inside. Longer bikes, such as tandem bikes are not going to fit into the bike lockers. Locker rentals are not very expensive but they are subject to availability in many places.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a Collapsible bike to take on the subway, you definitely are going to want to check out the bikes at Downtube.