Choosing Best RV Bike Rack

If you are looking for a RV bike, you need to look no further than Downtube. You will be able to find a bike that will easily be able to taken on your next RV trip.

Finding the correct RV bike rack can be a challenge given the huge array of options. There are many factors to look at when sorting through the variety options on which rack is best for your RV. Before choosing the exact rack, you need to consider the bike rack in conjunction with how compatible it is going to be with your RV, the bikes you intend to carry on it and safety.

Kind and Number of Bikes Carrying

There is quite a long list of RV bike rack options for all types of bikes.

Bike Wheel Mount

This type of rack is going to secure the bike by its wheels. The wheels are placed inside the rails and held in place with tie downs. These mounts:

• Are great for loading and unloading bikes.
• Have a capacity that is typically up to four bikes.

Frame Mounted Bike Rack

This bike rack is going to secure the bike in place by one or two carry arms that hold the top tube/bar of the bike and it also allows the bike to dangle below. The racks work on any size bike. These racks:

• Are the most common type of mount to have; and
• Have many features that swing or fold out of the way.

RV Bike Rack Mounting

A bike rack can be mounted in four basic ways:

• Bolt to bumper – This method takes a solid bumper that is welded to the frame and is made of steel.
• Mount to ladder – Your RV must have a ladder for this method. Most RV bike racks are made to fit most types of steps but you need to make sure that the one you purchase fits your specific ladder.
• Install into the trailer hitch – Hitch mounted racks are the most popular kind. With this method, you use the trailer hitch that you attach a bike rack to the back or front of your vehicle.
• Bolt to trailer tongue – This is one of the more complex methods. Many people prefer to add a bike rack over the propane/battery box area on the trailer tongue.

RV Bumper Bike Rack

With these racks, the RV bike rack is mounted to the bumper on the rear of the RV. U-bolts are normally used in order to secure it to the actual bumper. There are many variations to accommodate different RV designs and the needs of the user. This is a common method for travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers and pop up campers. The racks are straightforward in order to install including just a few U-bolts and some minor assembly of the actual bike rack itself. Bumper racks also have the added benefit of not restricting access to your tow vehicle.

Conclusion

An RV bike is a definite must to have if you have an RV. There are many different racks that you can choose from for your RV to carry your bike. 

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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.

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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.



Source: Click Here

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