July 25th, 2006 
admin Mountain Bikes On eBay
 |
 On One Inbred 29er Swap Out Chromoly MTB Frame rock single speed or run gears  US $157.51
|
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
On your Bike, your Health May Depend on it
If I asked you what the most used transport in China is you’d be forgiven for replying “The Bike”. During my adolescence whenever China was discussed in the classroom we would see masses of cyclists clogging the streets on their bike. Just like the food in China is nothing like Chinese food the transport is no longer jammed up with bicycles either.
The growth of China’s expanding economy is generating huge wealth and the price of a car is no longer outside the reach of the ordinary metropolitan citizen. Their demand for CO2 producing gas has in a few short months out stripped the USA and they are now the largest polluters on the planet.
As Al Gore’s Live Earth comes to a close it’s obvious that many Americans are ready to shoulder the responsibility for much of the worlds decline and are pledging money to the cause and taking steps to reduce their own pollution.
Growing up in Europe it was common knowledge we used lower carbon based fuel per person than our American counterparts. It was common belief that an American would prefer to get in his motor vehicle than walk the short distance to the closest shop. To generalise is often dangerous and I have to confess, at least in Europe, this does appear to have become general practice.
The increasing health issues of the 21st century include obesity and poor health through little exercise. It’s ironic to listen to Al Gore, a fairly good diplomat for the USA, warning us to avoid our motor vehicle in favour of {{{our|a} bike. What a strange world we inhabit.
Equally strange is to observe the change in China. As we are generalising; imagine the ordinary Chinese person in your mind, not local Chinese but the people you see on TV who live there right now. Do you see someone unhealthy and obese or someone healthy and trim? Chances are you see the latter. As they throw away their bicycles in favour of the family caravan is this likely to change?
For years I avoided riding my bike. The roads are for cars and it’s just too dangerous to take bicycles on them (plus in the UK bikers do not require insurance, don’t pay tax and there’s no need to wear any safety gear).
A growing quantity of special cycling paths have been built in cities that lead directly from the suburbs into the heart of town. These can be used to save time and money as well as keep you healthy.
I keep a fold up bike in my car trunk I park outside of the city. This saves money on parking meters but eliminates the frustration of locating a free parking place or returning to discover a fine or wheel clamp too.
I prefer to find a Park and Rideif the city has one. I take the bike on the bus, shoot around town and then ride back or if it's wet use the bus to return.
This is one way that cycling is safe and if Europe, USA and hopefully China really want to cut their pollution they’re going to need to work hard to convince the non cycling community of the benefits.
America may not be leading the battle against pollution but that doesn’t mean they don’t care. Twenty years ago I went on hoilday to Eugene Oregon and the local government had made it a bikers heavan. They spent money persuading locals to leave their cars at home. Cycle paths were built and although cars were not castigated they were obviously mot encouraged and on a sunny Sunday afternoon there are more people on their bicycles than in their cars.
If the weather hassles you or you live in a neighbourhood where you would rather not go out on a bike, go to your local sports authority and try out one of the many new work out at home fitness products. I have a silent Trojan Stamina in the spare room in view of a TV. 30 minutes each day in the comfort of my own home and it cost less than $200, lower than the price of an ordinary bike.
Whatever your goal, better health, better planet the noble bicycle is a good choice, not only do you improve your health, not only do you reduce pollution but you get somewhere for free too.
About the Author
John Walker is a self confessed weekend cyclist and authors for Bicycle Parts & Info.
Mountain Bikes @ Amazon
 |
Mirrycle MTB Bar End Mountain Bicycle Mirror List Price: $18.00 Sale Price: $9.70 Used From: $10.92  |
|
The Mountain Bicycle Mirror from Mirrycle provides a wide view of the cars behind you, so that you don't have to turn your head as you bike. Designed to fit mountain bike style handlebars, the three-inch round mirror mounts on your handlebar's bar end in minutes with the included wrench... |
 |
Avenir Nylon Bicycle Cover (Mountain Bike) List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $20.99 |
|
Protect your ride from the elements with this form fitting nylon bike cover! |
 |
Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam Bracket Mount List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $19.99 Used From: $24.99 |
|
Whether you're a 24-hour racer or a super commuter, the Planet Bike Beamer 3 bicycle light will keep your path well lit. The Beamer 3 is equipped with three white Nichia eXtreme v2.0 LEDs, which not only illuminate your way after the sun has gone down, but also make you visible to passing cars or pedestrians... |
 |
Mongoose Status 3.0 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels) List Price: $369.99 Sale Price: $335.74 |
|
The Mongoose Status 3.0 26-inch dual-suspension mountain bike is equipped with everything you need for trail riding. The bike features a full suspension frame that maximizes comfort and performance, along with an SR suspension fork designed to smooth bumps and increase control... |
 |
Topeak DeFender M1 Mountain Bike Fender (Front) List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $13.85 |
|
* Stylish 2pc wide profile front fender offers maximum dirt protection. * Quick release front mount easily attaches to suspension forks in seconds. * Dual compound two tone injected nylon for durability... |
 |
Topeak Bike Cover (Mountain Bikes) List Price: $49.95 Sale Price: $28.21 |
|
Protect your bike from the elements with the Topeak Bike Cover. It quickly folds to a compact size for storage and just as quickly unfolds to offer weather-resistant protection for your mountain bike. Specifications: Material: 190T nylon Dimensions: 70 by 24... |
 |
Diamondback Cobra 20 Jr Boys Mountain Bike (20-Inch Wheels) |
|
With a steel frame built for speed on dirt trails but with features conducive to a beginner, The Cobra 20 Jr. Mountain Bike is Diamondback's introductory mountain bike for boys. It features a front suspension fork, and durable Shimano twist shifters and derailleurs for trouble-free, single-handed gear changes that familiarize the beginning rider with the process of shifting... |
 |
Schwinn 20-Function Bike Computer List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $11.98 Used From: $5.81 |
|
Improve your workout efficiency when cycling with this Schwinn 20-function bike computer. Designed to attach securely to your handlebar, the computer tracks such info as speed, distance, time, and calories burned, helping you develop an effective workout routine with each ride... |
 |
Topeak Pocket Rocket Master Blaster Bike Pump List Price: $21.95 Sale Price: $14.00 |
|
The Pocket Rocket Master Blaster from Topeak is a lightweight mini pump designed for road use, with an efficient design that pumps to 160 psi. Weighing in at just 4.05 ounces, the Pocket Rocket features alloy barrel construction with a soft Kraton head and plastic handle for a secure grip as you pump... |
 |
Avenir Men's 100 Series Mountain Saddle (Black/Silver) List Price: $17.99 Sale Price: $16.18 |
|
The Avenir Series MTN Saddles feature a soft gel-foam top, CroMo rails, and a tough vinyl cover. Woman's model has a shorter & wider base. Cusions your backside so you can enjoy your ride. |
Swissbike LX in action
Posted in 
Tags: 
