|
|
|
| |
| |
| Transportation/Bicycling |
Ultimate MPG-Get a Bike!
Author:John Van Schaik
There is an ever-increasing segment of our population who can and are benefiting from the biking solution. It has become more popular, especially now that many of our cities have invested in rebuilding their downtown areas. Many of us now work within a few miles of our offices and the great news is that bicycle technology has come a long way in the last twenty years. The main concerns in selecting a commuting bike in the past have been size, weight and the ever-so-annoying greasy chain, which put a nice streak across your slacks if you weren’t careful!
Well, these issues have all been addressed by the major bike manufacturers. First, regarding size and weight, new alloys have allowed them to produce much lighter and easier-to-handle bikes. Take a look at the Café Series from Felt—accessories include an aluminum kickstand, cup holder and safety bell, as well as deluxe options such as ultra-light aluminum rear carrier, removable saddle bag and lightweight fenders to ward off road debris.
One downside to the lighter weight bikes is that in some cases, if you want to take the bike off-road on the weekends, it may not hold up as well as the heavier steel models. It pays to take all of your requirements into consideration when choosing a bike. For commuters who don’t have a place to store a full-size bike, consider a folding model such as the Espresso from Dahon or one of the many more choices available from this leader in folding bikes. Accessories include a suitcase and carry-bag!
Want to go chainless? Check out the Hybrid line by Dynamic Bicycles which features a drive shaft and internal gearing within the rear wheel. No more chain grease on your hands and clothes. No more maintenance. Ride in any weather without worrying about the impact on your bike. And for those of us who don’t mind the ride down the hill, but have regrets once we have gotten to the bottom…there are electric-assist bikes! These will whisk you right back up the hill when required—with no effort on your part. The eZee Quando is a fine example—and it also folds!
We have put together some links (see below) to help you in your research—Happy Commuting!
|
| |
Lightweight Bikes |
-
Felt Bicycles-Reduced weight automatically translates to increased efficiency. By using aluminum material wherever possible, the Café models are significantly lighter than most so-called comfort bikes currently on the market.
|
| |
| Folding Bikes |
-
A-Bike-So named, because of its ‘A’ like shape when in use, the uniquely styled A-bike feels much like a normal bike to ride. However, unlike other folding bikes it can easily be slipped into a bag while you hop on the tube, train, bus, or even a plane.
-
Dahon-Economic pressures, environmental pressures, life pressures-- what’s a person to do? Dahon makes bikes that fit into your lifestyle and help you take charge of your weekly gas bill, of your workouts, of your carbon foot print.
With over 25 years of experience in making folding bikes, Dahon has a proven record of bringing the best in folding bike technology to the market. Go ahead, check them out and see how their bikes can help you make a change for the better.
-
Go Bike-The GoBike Motion is without a doubt their flagship bicycle. It is a true embodiment of their Mobility Tools concept. Although it does fold/unfold in a mere 15 seconds making it a marvel of convenience for your fast pace lifestyle, it is, first and foremost, a serious bicycle designed for and by cyclists who do not wish to compromise on the fun of cycling. Whether it is for weekday commutes or for the 100+ km weekend rides, the GoBike rides and performs like a full-size bicycle.
-
Montague-The 2009 Montagues are about freedom. Freedom from traffic. Freedom of expression. Freedom to choose how you want to move. They design their folding bikes to fit every aspect of your lifestyle from fitness and commuting to world travel and mountain biking.
|
| |
| Chainless Bikes |
-
Abïo-Greaseless and chainless, Abio bikes are designed to liberate urban commuters.
-
Dekra Bikes-You may never want to ride a chain-driven bike again once you’ve experienced the D-Drive chainless internal operating system. Designed for a quiet, efficient ride, it works through a Shimano 7-speed Nexus gear hub and Revoshift system.
-
Dynamic Bicycles-Dynamic's chainless hybrid bikes are built rugged and reliable for fitness rides and commuting on roads, sidewalks and bike paths. No more chain grease on your hands and clothes. No more maintenance. Ride in any weather without worrying about your bike. On a Dynamic bike, you will get where you are going with confidence and style.
|
| |
Electric Assist Bikes |
-
eZee Bicycles-Bicycles built with advanced materials and engineering harmonizes nature and technology by augmenting, not replacing the human empathy for movement, bringing back the joy of mobility and giving the world a new real and efficient form of alternative energy transport.
-
Giant Bicycles-Giant's new Twist Freedom DX is no ordinary bike. And it’s not an electric bike. It’s a new type of hybrid that seamlessly combines battery power with your own pedal power to help you ride further, faster, and with less effort. This bike paves the way to a fitter you, and a brighter, greener future.
-
|
| |
|
|
|
