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Big pocket bikes are designed to be used for street use as well as racing. Therefore they are bigger in size compared to the original pocket bikes.

The original pocket bike

Original pocket bikes are known as mini motos. They are small sized motorcycles of about 47 inches long and 18 inches tall. They are usually run on gas.

Pocket bikes are speedy bikes. The smaller varieties reach the speed of 35 kilometers per hour. The racing models can reach speed up to 45 miles per hour whereas the higher end ones can be as fast as 50 miles per hour.

These bikes have many similarities with ordinary bikes like the disc brakes, tires, fairings, light perimeter frames and swing arms. The smaller versions are portable and can be easily carried under your arms.

The bigger version of the pocket bikes

Whereas the original pocket bike is small and sleek, and has a 50cc engine, the bigger bikes have a 100cc 4 stroke engine. They also have bigger structures and are bulkier. They are also known as midi motors or midi bikes.

You are not meant to use the small bikes on the streets as they are only meant for racing. So due to popular demand, the bigger version has come into being for use on the roads as well.

These larger bikes are double the size of the authentic pocket bikes. And can reach the speed of 65 miles per hour. However, large they may be, they are still smaller compared to mopeds but sleeker to look at.

Points to remember while using a pocket bike

1. It is obligatory to have a motorcycle license to be able to ride on your bike on the street in some states. Enquire in your states licensing office for the legal age.
2. Bigger pocket bikes are not as easy to ride on, as they require greater balancing skills, so be sure to practice on the bike prior to hitting the road.
3. Be sure to have proper lights and rear view mirrors on your bikes
4. You have to follow all the safety rules and be very cautious while riding on these bigger bikes.

The rules vary from state to state so what applies in one state will be not applicable in the other. If you find that bigger pocket bikes are not allowed by law to be ridden on your streets, please follow the instructions. If you waive the law then you stand a chance to be fined and even jailed. The authorities have good reasons to frame laws in order to prevent accidents and injuries. So, have all this in mind and thoroughly enjoy a good ride.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
Read more about bicycles at

http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Pocket-Bikes.html

Mountain bike shoes are specialized footwear. They are customized for the kind of cycling you plan to do, the model of your cycle, the terrain you are going to cover and finally your personalized needs.

However, the basic criterion that makes a cycling shoe is determined by the pedal of the bike.

Originally, biking shoes were made of hard leather soles made firmer with a metal or plastic shoe plate or cleat nailed to it. The cleat had a slot that fitted into the pedal of the cycle, while the toe clip and strap worked to keep the bikers grip on the pedals.

When the clipless pedal became the norm, the features of the cycling shoes had to be modernized accordingly. Hence, the shoes featured cavities or clefts to smoothly accommodate cleats for clipless pedal machines for instance in Shimano’s SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) and LOOK.

Special features of modern cycling shoes.
Mountain cycling shoes have features that make it safe and ideal for this fun filled yet highly challenging activity. They are:

1. Sole is very smooth, tough and inflexible
2. Sole is slightly curved at the ball of the foot that works to transfer force and pressure to the toe while cycling
3. Adaptable while in use
4. Features either velcro straps or even more complex straps instead of laces
5. Unhooks easily

Types of cycling shoes soles

The stuff the sole is made of and degree of tread it ensures determines the weight of the shoe, which is vital to this special footwear. There are generally three kinds of soles available:

1. Economical brands feature an injection-molded plastic sole. However, they are heavier and prone to flexing.
2. Moderately priced brands have a combination sole, either made of plastic and carbon fibre, plastic and fibreglass, or completely carbon fibre.
3. Premium brands manufactured post-2002 use carbon fibre soles.

How do the cleats of mountain cycling shoes differ from others?
The kind of pedals your cycle features determines the cleat. A clipless type pedals requires some specific cleats.

Mountain biking shoes generally come with a sunken cleat and studs lining the sole. This helps negotiate the tough terrains. These mountain specific cleats are smaller than those designed for road shoes (that generally have protruding cleats and are attached with three bolts) and are fixed to the shoe with two bolts.

Quality of the shoe

For knowing the quality of the shoe you plan to buy, check the following:
1. The firmness and grip of the sole: A stiff sole ensures better pedaling
2. What is it made of?: Premium brands come with carbon soles
3. Breathability: It should ensure good air circulation and coolness
4. The total weight of the shoe: The lighter the better
5. Durability: It is a must to endure the tough terrain
6. Comfort: Your feet must be at ease while you ride

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at

http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Mountain-Bikes.html

Launched in the year 1995 by the award winning German design firm Riese and Muller, the Birdy bikes are lauded in the international market because of their innovative design and performance. The revolutionary dual suspension design of a Birdy folding bike introduces that smoothness to each ride that is otherwise characteristic of expensive full-sized bicycles only.

The first fully suspended folding bicycles, the Birdie bikes make use of one-piece solid yet lightweight aluminum frames. The suspension pivots take care of the folding mechanism in the absence of the mainframe hinges. This clever designing together with the use of 18 inch wheels make the bikes very stable and sporty.

The Birdy bicycles fold in less than 30 seconds without the use of any tools. With the folded size of a Birdy bicycle being some 30″ x 23″ x 11″, it is quite easy to store them in small places and carrying cases. The lightweight frames (mostly weighing around 24 lbs) make the Birdy bikes very portable.

The different gearing options, firm framing and dual suspension design of Birdy folding bikes render them suitable for being used for many purposes other than commuting. Use them for pleasure rides and touring as well as for sporting use.

Famous Birdie Models

Some of the most popular Folding Birdy Bikes are:

Birdy Red Foldable Bicycle

1. Frame Aluminum foldable frame (weighing 24 lbs) with Hydro Forming
2. Forks Aluminum folding fork with spring suspension
3. Derailleur Shimano, RD-MC20-S
4. Brakes Shimano, BR-M420-S
5. Shifter Micro shift, D60-8R, index, 8-speed
6. Chainwheel Sunrace, PR-06, 56T chainring 170mm crank length
7. Rims Alex, DV-15, 18″ FV 24 H anodized ground side walls
8. Headset DiaCompe, STS, Diacompe STS- 1-1/8″

Birdy Silver Foldable Bicycle

1. Frame Aluminum foldable frame (weighing 23.1 lbs) with Hydro Forming
2. Forks Aluminum folding fork with spring suspension
3. Derailleur Shimano, RD-F700SGS
4. Brakes Shimano, BR-M420-S
5. Shifter Shimano, SL-F700, 9 speed
6. Chainwheel Sunrace, PR-06, 56T chainring 170mm crank length
7. Rims Alex, DV-15, 18″ FV 24 H anodized ground side walls
8. Headset DiaCompe, STS, Diacompe STS- 1-1/8″

Birdy Ice Blue Foldable Bicycle

1. Frame Aluminum foldable frame (weighing 26 lbs) with Hydro Forming
2. Forks Aluminum folding fork with spring suspension
3. Derailleur SRAM, Dual Drive 8 speed
4. Brakes Tektro, 834AL, V-brake w/90 degree pipe
5. Shifter SRAM, Dual Drive, 24-speed w/clickbox
6. Chainwheel Dotek, PRO6-210, 56T chainring 170 mm length
7. Rims Alex, DV-15, 18″ FV 24 H anodized ground side walls
8. Headset DiaCompe, STS, Diacompe STS- 1-1/8″

Birdy-BionX Foldable Electric Bike

The Birdy-BionX combo makes use of a BionX electric conversion kit, which works in tandem with the folding bike from Birdy. Be it to ride up steep hills and mountains or ride (rather glide) beyond your pedaling capacity, the Birdy-BionX bikes are just unmatched.

Distributors

The ultimate in comfort when it comes to riding on any terrain and that in spite of its compact folded size, the Birdie bikes are a great favorite among bike-enthusiasts across all continents. Sale of Birdy bicycles is not limited to Europe (distributed by Riese und Muller), instead they are distributed by different dealers in various parts of the world:

1. In Australia by PED Bicycles Pty Ltd.,
2. In Japan by Mizutani Bikes,
3. In Singapore by Two Wheel Action Pte Ltd,
4. In the USA by C.M. Wasson Company, David Black and NYCeWheels (they ship all over the place).

If you are looking for a lightweight-folding bike that is stable and gives you a controlled ride at an attractive, if not cheap price, place your order with your nearest Birdy Bike distributor.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at

http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Folding-Bikes.html

BMX Bikes are specially designed bicycles for racing on sandy and hilly tracks. Apart from racing on hilly terrains, bikers also perform tricks on flat grounds, wooden ramps and trails.

Earlier, bikes were manufactured with an assembled frame and fork, with two wheels and a seat. BMX bicycles originated in the state of California in the late 60s, but it was not until the beginning of 1961 that the bikes achieved great popularity. The manufacturers then began to produce these bicycles frequently.

BMX tricks and stunts are now very popular among the teenagers. There are numerous clubs and organizations where people can come to try their hands out on the BMX bicycles and practice the skills and tricks. With these early practices, the young bikers get acquainted with the common problems that may occur during the ramp performances.

Bike tricks are not easy for bikers. The stunts are quite tough to perform and you should undergo tough rehearsals in order to get fully ready. Some of the difficult tricks are like standing on the front pegs, and spinning the rest of the bike around. The skillful bikers can even summersault in the air. It may take lots of practice to master these tricks.

While riding the bicycles you should have ample protection. You must protect your elbows, knees and most importantly your head with the helmet. If you are interested in a look at the toughest BMX competitions, the X games on various sports channels can help you out.

The Designs Of BMX Bicycles

The main features of the bike:
1. Straight tubes
2. Gusseted frames
3. Reinforced handlebars
4. Powerful mag wheels
5. Long crankarms
6. Steel rims
7. Coaster brakes

The bike producers manufacture bikes with light body. The body of this bike is made of aluminum or chromium and molybdenum for frames and steel for the rims. Aluminum is also used for rims, freewheels and caliper brakes. The 24-inch versions of BMX bicycles are called Cruisers.

The frames of these bicycles are made to be very light and maneuvered accordingly, so that it can weather the blows while racing and jumping. Moreover, a light bike can save you precious minutes in a close race.

The tires of BMX bicycles are quite different from the road bikes. They are knobby with excellent traction and power. Another aspect that distinguishes the BMX tires from the others is in the construction of their wheels. Generally the rims are of 20 inches, but there can be different sizes too.

Sometimes the BMX bicycles fall hard and that is why the manufacturers have introduced Cro Moly tube sets to the BMX bicycles. A BMX bike with smaller gear set-ups reduce the weight of the bikes by using chain rings, smaller rear drivers, and shorter chain length.

Sales of these bicycles are much higher than the other ones. Bikes can be seen with every fashionable bike rider, on sidewalks and in their natural habitat. Instead of competing with anyone, a simple ride would be much more comfortable. While riding you have to be very conscious, and should not make too much experiments with your tricks. Do not forget to wear a helmet whenever you are riding.

Thus, the BMX bicycles are both, fashionable and powerful, providing you the ultimate passion for fashionable biking.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at

http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/BMX-Bikes.html

With a dirt bike you can hit the uneven roads in flying alacrity. These bikes are lightweight motorcycles also known as Trails Bikes and are specifically designed for the cross-country, unpaved and bumpy grounds. Their specially outfitted rugged tires and suspension are just ideal for the toughest terrains in town.

And when it comes to engine power, they have a much smaller one compared to the usual street motorcycles, less than 500 cc to be precise. Talking of dirt bikes is like referring to Yamaha dirt bikes, there is nothing next to Yamaha dirt motorbikes that has taken the world by storm.

Thus, whether it is the serious dirt bike aficionado or the off-road amateur, Yamaha dirt bike is their ultimate choice. The Yamaha YZ series is most well known amongst the Yamaha dirt motorbikes and what is best about this is that it is light and fast and great for some serious fun. If you do not wish to shell out much of cash, you can also go in for cheap dirt bikes.

A second hand Yamaha PW or Yamaha WR off-road motorcycle can be taken into consideration for that matter. Thing is that, Yamaha dirt motorbikes are the ultimate whether it is a great two-stroke dirt bike or a punchy four stroke off-road motorbike.

These sturdy and light weighted bikes with knobby tires for maximum grip gives you that extra bit of edge you need on road. Yamaha dirt motorbikes are great for off-road competitions like for instance Motocross.

Yamaha brand surely stands out amongst its other competitors owing much to its extraordinary performance. What makes them even more loved amongst all professionals and amateurs is that Yahama always takes care of all their requirements.

Bikes you can avail

Yamaha brings with it a whole gamut of motorbikes including the dirt bikes. And Yamaha never runs short of quality products for that matter. Lets find out some of the bikes that you can avail. The WR450F is apt for the serious riders a two-position handlebar, new enduro computer and reinforced swingarms are what you get with it. A 249cc, four-stroke engine and with superior fuel flow; the WR250F is quite a sturdy bike, furthermore, it is priced at about $10,449.

And if you want to go in for something, which is easy-to-handle, then TT-R250 is the need of the hour. You will simply flip over the TT-R230 that is good enough for any competition. TT-R125L/LE is the motorbike that will not punch a hole in your pocket; it is as reasonable as $2,749. Its good breaking abilities and stiffer suspension is just the icing on the cake. All those novice riders, Yamaha has arranged for TT-R125E, the small but powerful bikes.

You surely can not do without Yamaha dirt motorbikes at all.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at

http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Dirt-Bikes.html