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Cycling tips, stretching routines, funny and informative videos are the types of things we like to share. And we are there to communicate with you too! Got a question? Send us a Facebook Message.

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We are located at 1038 W. 4th St in Ontario, CA.

You can reach us by phone at (909) 984-9067

www.bumsteadbikes.com

5 Tips To Keep You Looking Fresh - Check It Out!

Melissa of Bike Pretty Has Some Awesome Tips On Riding And Still Looking Great

Article and Photos from Bikepretty.com



Whether or not you bike to work, there are a lot of great ways to sneak a little bike time into your routine. Riding a bike doesn’t mean that you’re required to squeeze into a skin tight racing suit or pull on an old pair of athletic shorts, but that’s easy to forget when we think about biking only for exercise rather than as a fun way to get from Point A to Point B.




Personally I love fashion and can spend hours putting together the perfect look. But I still hate having to change clothes throughout the day just because I find myself doing different activities. Ideally, I would wear just one outfit that takes me to the office, client meetings, happy hour, and my commute. While this style of dressing is a little extreme and might not be practical for everyone, this self-imposed constraint has meant that I’ve learned a lot about how to bike in style.




Now that I’ve picked up a few tips, it’s actually pretty easy to pull off. Once you start, you’ll realize how it is simpler to dress for your destination instead of your ride, especially if you are heading out to see friends or meet a special date.




ONE slow your roll



While biking is excellent exercise, it can also be a lazy form of fast walking. A bike has this magical way of shrinking a fifteen minute walk into a five minute ride. That said, if you’re on your way somewhere and don’t want to arrive dripping sweat, remember not to push yourself. Slow down and enjoy the sights and sounds of your neighborhood. You might not make every light, but that’s all right. You’ll reach your destination without overheating and be ready to make a great impression.





TWO stow your layers



This is the best piece of advice I have ever heard regarding temperature regulation on a bike: if you’re warm enough during the first ten minutes of your ride, then you’re overdressed. It’s really true! A spring evening might still be “jacket weather” but don’t bundle up just yet. Bring your outerwear with you, but ride in your shirtsleeves.




After moving your legs for a few moments, you’ll start to feel warmer and you might even work up a little sweat. Going without a jacket gives your body a chance to regulate its temperature and also lets your clothes breathe so that you don’t feel clammy. And if you’ve found that you just couldn’t help yourself from attacking those hills and end up sweating through your shirt, once you arrive, you can still pop on your jacket and your sweat stains are hidden away.





THREE let your bike carry the load



A lightweight road bike that is stripped down to the essentials is great for weekend group rides in the countryside. But if you’re using it to get around town, you’re probably going to want to carry a little bit more than a water bottle and a few sport gels (or in my case chocolate bars).




As much as possible, avoid carrying heavy stuff on your back. Loaded up messenger bags and backpacks trap sweat against your body, wrinkle your clothing, and generally strain your back. A detachable pannier on a rear rack, a frame bag, even a handlebar bag that stows a quart of milk--or a bottle of wine--will go far in helping you ride in comfort. And if you don’t feel good, you won’t look good!







FOUR never without wet wipes



I don’t have a lot of must-haves for bike rides (besides lights, a lock, and the bike itself) but there are so many occasions when a well-placed wet wipe has saved my bacon. If you’re feeling self-conscious, you can wipe your armpits for a quick refresh. Use them to wipe the grease from your hands if your chain pops off. A small pack of 20 or so can be stowed discreetly under your saddle.




HELPFUL HINT: If you get bike grease on your clothes, squirt a little undiluted dishwashing or hand soap onto the fabric. Don’t add water. Instead work the soap into a lather until the stain has almost disappeared. Then rinse and launder as usual.




FIVE you’re never fully dressed without a smile



Whether you’re enjoying a serene rails-to-trails ride or biking home at rush hour, riding is just a lot of fun. Any day with a bike ride is a good day. Remember how much fun you had as a kid biking around the neighborhood? Even though you’re all grown up, it’s still just as much fun. So don’t forget to enjoy it!

We are located at 1038 W. 4th St in Ontario, CA.
You can reach us by phone at (909) 984-9067

www.bumsteadbikes.com

7 Awesome Tips To Help You Ride Better

When You Want To Improve, Where Do You Start?

The Basics.

Here are 7 tips to help you become a better cyclist.

1. Buy the right bike for you

Carbon fiber? Aluminum? Race geometry? Comfort oriented?

These are just a few of the many options that you must choose from when selecting a bike. Plus, bikes aren't just one-size-fits-all. It's important to know what you want from your cycling experience to choose the best bike for those needs. Are you commuting? Starting an exercise program? Do you want to try racing bicycles?

Here's a cool video we did if you are thinking about buying a mountain bike  ---->



Come in to Bumstead's Bicycles today and we can help you find a bike that does exactly what you want it to do!

2. Ride intervals to get faster and fitter

Try an interval structure like this (from mensfitness.com):





Interval Workout 1: Build Endurance



Go the distance with this workout, which builds aerobic endurance with long intervals performed at well below lactate threshold (6–7 on a 1–10 intensity scale). Spin easily for 5–10 minutes to warm up, then shift into a larger gear (try big ring in front and middle of the cog set in the back) and pedal at a slow cadence (70–75 rpm). Go for two 15-minute intervals broken by seven minutes of easy spinning recovery. Cool down with 5–10 minutes of easy spinning.



Interval Workout 2: Increase Lactate Threshold



Quash lactic acid buildup with this workout, performed at or slightly below lactate threshold (roughly a 7–8 on a 1–10 intensity scale). Use a heartrate monitor or power meter to keep yourself honest, or just listen to your breath: Labored but deep and controlled breathing is perfect. Start with an easy 5- or 10-minute warmup spin, then do three eight-minute intervals separated by four minutes of recovery spinning. As your work capacity increases, you can increase the duration of the intervals to as much as 20 minutes with 10 minutes recovery. Cool down with 5-10 minutes of easy spinning.

3. Set some goals

Some people feel a little embarrassed about jotting down what they want to achieve, as it may seem a tad serious. But it’s extremely useful. It shows that you want to take your cycling seriously, you want to become fitter, and most importantly, you want to enjoy it more. Putting something in your diary makes it much more likely to happen and research even states that those who set goals are more likely to stick to what they set out to do.





Having a plan like this doesn’t mean you’re a geek — it’s there to help. And the quicker your goals and stepping stones are identified, the quicker you can go about them.

4. Wear the right clothes

You will feel so much more comfortable wearing the right clothes. And tight-fitting bibs and jerseys reduce drag!

5. Fuel properly

Sports nutrition doesn’t have to mean eating expensive supplements; bananas, cereal bars and jam sandwiches all contain lots of easily absorbed carbohydrates, are convenient to carry and easy to eat.

6. Work on Climbing

Climbing is a big aspect of riding. Intervals will help you be able to pace yourself when on an incline, but the best way to get better at climbing is to get out there and climb!

7. Ride in a group

Riding in a group teaches you road etiquette, and makes the whole process even more fun! Why are you still reading this? Go outside and ride your bike!!

We are located at 1038 W. 4th St in Ontario, CA.
You can reach us by phone at (909) 984-9067

www.bumsteadbikes.com

Wet Weather Finally Arriving in California - Are You Ready?

Nine Tips for Riding Your Bike in the Rain

Climate experts have been talking about a resurgence of El Niño since the beginning of 2015. With January and February just around the corner, now is the time to make sure that you have made the right kind of preparations for the imminent "mudslides, heavy rainfall, one storm after another like a conveyor belt."

What can you do to make sure you stay as safe as you can on the road? Here are some tips we have gathered for you.

1. Don't Be Afraid

 

Rain is natural, and you will have to face it at some time. When that time comes, keep your wits about you and try to focus on the things that you would pay attention normally. Watch for new and old potholes, distracted drivers, and hurried pedestrians.

2.  Dress Appropriately

 

You should always be a little cold when your ride begins. Your body will produce heat soon after you start pedaling so if you're overdressed, you'll probably overheat.

Layering is most important. With two or three layers of clothing to work with, you can always adapt to your surroundings. Try using a base layer of synthetic fabric like polyester or nylon underneath wool or fleece, then a plastic poncho on top to keep you dry and comfortable.

 

3. Put Everything In Bags

Everything.  There is nothing more frustrating than reaching your destination finding all your clothes are wet. Don't risk ruining your phone, tablet or computer because of rainwater. Use plastic locking bags to make doubly sure that everything that needs to stay dry - stays dry.

 

4. Eyewear

Visibility is huge in the rain. Ski goggles are probably the best way to handle the worst weather conditions. People who wear glasses will often find them becoming foggy during their ride. Apply a light coat of gel toothpaste to your lenses before riding to prevent inconvenient fogging and keep your eyes on the road.

 

5. Maintenance 

Wipe down your bike, dry your chain to prevent rust and make sure everything is working properly. Regular safety checks are already important, but bad weather conditions make more frequent checks and wipe downs necessary. If you take proper care of your bike, your bike will take proper care of you.

 

6. Wear Gloves

You may already wear gloves in normal situations to protect your hands in case of a fall and to avoid skin irritation, but in wet weather they serve another purpose: keeping your hands from slipping off the handlebars.

 

7. Keep Away From Large Puddles and Flooded Intersections

This may seem like a no-brainer, but remember that no puddle is too small to hide a pothole. 

 

8. Use Your Lights All Day Long 

Always assume that drivers on the road don't see you, and take necessary actions to increase your visibility and stay as safe as possible!

 

9. The First Rain

The first time it rains in a while you should be even more careful, as the mixture of rain water and oils from the road make an extra slippery surface. It's probably best to avoid riding altogether in these situations. Wait a few hours for the oil to wash away, then grab your poncho and GO!

We are located at 1038 W. 4th St in Ontario, CA.
You can reach us by phone at (909) 984-9067

www.bumsteadbikes.com

 

6 No-Nonsense Cycling Tips From Bumsteads Bicycles

Save Time, Stress, and Maybe Even Your Life

Across the internet there are hundreds and hundreds of cycling tips for you to view and learn. The tips we brought you today aren't organized in any particular way, but they are all important things to think about. Here we go!





#1. When you are riding, don't put a "death grip" on the handlebars.

Most beginners are a little afraid of putting their hands on the drops if they are riding with drop down handlebars. It can be a little unnerving when you are riding and feel like you may lose your balance. No matter what part of the handlebar you hold on to, loosen up your grip so that you can be more in tune with the bike. If you are clamping on like a vice, it is much more likely for you to lose your balance and even fall!

#2. Ride as if you are invisible, not invincible

Ride WITH traffic (that is - going the same direction), and err on the side of caution by assuming that there isn't a single car that can see you.

It's often safer to take the whole lane, or at least ride a little bit to the left, rather than hug the right curb. Here's why:

• Cars at intersections ahead of you can see you better if you're squarely in the road rather than on the extreme edge where you're easily overlooked.
• Taking the lane prevents cars from passing you too closely on narrow roadways.
• Riding a bit to the left prevents you from getting doored.

You might worry about slowing down the traffic behind you if you take the lane. But if you're on the kind of street where you've got cars blocked up behind you or constantly changing lanes to get around you, you're probably on the wrong street and should find a quieter neighborhood street.

#3. Don't Ride Without Lights

Light up.

Too obvious?  Well, if it's so obvious, then why do most night-time cyclists ride without lights? We have rear red blinkies for $15 or less.  Headlights are just as important as rear lights.  And modern headlights use LED's so the batteries last ten times longer than old-school headlights.

4. Learn How To Fuel Right

If you are doing long (50+ miles) bike rides, it is extremely important that you know how to keep yourself fueled (and refueled!!) so that you don't "Bonk." Come in today and talk with us. We can help you find the right nutrition products for you.

5. Try Lycra Shorts

Maybe you haven't tried them yet because they don't look so cool. Maybe you don't think there will be that much of a difference.

Lycra cycling shorts are specifically designed for riding bikes! They breathe better than normal clothes, and they won't chafe the insides of your legs or *ahem* other sensitive parts. More comfort? Yes please!!

6. Friends

Lastly, make some friends who are a bit more experienced than you. This tip even applies to the best of the best! There is always something to be learned and fun to be had. Bring some other people along and stay safe out there!

CYCLING TIPS - Avoid Soreness, Improve Handling, Being Alert and More!

Enhance Your Daily Ride With These Encouraging Instructions

1. To avoid muscle soreness and fatigue, don't hunch your shoulders. Tilt your head every few minutes to stave off tight neck muscles. Better yet: stop to admire the scenery






2. If you don't have a chance to slow for an obstacle such as railroad tracks or a pothole, quickly pull upward on the handlebar to lift your front wheel. You may still damage the rear wheel, or it might suffer a pinch flat, but you'll prevent an impact on the front that could cause a crash.

3. Relax your grip. On smooth, traffic-free pavement, practice draping your hands over the handlebar. This not only will help alleviate muscle tension, but also will reduce the amount of road vibration transmitted to your body.

4. Periodically change hand position. Grasp the drops for descents or high-speed riding and the brake lever hoods for relaxed cruising. On long climbs, hold the top of the bar to sit upright and open your chest for easier breathing. When standing, grasp the hoods lightly and gently rock the bike from side to side in sync with your pedal strokes. But always keep each thumb and a finger closed around the hood or bar to prevent yourself from losing control if you hit an unexpected bump.

5. As your effort becomes harder, increase the force of your breaths rather than the frequency.

6. Stay far enough in the traffic lane to avoid being struck if doors on parked cars suddenly open. You'll likely hear some honks from motorists who don't understand why you won't pull to the right to let them pass— a honk in your ear hurts less than a door in your face.

7. On descents, your bike is much more stable when you're pedaling than when you're coasting.

8. Always ride with your elbows bent and your arms and shoulders relaxed. This prevents fatigue caused by muscle tension. It also allows your arms to absorb shock instead of transmitting it to your body.

9. When riding one-handed for any reason, grip the bar on top, next to the stem. If your hand is farther out - such as on the brake-lever hood - the bike is more likely to veer dangerously should the front wheel hit a rock, bump, or pothole

10. Get more life from your tires by switching them from one wheel to another. The rear wears more than twice as fast as the front, so swapping every 500 miles or so significantly extends their longevity.

11. Break up long rides with a 15-second sprint every 30 minutes or so- adding variety to a monotonous pace is better training, relieves saddle pressure, and stretches and relaxes your body.

12. After you grab your water bottle, don't tilt your head to drink. Tilt the bottle and squeeze the water in. You'll have more control.

13. The key to smooth, reliable, non-damaging gear changes when you're pushing hard is to ease your pedal pressure at the instant you move the shift lever. You need to lighten the load on the chain for about one revolution so it won't balk, crunch, or possibly break. Then hit the power again.


See our previous post on Perfecting your Pedaling HERE!

14. For optimal handling with 20 pounds or more of cargo, put approximately 60 percent of the weight in the rear panniers or on a rack, 35 percent on the front rack or panniers, and 5 percent in a handlebar bag.

15. Two easy and most overlooked ways to improve your bike's performance: Inflate the tires before every ride, and keep the chain lubed.

Come to Bumstead's Bicycles for all your cycling needs.

We are located at 1038 W. 4th St in Ontario, CA.
You can reach us by phone at (909) 984-9067

www.bumsteadbikes.com

Use The Correct Road/Off-Road Tire Pressure

How much tire pressure should you run?

A great place to get an idea would be from the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (Sometimes this is found on the sidewall of the tire, other times it may be molded to the casing - so look closely). The manufacturer may also have a range of recommended pressure (i.e. 40-60 psi) which is why it is only a starting point. Experiment with pressures in the range to find the one that works best for you.

Pump Road Rubber More

Sure, road tires are pumped up to high pressures, but because they are skinny tires, there’s hardly any air inside. That means that when even a little air leaks out (and it will since tires are porous and naturally seep air), the pressure and volume are greatly reduced. To prevent this, check your tire pressure before every ride.

Off-Road Tires

Conversely, off-road tires are much wider and can fit considerably more air inside. For this reason, off-road tires are inflated to much lower pressures than road tires. Fat tires don’t seep as much air (and definitely not as quickly). By all means, if you’re riding fat tires on pavement and smooth roads, inflate them to your hearts content! But — don’t inflate to a higher psi than the manufacturer recommends.

However, if you are riding off-road, you should really consider lowering your tire pressure to a range of about 35 to 45 psi. If you’ve been riding off-road on 50 to 60 psi, you will be amazed at how much your comfort and control, traction and handling will increase on the trail.

Just Don’t Go Too Low

Road and off-road tires alike - running too low of a pressure will increase the risk of both puncture and pinch flats. Softer tires will pick up more debris, which may go through the rubber and pop your tube. Second, any potholes, ruts, or rocks that you hit could deform the soft tire to the point that the rim hits the ground or rock so hard that it pinches the tube. Not only might you have the dreaded “snakebite” puncture flat, you could damage your rim, which can be expensive and is always a nuisance.

Check the Chart

Rider weight is another important factor to deciding what pressure to use, so we’ve included this chart for you to help guide your decision.

Come to Bumstead's Bicycles for all your cycling needs.

We are located at 1038 W. 4th St in Ontario, CA.
You can reach us by phone at (909) 984-9067

www.bumsteadbikes.com

TOP Cycling Tips #11-20

Follow Any of These Rules To See Improvement in Your Ride!

Stay On The Lookout For the Rest of The Rules!

1. Train Your Weaknesses

Even though this may seem vague and obvious, this is much more about identifying your weaknesses and THEN training them. Professional endurance racer Mark Weir makes his living blasting through corners, but that wasn't always the case. "I was a semi-pro downhiller racing in Park City, Utah, and there was a corner that I thought just sucked," he recalls. "I told Jan Karpiel, one of my sponsors, about it, and he said: 'The corner doesn't suck, you suck at that corner.' I realized then that training my weaknesses is far more important than sticking with my strengths.

 

2. Check Your Tire Pressure Before Each Ride



3. Learn to Bunny Hop on Your Road Bike

Doing an unclipped hop shows you how changes in body position affect your bike's behavior — knowledge that will boost your confidence on steep downhills, rough roads, and in corners.



A. Replace your clipless pedals with platforms and your cycling shoes with soft-soled sneakers.

B. Ride across a flat, grassy field at slightly faster than walking speed, standing on your pedals, cranks level with the ground, elbows and knees slightly bent.

C. Push down on the handlebar while bending your knees even farther so you are crouched over the saddle. Then immediately pull up and back on your bar as you shift your weight back to get the front tire up.

D. With the front tire off the ground, shift your weight forward as you push the handlebar ahead and hop up with your legs to lift the rear wheel.


4. Fitness Takes Time

No crash diet or hell week of training will magically propel you into top form. "You've got to work toward it all season long," says Pierre Rolland, the best young rider of the 2011 Tour de France.

5. If something is painful like your knee, back, or wrists, you should consider getting a professional fitting. 

Many websites and blogs offer instructions to "do-it-yourself," however —it's a much better idea to let a professional fine tune your bike toyour anatomy.

6. Wash Your Bike

Especially after a wet or muddy ride. Mist it with a garden hose or soak it using a bucket of soapy water. Wipe it down and rinse, then dry it with a clean rag or towel. Don't forget to lube your chain.


7. Buy a Torque Wrench and Learn How to Use It

This is mandatory for carbon parts, but will also extend the life of all stems, handlebars, bottom brackets, seatpost clamps, and suspension pivots.


8. Speaking of Your Chain

A well-maintained and lubricated chain could last 3,000 road miles ore more, but check it every 500. Here's how: Take a ruler and place the 0 at the rivet of one link. If the ruler's 12 inch mark aligns closely with another rivet, you're in good shape. If it's more that 1/16th of an inch away, replace the chain.

 



9. Respect Your Front Brake



Applying 60 percent front brake will bring you to a smooth, controlled stop. But on steep descents or during rapid decelerations, you'll want to rely even more heavily on the front.



Be sure to shift your weight behind your saddle to prevent yourself from sailing over the handlebar


10. Stick With Your Group

Whether you're embarking on a 500-mile charity ride or racing Paris-Nice, there's safety in numbers. Teammates and friends can pull if you're feeling tired, share their food, or help fix a mechanical issue. "I've seen this so many times," says Chris Horner. "A guy is leading the race and is really strong and so he goes into a breakaway. But what happens if he crashes or flats? He is all alone. Stay with your group as long as possible.



Stay tuned for more GREAT tips, video reviews and much much more!

Bumstead's Bicycles

 Located at 1038 W. 4th St. in Ontario, CA. 
You can reach us by phone at (909) 984-9067

www.bumsteadbikes.com

Cycling Advice: Shifting Tips For A Better Cycling Experience

Quick And Easy Tips To Improving Your Shifting and Extending The Life Of Your Drivetrain

 It is extremely important to learn how to use all of the equipment on your bike so that you can use it properly and get the longest life out of your investment. The Drivetrain and shifting mechanisms are no exception.

An important rule to remember is to reduce your applied pressure on the pedals during shifts. As drivetrains have seen many improvements over the years, and have been designed to shift no matter how much pressure is put on the pedals. However, if you ease up on the pressure just a bit, the shifts will be smoother and your chain, cogs and chainrings will last longer.

Here are some more tips to help keep your drivetrain in great working order:

Keeping Your Drivetrain Clean:


Before we even get into proper shifting, it is important to make sure you keep your drivetrain clean and tuned up to extend the life of your drivetrain. We have chain cleaners for sale in the shop that can help get your chain clean and keep it that way.

Every six months or so, inspect your chain and measure to see if it has been stretching.

Pick a chain pin on the top side and measure to any pin 12 inches away. Links are exactly one-inch long, so you should be able to measure exactly 12 inches between two pins. If the measurement is 12 1/8 inch or longer, it's time to replace the chain.

Related Post:  See our post all about how chains are made here!

(Check Your Cogs too!)

Remember: cogs wear out at about the same rate as the chain. If you put on a new chain, you will eventually run into skipping cogs - which is at best annoying and at worst dangerous!

Remember to keep the front rings and rear cogs clean. Stay on the lookout for a post about how to clean your chain and drivetrain!

On The Road Tips:

Shift Before Hills:

Even though the hardest place to put less pressure on your pedals is when you are struggling to get up a steep hill. Try changing gears before the steep part of the hill so you can make the shift with out stressing the chain and pedals.

Front Shifts:

Remember when you are shifting the front derailleur that the chainrings are significantly different in size! This means your derailleur has to work hard to move the chain from one to the other. If you can add some finesse to this shift, you are much more likely to get a clean, smooth shift. And, you'll eliminate problems associated with high pressure shifts such as having the chain come off.

There are three or four set spots (shift ramps/shift gates) on the chainrings to make it shift. The chain (while moving forward) needs to contact these ramps to be pulled up onto or down over the chainring. It is very important to hold the shift until the chain comes into contact with a shift ramp. When the chain is under load (meaning there is force on the pedals) this is the ony spot where the chain will shift. Ideally shifting should be done with little load on the chain. When the chain is under load the derailleur will just flex and laugh at you instead of making the shift happen. When there is no load on the chain the derailleur will be able to move it.

Getting Your Chain BACK On:

Usually, you can shift the chain right back on the chainring if it falls off. This is usually impossible when climbing a hill, as you will lose momentum and have to stop. However, any time you are riding and you can coast for a few seconds, you can almost always get the chain back on by gently pedaling and shifting the front derailleur to move the chain toward the ring.

(When a chain comes off repeatedly, something is wrong and you should have us take a look at the front derailleur adjustment.)

Come by Bumsteads For All Your Cycling Needs!

We are Located at 1038 W. 4th St in Ontario, CA

Give us a call at (909) 984-9067

www.bumsteadsbikes.com