Is it reasonable for a person who usually bikes short distances recreationally to sign up for a 20 mile bike for charity?

If it is for charity, why not? Unless you are very competitive, there is no rule to say that you must finish the 20 mile course. You can always stop half way if you feel that it is too much for you.



The most important thing is to have fun and feel good that you are doing something good.

Just make sure that the bicycle you will be cycling on is of the right fit for you. Even if you do not plan to ride to win, it is best that you learn how to prepare for it and to build up your stamina for the long distance ride.

You will find some of the information I shared in the following articles useful.

What are some good rules of thumb for starting out long-distance biking?
How can you ride a bicycle without getting tired?
Which is the best bicycle for long distance ride?
How many miles should I bicycle per day on a world tour?

Need winter wear? Use your long cyclist pants.

If you plan to travel to places where the climate is colder, make sure that you include thermal wear in your luggage. Thermal wear is made of synthetic material, such as, polyester that will wick away moisture, like your perspiration, from your skin. So, avoid wearing cotton as it will absorb your perspiration or water from the rain or snow and that will make you feel colder.

When the temperature drops, it is not the cold weather you should be wary of but the wind. You will feel the chill as the cold wind blows over your exposed skin. So, wear long sleeves and pants, make sure that your head is covered and your scarf is on to keep your neck and nose warm. Wear gloves and thick socks to keep your limps warm and mufflers to protect your ears from the wind. Don’t forget your lips. Apply lip balm to prevent them from becoming dry and chapped.

Though wool can help trap heat and keep you warm, several layers of lightweight clothing are preferable to one thick layer. Wearing tight jeans over your thermal wear can constrict your blood vessels and make movements difficult. Lycra spandex is a lightweight synthetic fiber fabric which stretches well. So, Lycra spandex clothing is best worn over your thermal wear. You can add more layers as the temperature drops.

For the outer shell layer, you can decide if you prefer to wear a parka, coat or jacket. How waterproof, padded and insulated you want it to be depends on what the weather is like where you are going. Google “cold weather light waterproof jacket” and you will find a wide variety in the market.
I wonder if you noticed that most sportswear are made of Lycra spandex. So, before you head off to buy your winter clothing you may want check out if you can pack any of your sportwear with you.
Don’t miss out the padded long cyclist pants. I encourage my customers to wear them for their winter holiday overseas. The padding will not show as it will be covered by your long winter jacket and it provides some comfort during the long ride in the plane, train or car.



The leggings of Lycra spandex pants are close fitting and usually with zip enclosures so you can easily wear boots over them.



Do you know that you should buy boots that are one or two size larger than your regular size?



Bring along your woolen winter socks when you are out choosing your boots. Remember too that you plan to wear them over your thermal wear and Lycra spandex pants.

Should I buy a fork for BMX or MTB?

When you buy a fork for mountain bike, you have the option to buy one with suspension or without. There are forks in the market for 20″ MTB like the one shown here. 20″ MTBs are usually recommended for kids of age 6 and above.

If you plan to buy a replacement fork just make sure that it fits the size of the bicycle you intend to install it on. They come in sizes for 20″ right up to 29″ bicycles. Choose one with suspension if you plan on riding off road as it will take the strain off your shoulders during bumpy rides on your bicycle.

If you buy a cheaper fork with suspension, it is likely that you will not be able to adjust the shock absorbers as there is no dial on it to adjust their tension or to lock it so that it does not move at all.


BMX forks do not have suspension and they are usually built sturdier and stronger than other fork without suspension, eg, meant for a fixie or a regular 20″ bicycle. You will not be able to install your BMX rims or tyres on a fixed gear fork as the tyre width for BMX can be as wide as 2.35″

Mountings on the fork for the brakes are located differently for V-Brake, U-Brake or disc brakes. So, inform the shop the kind of brakes you intend to fix on your BMX.

In Malaysia, it is now popular for youngsters to modify their 20″ BMX with a double fork (with or without suspension) like this.

This is how they want their BMX to look like after modification.

Or like this.


This is how they ride (fly) the modified BMX.


This is dangerous and illegal. Bicycles like these get confiscated by the local authorities if riders are caught in the act.

Are white bikes usually made for women?

What should determine a male or female cyclist’s choice in buying a bicycle is the frame size. Not the colour. A frame size of 16″, will be suitable for someone with height of 5'2" - 5'6".



Bicycles painted in white are more difficult to keep clean and you may find that you will have to clean it up more often compared to bicycles in darker colours.



The stains on a white bicycle stand out. So, if you are fussy about keeping your bicycle looking nice and clean but you do not have the time to maintain it that way, getting one in white will be a bad idea regardless if you are a male or female cyclist.

Moreover, overtime, if you do not clean your bicycle properly, you may find that it has gone a little yellow on you.

How can you ride a bicycle without getting tired?

Cycling will not be so tiring if you are able to eliminate the issues you faced. I share here some reasons why you will feel more tired than you should while cycling:

1) You are cycling on a bicycle with the wrong frame size for your height.
2) It could also be that the handlebar reach is either too near or too far for you.
3) Or you may have set your seatpost too low.
4) Your tyres are not fully inflated to run efficiently.
5) You are not using your gears right.
6) The gradient of the roads you chose to cycle on are too steep.
7) You are trying to catch up with fellow riders who have better stamina or who are more efficient cyclists.

If you are cycling on a bicycle with the wrong frame size and you do not intend to replace it, here are minor changes you can make to it that will ease the strains of cycling which will make you tired.
Most stems come in length of 32mm right up to 80mm. If the handlebar reach is too far for you, you can use a stem with shorter length as it will bring the handlebar closer to you.



If you would like to remove the strains on your shoulders and arms which can tire you out, you can consider installing an adjustable handlebar stem as it will also allow you to sit in a more upright position.

However, if you are cycling on an old bike that uses quill stem, there are extra long models in the market which will increase the height of the handlebar for easy reach so that you can sit in a more upright position.


Your seatpost height must be adjusted so that when you sit on the saddle, your knee is slightly bent while the ball of your foot is resting on the pedal at its lowest position.

Try to inflate your tyres to the maximum PSI shown on its sidewall for a smoother ride.



Make sure that you use tyres with the correct threads for the right terrain you are cycling on. For urban ride, slick tyres like the one shown in the above photo will be more efficient.

Knobby tyres that are usually installed on MTB will be more suitable for rougher terrain.



Learn how to change your gears efficiently so that you will not have to struggle uphill. Avoid cycling over bridges or through routes that are hilly which can tire you out faster than you should. Routes with lower gradients will also put less strains on your body.

If you plan to cycle in a group, check to see if fellow riders are cycling on MTB or roadbike or Hybrid or Fatbike or folding bikes. Try to match what they are cycling on as different types of bicycles have different wheel sizes and tyre threads for different terrains.

Frankly speaking, whatever exercise you do, unless you are doing it half halfheartedly, you should feel some form of fatigue and tiredness. You should feel tired as some exertions in strength is involved in moving your bicycle.

The weather can also wear you out if you are cycling under the hot sun or under a heavy shower without the proper attire and protection. The stress of keeping yourself safe on the road while cycling can also tire you out. If you don’t want to feel tired at all, stop your bicycle for a rest more often and avoid routes that will stress you.

What are the best tips to maintain a bike in the proper way?

When you buy an equipment, a manual will be provided with it. A good manual will provide instructions on how to install the equipment correctly. It will provide information on how to use it safely and maintain it so that it will run efficiently.

Even though not all brands/retailers for bicycles will provide such a manual, if you google “owner's manual for bicycle” you should not have any problem in finding one online. From it, you can even learn if you are getting the right frame size for your height.

Though you get your bicycle fully assembled from your bike shop, in the manual you will learn how it is assembled and the type of tools and the sizes you need to do the job. That way if any of the parts are loosen, you will know how to fix it back correctly and with the right tools.

You will learn the name of the parts on the bicycle which will enable you to tell the mechanic clearly what needs to be fixed if professional help is required. This image is from link to “Owner's Manual for Marin Mountain Bikes”.


It provides a schedule on what and when you should clean, service and lubricate on your bicycle and what you should not do. Eg, here is a tip on how to set your gears so that you will not wear out your chain earlier than it should.

I like the instruction manual provided by Green Line for its Single-speed and Multi speed Beach Cruisers, it provides very clear information with lots of images.



The “Owner's Manual Single Speed and Multi-Speed Bicycles” from Dynacraft Bikes that I found online is also very good.

If you take the time to read the manual, you should not have any problem maintaining your bicycle in a proper way.

Would you separate an attached padded liner from your biking shorts?

You are likely to damage or leave holes on the lycra/spandex material of your cyclist pants if you try to remove the pads sewn securely to it.

If you do not like to walk around with a pad in your pants, you can also consider getting padded boxer for cyclist which you can wear like an underwear with your regular pants. Your pants must be loose or stretchable enough for you to cycle comfortably.

There are cycling cargo shorts that are supplied with detachable padding.


This is suitable for cyclists who would like to remove the padding when they have reached their destination to run errands.

These detachable padded pants can be used with your regular pants if you can sew elastic loops on them. Just take a look at how these loops are sewn on the cyclist cargo shorts and you will get the idea how it should be done.

Do you think riding a bike should not be allowed where there is no bike lane?

Cycling started, from the beginning of invention, the world over, without bicycle lanes.

While there is concern that lack of lanes make cycling unsafe on roads, there are also issues with safety even when they are in place because there is no protection for cyclists if behaviour of car drivers and other road users do not change.

No Surprise: Study Finds Sharrows Don't Make Streets Safer

Based on this Infographic, posted on Forbes, it is obvious that there are less road fatalities reported for cyclists in a country when there are more people are involved in cycling.


So, the best way to initiate cycling in your own country is to start a movement, whereby, a group of cyclists make a commitment to make cycling safe with the support of their government so that cycling-specific infrastructure should be part of the development and proper guidelines for all road users are reinforced by the relevant government agencies.

If you would like to work on that, I have shared many useful links in the following write up on, "How can public transportation be integrated for urban cycling?”

Following are links to bike movements that you can emulate to increase participation:
About CicLAvia
Midnight Ridazz Bicycle Ride
List of rides from The Critical Mass - Cycling as a Political Statement

Plan to buy an ebike? Here are some factors you should take note.

eBike actually encourages people who are overweight to consider cycling.

I read a report that most people who are overweight are not keen to cycle as the assertion can make them perspire heavily. Also, they fear the embarrassment of being watched if they have to get off a regular bicycle to push it uphill. You can ride uphill on an eBike more easily, provided the slope is not too steep and within the acceptable gradient limit specified for it.

Factors you have to note before getting an ebike from any shop:

1) Is the wattage and speed legally acceptable to be ridden in your own country? In Malaysia, we follow the UK rules so ebike must be pedal assisted, which means that it must have pedals installed that can be used to propel it.

2) Do you want it installed with lithium or lead acid battery which is heavier but cheaper?

3) Ebike comes in tyre size of 14” to 26”. What tyre size is best for your size?

4) Will you have difficulty getting batteries or replacement parts or services to maintain it?

5) What is the highest gradient of incline the ebike can ride up on?

6) Do you need it foldable for ease of transport when you are not riding it?

7) Do you need one with extra seat for pillion rider?

8) Do you need one with gears too?

9) Does it have proper locking system in place to prevent theft?

10) Is the lighting adequate enough for rides at night?

11) Does it have a horn to warn pedestrians and other road users of your approach?

12) Does it charge while you pedal? Some ebikes are supplied with self-charging system so that while cycling, you can recharge your battery. eBike with “recharge” mode will be more expensive.

Shop around and look at the specifications of the ebikes you are interested in. Here are some examples of what is available in Malaysia.

This unit is foldable with 16″ wheel size. If you plan to use public transport part of the way while cycling on your ebike, a foldable model will be a good option to consider. Note the weight of the ebike. Is it too heavy to consider trotting around?


This model with 24″ tyre size comes with a seat for passenger. As it also comes with a basket, it will be suitable for rides out to pick up some stuff or to carry stuff of a child that you plan to ferry around.


If you know what are available in your market, it will be easier for you to make a decision after considering all these factors.

Finding ways to integrate cycling with public transport

The first thing to do is to make it safe for cyclists to use public roads. So, cycling-specific infrastructure, such as, bicycle lanes should be part of the development by government agencies.



Since it is not possible to go long distances on a bicycle, cyclists will consider utilising public transport part of the way.



Would you be comfortable parking your bicycle in an open space environment like this?



If bicycles are not allowed to be brought up public transport during peak period, there must be allocated parking spaces that have been enhanced to prevent theft and the elements of nature that could damage bicycles.

Once these issues are looked into, there are many ways to integrate cycling with public transport. The good thing is that you do not have to crack your head for answers.

If you google "public transport and cycling", you will find many reports and studies made on integrating cycling with public transport. Reading them will inspire you to discover ways to adopt some of the ideas for your own country.

These are some I found by searching "public transport and cycling":

Integrating cycling with public transport

Public transport and cycling: living apart or together?

Another way to find more of such reports is to google “intermodality bicycle”. These are links I found through that search.

Cycling and Intermodality

Bikeways and intermodality between bicycles and public transport 

When should I change my gears?

You do not have to zoom down a slope when descending if you put more resistance on the pedals by using the "higher" or "harder" gears.  The lower gears are easy gears are for ascending hills.

Shift down to a lower gear = Ride uphill = ride on lower gears to climb uphill with less effort.

You are cycling on low gear when

1) your chain is on cog of smallest chainring = gear 1
2) your chain is on cog of biggest sprocket at the rear = gear 1

Shift up to a higher gear = Ride downhill = add resistance on the pedals and to reduce cadence (in your own term, heaviest).

You are cycling on highest gear of your bike when
1) your chain is on cog of largest chainring at the front = gear 3
2) chain on cog of smallest sprocket = gear 8 = you are running on 24 speed

This diagram of cogs on a chainring and freewheel of a 24 speed bike gives you an idea on which cog your chain is sitting on when you change your gears.

What this video if you would like a clearer picture of how your chain moves on the chainrings and cogs when you change your gears.

Should I sell my very old 26er full suspension mountain bike and buy a new carbon 29er or 27.5 hardtail?

I don’t think you can get a very good price if you sell your “very old 26er full suspension mountain bike”. If you don’t need the money from selling it to get a carbon bike, you can consider keeping it so you can mount it on a trainer to cycle indoor if the weather is bad.


Also, shorter members in the family can still make good use of it. Most bicycle parts are generic so you should not have any problem getting replacement parts for it.

It is practical to switch to the lightweight carbon frame 29er or 27.5er if that is what your cycling mates are riding on. You do not want to be chasing after them on your heavy “very old 26er full suspension mountain bike”. Moreover, your cycling mates will be able to cover more distance per pedal revolution on their 29er or 27.5er.

Just a personal opinion. I am not confident about MTB with carbon frame yet which is why you will  only find only roadbike with carbon frame in Jom Johan.

Is there a checklist before going on a bike ride?

Here is a checklist that you can refer to before you start cycling.

   

Ready To Ride? from Nancy Poh

What is a chain guide for mountain bike?

The chain guide is only required if your chain keeps falling off the cranks.

MRP, one of the manufacturers of chain guide provides a very good explanation about the different guide systems and what is best for your drivetrain and style of cycling.

Chainguide Overview

You will get a better idea of how installing one can help hold your chain in place after watching this video.

 

If I bike 6 miles a day, will I see a difference over time?

That depends on how you take care of yourself.

1) Your skin is going to be darker if you do not have proper suntan on.
2) You can easily fall sick if you are not properly attired for the ride.
3) You can get stressed out due to pollution, foul weather, issues with bicycle, bad roads/terrain and heavy traffic, especially if, you are not cycling in a bike friendly district or country.



So, before you start, made sure that the routes that you are taking are safe for cycling. Take public transport part of the way if the distance is too much to bear (in the beginning). Check what the weather is like to be properly attired and UV protected.

To cut unnecessary stress, check out these points to make sure that you are really ready to cycle.
Ready To Ride?

Once you have got it right, after cycling for a period of time, these are the changes you will see.

1) Your buttock will not ache as much as you develop muscles there.
2) You will sweat it out as you cycle and that will make you lose some weight.
3) You will build up your cadence and find it easier to cycle as you get more competent with your gears.
4) You may find new friends cycling the same route.
5) You can see more clearly what is going on around the district you are cycling through.
6) You will build up your stamina and endurance for other physical activities.
7) You will consider using your bicycle more often to run errands.
8) You may develop a sense of adventure and want to explore new routes that only a bicycle can take you. Maybe even a trip outstation or overseas on your bicycle.
9) You will consider getting a better bicycle as you understand it better through your rides.
10) You may even feel competitive enough to join a cycling event.
11) Your group of cycling friends will expand.
12) You are likely to carry stuff and add more gizmo on your bicycle like bags, bike tools, a cycle computer or even a GoPro to record more interesting rides.
13) You become more particular about the handlebar, saddle, tyres and tubes you use on your bicycle.

These are actually the differences I noticed in my customers after they have been cycling for a period of time.

Why are bicycles so useful?

There is another aspect of bicycle that most people are not aware of.

A study conducted in 2013 by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana found that visitors will stay for a longer period of time and spend more at local shops when they tour Montana on their bicycles. Based on that study, Montana constructed more bike-in camping spots at state parks and began to work on ways to make the highway rumble strips more bike-friendly.

So if you are starting a new business or thinking of relocating your shop you may want to consider picking up a shop that is located in places that are bike friendly.

Here are some benefits about getting a bicycle which will make you realise how useful it is.

<iframe src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/gWx0uppz9lNgOz" width="595" height="485" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" style="border:1px solid #CCC; border-width:1px; margin-bottom:5px; max-width: 100%;" allowfullscreen> </iframe> <div style="margin-bottom:5px"> <strong> <a href="//www.slideshare.net/GreenBeingNancy/the-champions-of-our-earth" title="The Champions of our Earth " target="_blank">The Champions of our Earth </a> </strong> from <strong><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/GreenBeingNancy" target="_blank">Nancy Poh</a></strong> </div>

How can I fix my bicycle puncture at home?

Before you remove your tube to replace it, you need to make sure that you have the right spare tube on hand. Following are information on selecting the right tyre and tubes.

Locate the hole on your puncture tube. If the hole is on the inner side (facing the rim) of the tube, especially along its seam and small, it could be manufacturing defect. Bring it back to the shop to see if they will replace it for you.

If it has been punctured by a foreign object, check along the tyre to make sure that the sharp object is not still sticking to the tyre. Look at the size of the hole and decide if you would like to patch it instead of replacing it. There are many kind of patch kits in the market.

If your rim tape need to be replaced, you can buy it or DIY.

Other than tyre levers, you will also need a pump to inflate the replaced tube. Here are some notes on choosing the right pump if you do not have one yet.

It is best to watch a video on how it should be done then experimenting on your own. For a beginner it can be a hassle to change your own tyre or tube. You may not be familiar with using the tyre levers and may pinch your new tube in the process.

I hope that knowing the above facts will ensure that you do not have to perform the same task twice because you have used the wrong size or have the replaced tube punctured again sooner than it should.

How do I bike on city roads during rainy seasons?

If you plan to cycle everyday through the monsoon season, dress your bicycle for it first. 

Lubricate metal parts of your bicycle to prevent rust and corrosion.


Also use wet lubes on your chains as they are water resistant. This will reduce friction for smoother rides as it runs through the components of your drivetrain.

Have you installed a full set of fenders on your bicycle? If you have not you will definitely be splattered with mud and dirt cycling through puddles.

Also install a waterproof bag or one that has a rain cover provided on your bicycle. How big it is going to be depends on whether you need to shower and change your attire and shoes at your final destination. If you would like to keep yourself warm, also pack a flask of your favourite hot drink or liquor.

A small handlebar bag will do if you only need a towel to dry up or if you prefer wet wipes for a cleanup.

If you need to carry more than one bag or panniers as shown here, you will have to install a rear carrier on your bicycle too.

For better protection against splatters choose fenders that can be fitted closer to the wheels. Rear carrier like this can usually take weight load of 25kg if a bigger size bag or panniers are required.

Be seen while you are cycling on the road in the rain. Install front and rear lights on your bicycle and ensure that the rear lights are blinking very brightly. If you need more information about lights, you can read an article I wrote earlier.

Now we can talk about trying to keep yourself warm and dry as you ride by watching this video. It also provides many tips on how to keep yourself safe while cycling under the rain on the road

What are the most bicycle-friendly countries?

Here is a list of "75 Most Bike Friendly Cities In The World".  Read it to discover why each city was chosen as being bicycle friendly in their country.

You can also check out the top 20 cities, listed by COPENHAGENIZE DESIGN COMPANY, a design consultancy based in Copenhagen. They also provide information on what changes can be made for improvement.

What is the best way to lock up your bicycle?

Are you frustrated that the bicycle you kept locked in your house still gets stolen?  Even so, we shouldn't make it easy for someone to take away what we paid for and own!

The first thing that a thief will do when they steal a bike is to make changes to the bicycle so that it is not easily recognized by the owner or his friends. Changing the colour of the body is the easiest way.

So, make it difficult for the thief to make changes to your bicycle should it get stolen. Add stickers that are difficult to remove or make markings on part of the bicycle that is obvious for all to see even if painted over. A thief will be deterred from stealing your bicycle if there is too much work involved because of the lock installed or if it will be a hassle changing its look.

So, if you plan to park your bicycle, especially without a lock installed, make sure that it is within your sight. Make it stands out so that it can be seen from a distance away. You can do that by adding decorations on your bicycle that makes it uniquely yours. Eg, adding strips of self-adhesive reflective tapes in different colours to the rim. That way, if your bicycle is park with many others in a row, you can recognise it right away.

Go to YouTube and do a search for “How To Lock Your Bike” and you will find many videos showing mistakes that one can make when they use locks on their bicycle. Here is one I found that can rectify those mistakes.

At Jom Johan you can find many different types of lock ranging from RM5.00 to RM38.00.  You may not even have to pay for the lock because of the gift voucher you will be getting when you purchase a bicycle from us.

Here is another way to deter thieves from targeting your bicycle. Put this note on your bicycle where it can be seen by any thief; “Reporting Once Stolen at Bike registry”. So saying, make sure that you take down the serial numbers on your bicycle and take enough photo of the bicycle and proceed to register online if it gets stolen.