Tight Fitting Bicycle Shorts

Last week during a networking presentation, I asked if anyone knew why cyclist wore bike shorts. There were a few who responded right away – with the right answer of course. If you’re a cyclist you know the answer, however if you’re new to the sport your response – like so many others, might be the wrong one. Cyclist who ride for fun, enjoy riding as a family, or use their bicycle for transportation might stray from the tightly fitted spandex short.  Depending on how you use your bicycle, you might have made the wrong decision. Surprised? Whether you realize it or not, bicycle shorts are an important accessory providing both safety and comfort. 

Bicycle shorts are designed to meet the needs of the cyclist, the professional, casual, new and seasoned cyclist.  Specifically designed to meet the cyclist’s needs, these shorts include, padding, tactically placed seams, flexible fabrics which reduce air resistance and wind block, and fabrics that breathe. Choosing the right pair of shorts is important.  Did you know bicycle shorts are made to wear “without” underwear? It’s true and their designed for different types of riding.  Selecting the perfect pair of shorts can be challenging. Bike shops such as Bixby Bicycles & Accessories are staffed with sales associates who can assist with this challenge. 

     First the good news – not all bicycle shorts are tight!  Baggy shorts are available and perfect for the touring or commuting rider. If you ride for fun or casually for exercise – or you want a specific look, baggy shorts can meet your specific needs.  If you choose a baggy short, look for an inner liner – pockets are also available. These shorts have a comfy look and stylish appeal and they come in an array of styles, colors and sizes. 

     However, if you plan on picking up the pace, race training, or high impact exercising tight fitting padded bicycle shorts are a must. They control moisture (wicking), keeping you dry and minimizing chaffing. The pad or leather chamois covers the seams and provides a smooth surface to sit on. Considering they are worn without undergarments it is important to protect the skin against the repetitive friction of the legs against the bicycle seat, to cool the rider down through the process of evaporation, and compress the legs. Tight fitting bicycle shorts protect genitalia in men and women.  They also reduce the weight of a rider’s clothing – improving comfort during long rides or races. Bike short padding, number of panels, the waist band or bib, inseam length, fabric and color are all important. 

     Riding for spin classes, triathlons, mountain biking, commuting or enjoying an early evening family ride, clothing is one of your most important accessories – do the research or ask an informed bicycle sales associate.  The right clothing can be one of your most important accessories. Choose tight fitting bike shorts or baggy shorts, thick fabric or thin (based on climate), sheer or shiny, made of wool, Lycra, spandex or a variety of other wicking materials,  

10 Myths About Women and Bicycling

 

This week we're sharing an article from "The League of American Bicyclists" on Women and Bikes. A fantastic read for both men and women cyclist.  Bixby Bicycles and Accessories is proud of the many women we service throughout the Tulsa community, and those who join us  weekly on Group Rides. 

WOMEN BIKE.  In  2009, women accounted for just 24 percent of bicycle trips in the U.S. It’s time for that to change. That’s why the League launched Women Bike — the first national advocacy initiative to encourage, engage and elevate more women bicyclists in the United States. "

Click here to read to full article

http://issuu.com/bikeleague/docs/womenbikereport_final_web_/4?e=1335002/4356027

Click here to read the full report

http://www.bikeleague.org//sites/lab.huang.radicaldesigns.org/files/WomenBikeReport(web).pdf

BIKE POLO

Have you heard of Bike Polo?  It seems Tulsans have. This vintage sport has seen a resurgence among young and old alike. Teams have popped up nationwide and the age group seems to vary.  It’s a tough game, not for the squeamish - be prepared for scabs, bruises and the sight of blood.

     This century old sport has found new fans world-wide and a quick Google or Bing search can bring up a team in your state, your city, your town, or your local community. The game consists of teams for three riders on concrete courts on single-speed, fixed-gear bikes. There’s a rubber ball and mallets, bike shields and  hard riding. Not for the faint of heart or the average cyclist.

“Invented in 1891, Cycle polo is a team sport to traditional  polo except that bicycles are used instead of horses. The hardcourt game has seen a sharp spike in interest as of 2007 and new teams are sprouting up across the world. Cycle polo can now be accounted for in the USA, Ireland, Switzerland, France, India, Germany, Pakistan Malaysia, SriLanka, Indonesia, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, England, Scotland, Argentina, Italy, Spain, Canada, Poland, Croatia, Slovenia, Nepal, brazil and Cuba.”  …. Wikipedia

U.S. hard-court bike polo has more than 175 teams. And yes!  Oklahoma is well represented. There is the OKC Team in the Oklahoma City area, and Tulsa Bike Polo in the Tulsa area. Check out the websites, YouTube, Facebook pages and more. It's new, revised and many are asking, will Bike Polo be the next new Olympic Sport?

 “What do you get when you combine the low-impact aerobic workout of cycling, the challenge of a racket sport, and the camaraderie of a team sport? Bicycle Polo!”  ….http://www.bicyclepolo.org/

From a great source of exercise to the thrill of racing, from a source of transportation to a hard hitting game, from helping Parkinson’s patients to just riding for fun, 

Cycling and Health - The Evidence

Cycling offers more than a mode of transportation, cash prizes, and winning jackets, shirts and trophies. We sell, coach cyclists and race bicycles for all of these reasons, however our primary purpose for being in this business is to provide the community with a healthy way of staying fit. Cycling is a fitness and wellness program that's all of the above, and more fun than you would ever imagine.  We've taken some excerpts from "Cycling and Health" that highlight the many benefits of cycling, from relieving back and knee pain, to improvements in the cardiovascular and immune system.  

BACK PAIN    Back pain is often the direct result of lack of exercise. This leads to a reduction in nourishment for the inter-vertebral discs. The result is that the function of the discs changes with the discs no longer able to fulfill their allotted task of supporting the required weight. However, there are three ways in which cycling can help overcome back problems. Firstly, through set physical exercise, the discs receive more nourishment which aids their development. Secondly, the large muscles in the back strengthen and develop through cycling. Lastly, cycling aids the stabilization of the individual vertebrae relative to one another. This is achieved by strengthening the 'small' muscles responsible for supporting the individual vertebrae.  

KNEE JOINTS    A general cause of knee pain is often attributed to the breakdown of cartilage. Excessive stress placed on the joint, for example by jogging, or being over weight, restrict or deny the supply of nourishment to the cartilage. Consequently the cartilage is weakened and starts to break down. The knee starts to hurt as it denied minerals essential to the cartilage. Since the cartilage has no blood vessels of its own, the transfer of minerals occurs through diffusion. Movement of the knee joint therefore encourages the nourishment of the cartilage. Cycling is one of the least stressful ways of exercising the knee joint and therefore is an excellent way of strengthening the cartilage.  

HEART & CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM    The heart is our only "motor" and for this reason we should take particular care of it. Stress symptoms and hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) for example have a detrimental effect on the heart resulting in high blood pressure. To get through the narrowed blood-vessels the same amount of blood has to travel faster and with fully-closed arteries a heart attack may occur. Cycling can improve the blood circulation in a large number of ways. Most importantly the heart will be working more economically because the pumping performance becomes more efficient - it leads to a drop in the overall blood pressure thus reduces the risk of heart disease.  

IMMUNE SYSTEM    Infections are one of the prime causes of absenteeism from the work place. One frequent reason is an ineffective immune system leading to allergic reactions and an inability to fight common colds. Cycling improves the quality of the immune system by allowing the body to protect itself against viruses and warding off bacteria. Consequently cycling is the most advantageous method of exercise for strengthening the immune system.

Source:  "Cycling and Health" 

http://www.cyclingandhealth.com/CyclingAndHealth_e.htm

GROUP RIDE SKILLS AND GUIDELINES

Group rides can be fun, but they can also be dangerous.  Not knowing the rules can turn a rewarding experience into a chain of horrible events.  Regardless of your riding experience or your level of expertise on the bike, the rules remain the same. Here are some basic rules for both the new and seasoned Group Rider.

THE PACE LINE

1.  Ride two by two, side by side. Not to close, yet not to far apart, a few centimeters between riders works best –and handlebar to handlebar.

2.  Group Rides Are Not Races. Most organizers of Group Rides sort riders by experience level. You might feel stronger as you ride, or feel you’re in the wrong group – don’t sprint ahead, even if there is a corner coming up, remain side by side. Remember, it’s up to you to keep up with the speed of the slower rider next to you, and to keep to the side of the road.  If you don’t have anyone to ride alongside you, place yourself in between the two riders ahead of you – your front wheel between their two rear wheels.

3.  Pulling Through:  When the riders ahead of you peel off you should come through to the front and pull the group along with you. Remember, once you are in second wheel, you must come through to the front. To avoid this move, avoid second wheel. Cyclist who feel tired or less fit should peel-off.

4. Peeling Off:  Start by letting the rider beside you know you want to move to the back. Look back for anyone who might be overlapping your back wheel, once confirmed (and traffic permits) both of you should move to the outside and let the group come through the middle.  If only one of you wants to peel off, both should move to the outside, however the rider who wants to remain in the front should maintain pace and speed. Do not speed up and do not get out of the bar-to-bar formation. Maintaining a stead speed allows another rider to squeeze through the gap and go to the front.

5.  Moving to a Slower Group:  If you feel your two tired to continue in the position your in, sit in the back and allow riders who are peeling off front the front of the group slot in ahead of you. Never move into a position you can’t handle. Should you find yourself in a group pace that is to fast, or find yourself in the front of a group, Take a token pull. Ride in front for a few seconds then follow procedures for properly peeling off.

6.  Moving within the Group:  Regardless of the reason or necessity for the move, maintain speed and pace and steadily move in the direction you want to go. Gradual moves maintain safety and allow the other rider/riders to move naturally within the group.

7.  Obstacles and Hand Signals:  Yelling during a group ride isn’t the most effective way to communicate with other riders.  When you see an obstacle in the road ahead of you, put your hand down and give a signal that lets the riders behind you know in which direction they should go to avoid it. Remember, an obstacle worth pointing out is one that will damage a bike or the riders behind you.  Keep safe. Learn the hand signals for peeling off, pulling through, obstacles, etc. Try by all means to avoid yelling. There will always be a rider who didn't hear you or didn't understand what you yelled.

8.  Filling Gaps:  As soon as you see a gap, fill it. Ride into the space maintaining speed and pace.  Remember control is the key. Do not speed up to fill the gap or hit the brakes after filling the gap.

9.  Slowing Down and Stopping:  Remember, you should be riding to the side of the rider in front of you. When you see them slow down, you should stop pedaling and slightly overlap your font wheel with their rear wheel. If you brake, braking should be gradual maintaining your buffer zone.

SUMMARY:  Finding the right group can be challenging. Bixby Bicycle Group Rides offer designated A,B and C groups to safely accommodate each rider’s goal and differences in riding speed. When searching for a group ask about general policies – each group is different. Most importantly keep your eyes and ears open, follow instructions and ensure there is an experienced Group Ride Leader. Be patient as you learn the basic skills and always enjoy the ride.

New Bicycle Saddle Prevents Damage Associated With The Genital Area

July 12, 2013 — Researchers at the University of Alicante have developed a novel bicycle saddle that prevents chafing, pain and other damage associated with the genital area as impotence and prostatitis. 

It is a hinged articulated saddle whose coccyx-support narrow front and wide back have been articulately joined. The front part is mobile while the back is fixed, and both may change their positions at the user's will. This new concept of bicycle saddle is designed and patented by researchers from the University of Alicante's Institute of Physics Applied to Science and Technology and the Department of Physics at the Polytechnic Higher School. The UA researcher, Alfonso Panchón Ruiz, head of the research work, explained that "the main advantage of this new design compared to traditional saddles, is that it allows -at the user's will- to rest and recover from fatigue the perineal area suffering lasting intense compression for which they are not designed anatomically."

     "The classic bicycle saddle has a unitary structure formed by a rigid body in anteroposterior direction which makes that, permanently, the perineal tissues, which are soft and not ready to withstand these forces, are being compressed, independent of the position taken by the user. For this reason, soon after starting the exercise, nerves and arteries reach high levels of compression, which causes problems associated with lack of blood supply, such as numbness and affection of the genitals in both men and women, and in the long run, significant pathologies requiring medical treatment may appear," Alfonso Panchón says.

     Up to date, only two solutions have been found, either to go up on the pedals, on a typical pedalling, visible both in professional races and gyms, or dismounting the bike and standing up, abandoning thus, the exercise started. In this sense, Alfonso Panchón explains that "with this new design, it is not the user who must be separated and rising from the seat, but it is the saddle which separates spinning or scrolling down to the perineal area of the user. Thus, it radically prevents pressure on that area, immediately improving the blood supply to the affected areas, resulting in functional recovery of the tissues concerned.

     Another advantage is that the user does not lose balance control ability in driving, regardless of the conditions of use, race, walk, gym, mountain, etc.., and this allows users to make new lateral movements on the anterior mobile part as well as immediately recover -at their will- the traditional full seat with a slight initial reverse movement.

     Also, with this model of saddle, more than ten centimeters can be released between the seat and handlebars, which can be availed with competitive advantage in declines as it allows an aerodynamic position on very steep slopes. 

    The research team has a prototype that allows them to check the health and medical benefits of this innovative aerodynamic concept of saddle. Currently, there is nothing similar on the market, so it is a technology with great potential for international marketing.

NEW BICYCLE SADDLE PREVENTS 
CHAFING, PAIN AND OTHER DAMAGE 
ASSOCIATED WITH THE GENITAL AREA

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130712084439.htm

Keep Cool With A Spinning Class

Challenged by the Tulsa heat?  It’s hot out there and for many, high temperatures lead to a search for indoor activities. Check out a Spinning Class. A cool, comfortable climate controlled environment, dimmed lights and propelled music make this an effective workout. Look at all the cons; all ability levels, train in the off-season, toss the helmet and it burns calories. Look for a class lead by a certified instructor - safety is a priority. In a Spinning Class you control everything from resistance to the level of intensity to the speed, the more you workout the better you’ll get, don’t force it. It can be as easy or as challenging as you want it to be – you get out of it what you put into it.  Most classes last 40 and 60 minutes. If you’re just starting out, look for a beginner or introductory class.  So lets’ eat early so we’re not hungry, drink lots of water so we’re well hydrated and head off to a spinning class.

Expect Sore Muscles

Your instructor is your guide. Let him/her know your ability level. Standing, sprinting and other movements should be approached with care. Your instructor will tell you how fast to pedal, how much resistance to add and how hard to work, respect your personal level. Listen to your body and pay attention to how you feel. Your not in a race, this is a workout not a competition.  As in any exercise position is important. Keep your knees pointed straight forward – bowed knees increase the potential for injury. Avoid ankle injury by keeping those feet flat.  If you’re new at Spinning Classes pay close attention to body positioning. Keep those shoulders relaxed and use your abdominals to maintain balance (not the handlebars).

Keep Pedaling

Nothing is worth doing if it’s not done well. If you’re completely out of breath and in pain, slow down. Never suddenly stop!  Like any other exercise stopping suddenly can lead to lightheadedness. Allow your heart rate and pulse to slow – reduce resistance, pedal slowly and catch your breath. If you still feel overwhelmed, stop.  Although most coaches will tell you to keep moving slowly – you know your body. If you’ve followed these rules and your body has had all it can take, honor that. If you feel yourself recovering keep pedaling. Slowly rebuild your speed and resistance. If that offers a challenge, continue pedaling slowly until the class is over.  The objective is to keep those legs moving.

Spinning Classes are a low impact exercise with a long list of benefits: low impact, unlimited cardiovascular benefits, group motivation, great for all age groups and all fitness levels are welcomed.  However Spinning Classes aren’t for every one. If you’re like me and prefer the Tulsa heat, scorching sun, and breezless afternoons and evenings, join us for our Group Rides. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 7:00am. We also offer a Cycling 101 Class for new cyclist.