Schwinn 240:
Schwinn’s best selling recumbent exercise bike, model 240 offers the comfort and effectiveness that few others can offer. The Schwinn 240 has a total of 16 different resistance levels which provide a challenge to people of all experience levels. Dial up the resistance as your legs strengthen and your stamina increases. The 240 never leaves you alone in your training endeavors, as it has 17 different pre-loaded workout programs for you to experience. It also has eight different course profiles, the ability to set a target heart rate and custom profiles for two people. The grip on the handle has a heart rate monitor which displays your current heart rate on the screen. The padded seat orients the user in the comfortable recumbent position and has excellent lumbar support.

Schwinn A20:
The A20 Schwinn recumbent exercise bike uses eddy currents to create eight resistance levels to choose from. Getting started with the A20 is as easy as using the onboard quick-start program. Users can select from 6 workout programs which are as fun as they are challenging. During the workout, information such as distance traveled, pulse, calories burned, resistance level, course profiles, speed, RPM, and time are displayed on the LCD screen. Your heart rate is constantly monitored by the sensor in the grip. Entering and exiting the A20 is easy thanks to the step-through style frame. The A20 has a padded seat which can be adjusted for leg length. Comfort accessories like a water bottle holder, cooling fan, wheels and a book rack are also included.

Schwinn 230:
This sleek and compact unit has 16 resistance levels and 6 preset programs. The LCD screen positioned directly in front of the seat displays information like speed, calories burned, time and much more. The seat is padded for comfort and has dual lumbar support as well as side handles. The seat slides along the frame front or back to adjust to varying leg lengths. As with most Schwinn recumbent exercise bikes, a heart rate monitor is built into the handle.  The Bio Fit pedals keep your feet attached at all times and help prevent injury. It can be stored in the closet or moved around using the transport wheels on the bottom. The water bottle holder keeps a cool drink handy at all times.

Men vs. Women:
From the legs up to the hips, men and women have a very similar profile. However, it is around waist where the differences lie. Women tend to have a narrower and longer waist when compared to men. A man trying to fit into a pair of women’s shorts may feel quite constricted. Bicycle short companies take care to create a longer inseam for women so that they experience a comfortable fit. In general, women prefer to wear shorts with a shorter leg length, whereas men prefer the shorts to cover their quadriceps. However, these common traits do not define every individual. As such, it may be more comfortable for you to use shorts which are designed for the opposite gender which is perfectly okay.

What are “Panels”?
Panels are a special feature in bike shorts which are designed to orient the user in a cycling position. These shorts start with 4 panels and go all the way up to 8. The more panels a pair of bicycle shorts has, the more curvature it will exhibit. For example, an 8-panel pair of shorts will curve your body forward much more than a 4-panel pair. As a result, shorts with extreme curvature can be relatively uncomfortable to wear while standing upright. After all, these shorts are designed for cycling, not walking. When possible, sit on a bicycle while trying on a new pair of shorts to ensure it feels good while in the cycling position. New cyclists should stick with 4 or 6 panel shorts, while intermediates and advanced riders do well with the 8-panel.

Fabrics:
The fabrics used in bicycle shorts are designed around their ability to stretch, contour and absorb/release moisture. Spandex is a widely used material and has excellent stretching properties. The downside to spandex is that it requires a special finish and/or knitting in order to properly wick moisture and allow your skin to breath. As such, spandex is commonly knitted with other materials like polyester which promotes the characteristics that spandex cannot achieve alone. Advanced materials do cost more but can be well worth it.

Heininger Automotive Advantage Truck Bed Rack:
The Heininger truck bed bike rack allows users to store up to four bicycles without needing to remove the wheels. It uses a total of four screw plates to install the rack to your truck bed using pressure alone. No drilling, strapping or clamping is needed for installation. Heininger includes a lock cable which can be used to lock the truck bike rack to your truck so it cannot be stolen. The rack installs into trucks large and small thanks to the adjustability of the rack. Large trucks are accommodated with the included spacer to extend the width of the rack. This rack can stand on its own, allowing it to be used in the garage or yard to store your bikes. Each bike is oriented straight up and is held into the rack with sliding grips.

Delta Stable Loader 2-Bike Bed Rack:
The Delta Stable Loader truck bed bike rack can store up to two bicycles at once. Users must remove the front wheel of the bicycle before loading. It has a telescoping frame which allows it to fit truck beds of all sizes. Rubber feet on the bottom help the rack to grip the truck bed so that it does not slide. After placing the bike’s forks onto the rack, a clamp is engaged to hold them down. The clamps have lock holes so that you may use your own padlock to prevent your bikes from being stolen. Additional fork holders can be purchased separately to accommodate up to five bikes at any given time. You can also use the Delta Stable Loader inside the cargo area of your SUV. Bikes are stored upright so that they do not damage your car or each other.

Thule Insta-Gator Truck Bed Mount:
When only a single bicycle needs to be transported, the Thule truck bed bike rack is ideal. After placing the bicycle tire into the rack, it is secured by tightening down the ratchet clamp. The clamp is easily and quickly released when the bike needs to be removed. No drilling is required for installation, as it utilizes the tailgate as a wheel stop. However, the tail gate cannot be lowered while the Thule rack is in place. You do not need to remove the bike wheel to store your vehicle. To prevent the rack and bike from being stolen, you can secure the rack to the truck with a cable and lock.

Changing Motorcycle Handlebars:
Using a handlebar which is improperly fitter to your body can result in back, neck and hand pain. If adjusting the current motorcycle handlebar does not improve the situation, a replacement can be installed with relative ease. There aren’t any specific rules on what handlebar is right for you since everyone is different. Thus, the best way to do this is to ride your bike and get a feel for what is wrong. Do the handle bars need to be closer or father away from your body? Should they be raised or lowered? Is the angle of the handle bar causing discomfort in your wrists? There are all questions that should be asked.

Feeling for the Right Position:
Sit on your bike in your garage, close your eyes and reach out for the motorcycle handlebars. Place your arms in a position which feels comfortable and hold them there. Upon opening your eyes, you should be able to see the discrepancy between the current orientation and the desired one.

Aerodynamics:
It is important to note that handlebars which are wider and/or higher than the old one can cause additional wind exposure on cycles with no windshields. Make sure you leave enough room in front of you so that you can lean forward into the wind to counteract its effects.

Leverage:
An increased width serves to make the motorcycle easier to turn by increasing the available leverage. However, you may have to reach uncomfortably far when engaging in a tight turn.

Measuring:
You will need to take three measurements to determine which motorcycle handlebars will fit your bike. These measurements are pullback, width and height. Height refers to the distance between the mounting post at the centerline to the top of the handles. Use caution, as some companies measure this in different ways. Pullback measures how far back the handle bars curve relative to the base. Width is fairly self-explanatory.

Replacing the Old Bar:
Remove the old handlebar by disengaging the mirrors and grips. Remove the housing from the kill switch and brake handles and take them off. The stripped bar can now be removed by loosening the center clamp. Place the new bar in just as the old one was removed. Before tightening it down completely, sit on the bike and get a feel for the right position.

Razor “Dirt Rocket” Electric Dirt Bike (MX350)
The MX350 Razor dirt bike sports the same sleek coloring and design as a real dirt bike. The electric motor is very quiet and makes very little sound while riding. The single-speed drive system is geared in such a way that gives the bike enough torque to ride off-road. The maximum speed on this model is a respectable 12 MPH. The knobby tires obtain a good grip on rocks and dirt when driving in an open field or out in the desert. The bike’s throttle is controlled by twisting the right handle. A single rear brake provides the stopping power. The riser handlebars are fully adjustable for a comfortable ride. Both tires are pneumatic and can be filled with a bicycle hand pump.

Razor Electric Motocross Bike (MX650)
Sporting a sleek yellow paint job, the MX650 is fashioned to look like a real dirt bike. Designed for advanced riders, this Razor dirt bike has an upgraded top speed of 17 MPH. Both front and rear disc brakes are installed for fast stopping even at full speed. Care has been taken to mimic real dirt bike frame geometry. Dual front suspension smoothes out the ride while the riser handlebars provide pinpoint adjustment to the rider’s stature. The 650 watt motor runs on two 12 volt battery packs which provide an approximate run time of 40 minutes when used continuously. This amounts to about 10 miles of travel. The MX650 Razor electric dirt bike is designed for riders aged 16 and up and can hole up to 220 pounds.

Razor Motocross Dirt Bike (MX500)
The MX500 is smaller than the MX650 yet has the same top speed of 17 MPH. This model is designed for slightly younger children (14+ years) while still safely allowing them to travel at an impressive 17 miles per hour. This scaled down dirt bike has a 500 watt electric motor and has a weight capacity of 175 pounds. It is very quiet during operation, allowing it to be used where gasoline dirt bikes cannot tread. With a total range of 10 miles, your teenager will have a blast cutting their own path out of the soil. Use it at home in the neighborhood or out in the desert for ultimate fun

Kettrike “Air Navigator” Trike (Kettler)
Perhaps the highest rated Kettler tricycle available, the Kettrike is a versatile vehicle that offers an abundance of features. Designed for kids just coming off the stroller, this trike allows parents to have full control over where their children go. When the parent wants to change the direction of the Kettler tricycle, simply manipulate the rear handle. When you want to give them full control, simply unlock the front steering system to allow them to steer on their own. When your child gets tired, they can rest their feet on the stationary foot rests while you push them along. With the Kettler tandem kit, you can even add another seat to the back so that two children can ride at once. This Kettler tricycle rides on three air-filled tires which can be filled to the proper pressure using a standard bicycle pump. It has a 200 pound weight limit.

Oceana Kettler Tricycle:
The Oceana has the added ability to adjust to your child’s height as they grow. The frame is telescopic and can change its length in just a few moments. The frame itself is made from durable, high-carbon steel coated in blue protective paint. The step-through frame makes it easy to enter and exit the driver’s seat. The tires are made of synthetic rubber and do not need to be filled with air. When desired, the front handlebars can be locked into place, giving full steering control over to the parent. Children propel themselves using the slip resistant front pedals and steer using the full-range handle bars. By the time they outgrow the Oceana, they will be well prepared for the bicycle.

Kiddi-o Junior Kettler Trikes:
The Kiddi-o has a total of four positions which can be adjusted on the fly to accommodate children of all sizes. Mounted to the step-through frame is a seat which also has four different orientations. The seat has a high back to provide excellent back support to all children drivers. The tubeless tires provide a smooth ride and do not need maintenance. All of the wheels ride on sealed ball bearings which reduce friction and make the tricycle easy to ride. The turn radius on the Kiddi-o is limited so that children cannot perform potentially dangerous maneuvers. Kettler also makes this model in pink for girls.

Wald Front Handlebar Basket, Grocery Sized
This particular basket is designed to attach to the front handlebars of your bike. It allows for access of the stored goods even while driving. The back of the bicycle basket attached to your handlebars using clips. Two legs on the bottom of the basket attach to your front wheel axle bolts. The legs have multiple holes in the bottom which can be used to adjust the height of the basket on different sized bikes. You can store everything from groceries to a teacup poodle in this stylish basket which comes in the colors of black, silver and white. Heavy loads will reduce turning speed with any handlebar-mounted bicycle basket.

Wald Rear Dual Basket
This carrier has two bicycle baskets which each mount on one side of the rear tire. This efficient, space-saving design allows for greater capacity that handlebar-mounted models. It attaches to the bike at two points- the seat post and the rear tire axle. Users start by loosely tightening down the axle bolts onto the two legs, then tightening down the upper clamp to the seat post. After everything is tightened down fully, the basket is ready to use. The basket comes in a silver finish and has a very deep storage capacity. Whether you are storing a bouquet of flowers or a stack of newspapers, Wald’s rear basket provides excellent stability regardless of weight.

Wald Folding Rear Bike Basket
Available in the colors of black, white, silver and chrome, the Wald folding rear basket is able to fold down flat when it is not needed. However, you need to have a rear rack already installed for this basket to mount to. Racks are available from Wald and other bicycle suppliers. If you buy two, you can mount one on each side of the tire. These bicycle baskets fold down to 1” thick in just seconds, saving room when the extra storage capacity is not needed. It is big enough to store a couple bags of groceries without burdening the rider. Most of the weight is placed on the rear tire, not the front.

Adjusting the Height:
The height of a motorcycle windshield can make a difference in the performance of the vehicle as well as the comfort of the ride. If the windshield is set too high, you will not be able to see over it if the plastic should become fogged for some reason. If the windshield is too low, you will get hit by bugs as well as the slipstream. Decreasing the slip stream is done by making the angle of the motorcycle windshield less aggressive. You can adjust both height and angle of the windshield on many motorcycles. The generally accepted height is just under the nose, but your own personal height may be different. Windshield adjustment balances aerodynamics with comfort.

Motorcycle Windshield Kits:
Kits are available to replace an old windshield or put one where none previously existed. These kits utilize the front forks and frame to attach the shield to the bike. It may seem intuitive to attach the windshield to the handlebars, but this method forms a much stronger connection. Users must take care to plan the installation and make sure that no cables will be crushed by the mounting brackets. This is especially true if the new brackets do not match the old ones. Gently move cables and lines to the side to fit the windshield into place. Motorcycle windshields should never obscure side mirrors. If it does, you have a size too large or you need to extend the length of your side mirror arms.

Windshield Materials:
Older windshields for motorcycles can change color, especially if they are exposed to the sun for many years. Yellowish coloring on the shield is not only ugly, but can obscure vision. Always replace a motorcycle windshield if this happens. Motorcycle windshields like these are commonly made of plastics like polycarbonate and acrylic. When kept in good shape, they look like glass but have the added benefit of being lighter.

Cleaning a Motorcycle Windshield:
First off, forget using paper towels, as the fibers are rough and may scratch the windshield. Cleaning may be more effective if you remove the windshield from the motorcycle. Grab two terry cloths and soak a portion of them in warm water. Use the wet portion to wipe down the front and back of the windshield. Dry both sides using the dry portion of the towel. To avoid hard water spots, clean the window using distilled water from the grocery store. You can follow up with some Windex sprayed on the windshield and dried with a microfiber cloth.

Steering:
High end pedal cars have a tie-rod steering system which controls two front wheels. Any good pedal car will contain the steering hardware behind a sheath so that the child cannot get pinched. Most pedal cars have a standard full-circle steering wheel with rubber grip, however some of the go-cart style cars have butterfly wheels.

Drive System:
Pedal cars have a chain which is oriented between the pedals and the rear axle. Always look for cars which have a cover over the chain so that a child’s hand or hair does not get caught in the chain. Most do not have differentials, but the short car width results in minimal slippage during turns. Regular oiling of the chain and axle bearings is recommended. If your pedal car has pneumatic wheels, be sure to keep them at the proper PSI as shown on the side of the tire.

Assembly:
If you are handy at putting things together, unassembled pedal cars can be a good buy, so long as the company provides full English instructions. If the pedal car is of obscure Chinese origin, you may encounter some roadblocks when trying to read the sub-par instructions.

Safety Considerations:
Many toys from even the largest toy companies have been recalled due to lead in paint. Look for a “lead free” and “non toxic” label on the package to ensure the product is chemically safe. The exterior frame should be made of plastic or metal, as these are the most durable materials for a vehicle of this type. Deep-embedded paints can be buffed out if the child rams into something and causes a scratch. Look for any sharp objects, especially around the chain. Pedal cars orient the child very close to the chain, so make sure that it has a guard.

Deluxe 3-Bike Rack Hitch (Allen):
This bike rack is extremely versatile in that it can attach to two different hitch sizes depending on your particular vehicle. Without the included “filler plate”, this rack can attach to 1.25 inch hitches. With the attachment of the filler plate, it can attach to 2 inch hitches. The total install time is only about 5 minutes or less. A total of three bicycles can be attached to the rack and transported over long distances without damage. Specialized ties on the surface prevent the bicycles from clanking against each other and causing scratches. This hitch bike rack is constructed from steel and is coated in black powder paint. It releases from your car with minimal tools thanks to the quick release pin.

Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Rack (Allen):
Sporting four individual bike holders, this 4-bike-rack is ready for a multi-person outdoor excursion. As with the 3-bike hitch, this model has two holders for each bike which orient the bicycles parallel to each other. This prevents damages even as your vehicle drives over rough terrain. Unlike the previous model, this one can only attach to 2-inch sized hitches. The bikes are supported by 22 inch arms made of steel. Conveniently, the arms can fold out of the way when bikes are not being stored. This hitch bike rack installs in just five minutes and uses a bolt which will not wobble in the receiver.

Premium 5-Bike Hitch (Allen):
One of the biggest hitch bike racks available, Allen’s 5-bike hitch rack carries enough bikes for a multi-person adventure. It’s always a good idea to keep a backup bike handy, and this model allows you do so without hindrance. Capable of attaching to any 2-inch receiver, this model sports long 28-inch steel arms which can support the weight of five bicycles. The arm has a quick release which allows it to fold down before and after your bicycle trip. As with all of Allen’s hitch bike rack models, you only need 5 min. to install it.