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Cycling
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Biking Gear
Helmet
Clothing
Helmets  Throughout
this site you will find that head protection in the form of a helmet is always
top priority. It is not that we have a total disregard for the rest of the body
or even your equipment, but your head or rather what's in it controls the rest
of your body. With no head or a damaged brain you have no control. No control,
no fun. Get it? While broken bones heal, a head injury
can lead to death or a permanent brain damage disability. Each year, nearly 70,000 bicyclists
suffer serious head injuries. Many never fully recover.
Every bicyclist needs
the protection that a good bicycle helmet provides. Of course, a helmet can't
keep a bicyclist from falling. But it can cut the chances of serious brain
injury. Researchers say that bicycle helmets can prevent three out of four
serious cycling head injuries. So what kind of helmet. Unless you are racing or
doing long touring trips against the wind you don't really need one of these
streamlined and pointy helmets. You may do better with an all-around helmet, as
people whose actively ride are likely to have other interests. Today's helmets
are lightweight, fashionable, cool and inexpensive. You can find a decent helmet
for as little as $25.00 or as much as $250.00, with very little difference in
the protection or comfort maybe slightly lighter or better ventilation.
So what do you look for in a helmet. Fit,
(you make them fit by adjusting the chin strap and putting foam pads around
inside), comfort, construction and weight. Any good helmet should have an
endorsement of a reputable non biased organization or research lab such as the
Underwriters Lab or Snell Foundations. Look on the inside of the
helmet. If it was approved by Snell
Foundation It should have a green or blue Snell sticker. 
Clothing
Shirts - Most of these are designed to keep you cool and comfortable while
biking. They are available in cotton-blends if you don't want lycra. The back
and sleeves are longer to avoid exposing areas of skin while stretching
forward.
Shorts - There are many colors and styles of loose-fitting padded shorts.
These are designed to look like normal shorts, but with a little extra padding
for those long rides.
Cycling Shorts - If you are looking for one thing to make your ride more
comfortable, this is it! These shorts come in all different materials to cover
your skin instead of flapping in the breeze. Cycling shorts should fit
snuggly, but not so snuggly that they cut off your circulation.
All-purpose Shoes - These shoes are usually SPD compatible and come with a
stiff sole that is great for riding, but not too stiff to walk in. These shoes
usually come in a "half boot" style which gives your ankle plenty of
support.
Gloves - Any serious biker will tell you to get yourself a good pair of
gloves. Some gloves come with gel inserts that will make your handlebars very
comfortable and will keep your hands from getting blistered or scraped if you
fall.
Eye protection - While biking, it's important to protect your eyes from
mud, dirt, ultra violet rays and bugs. You can get all kinds of styles, sizes,
colors and tints. For bright days, try a dark or Iridium lens which reduces
glare. On gray days go for amber or yellow tints.
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