Forsyth

Bicycle Industry and Advocates Unified Behind Electric Bicycle Rider Safety

From BicycleRetailer.com

PeopleForBikes and the League of American Bicyclists will launch a new electric bicycle rider-specific safety curriculum this summer. A first-of-its-kind campaign, the curriculum will help new and experienced riders understand best practices specific to riding an e-bike.

As electric bicycle sales continue to outpace all other types of electric vehicles, more Americans are enjoying the benefits of this environmentally and health-friendly mode of transportation. This recent growth in electric bicycle ridership highlights the need for safe, convenient, and easy-to-understand guidance on safe riding and responsible ownership, particularly for riders who may be returning to or are new to bicycling.

The e-bike rider education curriculum, which will launch in July 2023, was created in partnership by the bike industry and bicycling advocates and will offer clear, simple, and actionable steps anyone can take to increase their knowledge and confidence ahead of their next e-bike trip.

“The League is thrilled to be able to expand our cycling education curriculum to include tips and lessons tailored to meet the needs of people riding e-bikes,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “By empowering more people to be able to ride an e-bike safely and skillfully, we can help more communities realize the benefits of a nation in which more people ride bikes. We’re grateful to PeopleForBikes for their partnership on this important initiative.”

Photo by Himiway Bikes on Unsplash

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Are Budget Chinese Groupsets Here To Stay?

New groupsets from Asia are hitting the market and posing a serious challenge to the current big three manufacturers. But should Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo be worried about the likes of L-Twoo and Sensah? Alex and Ollie discuss, as well as bringing you the final of our Most Desirable Bike competition, new Lazer x Red Bull helmets and a whole lot more from the world of bike tech!

 

SRAM Eagle Transmission Review

From BikePacking.com

By Logan Watts

SRAM just dropped another innovation bomb on the mountain bike world with the new SRAM Eagle Transmission, a wireless drivetrain based on a hangerless direct-to-axle frame mount. We got a hold of the new X0 group for this first-ride review. Find that plus weights, prices, and details on the groups here…

My, how quickly things change. It was only 11 years ago when SRAM was the first to ditch the front derailleur with the introduction of XX1, the first mainstream 1×11 mountain bike drivetrain. Then, in mid-2016, SRAM launched Eagle, the first 1×12 MTB group, which was a full-on attempt to make the front derailleur a thing of the past. And with a 10-50T cassette that matched the range of most 2x drivetrains, the industry took the bait.

SRAM went for cables next with the release of AXS in 2019, the first wireless mountain bike drivetrain. Today, SRAM is putting a hit out on the derailleur hanger with the advent of the SRAM Eagle Transmission, a new drivetrain that connects directly to the frame via a hanger-free axle connection. Is it progress for progress’s sake or worthy innovation that improves performance? We had the chance to try out the new Eagle Transmission—or E.T. as we’ve been calling it—to find out in this first ride report.

 

Image courtesy of SRAM

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Federal tax bill could save you $1,500 on your next ebike

From BikeRadar.com

The bill would provide tax credit on new electric bikes under $8,000

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Federal lawmakers in the USA have reintroduced a bill that would give you a tax break on the purchase of a new electric bike.

The Electric Bike Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (E-BIKE) Act would cover 30 per cent of the cost of an electric bike, up to $1,500.

The refundable tax credit would apply to new ebikes under $8,000, which is double the $4,000 cap proposed in president Joe Biden’s scrapped Build Back Better campaign.

The bill would provide the maximum credit of $1,500 to people with incomes up to $150,000 for a single filer or $300,000 for a joint filer.

Cycling UK has urged the UK government to follow the USA’s lead, stating subsidies are a cost-effective way to maximise the carbon-reducing potential of ebikes.

Photo by KBO Bike on Unsplash

 

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6 Bits Of Bike Kit I Wish I’d Bought Sooner!

Hindsight is a wonderful thing when looking back at the error of our ways! But what are the bits of kit & tech the team at GCN wishes they had got sooner? Alex is here to share all so you can get a step ahead and not miss out on the GOOD STUFF!

8 Perfect Ways To Enjoy Oceanside, California By Bike

From TravelAwaits.com

By Tom and Kristi Flick Manus

Oceanside is more than picture-perfect sunsets. Palm tree-lined streets, beach vibes, and blue skies draw visitors looking for a relaxing break. So Oceanside should top your list if you’re dreaming about a perfect warm-weather getaway that happens to include jaw-dropping sunsets. And it happens to be a great place to bike, too.

Exploring Oceanside by any kind of bike (e-bike, hybrid, fat-tire, and beyond) is a fantastic way to experience SoCal’s laid-back vibe. The League of American Bicyclists distinguishes Oceanside as a bike-friendly community.

Located in northern San Diego County near the California border of Mexico, Oceanside’s average temperatures are 67 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months and 74 in the summer months — ideal weather to “tan your hide in Oceanside,” according to Oceanside’s 1960 tourism slogan.

Photo by Mark Neal on Unsplash

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Cyclists and other mobility device users reminded to be visible and predictable

From PSU.edu

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With the start of spring and warmer weather around the corner, many Penn State students, faculty, and staff will more regularly use bicycles and other personal mobility devices to get to, from, and around campus.

Transportation Services and University Police and Public Safety are sharing the following safety reminders based on recommendations from The League of America Bicyclists to help riders reduce the risk of accidents and injuries:

Be Visible

  • Be aware of blind spots and ride where people can see you.
  • Wear bright clothing.
  • Use a front white light, red rear light, and reflectors.
  • Make eye contact with others.

Be Predictable

  • Obey traffic signals and stop at stop signs.
  • Travel with traffic and use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.
  • Ride in a straight line.
  • Yield to pedestrians.
  • Signal turns and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.

 

Photo by Jack Alexander on Unsplash

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How To Complete Your First 100 Mile Bike Ride!

100 miles (roughly 160 kilometres if you don’t do imperial!) is an important milestone for many cyclists. It can feel daunting or difficult, whether you’re targeting a sportive, a charity challenge or just wanting to break that magic century mark on a weekend ride. Luckily for you, Hank knows a thing or two about long distance cycling, so here are his top tips to smash your first 100-mile ride!

 

Mountain Biker Shares 3 Things That Kill People’s Confidence on Trails

From BikeMag.com

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Do you feel like you need a confidence boost when you’re on your mountain bike? One TikToker (@fifeandflow) is breaking down all the tips and tricks to feeling self-assured the next time you hit a trail.

In the clip, she covers three main points to get your mojo back when you’re behind your handlebars. Check out the clip below to see if any of the tips could benefit your riding.

First, she points out something you may be doing but has no idea you’re doing despite it being relatively simple. For example, as she describes, some mountain bikers make it a bad habit of looking down while riding. This can make you react to the trail instead of looking ahead to plan. Instead, she recommends shifting your eyes farther down the trail, which could make a huge impact.

Secondly, she wants riders to be mindful of their tires. For instance, bald tires or inappropriate pressures may hold you back on your ride. In addition, she points out that it’s essential to have enough tread on your tires as well as the proper support to set yourself up for success. Getting the right grip could make or break your ride.

Photo by Axel Brunst on Unsplash

 

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The 10 Best Road Bikes of 2023

From MensJournal.com

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking for your next race bike or you’re just getting started, these are the road bikes to know this year.

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If you want to ride on pavement, whether that’s roads or bike paths, a road bike is the most efficient tool for the job. Within the realm of pavement pedaling, road bikes are ideal for a broad spectrum of pursuits, from getting fit to winning races.

Features to Consider When Shopping for Road Bikes

Road bikes come with carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, or steel frames and forks, and they’re usually spec’d with stable and speedy 700C wheels with relatively skinny tires. That wheel and tire combo offers reduced rolling resistance and less drag than the chunkier tires found on mountain bikes and some gravel

Gearing: If your last road bike was an old ten-speed, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the range of gearing available on modern road bikes. While some have a single chainring and others have two, today’s models typically deliver a wider spread of gearing options for powering up hills and hitting top speed on flat pavement.

Geometry: If you’re a racer, you’ll want a bike that’s aerodynamic, which means it has the lowest possible wind resistance. It’s also good to opt for a frame with more aggressive geometry: When you’re riding, your torso will be close to the bike’s top tube. Although the bike can feel less stable when you’re descending or cornering, it’ll help you shave seconds off your time.

Planning on touring or doing long-distance rides? Opt for a bike with more relaxed geometry for a more comfortable body positioning and less fatigue after long hours in the saddle. You’ll also want to make sure it has the fittings for racks, bags, and bottles.

Image courtesy of Cannondale.com

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