Cycling Equipment

No matter how many miles you’re riding, safety and comfort all depend on using the proper equipment. Check out the information and links below to make sure your equipment is ready. If you need support, visit one of our local sponsoring bike shops to discuss your needs.
 

Proper Bike Fit | Proper Helmet Fit | How to Fix a Flat Tire
 

Proper Bike Fit
There are all types of bikes on the road City to Shore weekend: road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrids. If you choose to ride a mountain bike, switch the fat, knobby tires for thin, road slicks.

Being fitted to your bike is just as important to your comfort as having the right kind of bike. It should be appropriately sized for you. The saddle, stem and handlebars should also be properly adjusted. For best results, get your bike fitted at your local sponsoring Bike MS shop.

Plus, check out these articles from Bicycling Magazine for more information on proper bike fit and comfort:

• If the Bike Fits Buy It by Joe Lindsey at Bicycling Magazine: How to find the right frame and make adjustments for endless comfort
   
• Fine Tune The Fit by Joe Lindsey at Bicycling Magazine: Your new bike fits perfectly-almost. Here are a few pointers to help you tweak your position to perfection.

It is recommended that you do DO NOT make any adjustments the week prior to the ride – believe it or not, this can have a terrible impact on your comfort during the ride and may even cause injury.
 

Proper Helmet Fit
Helmets are designed to prevent serious head injury. A serious fall or crash can cause permanent brain damage or death. Bike crashes or collisions can happen at any time, so always wear a properly-fitted, damage-free helmet.

A helmet is required at the Bike MS Ride!

Buying a Helmet:
Make That Helmet Fit by Brian Fiske at Bicycling Magazine: Everything you need to know about buying a bike helmet.

How to Adjust a Helmet:
Adjust your helmet in six easy steps, provided by our Bike MS LAB Certified Instructor. We strongly recommend you consult with your local bike shop for best fit.

1. Put on your helmet.
2. Push the helmet back and forth while it is on your head. The helmet is properly adjusted if the skin on your forehead moves with the helmet and if the helmet is comfortable.
3. Adjust pads or band to ensure a snug fit.
4. Slide the helmet forward until it rests about 1/2 inch (one or two finger widths) above your eyebrows.
5. Shorten or lengthen the side straps so they form a "Y" around each ear.
6. Adjust the chinstrap so it is snug underneath your chin. You want to be able to breathe freely, but you don't want a space between your chin and the strap. Fasten the buckle leaving a finger's width between your chin and chin strap.

When properly adjusted, your helmet should move less than an inch when you push it back and forth or side to side.

For more detailed instructions, try these links:

• How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
• Helmet Fit Checklist from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
   

How to Fix a Flat Tire
It’s also important to know how to fix your equipment while on a ride. Check out the resources and step-by-step instructions below. Visit your local sponsoring bike shop for any equipment needs.

• Bicycle Maintenance Fix a Flat (pdf) courtesy of Bucks County Bicycle Company, League of American Bicyclists and National Bicycle Dealers Association.
• How to Fix a Flat Tire, Preventing & Fixing Flats from BicycleUniverse.info
• How to fix a flat tire video by Michael Novelli from ehow.com.