B, for BICYCLE

RECOMMENDED BICYCLE

TYPES FOR AUTUMN

Author: Demendi Milán

We are presented numerous

possibilities in today’s world

as the bicycle market has

been immensely upgraded in the past

few years and countless types are available

to choose from, for everyone to

fi nd their favoured. Of course, the favoured

type depends on the person,

however, this list allows a glance into

the specifi cs of those types especially

recommended for autumn use.

Mountain bike – MTB: This type of

bicycle evolved in the United States,

in Colorado and California in the

early 1980s. It is mainly adequate for

mountain areas, dirt routs, trails. Its

extraordinary specifi cs are presented

both in the geometry of its frame and

its equipment. It is equally stable on

sheer descents and ascents, those with

more experience can even go through

bigger obstacles on it. Its axis-distance

is long, the posterior wheel is further

from the biker to allow better grab.

To be able to go through obstacles,

its gear is in an elevated position. Its

frame is low due to safety causes. The

appearance of this type started the

evolution of extraordinary accessories,

as the sector lever secured on the

handlebar, 3 cog front gear, front and

posterior telescope, butterfl y, ‘V’ brake

and later the evolution of disc-brake.

MTB is primarily adequate for

sport purposes for those who fancy

nature and roadless roads.

Highway bike: Highway, or in other

words, race bike. Its tradition da

tes back a hundred hears with races

like Tour de France. This is the fi rst

type specifi cally engineered for sport.

Each of its accessories serve high-speed

travel. It has wheels of big diameters

and narrow pneumatic tyres. It

has heavily bended bullhorn handlebars

that require a forward-leaned

position of low air resistance, together

with the special frame. Minimal weight.

Short axis distance for fast manoeuvring.

This type had the greatest

impact on the evolution of bicycles as

it was the cause of the appearance of

such, nowadays common novelties as

chain sector lever and distinct brake.

It is primarily recommended for highway

racing.

Trekking: It is characterized by

comfortable frame geometry, luggage-

rack and a frame suitable to carry

heavy luggage. It composes sport

with comfort, adequate for solid coated

or rubble roads. Ascends cause

no setback until there is solid coat

under the wheels. Its frame geometry

is stable and comfortable with a highbuilt,

strong frame. The wheels are of

big diameter and with poorly ballooned,

highway or striated tyres for the

low rolling resistance. Its equipment

supports comfort with the slightly

bended handlebar, sprung saddle

tube and the adjustable handlebar

head. Typical features are the luggage-

rack, mudguard, chain-housing,

front telescope and disc brake. It is

primarily adequate for tours, hiking

or even everyday use.

Cross trekking: It is a sportier, more

naked version of the trekking bike.

It typically evolved by the exclusion

of tour-equipment (luggage-rack,

mudguard). We recommend it to those

bikers who are biking on mixed

ground with a special sport-purpose

but also fi nd the usual comfort of

trekking bikes are important.

City bike: A type of bikes basically

engineered for city use. The primary

aspect of its form is comfort. It is

equipped with a low frame, high and

bent handlebar and mudguards.

E-bike: E-bike is a regular bicycle

equipped with an electric engine that

receives the energy from a high-effi –

ciency accumulator. Most of these are

pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle), that

means the engine is only running

when pedalled. Today e-bikes are available

in multiple design, equipment,

in the forms of city-, highway-, MT-,

trekking- and cross-trekking bikes.

In case of the traditional pedelec, the

engine can support no greater speed

than 25 km/h, if a greater speed is

desired that can only be achieved by

the work of the biker. S-pedelec bikes

have a maximum of 45 km/h but these

require driving licence, registration

number and insurance in most countries,

therefore qualify as small motorbikes.

The amount of support by the

engine can be set between more (usually

4) levels. The impact distance depends

on the amount of support, the

conditions of the road, the weather

and the land (ascendants, upwind,

road quality). Therefore, the energy does

not come in an eternal amount and if the

accumulator runs out of power, it can

only be used a normal bike.

USEFUL TIPS IN THE

AUTUMN WEATHER

Autumn is a wonderful season for biking,

the time spent on fresh air and the magnifi

cence of the colours provided by nature

are painting a unique picture for us.

At the same time, autumn means shorter

days, frequent raining and cooler weather.

These new conditions, however, are

not necessarily deterrent, only a new possibility

or challenge for one to stand their

ground on two wheels. Here are a few

tips for autumn biking to help enjoying

the delight provided by the bicycle even

in this cooler season.

Stay dry even in humid weather! During

autumn the weather is unpredictable, and

the rain is frequent. Thus, adequate layered

clothing shall be and indispensable

tool for this period. Starting from head to

toe, the outer layer shall be a quality rainand

wind-coat followed by the jersey and

then underclothing to secure the temperature

of our bodies. It is worthy to wear

neoprene gloves that dries fast or leather

gloves because the wind and the cold are

going to work against us. Be careful to

have waterproof shoes and a pair of thick

socks as well. A waterproof bag or a rainproof

cover can secure our valuables

from the humid weather. To prevent the

rain from getting into your eyes, consider

buying a pair of transparent glasses or try

a helmet with built-in glasses.

Hydrate yourself! As in every season,

water intake is indispensable during

physical work in the autumn period as

well. Constant hydration is extremely

important because sometimes low temperature

can trick the body causing the

reduction in feeling thirst. Despite this,

you should always recover the water

and salt lost during intense movement.

Our bodies are going to burn a lot of

energy because it will try to maintain

constant temperature by reducing the

warmness of it, therefore extra attention

shall be payed to prevent starvation

and dehydration. It is advised to bring

water in gourd, one or two cereal bars,

and an isotonic drink can only help us

as well.

Keep your bike in prime condition

and always oil the chain! The constant

caring for our beloved bike is the best

way to reduce every kind of mechanical

problems during autumn tours. Brakes,

cogs and every moving particle shall be

checked carefully for everything to be

ready for the next round. A few minutes

of cleaning and oiling the chain helps to

increase the lifespan of the chain and

the cogwheel and in addition changing

the lever are going to be smoother and

quieter.

Be visible! Since days are getting shorter,

it should be minded that visibility is

the most important of all. Front and posterior

lamps securable to the frame are crucial

aids to autumn biking. The pro factor of quality

technical clothing is its multifunctionality.

Not only does it protect us from the hardships

of weather, but it also has light-refl ecting

features that further supports our safe

travel even in twilight.

Be careful and aware! Autumn is certainly

one of the most scenic seasons, but the conditions

of roads have to be taken into account.

The orange foliage of trees is very picturesque,

but when the leaves fall on the road,

the result is a dangerous, slippery cover. The

same applies to rails, tunnel-covers and any

forms of metal on the road. Paying attention

is important to prevent slipping!

Gingerly with the brakes! If you tend to pedal

in rainy weather, you sure have experienced

the difference in the behaviour of the

brakes. No matter how strong they are squeezed,

you will not slow down as fast as you

liked. The easiest way to eliminate this error

is to squeeze the brakes periodically until

you start to fell the adherence. This method

helps to remove water and other contaminations

that would prevent the brake pads to

effi ciently adhere to the edge.

ŐSZI TÚRAÚTVONALAK

Europe is overfl owing with culture,

beautiful landscapes and places waiting

to be discovered. Some landscapes

that one would pass in a car can be

sought out from the seat of the bicycle. The

season of crowded bicycle destinations is

over, but the weather is still pleasantly

warm and sunny for a good old pedalling.

With the end of the main cycling

season in summer, most of the tourists

has gone home and the possibilities remain

open for the adventurists on two

wheels. Here you can fi nd the most

important destinations for an autumn

bicycle vacation.

SPAIN

The neighbourhood of Girona:

Autumn is a perfect choice to travel

and get to know this neighbourhood as

here the weather is on our side ranging

around 20 °C that is perfect for a good

pedalling. As winter comes late here a

great amount of time is available to discover

everything. All mountains lying

close to Girona are of magnifi cent sight

and Rocacorbe Hill attracts specially

the highway bikers as it provides a spectacular

pass-climbing. The fabulous

Banyoles Lake located nearby or even a

walk in the Old Town of Girona provides

a splendid opportunity for leisure.

Mallorca:

A classic favourite of bikers in the autumn/

winter biking season is Mallorca,

the paradise of cyclists. From the Cap

de Fortmentor lighthouse located on

the northern side of the island we are

presented a majestic sight. Also, Sa

Calobra is indispensable, that is by far

the most famous ascend of the island.

Besides biking tours, there are a lot to

see here including visiting the capital,

Palma.

Gran Canaria:

It is also a biker paradise but by far less advanced

infrastructure compared to Mallorca. It is

recommended for the lovers of challenges as

it is full of unnamed and unmerciful ascends

but presents us with an even more beautiful

sight. The island, with a diameter of only 235

kilometres can be pedalled through on the

highway. In the middle the vertex Pico de la

Nieves (with the hight of 1949 metres) is located,

that is popular both between tourists and

locals.

For further program, Puerto de Mogán is recommended

that is located at the end of the

motorway. This is a small coastal city with sand

in blue and yellow colour and with an imposing

cliff background. This is the place where

couples gladly come for a romantic leisure.

This is the miniature Venice of the island. In

the neighbourhood a golf course is located for

the lovers of sports. The bridges next to the

harbour are fl owing with fl owers and the romantic-

minded ones can watch the most beautiful

sunset, factually from the corner of the

island.

ITALY:

The neighbourhood of Siena:

San Gimignano is famous of its 50-60 meters

high towers of rock. This metropolis built of

middle-age towers had 70 towers a hundred

years ago but unfortunately only a dozen remained

by today. Its famous confectionary has

won an international competition recently.

Monteriggioni, located nearby is the just re

mained mini-town of Toscana surrounded

by a middle-age wall, built upon the top of

a hill. The home of Brunello wine can be

found 60 kilometres further. Montalcino

is a town laying on one of the highest locations

of the neighbourhood and one of

the grapes for the most famous Tuscan wines,

Brunello is grown on the nearby hill.

The ornament of the vine is that its high

price is caused by the fact that the grape

can only be grown on these hills.

Northern Toscana:

The famous Dom Square is located in

Pisa, together with the Old Town that is

a lot less famous because of the Leaning

Tower of Pisa, yet at least that beautiful

and has a great atmosphere. Picturesque

little towns, narrow little streets, beautiful

ocean. One of the nicest looking coasts

of the Liguria Province is the wold-famous

Cinque Terre. It is located on the

east-side of the Riviera di Levante, close

to the border of Liguria and Toscana. The

name itself, translated

literally means “Five

Lands”. The birthplace

of one of greatest

people in history, Leonardo

da Vinci is also

located nearby, the

name of which is Vinci.

A multiple-sector

exhibition is presented

there, and the late

house of his parents is

also open for visitors.

Via Francigena:

Via Francigena is a 1700 kilometres long

pilgrim route from Canterbury in England

to Rome. The Italian part starts at

the Saint Bernard Pass and ends in Rome.

The cycling route is somewhere parallel

to the Via Franciegna and somewhere leads

right onto it. It is not the easiest route

yet provides an immense amount of experience

mainly to the lovers of challenges.

It crosses Lucca that is lying at the bottom

of the Alps and is famous of its hospitality

towards bikers. Its Old Town, surrounded

by wall, presents us with a magnifi –

cent sight. The small town of Bolsena in

Viterbo Province is located on the side of

the lake named of it. A magnifi cent soup

is made of the fi shes of the lake with tomato,

named Sbroscia. By the end of the

route we are presented the sight of Rome

where the destination is the gates of Vatican.

From here one can easily visit the

downtown of Rome on smaller streets for

bikers.