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.