Bicycle Accessories FAQs
- Am I legally required to wear a helmet?
- Are bicycle helmets required to meet minimum safety standards?
- Does a more expensive helmet protect you better than a cheaper one?
- What are the differences between helmets?
- Can I use my skate helmet for bike riding?
- How should my helmet fit?
- When should I replace my helmet?
- Are the racks you sell OK for extended drives on the interstate?
- How do I know what kind of rack to get for my car, and what should I expect to spend on one?
Helmet FAQs
Am I legally required to wear a helmet?
Only children less than 16 years of age are required to wear helmets in Georgia. However, we think it’s a good idea for everyone. The pavement is a really hard thing on which to hit your head.
Are bicycle helmets required to meet minimum safety standards?
Yes. Helmets made to sell in the U.S. must meet the US Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. You should see a CPSC or other sticker inside the helmet that tells you what standard is used. ASTM's standard is comparable. The Snell B-95 and N-94 standards are tougher but seldom used.
Does a more expensive helmet protect you better than a cheaper one?
Yes. Besides being stronger, more expensive helmets are also more comfortable, and better ventilated.
What are the differences between helmets?
The fit, strength, and ventilation are what differentiate the various brands and price points of helmets. Better helmets are stronger, cooler, and fit more precisely.
Can I use my skate helmet for bike riding?
Generally you should not use a skate helmet for biking. Skating helmets are designed for multiple, smaller impacts and may not absorb the force of a bike crash. However, if your skate helmet has both the CPSC bicycle and the ASTM F 1492 skateboard hemet certifications, you could use it for both activities.
Your helmet (and chin strap) should fit snugly but not uncomfortably so. It should be level on your head and touch all around. Movement in any direction should be less than an inch.
When should I replace my helmet?
You should certainly replace your helmet after a crash. Bike helmets are intended to work only once, as they designed to absorb the force of impact by breaking apart. The damge is often not visible. Manufacturers also recommend that you replace your helmet every three to five years due to UV deterioration. ( We figure you want a fresh one after sweating in one that long anyway.)
CAR RACK FAQS
Are the racks you sell OK for extended drives on the interstate?
Yes. The racks we carry are designed to take your bike down the street or across the country.
How do I know what kind of rack to get for my car, and what should I expect to spend on one?
You have to check the rack manufacturer's fit charts to determine what kind of rack fits your car. How much it costs, depends on the type of rack you'll need and how many bikes you want to carry. Our racks run from about $75 to $225.
Learn more about car racks for your bicycle.
PACKS AND PANNIERS FAQS
Most packs and panniers are NOT waterproof. Although the fabrics used to make them are coated with waterproofing, all packs will leak where needles have punctured the fabric in the sewing process. Zippers are also sources of leaks. However, Jandd, the brand we carry, does make a waterproof series of bags called The Hurricane series.
CYCLING SHOES FAQS
What is the purpose of cycling shoes?
The purpose of cycling shoes is to increase your efficiency by providing better power transfer to the pedals. That means you go faster with less energy. This is accomplished by using a stiff sole for less flex and by securing the shoes to the pedals for a more even stroke. More About Shoes
Do my shoes have to be compatible with my clipless pedals?
Yes, your shoes have to be compatible with your pedals. However, most shoes will accommodate most brands of pedal, so you can buy your shoes and pedals independently. Note: The cleats (the hardware that fastens the shoes to the pedals) will come with the pedals.
Can I use my cycling shoes for spinning?
Yes. You can use your cycling shoes for spinning (or your spinning shoes for cycling). Spinning bikes usually use the same kind of pedals as bicycles. Shimano SPD pedals are the most common.
Your cycling shoes should fit pretty much like any shoe, not too tight, not too loose, but comfortable. If your shoes are too tight, toes may blister, go to sleep, or develop corns. If they're too loose, your feet wallows around in them, loosing efficiency and defeating the benefit of using them.
Can I use cycling shoes without clipless pedals?
Yes. You can use the SPD type shoes (with or without the cleats installed) without clipless pedals. However, you can not use road shoes without them.
CYCLING APPAREL FAQS
Why would I ever wear a pair of those skintight shorts?
Those skintight cycling shorts you see bikers wear are all about comfort. They have padding sewn in the crotch to prevent saddle soreness. But why skintight? Because the close fit keeps the padding in place and helps the garment move with you rather than wrinkle and bunch. However, you can still get some padding without showing your butt.
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