The protective part of a helmet consists of the outer shell and inner liner that are integrated together. The outer shell of the helmet is the most important element as it is the part that takes the brunt of the impact.
Table of Contents
- The Plastic Shell
- A Helmet Liner
- MIPS Technology
- WaveCel Technology
- SPIN technology:
- Benefits Of Riding A Bicycle And Your Safety
- How to take care of your bicycle helmet
- When to replace your bicycle helmet
The Plastic Shell
The plastic shell on a helmet provides a level of protection for the skull. When an impact occurs, the plastic shell will slide off, protecting the skull.
A Helmet Liner
A helmet liner is made of a compound of polystyrene and polycarbonate plastic. Its impact absorption qualities are created through engineering and not through physical or chemical differences. The EPS in a helmet act as a cushion, separating and absorbing impact energy, and keeping your head from hitting the ground.
Currently, most bicycle helmets are tested by dropping them from a set height onto an anvil to simulate a crash. The bike helmet is designed to protect the head from direct impacts, but it is not designed to prevent the more dangerous and potentially more common rotational forces generated in a crash. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery by researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Colorado Hospital found that helmets fail to prevent rotational brain injuries in most concussion-inducing crashes. The researchers looked at data from more than 300 cyclists treated at the hospital over seven years, and they identified 15 cases in which the cyclists suffered brain injuries that were due to rotational forces. Below mentioned advancements have provided an extra support in mitigating the risky impacts during accident.
MIPS Technology
Mips technology is a low friction layer between the liner and shell of a helmet that allows the helmet to slip relative to the head when it’s struck. This relationship effectively reduces the rotational forces transferred to the head. In theory, this can reduce or eliminate the chances of a concussion during an impact.
Further information on MIPS Technology can be searched via google
WaveCel Technology
WaveCel is a revolutionary helmet shell construction that combines advanced polymer materials and an intricate lattice structure of internal honeycomb. This honeycomb structure is engineered to create a sophisticated “crumple zone” that absorbs both primary impact forces and rotational energy from a blow. This construction combines the best properties of both hard and soft materials to reduce the forces transferred to the head.
SPIN technology:
Shearing Pads Inside technology is found in POC helmets and consists of silicone-injected pads that slide inside the shell to divert rotational forces across a larger area inside the helmet during an accident. Not only will this provide you with better protection, but it will also result in less damage to the helmet itself.
Benefits Of Riding A Bicycle And Your Safety
The benefits of riding a bicycle are many, from helping you lose weight and add fitness to your schedule to giving you the chance to explore a new part of town. Biking can help boost your mood and improve your cardiovascular health, and even lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. For all these reasons, making biking a regular part of your life is a great idea. However, riding your bike on a sunny day can be dangerous, and there are lots of ways you can hurt yourself on your bike. So, it’s smart to take a few safety precautions before you hit the roads. One of those precautions is wearing a properly fitted helmet.
How to take care of your bicycle helmet
Buying a new helmet can be an expensive purchase—especially if you give up and hit the mall without considering some basic steps to caring for your helmet. But it doesn’t have to be. Follow these simple bicycle helmet care tips when you bring your new helmet home, and you’ll have a pleasant experience with your new helmet for many years to come.
When cleaning your helmet, use a soft cloth or sponge, plus mild soap and water. Removable pads may be washed. Avoid using chemical solvents such as paint thinner or acetone, as they may damage the helmet’s protective coating.
When you loan out your helmet, you are not only taking away your own ability to track the history of your helmet, but you are also allowing others to have access to critical information about your helmet that you have no control over. It is not uncommon for someone to toss a helmet in a pile of random gear and leave it in a garage or storage unit for months on end.
Excessive heat may cause the inner foam of a helmet to deteriorate. This can lead to the helmet losing its effectiveness in a crash. If a helmet is exposed to a temperature above 140° F for an extended period, the EPS (expanded polystyrene) will begin to break down and bubble up. This is called calibration. Compression of the EPS foam cells, and the build-up of gas can cause the inner surface of the helmet to soften, swell and bubble. This can also happen on helmets that have been stored in areas of high heat and humidity.
When to replace your bicycle helmet
A helmet should be replaced after an accident because it has been damaged. Whenever a helmet suffers a structural impact such as a blow to the top or an impact on the side, the energy-absorbing foam inside the helmet has been compromised. When a helmet is damaged, it can no longer protect you as well as it did before the accident.
After an accident, the foam inside a bicycle helmet can change its shape. Such accidents may not be visible, because they are on the inside. This can make the helmet less effective in another accident. One of the most important reasons why a helmet should be replaced after an accident is to make sure you are optimally protected in the next accident.
Even if you haven’t had any accidents which is fantastic, any helmet should be replaced after five years. Pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and weathering may cause critical components to deteriorate over time.
Source:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bicycle-helmet.html
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The best strategy to learn is from experience, either from your own experience or from others so you can save yourself from the reflection points. Here we have compiled 11 factors to consider when purchasing a new bicycle.
Pandemic has already given a dent on world economies, we witnessed how everything was stopped and almost all countries around the globe were taking measures by closing borders. All the industries were getting bottom hit however we saw the booming and flourishing online world, consistently growing bigger and smarter.
However, because there was a high traffic in online world providing new avenues and ways to market and launch new products such as bicycles technologies, models, and bicycle accessories etc and on the other side the supply chain management was at completely disrupted and at worst stage, the physical goods were no way near to stores for customer deliveries. In these situations, customers usually prefer to have a good and priority service.
We all have made mistakes in managing our activities, the key here is to learn from them.
We have studied and compiled some key informational points to consider when shopping for a new bike in person. Although you will be tempted to buy a new bicycle when you see new ones in store windows all the time. Please take these suggestions, we hope these will assist you in making an informed purchase.
Table of Contents
- 1. Don’t Buy Without First Taking A Test Ride Using Demo Bicycles
- 2. Don’t Test A Bicycle In Store If You Are Purchasing It Online
- 3. Don’t Limit Yourself, Do Research, Find The Best And Latest
- 4. Don’t Compromise On Your Bicycle Specifications
- 5. Don’t Be Afraid To Interact With The Salesperson
- 6. Your Riding Objective Vs Current Offer With New Bicycles
- 7. Which Bicycle Accessories To Skip When Shop For New Bicycle?
- 8. Price Negotiation And Special Offer Discounts Available of New Bicycles
- 9. Don’t Ignore The Final Fitting Of Your Newly Purchased Bicycle
- 10. Don’t Ignore The Bicycle Dealer Relationship
- 11. Don’t Rule Out A Custom New Bicycle
- Conclusion / Verdict
1. Don’t Buy Without First Taking A Test Ride Using Demo Bicycles
Almost all bike dealers have demo bikes in place, manufacturers know the customers desire to have a feeling before making a purchase. Demo Cycles are not just benefitting the customers, it also benefits the dealers in getting rebates from manufacturers which ultimately be passed on customers, as part of the marketing campaign and or customer retention.
Demo new bicycle provides a chance to customer by getting a real feel and pleasure of the new product without even paying for it. We suggest when you use demo, have a chat with your designated sales representative to obtain your options of rent or demo trial days. During your trial, check the saddle comfort and try to ride in different conditions to perform your evaluation such as around the street, parking lot, some simple short pedal and on long street ride etc, that is how you will know if this bike truly fits on your expectations.
2. Don’t Test A Bicycle In Store If You Are Purchasing It Online
When you are using a demo new cycle for trial, try to ask all your concerns and clarifications with sales representative. Seek clarification even on minor level, salesperson is there to provide you all the key information to support your buying decision.
As Mark Twain said: “He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.”
If you notice that customer service is great and amount of informational support you have received is satisfying then buy the bike from that store, it’s a simple rule you the sales representative earned has won your trust with your satisfaction, good brands always take care of their customers.
Avoid using this newly obtained information and using the same metrices to buy it online, just to get some savings from other online retailers. Instead, you can negotiate with this store by mentioning this online deal from their competitors, this is one of key price negotiation skills.
3. Don’t Limit Yourself, Do Research, Find The Best And Latest
Technological advancement is one of the core development segments among all manufacturers, the core focus is winning the customer satisfaction. The customer satisfaction can only be obtained via listening to customer complaints and provide durability with efficient performance. Satisfied customers are always loyal to brands, in fact research shows that a satisfied customer performs marketing of your products for free.
Word of mouth goes long way in market. So, when you are considering buying a new bicycle try to assess what other competitors are doing in the same space. The key difference in their new bicycles, their unique selling propositions being offered.
This single action will be helpful for you in your buying decision to find a perfect new bicycle meeting your needs.
4. Don’t Compromise On Your Bicycle Specifications
When buying a new bicycle, it is an utmost important to consider your desired specifications to be present in the available product.
Be strong, do not buy the bicycle as it is offering you a great deal, the discount is great but what is the point when you won’t be using it later, this new bicycle will be kept in garage. I have learned this in a hard way. Take this advice and do not feel under pressure or be kind to purchase the existing bike when you are not satisfied with the saddle, or you are not comfortable with the size (in case your desired size is just one up but out of stock).
Prefer your comfort from the offer, ask the salesperson to accommodate your request and make adjustment in offered product. This small step will sweeten the deal for you.
If your required product is out of stock, then shop around or wait for it but don’t compromise on your preffered choice in new bicycle.
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Interact With The Salesperson
Sales representatives are subject matter experts, and their mission isn’t just to make a sale. The finest firms teach their sales representatives to earn the confidence and loyalty of their customers, and by doing so, the brand hopes to sell more new bicycles in the long run rather than just one.
In this current era, I believe one can find all the required information by simply googling it. However, if you see the salesperson is engaging and the communication is moving both ways, it’s a clear sign that this brand is looking after their customers and for sure great customer service is a key for success in current competitive market, be it online or physical retail.
6. Your Riding Objective Vs Current Offer With New Bicycles
Do not consider buying a new bicycle without considering this key factor. Your bicycle riding goals are the primary reason you are about to make a purchase. Be 100% honest to yourself, consider and asses your riding type. You can’t buy a mountain bike and use it for race.
Your concentration should be on the strengths of your riding type. Ensure that all the key parts fitted in bike are as you need them to be, small tweaks or adjustments can be requested to salesperson before purchase. it will be costing you more if you missed this step and ended up with requiring major adjustments.
If you are still not confident, I suggest waiting and shop around, obtain more information by asking more questions. The more confident you are the better deal you will get.
7. Which Bicycle Accessories To Skip When Shop For New Bicycle?
Short answer is “None”. Cycle accessories are very important and yet mostly people just plan to buy the bike only. It is recommended to also have a budget when you are buying cycle for your accessories which you will need for sure.
The experts recommend at a minimum essential level are helmet, cycle riding gloves, caged water bottle, small bike pump or CO2 inflator and cartridges, spare tube, chain lube, tire levers, Bike multi-tool and bicycle lock.
8. Price Negotiation And Special Offer Discounts Available of New Bicycles
Negotiating prices is a skill which is in use, even getting 5% or 10% makes an impact. The negotiation provides a lot of leverage in purchasing used bicycle as well. Strategy and mindset remain the same, start the negotiation process by simply asking, “Is that your best price?” Maintain a kind and positive approach.
Your body language and facial expressions plays a big role. Look intrigued, but not so eager that they’ll assume you’ll buy anyway. Be nice and smile but be ready to walk away if necessary.
Here are some recommendations to support you for a better deal. Always research on required bicycle, be polite, Search for good opportunity time to buy and focus on unique features of bicycle, enquire for additional bicycle accessories, think from seller’s end.
9. Don’t Ignore The Final Fitting Of Your Newly Purchased Bicycle
No, tingly or numb hands and feet, pain in knees or saddle discomfort are not ‘part’ of cycling. Majority of bicycle dealers have workshop facility in place, they will fix these difficulties and provide you the best value-added improvement.
Though final fitting varies in price, a good bike fitting normally costs around $200 and takes no less than two hours. It is advised to obtain this benefit at the time of purchase.
Most common pain and impacted areas and the underlying root cause shows where fitting problems are:
- Anterior or lateral knee pain is frequently caused by saddle height.
- Knee soreness, saddle contact, stability, poor pedalling, and so on are all symptoms of saddle fore/aft.
- Back/neck/shoulder issues, saddle contact, knee/hip stability, and other issues with front-end drop to bars.
- Foot stability – possible difficulties with the feet, knees, hips, and back
10. Don’t Ignore The Bicycle Dealer Relationship
Purchasing a bike and avoiding contact with the dealer or salesperson will be counted as a massive loss. There are hidden benefits in this business social relationship. Many service providers are offering complimentary free service for first year, some provide additional warranty support, these are subject matter experts means they always have advice and expertise worth a lot.
The garage workplace has standard operating procedures in place for their routine repairs and maintenance tasks, you can check with them if they offer classes or sessions during their off-peak time or weekends by providing a demonstration of how to clean and lube chain or how to change a bicycle tyre.
11. Don’t Rule Out A Custom New Bicycle
Custom New Bicycle segment is for experts, those who just don’t limit their knowledge to the ins and outs but also to the current limitations. Consider having a bike custom-built if you’re an experienced rider who can’t manage to find one with the features you want.
Your bicycle builder will be enquiring and interview you prior to accept an order. This will be based on your current knowledge, your previous biking experience, the features you love in bicycle, your ideal measurements, favourite colour, or pattern and what you hate in a bike. Builder will also ask about our budget and their expected cost-plus time needed.
To ensure the smooth project completion it is advised to have an agreement in place requiring builder to provide and share the status update including all the records being managed in a standard procedural manner including raw material pre and post photos during manufacturing.
Builder and or client can share this progress via social media to obtain the benefit of marketing for builder and a community awareness session for new business orders however the cost of custom bikes is always very high.
Conclusion / Verdict
We have tried and covered good relevant points. Specially to Buy local or at the very least, shop in a store where the advice is reliable, the sales representatives are polite, and they want you to get the right bike vs. They have a bike on the floor that they need to sell.
A smart consumer will do the research to find the absolute best deal. You will be disappointed if you buy the cheapest bike available. Buy the best and cry only once.
Fit first then buy. Shop around or go to customer builder instead of buying a 5cm small or large. Don’t compromise.
The limitation is in service, this is where stores fall short in terms of after-sale care. Rarely business gives a call to their customers asking them how their experience after their bicycle purchase is, any issues / problems being faced. Successful business always treats their customer with respect.
The commoditization of new bicycles is aided by the shop that does not cherish its consumers. When a store doesn’t care about its consumers, then the most significant aspect for a customer is pricing.
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If you’re unclear whether to buy a new or used bicycle, there are a few factors to consider. We will thoroughly look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of buying new vs. second-hand bikes in this session with an objective to provide an answer, specially if your query is one of the core queries listed below:
- Deciding whether to buy a new or used bicycle?
- Old bicycle vs new bicycle
- Should I buy a new or used bicycle?
- Is it worth buying a used bike?
- Is it better to buy a new bicycle or used?
- Is buying an old bike worth it?
- What to look for when buying a used road bike?
- Buy second-hand bicycle?
- Is it better to buy a used or new bike?
- Buy used bicycle near me
- Are used bicycles best?
- How do I tell if a used bike is worth it?
- Are older bicycles better?
- Do old bicycles have any value?
Table of Contents
- Buying a New Bicycle
- Quick tips: 5 Points to Keep in Mind when Buying a New Bicycle:
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a New Bicycle:
- Buying Used Bicycle
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a Used Bicycle:
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions: – FAQs
Buying a New Bicycle
Anyone, young or old, will be enthralled by a trip to the local bike shop and perusing the long rows of gleaming new toys.
One of the many advantages of purchasing a new bicycle is the support you can get from the bike store staff.
Choosing the proper type, model, size, material, and price range can be difficult even for the most experienced riders.
A competent bike shop will provide you with sound advice both before and after you purchase your bike, as well as a bike fit and ongoing maintenance.
Any larger retail purchase like this also comes with a warranty which means you can get any pre-existing issues fixed at no extra cost.
We strongly advise to always buy your new bicycle from a local bike shop rather than an online store or a generic budget retailer. Before purchasing a bicycle, you should try it out and get it adjusted to your measurements, which is difficult to do online or in a generic department store.
It is a good strategy to explore bicycles online and enquire about the products offered by local bike shops before making your purchase in person.
Quick tips: 5 Points to Keep in Mind when Buying a New Bicycle:
- Purchase your bicycle from a local bike shop.
- Consider where you’d like to ride your bike and how you’d like to ride it.
- At least two or three different models should be tried out.
- After you’ve chosen the model of bike you desire, let the bike shop employees choose the appropriate size for you.
- Don’t overlook the necessary extras.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a New Bicycle:
Buying New Bicycle – Pros
The thrill of owning a brand-new bicycle is unrivalled, as you may acquire the most up-to-date bikes with cutting-edge technology, up to date features, and safety measures.
It should survive longer, and if you take good care of it, you should be able to sell it readily in the future; however, this depends a lot on the model.
A new bike comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers any defects for a certain length of time and gives the first customer piece of mind.
When you buy a few goods at once, you can often get a better deal. If you want to upgrade to better wheels or tyres, or add mudguards, racks, or other accessories to your bicycle.
Getting guidance from a bike shop might save you a lot of money and time in the long run.
One of the major advantages of a new bike is that you won’t have to worry about any previous technical issues. Being a first-time buyer implies the bicycle hasn’t been ridden very far.
• Customer support after sale. You have this choice if something stops operating properly or is misaligned.
• The bike store may provide free service – at least the first service. Check with your local bike shop to see if they provide free first-service to new customers.
• By buying a new bicycle you are supporting the industry from manufacturing to distribution to in-store service by ensuring that all the connections in the production and supply chain are functional.
Buying New Bicycle – Cons
The cost of a new bicycle is the most significant disadvantage. Buying new is usually more expensive than buying used in similar models. Seasonal or clearance deals may offer a better deal, but these are becoming less common and require patience.
The duration of the delivery. Delivery times were acceptable before Covid-19, but nowadays many models do not have a set delivery date or cannot even deliver this year.
Purchasing a new bicycle also implies that it will begin to lose value almost immediately, implying that you will never be able to recoup the original purchase price if you chose to sell.
Customization options are limited. Brands produce bikes in a standardized manner, and customization services to tailor the bike to your specific preferences and needs are unusual.
You may not need a brand-new bicycle for your needs.
It is in the manufacturer’s self-interest to increase sales. Every year, brands strive to refresh their product lines and introduce new bike models. Do not be tricked by advertisements; most of the time, there is no substantial difference between the models
The cost of insurance for a new bicycle will be substantially greater.
Buying Used Bicycle
Covid-19 pandemic has caused a massive surged in online industry, the cycling industry has also witnessed unprecedented demand and supply issues. Main cause of this demand is generated because people have started developing this as a new passion and love for cycling, new models are being coming up to meet the customer needs. However, due to Covid-19 the supply chain is fully jammed though out the world, causing in a disbalance between consumer demand and supply which has resulted customers are not able to buy the products physically and or online. This has caused a lot of customers being shifted to second-hand market, as it also benefits them to get access to used parts easily.
The most significant benefit of purchasing a second-hand bicycle is that you gain access to more feature-rich and pricey bicycles that you would not otherwise be able to purchase.
The second-hand market also contributes to economic growth. If someone is selling a bike, they are most likely preparing to get a new one or need the money for other reasons.
When purchasing a used bike, always take it for a proper test ride to ensure that it functions well and inspect all components to ensure that they are in good working order.
Consider selling before you buy. This is more of a hint than a real benefit. Consider if you’ll be able to sell a second-hand bike quickly afterwards if you buy one. Certain models can be more difficult to sell.
Second-hand bike shops are an option for purchasing used bicycles. Specialized high-end used bicycle shops are ideal for it. With a shop floor full of spruced-up second-hand stuff, you can be sure you’re getting well-maintained, safe-to-use products at a reasonable price.
There are organizations that assist in the registration of new bicycles as well as the reporting and recovery of stolen bicycles. Always check these sites before purchasing a used bike to determine if it has been stolen.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a Used Bicycle:
Buying Used Bicycle – Pros
The biggest advantage of purchasing a second-hand bicycle is the lower cost. If you don’t need the most recent version of products, buying a used bicycle can be a great deal. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find a good bargain because someone else is decluttering, moving, or simply because last year’s model is no longer relevant.
Thieves may be less interested in used bicycles, though this is heavily depending on the condition and type of ride.
Immediate – There is no need to wait; you might be riding your new bike the same day or within a few days after purchasing it.
Excellent starter point for newcomers. A second-hand bike means you won’t have to pay a lot of money to buy a good bike and try it out if you want to start cycling. As experts say, “Start used until you get in shape. Get 1000 miles on your legs then go for New.”
Purchasing environmentally friendly products. Bicycle production has an environmental footprint, thus by purchasing a second-hand bike, we are acting sustainably and respecting our environment.
Buying Used Bicycle – Cons
Used bicycles rarely come with warranties, which is a significant disadvantage. It can be avoided, though, by shopping at physical or online sites that provide a purchase warranty. When dealing with a private seller, you can also sign a buyer-seller agreement.
Be cautious about what you purchase. Issues with the bike, such as cracks in the frame or other well-hidden damage, may be difficult to detect.
When purchasing a used bicycle, you may not be aware of the cycle’s history or the problems that the former owner encountered. This may cause you to doubt its reliability.
Be cautious about who you buy from. If you’re going to buy something online and don’t want to be scammed, only trust people that have good reviews. Avoid situations where the seller provides a photograph rather than a physical inspection and/or provides an email address for contact rather than a phone number. If you’re going to meet in person to negotiate a trade, choose someone who knows about bikes and meet in a public spot. Don’t trust a bike that’s too inexpensive; it’s likely to have a hidden flaw or, worse, it’s been stolen.
When it comes to buying a used bike, you may not have many options. As a result, you’ll have to make compromises on things like model, color, and features.
It could be stolen — many stolen cycles end up on the internet, and if you don’t take precautions, you could end up with someone else’s precious asset.
Conclusion
If you don’t mind spending a little more for security, guarantee, and dependability, a new bike is the way to go. You can also go to a store or an online sales website that provides a warranty and guarantees that you are purchasing a good condition used bike.
You’ll hear a variety of perspectives on the second-hand market. People who know how to search, compare, and haggle are always buying used bicycles and accessories. Then there are those who refuse to buy on online retailer giants such as eBay because of a terrible experience or because they have only heard negative feedback, preferring instead to shop at their local retailers.
On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget and want to get the best bike available as soon as possible while still trusting that it’s been properly maintained, a used bike is the way to go.
If you’re thinking about taking up cycling but aren’t sure if it’s the sport for you, you can buy a new bike, test it out, and then sell it for a little less than you paid for it. You may also save money by buying a used bike and making sure it’s a popular model. This way, you’ll be able to simply sell it if you decide cycling isn’t for you or, conversely, if you become obsessed to cycling and choose to switch to upgrade to a better model.
Frequently asked questions: – FAQs
What is the good price of used bicycle?
How do I find my bike frame size?
Why is there such a shortage of bikes? Or shortage of bike parts?
Is the bicycle shortage getting better?
Is buying an expensive bike worth it?
Still have a question bothering you?
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Our articles are developed after considerable research and studies online and also including seeking informational experience based tips from professional rides. Key sources of information are interviews, google search and youtube.