Buying Guides and Advice
Buying Guides and Advice
The Benefits of Biking for Mums
Biking is a fun and healthy activity that can be enjoyed by mothers of all ages and abilities, and it's a great way to spend time with family and friends. However, choosing the right bike can be a challenge, especially if you're not familiar with the different types of bicycles available. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best bicycles for mothers to ride, taking into account comfort, ease of use, and safety. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a complete beginner, we hope this guide will help you find the perfect bike. The Benefits of Biking for Mothers Biking is an excellent way for mothers to improve their physical and mental health, while also providing an opportunity for quality time with family. Here are just a few of the many benefits of biking for mothers:Improved physical health: Regular biking can help mothers maintain a healthy weight, strengthen their muscles, and reduce their risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Biking is also a low-impact exercise that is gentle on the joints.Reduced stress: Biking is a great way to relieve stress and boost mood. When mothers ride a bike, they can enjoy the outdoors and fresh air, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Plus, biking can release endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of happiness and well-being.Quality time with family: Biking is a fun activity that mothers can enjoy with their families. It provides an opportunity to explore new places and create lasting memories. Additionally, mothers can use biking as a way to bond with their children, teaching them the importance of staying active and healthy.Environmentally friendly: Biking is an eco-friendly mode of transportation that doesn't produce harmful emissions. By choosing to bike instead of drive, mothers can reduce their carbon footprint and do their part to protect the environment for future generations.Overall, biking is an excellent way for mothers to improve their physical and mental health, while also spending quality time with their families and doing their part for the environment. Considerations for choosing a bicycle for mothers When choosing a bicycle for a mother, there are several important factors to consider. These include: Comfort: Comfort is key when choosing a bicycle for a mother. Look for a bike that has a comfortable seat and an upright riding position, which can help prevent neck and back strain. Bikes with front suspension systems can also help absorb shock and provide a smoother ride. Ease of use: Choose a bike that is easy to use and maneuver. Look for a bike with simple and intuitive gear shifters and brakes, and choose a bike with a step-through frame if the mother has mobility issues. Safety: Safety should always be a top priority when choosing a bicycle. Look for a bike that has high-quality brakes and reflective components to make the bike more visible to motorists. A helmet is also an essential safety accessory for biking. For riding in the early morning or late afternoon safety lights are an important addition. Size: Choosing the right size bike is crucial for comfort and safety. Make sure to check the height charts available online and ensure that the handlebars are at a comfortable height and distance from the body. If you find a bike is not a perfect fit, 99 Bikes also offers a 30 day perfect ride guarantee* Purpose: Consider the type of riding the mother will be doing. If she'll mostly be riding on paved roads and would like a relaxing ride, cruiser bikes are comfortable and fun, or if she want's to get some km's in, a flat bar road bike or hybrid bike might be a good choice. If she'll be riding on more rugged terrain, a mountain bike might be more appropriate. If she'll be using the bike for errands or commuting, a cruiser or hybrid bike with a basket or panniers is always useful for extra storage space. By taking these considerations into account, mothers can find a bicycle that is comfortable, easy to use, safe, and suited to their specific needs and preferences. Best Bikes for Mothers Comfort bikes: Designed for comfort with features like wide seats, upright handlebars, and suspension systems to absorb shock. View our range of comfort hybrid bikes Cruiser bikes: Similar to comfort bikes, but with a more stylish design and often featuring larger tires. View our range of stylish cruiser bikes Hybrid bikes: A versatile option that combines features of both road and mountain bikes, with a focus on comfort and ease of use. View our range of hybrid bikes Electric bikes: Powered by an electric motor, these bikes can make riding easier and more accessible for mothers who may have limited physical abilities. Many eHybrid bikes even come already fitted out with mudguards, carrier racks and lights. View our range of electric bikes Mountain Bikes: Classic hardtail mountain bikes are the do-it-all of the biking world, their capable front suspension and grippy tyres are perfect for adventurous mums looking to ride anywhere from bike paths, gravel roads and forest trails. View our range of ladies mountain bikes Gift Idea's for cycling Mothers If you need a bit of inspiration for a perfect gift idea for the cycling-loving mum in your life, we've put together a selection of cycling-related gifts that are sure to delight and inspire. From stylish cycling jerseys and comfortable padded shorts to high-tech bike lights and handy repair kits, we have everything your mum needs to elevate her cycling experience. Our gifts are carefully curated to offer the perfect combination of functionality and style, making them ideal for the active mum who wants to look and feel her best on every ride.
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The real benefits of Indoor Bike Training
Are you looking for a way to keep up your fitness and have fun exercising when the weather is less than stellar? Indoor bike trainers offer a range of benefits, whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner looking to break a sweat indoors. Keep reading to learn more about the advantages of indoor training so you can keep up your riding mojo over the cooler months! 1. Time-efficient training Indoor training is ideal for those with a busy schedule. Once you set up your indoor trainer, all it takes is a little motivation to get on the bike and you’re away! You can wake up and get a ride in before work or schedule an evening session, without having to worry about either driving to your starting point or riding to find a suitable area for speed training. 2. Fewer interruptions When riding outdoors you are bound to experience some interruptions, whether that comes in the form of traffic, intersections, or just having a chat with your cycling buddies! Indoor training removes these external factors so you can focus on your performance. This also means you can plan your sessions more specifically, as you know your one-hour ride won’t turn into a two-hour expedition thanks to unexpected distractions. 3. Avoid unpleasant weather A key reason to invest in a bike trainer is so you can keep investing in your health and fitness in winter! While outdoor cycling in winter can be a great idea, sometimes it can be too stormy, wet, or windy to have an enjoyable and safe ride. That’s when the indoor trainer becomes a valuable addition to your cycling routine. You can get the same rush of endorphins and maintain your fitness without having to battle the blustery conditions! 4. More control over your goals For serious riders who want to track their progress towards a specific goal, smart trainers are the way to go. These bike trainers use software to customize your ride so you can control aspects such as incline, sprint resistance, and much more! The technology allows you to measure your progress which is a big help when getting ready for a race or event. 5. Entertainment options The rise of smart trainers has also seen a rise in apps that take indoor cycling to the next level. Virtual reality apps such as Zwift connect your trainer and your device, so you can take part in simulated races against other users. This is a fun way to get your workout in while also feeling connected if the weather is stopping you from riding with your usual group. If mixing cycling and gaming isn’t for you, you can keep it simple by popping your indoor trainer in front of the TV or pumping some tunes while you get your KM’s in. For those who want to tick off two tasks at the same time, we have an indoor cycling desk available so you can work and ride at the same time. 6. Improve your form Using an indoor trainer allows you to hone your cycling skills in a comfortable environment. It’s a great way to improve your fitness levels so you can tackle that outdoor ride you’ve been fantasizing about with more confidence! Cycling indoors also gives you the chance to focus on form in terms of posture and pedal stroke. This will then translate to a smoother outdoor ride when the weather perks up! Get all the indoor cycling gear you need from 99 Bikes Our bike shops offer a wide range of indoor bike trainers, so you can get your home routine off to an epic start! If you’re looking for smart trainers, we have equipment with the latest technology from Wahoo, Tacx, Saris, and more. We also stock the Stages Smart Bike for those wanting a permanent addition to the home gym that provides a realistic road feel. Shop online or in-store today to get all the gear needed for an awesome indoor riding experience!
The Benefits of Cycling to Work
There are so many benefits to adapting your commute to include cycling. It’s great for your mental and physical health, good for your pocket and helps the environment! Commuter bikes are designed to provide a comfortable ride on the road, with soft suspension, great saddle orientation, and buttery gears. If you’re considering making the most of your commute, picking up a commuter bike is the best possible way. Below, we dive deeper into how cycling to work every day helps both you and your surroundings! Read on to find out more. CYCLING PROMOTES GREEN SPACES Auckland City - Nelson Street Cycleway Did you know that cycling can have a direct impact on the way your city looks? Here’s why: as more people start to commute by cycling, city planners tend to take that into account, and priotise traffic-free spaces. Quay Street Enhancement. Photo credit: LandLAB-Studio, Auckland Transport New Zealand. As an example, you can already see this happening with the CBD in Auckland—large parts of Quay Street are currently being considered as possible green spaces, where cars won’t be allowed to drive. As more green spaces are created, urban trees and wildlife can increase. It’s no secret that this can lead to better air quality, and even improve the mood of commuters each day. What’s more, an increase in green spaces can also boost urban biodiversity, which can help support local ecosystems. Green spaces that limit the passage of car traffic are also great for noise pollution, which can be an issue for both people and animals alike, in urban centres. CYCLING CAN BE A GREAT SOCIAL ACTIVITY Pedal Uptown DLX 7-Speed Cruiser Bike Light Blue Cycling to work can also be a fantastic way to get to know your co-workers. A lot of regular cyclers see it as a social activity, going out for a ride with friends in the morning or on the weekend. There’s no reason you can’t do this on a weekday too! Cycling as a group to your office is the sort of thing that can really help foster bonds outside of work and give you more in common with your peers. It’s also great for encouraging more people to cycle! The more people join your commute, the more likely it is to build up momentum and become an established initiative in your workplace. CYCLING BENEFITS YOU DIRECTLY! It’s no secret that staying active is good for our physical health. Those who exercise each morning don’t only have better fitness and cardiac health overall, they are also less prone to injury in other sports. If you’re keen on any sport at all, regular exercise during your commute is a great way to further support your training. Cycling is also great for reflexes and balance, joint strength and mobility, not to mention aerobic capacity. And it’s not just your physical health that will improve. One of the biggest benefits of cycling is the impact it can have on mental health—many cyclists find that getting out on the road is a great way to relax, or even meditate. Finally, it’s great for your wallet too. Bikes don’t require fuel, and you’ll be surprised how much you can save on petrol by cutting down on your driving. Even electric bikes can help you save. Plus, they make the commute easier than a standard pedal bike. New Zealand is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world, with many bike tracks in its urban centres, making it much easier to transition to this way of life. FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR COMMUTE A GREAT ONE WITH 99 BIKES!
The Health Benefits of Riding Electric Bikes
Whether you’re hopping on a commuter bike or boosting your trail ride with some electricity, there are many benefits to riding e-bikes. Check them out here!
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