Bicycle Accessory Basics
Bicycle accessories may not sound exciting but they can make a big difference once you are on the road. Use our bicycle accessory checklist to stay organized while planning your DuVine bike tour.
1. Bicycle Helmet. Bicycle helmets are optional but highly recommended. Not only do they increase visibility and help protect your head in the event of a fall but quality bicycle helmets are comfortable and designed to keep you cool, too.
2. Water Bottle and Cage. Nothing tastes better on a long ride than fresh clean water. It's also a great way to stay hydrated even on the most challenging rides. For an additional quick tip - replace your standard water bottle with a purified filter for the freshest water wherever you may ride.
3. Gloves. Protect hands and add comfort.
4. Bags. Bike bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from small pouches to suitcase-size saddle bags. Typically speaking, small bags are a great way to keep a little extra fuel on hand along with commonly used items like lip balm or power bars.
5. Eyewear. Airborne particles are more common than you imagine. Protect your eyes, reduce glare and relieve eye-strain with a well fitted pair of biking glasses.
Bicycle Basics
When biking with DuVine you never need to worry about the quality, construction or fit of the bike because we handle it all. Here are some bicycle basics to keep you informed (and allow you to fully appreciate the top quality ride you can expect with DuVine!).
Bike Types: Bicycles are grouped by the terrain they will be used on. Much of the difference comes from the type of bicycle tires and frame.
- Mountain Bikes. Designed to take a pounding, the cushy ride and upright position make these comfortable for rugged terrain but slow and harder to pedal on pavement.
- Road Bikes. Fast and easy to pedal, road bikes can leave you tired and sore when "off road".
- Cruisers. Great for the beach or casual rides at a relaxed pace, these terrific looking bikes will leave you weary for more than a short ride.
- Recumbents. Comfortable and fast, these reclining bikes are extremely difficult for drivers/others to see.
- Hybrid Bikes. These are a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. By combining the comfort and versatility of each—without the drawbacks—they might be the all around perfect bike.
- Your DuVine Bike. The bikes are generally hybrids, but the brand differs in different regions. Your DuVine bike will deliver you safely, comfortably and in style.
Bike Fit
No matter how good the bike is, an improper fit will leave you tired and prone to injury. DuVine provides a wide variety of bikes designed to fit every shape and size. Choose from a step-through frame or a traditional frame. Both offer upright handlebars with Shimano shifters and wider tires for stability and smoothness.
Bicycle Accessories
Gel seat, choice of 5 frame sizes, men's or women's frames, water bottle and holder, rear carrier, lock, handlebar bag, patch kit, bell, light, pump, 21 to 27 speeds and of course, a DuVine cycling jersey!
Bicycle Equipment & Accessorie for Kids
DuVine family bike tours are a great way to spend quality time with the entire family. One reason family bike tours are such a popular choice (for parents and kids alike) is because it allows families to spend time together—yet retain independence. DuVine provides a full range of bicycle equipment and support services designed to make sure cyclists of all ages enjoy the trip. Our bikes come in 5 different sizes with complete accessory packs, helmets and other bicycle equipment needs taken care of for you. A few things to keep in mind when traveling with children:
1. Hydration. Children can be unaware of the importance of staying hydrated, and require more frequent bottle refills.
2. Rest. Although children have high energy levels, they can just as quickly run out of steam. DuVine provides full back-up transportation for those (of all ages) that need support. Remember to plan a pace in keeping with the age and ability of the youngest participant.
3. Practice. Begin taking practice rides with your children before the trip to acclimate them to proper road safety and cycling etiquette.
4. Personal Protection. Remind kids to use sunscreen, lip balm and recognize the signs of fatigue. In their excitement children may fail to recognize when it's time to take a break or slow down.
Helmet Helpers
Bicycle Helmets come in a variety of shapes and styles. Each has unique benefits and features. Here are a few helpful tips to pick a great bicycle helmet.
1. More than trauma protection! Casual cyclists may be surprised to learn helmets can actually keep you cool. By shading the head from direct sun exposure with built in venting system, modern helmets force air through the vents to create a consistently cool breeze.
2. Built in visors. Visors are a popular helmet accessory to help reduce glare, cut down on sunburn, especially on sensitive foreheads, and help keep small branches or other debris from hitting your face.
3. Visibility. Helmets are known for their bright colors and wild designs which are a safety mechanism in addition to being fun. Easily visible and attention getting - helmets help keep you safe while sharing the road.
4. Cost vs. Quality. Quality helmets don't have to cost a lot but they should carry the CPSC rating which indicates they have met or exceeded industry safety standards. Expensive helmets focus on comfort, venting and other features without putting you at increased risk.
5. Fit. Helmets come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, but before buying any helmet it is a good idea to know the shape of your head. Most people have either oval or round shaped heads. If you have wiggle room side to side then you might need a round shaped helmet. If you tend to have more space in the front/back then you might find a better fit with an oval shaped helmet. In all cases the helmet should fit snugly and securely.
When biking with DuVine we provide a quality assortment of helmet sizes, styles and features for you to choose from.
Saddle Soreness
If you are a casual rider or have recently increased your mileage, saddle soreness is fairly common. Here is how to select the right bicycle seat and other tips to keep you comfortable throughout the ride.
1. Position. A bicycle seat should sit level with no more than 3 degrees of angle up or down.
2. Adjust. If your knees can lock or fully extend at the bottom of the stroke then the seat is too high and likely to cause extra pressure or pain. Likewise, if you feel pain in your knees, the seat is probably too low and should be raised until your legs are only slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
3. Move. Try to change pressure points or take more frequent stretch breaks during long rides until you are over the initial soreness.
4. Seamless. Cycling shorts are designed to be worn alone or with special cycling underwear to avoid seams of any types. Seams can constrict nerves and increase friction or chafing - both of which worsen saddle soreness.
5. Cleanliness. Bicycle shorts ride to the rescue once again; proper wicking minimizes chafing and built in liners reduce germs that can cause saddle sores or rashes. Always have an additional change of shorts.
The DuVine Difference
Biking tours are a popular travel choice but a DuVine bike tour is the ultimate travel experience thanks to the unsurpassed service.
While most bike tours provide various levels of support and assistance, DuVine specializes in anticipating your every need (and whim), even those you might not have even thought about yet!
In fact, DuVine prides itself on the ability to make everything appear effortless. It's not enough to simply take care of a problem once it happens - DuVine makes every attempt to prevent a problem from ever arising in the first place. Take a few moments to discover the DuVine difference for yourself.
Bicycles: Top of the line bicycles in a wide variety of sizes to fit every body type.
Repairs: DuVine handles all repairs immediately. No need to carry spare bicycle chains, wheels or accessories; we do it all for you.
Helmets. Bring your own bike helmets or use one of our brand new, clean selections at no additional cost. Your safety and satisfaction is always our top priority.
Pedals. We will install any kind of pedal. However, you are welcome to bring your own SPD pedals, which our guides will install for you, or use our standard pedals available with or without straps.
Other bicycle accessories that are standard on every DuVine trip include gel seats, a well stocked handlebar bag, rear carrier rack, lock, bell, emergency repair kit and even a custom DuVine Jersey.
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