HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT BICYCLE?

Cycling is one of the greatest sports that can provide much exercise and fun at the same time.  It can be done on your own or with a friend/spouse/family.  There are a few things you may want to take into consideration when choosing the right bike for you. Here at cyclepath.ca we want to help simplify this decision by balancing your needs and budget.  This is why our expert staff, wide range of bike types (backed by great manufacturers such as Trek and Giant) make Cyclepath Oakville the clear choice in helping you achieve your goal.  At Cyclepath, our motto is ‘We Know Bikes’ and we stand by our bikes with a great warranty and a service department second to none.    

Some factors to consider when picking the right bike for you are Frequency, Terrain, and Use.

Frequency – How often do you envision riding your brand new bicycle?  Twice per month, strictly weekends, or daily?  This may help give you a general idea on how much bike you really need and perhaps help shape how much you want/need to invest.  If you are going to use it to ride around the block a couple of times with your kid twice a month, you would probably agree that you don’t need to spend $2,000 on a bike.  By the same token, if you are going to be using your bike every day and want the performance and longevity, you are likely going to want to invest more than $300 on a bike.
 

Use – Will you be using your bike for commuting purposes, fun, exercise, long distance, racing or combination of one or more of these uses?  Do you want to be the next Lance Armstrong and will be doing long distance, hard core road cycling and doing it often?  If this is the case you may need a higher-end road bike that will give you the lighter-weight (yet strong) frame and performance components to that will increase the life span of your bike, comfort and enjoyment of your ride, & the most important factor of helping to increase your chances to stay ahead of the pack ;).  If this is not your cup of tea but you are more of a recreational rider around your neighbourhood or on a light trail in the park or path through the forest, then a hybrid (essentially a cross between a road bike and mountain bike) may be the bike for you.  Hybrid/Cross bikes can provide much comfort for you with features that may include a suspension seatpost, high-rise handlebars, adjustable stem and smooth-tread tires.

Of course the general rule of thumb applies to bikes that you get what you pay for, and the quality, longevity and performance of a bike increases as the investment increases.  At Cyclepath Oakville we have the assortment and expertise to help choose the right bike for you that meets both your needs and your budget.  Cycling can provide you limitless exercise, fun, and general feel-good experience...come visit us in the store or contact us online at www.cyclepath.ca and let the fun begin.

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Cateye cycling computers

Here at Oakville Cyclepath we believe that installing a bike computer will add to your cycling experience. Cateye is one of the most reliable brands with a wide selection of models for all levels of users.

 Their entry level model is the Cateye Velo 5 computer. It features a new, larger screen and a large button for easy operation. Like all CatEye's computers, it is ultrasonically welded and highly water resistant. The universal bracket and sensor mounts allow the Velo 5 to mount nearly any handle bar and fork. Functions include current speed
maximum speed, odometer, trip distance and clock. They are very easy to install many requiring no tools.

 The Cateye Velo 8 computer is CatEye's entry-level 8 functions computer. Like the Velo 5, It features a new, larger screen and a large button for easy operation. Added features to the Velo 5 are average Speed, elapsed time and calorie consumption. Pace arrow is a fun feature that allows you to track ifyou are going faster or slower than your present average speed.

 As you go up the Cateye line the computers start getting very slick both cosmetically and functionally. Sleek, light weight and elegant, CatEye defines cycle computers with the new Strada. Don't let the slim size deceive you. This computer has the largest screen and font size in the class and all the functions you need. Simple, straight forward operations attaches quickly, securely and tool-free on virtually any handlebar or stem. A newly designed tool-free sensor mounts effortlessly to the fork. The unique innovative design continues with the mode button that is activated by toggling the bottom portion of the computer screen. Functions include current speed, maximum speed, average speed, odometer, trip distance, trip distance 2, pace arrow,elapsed time and clock.

 The Strada cadence model is agreat choice for road cyclists. It has all the features of the Strada and adds cadence. Cadence is an invaluable tool for road riders keeping that steady pedalling rhythm. In other words pedals per minute. The speed sensor is attached by the rear wheel allowing you bike computer to work on training stand as well as regular outdoor usage.

  For those of you looking for a cleaner look then the Cateye double wireless is the bike computer for you. The digital transmission allows wireless speed and cadence functions with virtually no interference. The double sensor is also attached to the rear of the bike also allowing it to work on a trainer plus the attachment gives bike a much neater look.

  The top offering for double wireless is the Cateye V2c. Broadband for your bicycle. The beloved Strada design takes a huge leap forward with the new wireless V2c. The latest 2.4GHz digital data transmission virtually eliminates interference and cross-talk, while the large screen simultaneously displays speed, cadence and time information. New integrated buttons keep a low profile but provide great feel and control. Extensive features include current speed & cadence, average speed & cadence, maximum speed & cadence, distance, odometer, countdown distance, timer, lap time, distance, average speed & number, total time, clock, date, 3 lines, 3 readouts and file data review.

   Last but not least in this review is the Cateye V3. This unit is similar to the Cateye V2c but features heart rate and calorie counter.

  Of course Cateye has more models such as strada wireless, micro wireless and vectra wireless.

  Next time you are in Oakville come and visit us at 507 Speers road and check out these units in person. Otherwise they can be ordered online at www.cyclepath.ca . Enjoy your computer and happy riding.

Compare Cateye Cycling Computers! (click here)

Do you train with a heart rate monitor?

At Cyclepath.ca (also known as Cyclepath Oakville or The Oakville Cyclepath), we feel that training with a heart rate monitor can be your best companion.

If it is for competitive reasons or simply to be healthier one must listen to their body.  To help with this Polar heart rate and activity monitors are essential.  They help you listen and understand your body more effectively.

As you get more fit by training with your heart rate monitor, your heart is able to pump more blood with every beat. The upshot of this is that your heart doesn’t have to beat as often to get the required oxygen to your muscles, which in turn decreases your resting and exercise heart rate. As a result of training, your muscles utilize the oxygen better, meaning you can put more effort in and still maintain the same heart rate. On the other hand, with activity monitoring you can measure your health beneficial movement and track your activity level to accurately record information about your active time, intensity and calorie expenditure. When all of these things happen, Polar products make sense of it all so that you are in tune with your body to act on what it’s really telling you. And that leads to a healthier, fitter you.

At Cyclepath.ca we carry a full line of Polar Heart Rate Monitors from the entry-level Polar FT7 to the fully-loaded deluxe Polar RS800CX Bike Computer (W.I.N.D. & IRDA incl.) the Oakville Cyclepath has the right heart rate monitor for you at the right price.  After all, it has to meet your needs AND your budget.  Visit us at our virtual store Cyclepath.ca or at our physical store at 507 Speers Road in Oakville.