How to protect my bike from theft?

Expensive bicycles are highly sought after among thieves. If you want to protect your bike from theft, you need a secure bike lock. But what are the differences? And which lock really offers optimal security for the bike? There are 3 types of lock to choose from. The folding lock, U-lock and chain lock. The U-lock usually offers the best protection. However, the shackles are quite heavy and inflexible. Similar protection is also offered by the chain locks. The advantages of these locks lie in the good break-open security and their high flexibility. However, good chain locks are relatively heavy at around 3 kg. Folding locks always bring up the rear in regular tests by Stiftung Warentest. Although they are light, easy to handle and transport, they are also very quickly cracked.

Expert tip:

Who wants to play it safe, can also insure his bike against theft. Depending on the insurance, you get an equivalent bike or new parts in case of vandalism in case of emergency.

Is cycling healthy?

Riding a bike is the best medicine. The positive effects of cycling on health have long been known and proven. Whether leg muscles or cardiovascular system, cycling continuously challenges the body and provides positive adaptations after exercise. The pumping function of the heart increases, excess fat is reduced, mood is lightened and muscles are strengthened. Cycling has an advantage over other sports in that it does not put a lot of stress on the joints, since the bike carries the body weight. The correct sitting position is important for riding without complaints. In our e-bike and bike advice you will find a guide on how to find the perfect position for your bike.

Expert Tip:

Even if you rely on the support of an electric motor with an e-bike, the training does not have to be less effective. Depending on the selected support of the motor, you train with a little more or less intensity.

What is bikefitting?

Bikefitting is about making sure that a bike is adapted as well as possible to the physical conditions of the rider. Especially when riding a bike, you always perform the same movements over a long period of time and in a relatively fixed position. Therefore, a bike fitting makes sense not only for professionals, but also for occasional riders who are looking for more comfort and want to prevent injuries. But the biggest advantage of a bike fitting is maximizing efficiency in power transmission and aerodynamics.

What methods for a bike fitting are there?
Each provider for a bike fitting resorts to different methods and technologies. The most common systems are:

- Body Scanning - Ergonomic bike fitting (offered in our stores)
.- Retül Fit
- Shimano bikefitting.com

The various measurement systems use technical tools such as 3D motion capture, foot pressure and saddle pressure measurements. The Body Scanning CRM Bike, offered free in our stores, was created through collaboration between orthopedists, physiotherapists, cyclists and engineers. It is a measurement system that allows customers to get non-contact measurements and advice on finding their optimal ergonomic seating position on the bike and calculating the perfect frame geometries.

Expert Tip:

Only a perfectly fitting bike prolongs the joy of riding and prevents injuries.

MTB What tire systems are there?

Tubeless or tubular? Every mountain biker who has already dealt a little with his material knows these terms. The tire with tube is the classic and is also used in the majority. Here, the so-called folding tire is held on the rim with the help of a bicycle tube. The advantage lies in the simple handling and quick repair in the event of a defect.

Tubeless tires are reinforced tires that can also be used without a tube and only with the help of a special valve and rim. From this tire system one promises less weight, less air pressure and thus better traction. Some manufacturers also offer so-called tubeless kits, with which you can convert ordinary folding tires and rims to tubeless. This involves sealing the tire with the help of a puncture fluid. This variant has become established in racing and is also used by many amateurs. But there is a third tire system. The so-called tubular tires. In this system, the tube is sewn directly into the tire and is glued to the rim. The advantage is the excellent puncture resistance and the low rolling resistance. The cumbersome and complex assembly, however, restricts the range of application to thoroughbred racers.

What is the difference between quick release and thru axle?

The quick release is an invention by former cyclist Tullio Campagnolo. He patented in 1930 the idea of a lever with which you can change the wheel within a few seconds. Many decades later, quick release skewers are still used. This is due to the ease of use and light weight. With the introduction of disc brakes, is increasingly the thru axle as the new standard. It offers greater rigidity and stability and thus increases especially at the front wheel the steering precision.