Aretia's Tribe

The Fitness
What is the difference between a fitness and bike and a road bike?

I am a regular mountain biker, but like to road-ride, too. However, my full-suspension is way too much drama for the pavement and even my hardtail is too heavy for efficient road travel. I want something lighter and better suited. The problem is, I am not super fond of the “feel” of road bikes. I saw that Trek (my fave) had “fitness” bikes and “urban” bikes and I am wondering if anyone can tell me what are the advantages/disadvantages to choosing a fitness or urban bike over a road bike?

Okay, here goes, a Road bike is a race inspired design. It has you in an “attack” position the whole time regardless of how you place your hands on the bars. The frames are MUCH lighter than MTBs and the tires are much thinner as well (obvious). What is NOT completely obvious is the change in the riding position. The seatpost is higher and the stems/hb is positioned so that you are more erect but arched forward as well.

The hybrids, aka fitness bikes/urban bikes are basically a mixture of MTB and road bikes. They are using the geometry of MTB but the concepts/ideals of a road bike. The wheels on a hybrid are 700 cc which is similar to a road bike but the tire size is actually a little bit wider and thicker. (instead of 18-25, it is 32-38). The riding position is similar to that of a MTB with a little more relaxed feeling and not an attack position. The components actually go both ways. Some models have MTB components while some have Road bike components. That depends, however, on how high of a model you get. Some, also have carbon fiber distributed throughout the frame/fork while others are fully rigid. Sometimes you’ll find a suspension seatpost but on “fitness” bikes it is usually a rigid fork. Weight wise, the hybrids range from 20-25lbs but are actually surprisingly fast. Trek, Giant, Specialized, Cannondale and a couple others all offer hybrids now.
Pros: hybrids are cheaper and have the same basic concept of getting from point A to point B quickly but comfortably but still a nice ride to work out with. The geometry is very similar to a MTB. Faster than MTB. Not much maintenance required if you take care of it.

Cons: Not as light as a road bike. Components can be cheapy if not purchasing a good model. Can be as expensive as road bikes if purchasing a good model.

I have both MTB’s and Road bikes and I love both. I just love to ride regardless of what bike it is. However, there is a HUGE difference between the two. If you just want to get from point A to point B, I say get a hybrid. If you want a cardio work out and get HUGE legs, get a road bike. It took me a while to break down and buy a road bike. I owned only MTBs for years but decided to finally give it a shot after starting to work at a bike shop. I like both but nothing beats MTBs. Go to a dealer and try them both out, hybrids and road bikes. Ride it for a while and see if you can see yourself getting comfortable on a road bike. If not, your choice is pretty much made up. If so… well…. questions… questions… questions… and price… price…price. Good luck mate.

Three Ways to Improve your Fitness Levels

Many people want to improve their physical fitness levels. However, they often make the excuses that they don’t know how or they don’t have the time. In this article I outline three ways you can implement fitness training into your daily routine.

1) LIFESTYLE CHANGE:- One of the easiest ways to improve your current fitness levels is to make small, positive changes to your daily routine. Specifically, you need to improve your diet and your exercise routine. As I have mentioned, these changes do not have to be large. If you make small changes to your lifestyle at regular intervals these will soon build up to become large changes which yield significant results.

One way you could change your eating habits is by eating one less takeaway a week and substituting this for a healthier, home cooked meal. Then in the second week you could build on this by eating a salad for lunch once or twice a week. You can alter your exercise habits in a similar way. In the first week use stairs instead of elevators. In week two participate in a thirty minute brisk walk twice a week. As you can see these small but positive lifestyle changes collectively become significant changes which can lead to improved fitness levels.

2) FITNESS EQUIPMENT:- Another great way to improve your fitness levels is to take advantage of the large selection of fitness equipment on the market. When choosing fitness equipment you first have to decide what your fitness targets are. Do you want to improve your cardiovascular fitness? If so then a treadmill, rowing machine or exercise bike will be most suitable for you. Do you want to tone and strengthen your muscles? Then free weights and weight machines are what you should be using.

You also need to consider whether you want to purchase the fitness equipment for yourself or take advantage of the fitness equipment at the gym. Both have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Owning your own fitness equipment means that you can use it whenever you want, within the comfort of your own home. However, unless you have a lot of storage space and money you will be unable to purchase the range of equipment that a gym can provide. The gym can provide you with a large range of equipment for a relatively low cost. However, when the gym is full you will have to wait for machines and you will also have to spend time commuting to and from the gym.

Whatever you choose regarding your fitness equipment you must consider one important factor. Fitness equipment will assist you in your exercise but it will not do it for you. You still have to put in the time and effort that leads to improved fitness levels.

3) FITNESS TRAINER:- Taking advantage of a fitness trainer is a great way to improve your fitness levels. You can explain your fitness goals to the trainer and then they can show you the best way to achieve them. A fitness trainer should also help you stay motivated, show you where you are going wrong and lead you down the right path, making it more likely that you will achieve your targets.

When choosing a fitness trainer there are a number of factors you should consider. A good fitness trainer should be able to provide success stories from their past which prove their credentials. You should also look at their qualifications to measure how well trained they are. Finally, you should arrange a meeting with a number of fitness trainers and see which ones match your personality.

As you can see there are plenty of options available to you if you want to improve your fitness levels. Although I have given you the advice you have to take that first step and implement fitness training into your daily routine. Choose whichever ideas you think are best for you and get started. The sooner you begin to take action, the sooner you will start to see results.

About the Author

The Free Fitness Tips Blog provides you with fantastic, free advice on all aspects of fitness. To find out more about fitness training and improving your fitness levels head over to the Free Fitness Tips blog