Greetings!

Wow 2010 and we're already at the end of January! If this year goes any faster we might all just have to tuck in and start slip streaming.

We're all well aware that cycling is an amazing sport that keeps growing in popularity every day, and why not? Its fun and great exercise! The problem is however, that cycling has many facets apart from the obvious road racing.

There are a multitude of different styles of Bikes and styles of riding, from BMX to Freestyle, laid back, to arm powered, Mountain Bikes, to Unicycles and many more.

We get asked every day at least a dozen times "With all these different types of bikes, how do I know which is the right bike for me?"  Hopefully this is one of the many things we will address in 2010 via this newsletter.

We will also keep you up to date with all the latest news, trends, equipment, offers and inside info on some great rides.

So until next time, from all of us at the Freedom Machine,

Stay safe and good riding!

Sincerely,
Adrian Curnow
Freedom Machine

TFM's Bike advice

As we previously mentioned, there are many bikes of all types and it's often difficult to know which is best for you. Well, fear not potential riders, because The Freedom Machine is here to help by clearing up a few of the unspoken questions about the multitude of bikes out there. We'll start by looking at the many ways bikes can be categorized.

1 By function
This incorporates Utility Bikes (for commuting, shopping, errands and short trips). Mountain Bikes (for off road cycling) including the multiple specialty sub categories (stump jumpers etc). Racing Bikes (designed for speed, and the sport of competitive racing. There are many Racing sub categories such as Track and Time Trial however we will discuss those later). Touring Bikes (designed for bicycle touring and long journeys). Recumbent Bikes (or Laid back bikes, sometimes called 'Bents' are designed to maximize comfort and minimize resistance). BMX Bikes or Freestyle Bikes (designed for stunts, tricks and jumps). Cruisers or Beach Bikes (as the name implies, these are a recreation bike designed for comfortable travel.)Hybrids (these are usually a cross between Mountain Bikes and Road Bikes).

2 By number of riders
I would think this is pretty obvious, however there is a little more to it than simply saying two seats make a tandem bike and three make you the Goodies. There are in reality a number of multiple seated bike constructions out there such as the "Busycle, Companion. Sociable and Conference bikes.
These are all pretty bizarre though so look them up if you want a laugh.

3 By construction type
An old-fashioned penny-farthing or ordinary has one high wheel directly driven by the pedals and one small wheel.
On an upright bicycle, also called a safety bicycle, the rider sits astride the saddle.
On a recumbent bicycle the rider reclines or lies supine.
On a prone bike the rider lies in a prone position.
A crank forward bicycle has the rider upright with the pedals far enough forward that the rider can reach the ground with his or her feet without getting off the saddle.
A Pedersen bicycle has a bridge truss frame.
A folding bicycle can be quickly folded for easy carrying, for example on public transport.
A small wheel bicycle, such as a Moulton Bicycle, has a traditional seating position and small wheels.
An exercise bicycle remains stationary; it is used for exercise rather than propulsion.
An electric bicycle is primarily propelled by the rider; although this is assisted by the use of an electric motor, usually located in the hub of the front or rear wheel. The electric motor is powered by a battery which is secured to the frame. These are available in various technologies including Lead Acid, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer. Many of these are not classed as a motor vehicle, but as a bicycle if they comply with UK and European regulations.
A staircycle has pedals arranged in a stair master fashion instead of circular. There is no seat as it is designed to be used upright much like a stairmaster.
Plastic bicycles were an attempt in the early 1980s to introduce a bicycle made entirely out of plastic materials instead of metal.
A bamboo bicycle has a frame made of bamboo.

Next Month we will look at the categories below and start trying to hone in on the right bike for you. In the meantime if you have any questions, jump on your bamboo bike and ride to your nearest TFM store or you could just give us a call.

4 By gearing
5 By sport
6 By means of propulsion
7 By rider position
8 Other types

Complete Giant 2010 Range In-store

We now have the full range of Giant 2010 cycles in every store. Take a sneak peek on the website at some stylish new machines and when this gives you bike envy, ride down to your favourite Freedom Machine store for all the details and a quick demo.

Take a Giant 25% off!

To make it even better, we've got a 25% discount on offer for every purchase from the equally impressive Giant 2009 range. It's all on the site or on-site at your favourite store so race in and do a deal.

For Full details check out:  
http://www.freedommachine.com.au/index.shtml



For more information go to the Garmin.com website and search for the edge 500.
http://www.freedommachine.com.au/item.asp?Category=265&Start=0&ID=1637

Useful Resources

Get off that sofa and onya bike!!!  For a full list of Cycle Sport Victoria Metro riding clubs click here

Port Melbourne
265-267 Bay St. Port Melbourne 3207
Tel.  (03) 9681 8533  (03) 9681 8533 Fax (03) 9681 8609
portmelb@freedommachine.com.au

Prahran
245 Chapel St. Prahran 3181
Tel.  (03) 9510 1010  (03) 9510 1010 Fax (03) 9521 3969
prahran@freedommachine.com.au

Brighton
76 Church St. Brighton 3186
Tel.  (03) 9592 5199  (03) 9592 5199 Fax (03) 9530 5122
brighton@freedommachine.com.au