General Questions

Is cycling healthy?
Cycling is the best medicine. The positive effects of cycling on health have long been known and proven. Whether it is leg muscles or cardiovascular system, cycling continuously stimulates the body and provides positive adaptations after training. The pumping function of the heart increases, excess fat is reduced, mood is brightened 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.

Which bike is right for me?
The bicycle as a means of transportation has changed and developed enormously over the past 200 years. From the first bicycle without pedals, to the penny-farthing with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel, to the modern mountain bike, it took a lot of ingenuity and good ideas. The development in recent years has brought some new technical achievements. First and foremost is the introduction of 29 inch wheels in the mountain bike segment. Racing bikes have also evolved, becoming lighter and more aerodynamic over time. Nowadays, there is a great diversity of bikes. Here we give you a rough overview of all bike categories and their intended use. 

What is bikefitting?
Bikefitting is about adapting a bike as well as possible to the physical conditions of the rider. Especially when riding a bike, you always perform the same movements over a longer 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. The biggest advantage of a bike fitting, however, is the maximization of efficiency in power transmission and aerodynamics. 

What methods are available for bike fitting?
Each provider for a bike fitting uses different methods and technologies. The most common systems are:

• Body Scanning - Ergonomic bike fitting 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 of charge in our stores, was created through the collaboration between orthopedists, physiotherapists, cyclists and engineers. It is a measuring system that allows customers to get non-contact measurements and advice to find their optimal ergonomic seating position on the bike and calculate the perfect frame geometries.
Only a perfectly fitting bike prolongs the joy of riding and prevents injuries.

MTB - What tire systems are available? 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 by the majority. The so-called folding tire is held on the rim with the help of a bicycle tube. The advantage lies in the ease of handling and quick repair in the event of a defect.

Tubeless tires are reinforced tires that can be used without a tube and only with the help of a special valve and rim. This tire system 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. However, the cumbersome and complex assembly restricts the range of application to thoroughbred racers. 

More information about the tire systems can be found here. 

What is the difference between quick release and thru axle?
The quick release is an invention of the former cyclist Tullio Campagnolo. He patented in 1930 the idea of a lever with which you can change the wheel within 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 stiffness and stability and thus increases the steering precision, especially on the front wheel. You can find more information here. 

How do I protect my bike from theft?
Expensive bicycles are very popular 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 locks 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. More information about the different bicycle locks can be found here. 
If you want to be on the safe side, you can also insure your bike against theft. Depending on the insurance, you will receive an equivalent bike or new parts in case of vandalism.