Kali Protectives Sport Helmets For All Ages

Wearing a bicycle helmet is critical for your cycling safety. With all the media coverage of head injuries in the sports arena, it's a well-known fact not to be argued or disputed.

Kali Protectives offers a full line of head safety gear for each specific category of cycling, as well as other sports that include downhill skiing and motorcycles.

The technology that KALI promotes involves full shell in-moulding, with softer interior foam made from recycled products as opposed to plastics.  The Morgan Hill, CA-based company is continuously moving forward to improve the quality of helmets.

 

Proper Fit Of A Bicycle Helmet is Most Important!

 



Chakra XC Enduro

There is a simple but necessary step in ordering a bicycle helmet. Get used to using metrics as they are here to stay: Using a flexible tape to measure the brim (circumference) of the head in centimeters is that easy step. An average adult size with KALI is going to be a M/L, usually equivalent to 58-62 centimeters.

Once the helmet is on your head, you'll find Kali's micro adjustments are exemplary. That goes for kids helmets, too.

 

-- Mr. Pump

 

 

BikeSmart Wins Thumbs Up In Price And Quality

An up and coming California company is the newest brand to earn the BikemanforU Seal of Approval.

BikeSmart components and accessories deliver good quality at a fair price with a lifetime warranty. Now available  at  BikemanforU.com  and Bike 'n Kite Ltd., our bike shop in Westhampton Beach, NY.

Price obviously plays a big role in our product selection. We don't believe anyone wants to pay what seems like a good price only to see a price so incredibly low one has to wonder if the product is either a knock-off, defective or lacking in any way.

BikeSmart prices are consistent. You won't find cheap deals on third-party internet sites. Nor will you suffer the torment of dynamic pricing. 

Ergonomic Palmer Grips

Asstro Anatomic Cut-Out Saddle

 
We believe this level of shared respect for both the buyer and retailer is helping drive success for the San Rafael, CA, based organization.

BikeSmart began about a year and a half ago as an in- house line of accessories for Mike's Bikes, a northern California chain of shops.

The business has since grown into its own independent brand, supplying bicycles, parts and accessories to bike shops around the world.  

Much of the credit belongs to Sales Director Demi Basiliades. We spoke with Demi last year when Mr. Pump ordered a selection of pedals, pumps, grips and saddles for BikemanforU to review on our YouTube Channel  

We applaud Demi's enthusiasm for the cycling community and are proud to carry these well-made parts and accessories. Watch Mr. Pump's presentation on Bike Shop LIVE

Pedals - Half Clipless Half Platform - 4 Things To Know

SunLite Single-Side Clipless Pedal 

Half-and-half pedals was BikemanforU’s answer for a customer who stopped by the bike shop this week. He was riding clipless pedals but didn’t want to wear cycling shoes on short trips around the village.

This bicycle component, also known as a single-sided or one-sided pedal, could be a simple solution. It offers two riding options: 

The clipless side requires a cleated shoe - it locks your foot onto the pedal for more stroking power. For recreational riding, turn the pedal over and ride the platform side with regular footwear.  

Points to consider when buying half-and-halfs:

• Let you experiment with clipless pedals
• You'll probably want to look down when getting on your bike to ensure your foot's on the side you want
• Versatile - wear street or cleated shoes
• Cleats should be matched with a compatible single-sided pedal Origin8 and SunLite both work with Shimano SPD, Look Keo, and other pedal systems. 

Recessed cleats, which retract into he sole of a shoe, allow for serious or casual cycling, and will be covered in a future post. The customer at Bike ‘n Kite apparently was feeling flush - he wound up buying another bike – he didn’t want to swap out the pedals he’d just bought, he liked his shoes, and his daughter could ride the new bicycle. 

Learn To Ride A Bicycle - Duck Walk Method

Learning how to ride a bike doesn't have to be scary. Mr. Pump's duck walk method works for children and adults.

Start by removing the bicycle's pedals and lowering the seat enough to let the rider sit on the bike with feet on the ground.

1. Sit on the bike
2. Hands on handlebar
3. Look at the horizon
4. Waddle like a duck
5. Do not look down. Only look up.
6. Remember to say "Quack. Quack. Quack."

 

All silliness aside, Mr. Pump's taught cycling to generations of riders. If he barks like a drill sergeant, be not dismayed. He wants you to succeed. Watch the entire lesson starting at 2:58 in this Bike Shop - BikemanforU LIVE Show episode from season two.  The reality show streams Saturdays 10am eastern on the BikemanforU channel

Bike Shop - LIVE Saturdays 10am EST- BikemanforU

High Aspirations

The bike shop's LIVE Show season two with BikemanforU is officially underway. 

The YouTube Live event streams every Saturday this summer at 10am EST on the BikemanforU Channel. 

The uncut reality show began streaming the weekend of July 4. The online series is expected to run at least through Labor Day.

The action takes place in and around Bike 'n Kite, the family shop that sells and repairs bicycles in the resort hamlet of Westhampton Beach, NY, on Long Island's eastern shore. 

BikemanforU, YouTube's award-winning guru of DIY bicycle repair, is creator/producer. Rounding out the cast are Mr. Pump as the voice of reason, BMX Boy, the shop's assistant mechanic, student videographer SonofA, Sebastian, bike shop roustabout, daughter Baby G, and lots of customers.

The new season features a custom-built stage freshly painted in Rasta colors, directors' chairs, and an as yet untested format. Be prepared for hours of binge watching as each episode can run one to eight hours. 

Episode one hit a few bumps, to be expected while organizing more than a half dozen HD cameras. Mr. Pump cited BikemanforU's high aspirations for the mohawk failure shown above. 

Lofty goals notwithstanding, BikemanforU promises plenty of entertainment: "You can stay live and watch us live all day long. Episodes will be cut and edited for future release. We're going to try really hard to do that. We're calling it our syndicated show." 

Bike Parts - 700 x 38 Tires For Rough Pavement

Hi, Bikeman, 

Thanks for the helpful videos. I want to replace the tires I have now on my hybrid (622x19 rims with 700x38C tires) but I want something more beefy/off-roadish -- the streets suck around here and am tired of flats. Any suggestions for replacement tires?

Thanks,
Randy

Hi Randy,

While no tire or tube is puncture proof, a belted or heavier rubber compound may offer some flat protection against surface debris, rough pavement, or off-road goat head thorns  

Personally, I prefer center-ridge knobbies with standard tubes for the streets in my city. The aggressive tread and lower psi handles bumps, potholes, chunks of concrete, broken asphalt, as well as sand, pebbles and junk that collects near the curb. No flats, so far. The ride is comfortable and I feel safer.

Our most popular 700x38 tire is the durable Serfas Vida, which features a flat protection insert that's actually molded under the tread. 

This multi-sport hybrid combo is available with presta or schrader tubes. BikemanforU customers rate it five stars.

In the knobby arena, this 700x37 WTB All-Terrain shown below is a relatively unusual size, but the flat knobs are beefy and off-roadish. The center tread pattern would serve an urban rider well on rough city streets. 

We can bundle any bicycle tire into a custom combo with tubes and rim strips - contact us

If you need to be somewhere quickly, the 700x38 Chen Shin CST Crucible Kevlar-belted tire offers strength and a smoother tread. Designed and made specifically for commuters, this tire promises lower rolling resistance and a bit faster ride plus built-in puncture protection.

For tubes - we typically ship standard but some riders prefer thorn-resistant for their thicker rubber. 

You might also consider adding a bottle of Slime to a standard tube. The non-toxic green goop uses centrifugal force, plugging punctures while you're riding. 

BikemanforU says Slime's about 80-85% effective. The pre-filled Slime tubes are quite popular.


Pamela / Customer Support

Bike Parts: France Model F 3 Freewheel Is A Maillard

This Schwinn Approved France Model F 3 freewheel was made by the Maillard factory. BikemanforU confirmed the vintage component as one produced by the French factory in the 1970s. 

A Maillard freewheel for Schwinn

The YouTuber and master bicycle mechanic said Bike ‘n Kite, established in 1977,  still owns its original remover tool that fits the freewheel body. “We used to use it all the time in the ‘70s,” he said. “Now we use it every one or two years.”

Remover tools for a Maillard Model F 3 can be found online, which may help our Cape Cod, MA, customer who sought help for his project. 

Another possibility, especially for  one-time or occasional use, is checking with a local bike shop.

Find an LBS that’s been in business long enough to remember mid -century technology, BikemanforU suggests. Newer shops aren’t likely to own the tool or even be acquainted with the obscure component.

Ask if the shop has a wide-hole (30mm) 24-spline freewheel puller – made by Maillard or a vintage copycat like the Bicycle Research CT-3 or VAR-405. An LBS may be willing to get the part off your old wheel, for a fee. 

Courtesy freewheel installation is available by request to BikemanforU customers who buy wheels at the website  Carefully cut the freewheel body from the spokes and ship the part to the shop. The  crew will remove and install the old freewheel on the new rear wheel. There’s no charge for this service.

 

Bike Parts - Schwinn Approved Freewheel - A Maillard?

Is this a Maillard freewheel?

"Schwinn Approved France Model F 3" stamped into the metal is the only clue in the photo  of this freewheel. 

A customer from Cape Cod, MA, is seeking the right tool to loosen the component and pull it off his old wheel.

This morning, however, Mr. Pump says BikemanforU is over his head in summer repairs. Friday's Tech Happy Hour is still three days into the future. How to help our loyal customer? 

The 24 splines inside the part eliminate using Park Tool's FR-4, which fits some Schwinn Approved freewheels but only has 20 splines. 

The France clue seems to indicate the freewheel is likely a Maillard. A few generations ago, the once venerable French manufacturer produced bicycle components like the rare Helico-Matic hub . Well-made Maillard parts could be found on bikes made by or for Schwinn, Peugot, and Trek, among other brands..

Fichtel & Sachs, a veteran German parts manufacturer, absorbed Maillard some time during the 1980s, according to Wikipedia. Normandy was another brand associated with Maillard. 

Maillard Freewheel

In bicycle manufacturing history, Schwinn Approved is a mid-century marketing term. It appeared in the 1970s and well into the '80s on certain bikes and components that were manufactured to the American brand's specific quality standards. Maillard's factory was among those that were "Schwinn Approved." 

If this is a Maillard freewheel, the problem is the now defunct French manufacturer made the only tool that fits it. This special remover, however, can be found at some local bike shops. And that's where we suggested our customer bring his wheel. 

Vintage Maillard freewheel remover tools like the one at left and what appear to be reproductions can be found online for $25-40. Is this the tool our customer needs? 

How can we be sure the freewheel is a Maillard or a Normandy? Or an Atom - also associated with Schwinn and Maillard? 

Our customer has asked the voice of experience for help. Let's see what he says.

Letter From "A Happy Customer!!!"

 

Hi Bikeman!

I thought you might get a kick out of what I did with the BLACK BIKE BASKET I purchased from you. You were the ONLY PERSON I could find that had a BLACK BASKET....and I loved watching your video of it before I purchased on eBay.

It's not a Nantucket....but I love it anyway.  I gave the neighbors something to talk about for about a week while I rode around in my subdivision before I finally had to plant the flowers. 

Love your site....and I'll be back for more very soon!

But really now.....I dare ya to tell me you've seen a prettier bike than mine this Spring!! BTW.....great packing on the basket and I really appreciated that.

~ Karen ~

#BikemanforU Hosts LIVE Tech Happy Hour

The BikemanforU Tech Happy Hour is online again Friday afternoons from the bike shop.

Broadcasts usually begin at 5:15pm eastern on YouNow under the hashtags #bikemanforu and  #youtuber.

The crew will be entertaining technical questions and whatever else comes to mind. The laid-back format basically means anything goes with BMFU, Mr. Pump, and BMX Boy.

Having your bike nearby for reference along with your favorite libation is recommended.

Bike Shop Open Seven Days For Rentals

The bike shop is now open seven days a week. Bike 'n Kite store hours are 10am to 5pm eastern Monday through Saturday and 11am to 3pm on Sunday. 

The rental fleet is the Simple Single cruiser made by Giant Bicycle USA.  Rentals are first come, first served with a $20 refundable cash deposit per bike. The shop accepts MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Rental includes a men or women's bicycle with handlebar basket, helmet, and lock. 

BikemanforU has rates and more information. Call 631 288-1210 or stop by Bike 'n Kite's white-shingled store, located at 112 Potunk Lane, across from the police department, on the road to the beach in Westhampton Beach, NY.

Bikes Are Our Bread And Butter

The bike shop crew breathed a collective sigh of relief today with the arrival of our new 2014 bicycles. More are expected the next day, too, and they can't get here fast enough.

With a bicycle shortage predicted this summer, Mr. Pump put in his order fast as he could with Giant USA. Giant has been a reliable supplier to Bike 'n Kite for several years. We like the consistently good quality that comes from the world's largest manufacturer of bicycles. 

Getting our hands on a goodly supply when we need them, though, has typically been tough for us, as a small, independent local retailer. That seems to have changed this year.  Giant is making lots more of what Mr. Pump calls "our bread and butter" bikes.

The reasonably priced Giant Cypress is in Mr. Pump's food group. A 700c hybrid in both women and men's models, it's a multi-speed, upright ride that's fast enough - and comfortable enough - to go on a 50-mile charity ride. 

A bike needs to be well-made. It should deliver a fun ride and fit the wallet. We enjoy selling and servicing rarefied high-performance machines. The Cypress and others like it, however, put food on our table.

How-To Videos Feature Aarron Ross Pro EX Bike

If you ever wondered how to put together and dial in your new bike, this mini-series from BikemanforU videos might be useful. 

The how-to videos feature Sunday Bike's Aaron Ross Pro EX. The new BMX bike arrived at our Bike 'n Kite shop following an attempted DIY assembly. 

For more BMX and how-to videos, check out BikemanforU's award-winning YouTube channel.