CHOOSING THE RIGHT STYLE OF CHIMERA BICYCLES

Chimera-Bikes.com sells mainly 3 types of bicycles:

1. Track/Messenger (TS 5.9)   

2. Hybrid (HS 5.9)
3. Road (FS 5.9)

 

TRACK / MESSENGER BIKE (TS 5.9):

Chimera’s Track/Messenger bicycle (TS 5.9) is a form of fixed-gear bicycle used for track cycling.  Unlike racing bicycles, Track Bikes / Messenger Bikes are used for road cycling.  These bikes are unique since they lack multiple gears and brakes. 

Traditionally, some road racing and club cyclists used a fixed-gear bicycles for training during the winter months, generally using a relatively low gear ratio.  This was believed to help develop a cyclist’s pedaling technique. 

In urban North America fixed-gear bicycles have achieved tremendous popularity, with the rise of discernible regional aesthetic preferences for finish and design details. The rise in popularity of fixed-gear bicycles in the mid-2000s, complete with adaptations such as spoke cards, is attributed to bicycle messengers.

A fixed-gear bicycle is particularly well suited for track stands, a maneuver in which the bicycle can be held stationary, balanced upright with the rider's feet on the pedals.

A subset of fixed-gear track bike riding is emerging from urban youth, often associated with hipsters, with roots in modern skateboarding and Freestyle BMX. Track bike tricks are largely unexplored and like the sport's precursors, have an overwhelming appreciation for style and originality.

Advantages and disadvantages

v  Track/Messenger bicycles are ridden by cyclists for many reasons, such as their light weight, simplicity, low maintenance and style.

^v   Many people who ride Track/Messenger bicycles simply find it more enjoyable than or as an alternative to riding bikes with freewheel. Although the bike has only one gear, the lighter weight of a fixed-gear bike over its multi-speed freewheel equivalent can provide increased performance in some conditions. In slippery conditions some riders prefer to ride fixed because the transmission gives feedback on back tire grip.

v  Descending is more difficult as the rider must spin the cranks at a very high speed (sometimes at 150rpm or more), or use the brake(s) to slow down. Nevertheless, the enforced fast spin when descending is said to increase "souplesse" (a French word meaning suppleness or flexibility, usually referring to the human body), which improves pedaling performance on any type of bicycle.

^v   Riding a Track/Messenger bicycle is considered to encourage a more effective pedaling style, which translates into greater efficiency and power when used on a bicycle fitted with a freewheel.

 

HYBRID BIKE (HS 5.9):

Chimera’s Hybrid Bicycle (HS 5.9) is a relatively new style of bicycle.   A Hybrid Bike is a bicycle designed for general purpose utility or commuter cycling on paved and unpaved roads.   The Hybrid Bike is one that blends the best characteristics of both road and mountain bikes into a bicycle that is sturdy, comfortable, fast, and ideal for riding on streets and bike paths.

Chimera’s Hybrid Bike (HS 5.9) is fitted with nearly flat handlebars to provide a more upright riding position than a road or track bike.  Chimera’s Hybrid Bike (HS 5.9) is also fitted with 700C wheels that give it the ability to deal with rough or littered surfaces that might be encountered on paved or unpaved roads.  The larger 700C wheels are a little faster on paved surfaces and can give an advantage for longer bicycle trips.  Chimera’s Hybrid Bike (HS 5.9) are fitted with the same gear systems as mountain bikes with between 18 and 27 gears and similar braking systems.

Advantages & Disadvantages:

v  Good over most surfaces... but not severe off-road conditions

v  Jack of all trades... but master of none

ROAD BIKE (FS 5.9)

Chimera’s Road Bicycle (FS 5.9) usually falls into the Touring/Racing category.  The most important things about Road Bikes are its light weight and aerodynamic and ergonomic positions for the rider.  The front and back wheels are close together so the bicycle has quick handling. 

Unless a rider intends riding on rough tracks, road bicycles including racing bikes are more efficient for road use.   Chimera’s Road Bike (FS 5.9) sports a slightly more comfortable and slower handling frame. The gearing is usually a little lower to help in the hills.

Advantages & Disadvantages:

v  Longer wheelbase absorbs road shock for more comfort.   Low gears mean less effort on the hills.. More stable on descents.

 

v  Ideal Use: Fitness rides, centuries, commuting, distance touring.