Fruitface

Buying a bike to travel to work on, or just for joy, can be a confusing business. Here’s a short guide..

What to Look for

Bicycles fall into 3 main categories: road bikes, mountain bikes (also sometimes called off-road or all terrain bikes) and hybrids. Road bikes include touring bikes, racing bikes and sports bikes. The drop handlebars of the touring bike provide more comfort for riders traveling long distances. Ultralight, aerodynamic racing bikes are designed for riders who compete in road races and desire the fastest times possible. Sports bikes are slightly heavier than racing bikes but more responsive than touring bikes. The dropped handlebars provide comfort while the aerodynamic design allows for more speed. This bike is appropriate for cyclists who ride over 10 miles at a time.

Mountain bikes are much more rugged. They feature a sturdy frame, an upright seat position, straight handlebars and wider tires to handle the unpredictable terrain of off-road riding. 

Riders who are more interested in using their bikes to run errands, commute or ride short distances should consider a hybrid bike. They are lighter than mountain bikes but do not achieve the speeds of road bikes.

Next, you need to make sure the bike is the proper size for your body. While straddling it, you should have 1 to 2 inches of space between the top bar and your crotch for road bikes and 3 to 4 inches for mountain bikes. Make sure the handlebars are within a comfortable reaching distance and the seat is adjusted for your height. When the ball of your foot is at the lowest pedaling position, there should be a 25- to 30-degree bend in the knee. Take a test ride if the dealer allows it.

Common Pitfalls

The cost of bikes range drastically depending on quality and the type of biking you plan to do. Some buyers try to get a bargain by shopping at big box department stores. These bikes are of much lower quality. Think of buying a bike as making an investment. You will want to find a quality bike shop that provides the advice, service and maintenance you will need later. Also be wary of used bikes. They can be risky (much like buying a used car), and it can be difficult to determine if they have been stolen.

And here’s some inspiration:

 

Tags: buying a bike, cycling, exercise

Tags: flax seed, health, linseed

Walking shoes are perhaps the most important piece of equipment for a regular walker. 

When shopping for walking shoes, it is all about fit and flexibility. A good walking shoe should have a low heal and a flexible sole so your foot will roll from heal to toe with each step. There should be enough flexibility in the toe area that you can actually twist and bend it. Most walking shoes are made from lightweight, breathable fabric. 

Other common features specific to walking shoes include a notch at the back of the ankle to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon; a cushioned ankle collar; a supportive, cushioned insole (some have removable insoles for laundering and drying out after use); a cushioned midsole for shock absorption; good tread for traction and plenty of space in the toe box. Some brands feature a gel pad to reduce impact or a roll bar to stabilize feet that tend to roll inward.

What to Look for

Proper fit is important for comfort and injury prevention for walkers. A shoe that is too narrow, too wide or has too much room in the toe box can cause blisters and calluses. Consider shopping at a specialty shoe store with professionals who can guarantee a proper fit. Have your feet measured each time you purchase shoes, because your foot size can change with age and manufacturers can alter their sizing. 

Try on both shoes with the socks you will be wearing on walks. Then walk around the store for a few minutes. Shoes should be comfortable right away, and there should be a finger’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. 

It is also important to consider your arch type. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three basic types of arches. A natural arch that is not overly arched or flat will benefit from a walking shoe that has a firm midsole. Those with low-arched or flat feet should look for shoes with motion control for stability. High arches can cause excess strain on muscles and joints because feet don’t absorb shock well. Look for shoes with extra cushioning. 

Bring in your old shoes when you shop for new ones. Professionals can often tell a lot about your feet based on the visible wear of your shoes.

Common Pitfalls

The most common mistake is to purchase shoes that don’t fit well. Shoes that pinch or bind can result in painful walks. Take the time and invest the money in a quality pair of comfortable, well-fitting shoes. 

Walking shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles, or every three to six months, according to . Experts also recommend rotating between two pairs of shoes if you walk everyday.

Tags: buy trainers, walking shoes

Is on the way, and we’re growing our own herbs and salads this year. So we’ve built the raised beds and are about to fill them.

Here’s the plan for the bed - not sure if ours will be as tidy looking!

We’ve tried out a new product, it seemed to go well at the farmers market at the weekend, so is now available online. There should be a link to the left, or go to our products page. It’s a mix of nuts and seeds, slow roasted with cumin seed, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. We think it tastes delicious! Let us know if you’ve bought any, and if you’d like to order some.

Thanks!

Tags: christmas, nut mix

Click here to visit Win A House In Sandbanks website!

This is one of those house competitions where you enter by buying a ticket and answering some questions. We’ve often talked about giving a wellness holiday as a prize in a competition like this. Any ideas?

Tags: Competition, win a house

The rate of VAT has gone down for all rated products to 15%.

Just so you know, this doesn’t affect us here, as seeds are ‘food’, and so don’t have tax added. Just so you know.

Tags: roasted seeds, VAT

We’re moving to a more interactive type of site and business. So we have a new forum where you can discuss health, sports, vitality, good food, and fitness. The links on the side, look forward to your comments!

Tags: forum, Fruitface, health, local food, sports

We get a bit blase here in the UK about the importance of farming and food production. Not so in China, where they’re holding the 6th Peasant Games. Look at him go.

These ladies are having a rice race.

Thanks to www.thetimes.co.uk

Tags: china, Farming, sports

Ed has been busy travelling and looking at food and farming systems around the world, to see what the best way to eat healthily is and how to tie it in with the farming in East Yorkshire. Here’s a link to the report he had published recently:

Changing Diets

Let us know your thoughts.

Tags: Nuffield Study, report