Bike Stem
Ten (10) Ways To Make Your Bike Ride Relaxing And Injury Free
It is no secret that cycling is one of the best things you can do for your short and long-term health and fitness. It strengthens your cardiovascular system, it is easy on your joints and helps with weight control. But it does not matter what sport or activity you choose in your life, there are certain things that need to be done to prepare yourself physically so that the activity is as enjoyable and injury free as possible. I hope the Following tips help you achieve this goal.
1. Cyclists tend to get fatigues from squinting into the sun and wind - wearing sunglasses can resolve this issue.
2. Feet tend to swell after riding several miles. This is from the restricted circulation from sneakers - which can cause pain and tightness. Loosening shoelaces or straps near the front of the foot will either alleviate this problem or lessen the discomfort.
3. To prevent a sore neck, don't keep your head in a fixed position. While riding, tilt your head to one side for a while and then the other - it will make for a more comfortable and natural ride.
4. It is very important and beneficial that stretching becomes part of a cyclists daily routine. Cycling is so beneficial to our body, but it does not improve range of motion or flexibility. Stretching on a regular basis can reduce muscle and joint injuries. Additional stretching prior to a long ride can make for a much more comfortable and relaxing trip.
5. To prevent numbness in the handles created by a tight grip on the handlebars for a prolonged period of time, frequently change your grip on the handlebars. Also wearing padded gloves or handlebar covers can help soften the grip as well.
6. To avoid back discomfort, replace the stem on your bike with one that has more rise until the handlebar is an inch below the top of the saddle.
7. If triceps muscles are fatigued and sore, the stem on the bike is too long. If it is too short, your shoulder muscles will be sore.
8. After a strenuous bike ride, for the last ten (10) minutes slow down the ride and avoid hills. This gives the muscles a chance to react accordingly and soreness can be significantly reduced.
9. Don't overdress in cold weather. You may be cold the first mile or two, but your body will warm up from the pedaling. A light hat will also help contain the body heat that is lost thru the head and neck.
10. Dehydration contributes to fatigue. Drinking a swig of water or sports drink every ten (10) minutes during a strenuous ride will help keep your riding in comfort.
As you progress in your cycling and dedicate more time and energy to your rides, additional preparation and precautions will have to be taken. I will be addressing those in another future article for advanced cyclists. But the tips above apply to all cyclists - from a beginner to a racer - and they are important for your own comfort and safety.
Happy Cycling!
About the Author
Mary Marino-McDonnell, the author, worked 30 years as an administrative director for a 10M firm. Combining this experience with her joint interests with her husband in health/fitness, they started their own boutique-like online bicycle store - http://www.bicycleaway.com. Check out our selection of
beach cruisers
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 Enve Road Bike Fork NEW Uncut 43 mm Rake Stem Cap Included  US $296.00
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 Gravity Pro30 Bike Frame Carbon Fork Seat Post Stem and Bars US $425.00
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 Controltech Titanium Ti Mania Stem MTB ROAD BIKE 318mm 90mm 118g US $311.99
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 Custom Made Lugged Track Bike Complete Miche Group Nitto Stem Handelbar Turbo US $999.00
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 Giro Frame Set NJS Headset and Stem 49cm Track Bike Fixed Gear Keirin US $224.72
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 Black Road BIKE PZ Racing CR31 Stem Carbon 100mm 164G US $223.99
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 Ritchey WCS CARBON Streem Road Bike Handlebar 40cm 318 Ritchey Carbon Stem US $200.00
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 New Merek Road Bike carbon handlebar and stem 42 x100mm US $259.00
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 New Shimano PRO Vibe Track Bike Stem 110mm 3k Carbon US $329.95
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 New Shimano PRO Vibe Track Bike Stem 120mm 3k Carbon US $329.95
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 New Shimano PRO Vibe Track Bike Stem 130mm 3k Carbon US $329.95
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 BBB Fiber Attack Mountain Bike Integrated Stem Handlebar Carbon Fiber 295g US $269.95
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 2012 3T BIKE STEM ARX LTD CARBON 318 RD 120mm NEW FREE SHIP MAINLAND US $249.90
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 445g Road Bike Full carbon handlebar and stem 420 x 100 US $215.00
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 450g Merek White Road Bike carbon handlebar stem 42X11 US $215.00
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 450g 42X12cm Merek White Road Bike carbon Integrated handlebar stem US $215.00
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 USD251→USD238 MEREK Full Carbon Bike SPG saddle 150g stem 180g seatpost US $238.00
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 435g Merek Road Bike full carbon fiber Integrated handlebar stem 42 x 10 US $215.00
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 445g White Road Bike full carbon Integrated handlebar stem 42 X 9 US $215.00
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 440g Bike bar carbon wing Integrated compact handlebar stem 42x10 for 11 8 fork US $215.00
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 USD335→USD308 bike carbon riser handlebar seatpost stem fpro saddle US $308.00
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 FSA K Force Light UD Monocoque Carbon 120 x 318 Road Bike Stem NEW US $332.45
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 USED Cinelli Ram Bar 2 Carbon Drop Bar Integrated Stem Combo 110 x 42 Road Bike US $399.99
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 2011 3T BIKE STEM ARX LTD CARBON 318 RD 100mm NEW FREE SHIP MAINLAND US $259.90
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 Schwinn 52cm Touring steel bike Shimano DuraAce Pantographed Rossin Cinelli Stem US $850.00
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 Deda Zero Nero Carbon Road Bike Stem Black 82° 100mm 317 US $209.99
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 Deda Zero Nero Carbon Road Bike Stem Black 82° 110mm 317 US $209.99
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 Moots Open Trail Ti 318mm 100mm 96 D Mtn Bike Stem US $332.93
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 Moots Open Road Ti 318mm 110mm 84 D Road Bike Stem US $360.93
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 Moots Open Trail Ti 318mm 110mm 96 D Mtn Bike Stem US $360.93
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 USD275→USD260 Merek full Carbon bike Stem Handlebar computer mount US $260.00
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Fox 40 Mountain Bike MTB Fork Red US $239.99
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Fox 40 Mountain Bike MTB Fork Gold US $239.99
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 440g 42x10cm c to c Merek Road Bike full carbon Integrated handlebar combo stem US $215.00
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 2012 Easton EC90 SL Road Bike Handlebar Stem 10D 318mm 80mm US $240.00
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 2012 Easton EC90 SL Road Bike Handlebar Stem 10D 318mm 90mm US $240.00
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 2012 Easton EC90 SL Road Bike Handlebar Stem 10D 318mm 100mm US $240.00
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 2012 Easton EC90 SL Road Bike Handlebar Stem 10D 318mm 110mm US $240.00
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 2012 Easton EC90 SL Road Bike Handlebar Stem 10D 318mm 120mm US $240.00
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 2012 Easton EC90 SL Road Bike Handlebar Stem 10D 318mm 130mm US $240.00
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 Moots Open Road Ti 318mm 120mm 84 D Road Bike Stem US $299.93
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 Moots Open Trail Ti 318mm 120mm 96 D Mtn Bike Stem US $332.93
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 Full Carbon Road Bike Bicycle Compact Integrated Combo Handlebar Handle Bar Stem US $200.99
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 3K Full Carbon Road Bike Bicycle Compact Integrated Handlebar Handle Bar Stem US $200.99
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 ControlTech Ti Mania Stem MTB ROAD BIKE US $329.00
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 Shimano PRO Missile Evo Bike Stem Carbon 85mm 10D 318 US $359.95
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 Shimano PRO Missile Evo Bike Stem Carbon 95mm 10D 318 US $359.95
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 Shimano PRO Missile Evo Bike Stem Carbon 105mm 10D US $359.95
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 USD310→USD295 White 42 Road Bike Integrated carbon handlebarstem 350 seatpost US $295.00
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Rockshox Boxxer Mountain Bike MTB Fork Black US $239.99
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 USD299→USD285 Road Bike carbon handlebar stem 42 C C seatpost US $285.00
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 USD306→USD288 Merek Full Carbon fiber bike Stem Handlebar seatpost US $288.00
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 FULL SUSPENSION ELLSWORTH EPIPHANY MOUNTAIN BIKE FULL XTR CARBON BARS STEM US $3,599.95
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 FSA K Force Light UD Monocoque Carbon 120mm x 318mm Road Bike Stem NEW Enve US $280.00
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 Shimano Pro Stealth Evo 42 90 Road Stem Bar Handlebar Carbon White Bike Bicycle US $330.00 |
 SYNCROS Syncros Race Bear Hug HD Mountain Bike Stem 318 80mm Black US $255.00
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 AZONIC Azonic Phantom Threadless Mountain Bike Stem 318 40mm Grey US $240.00
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 MAXM Maxm Sl6 Machined Mountain Bike Stem 1 1 8 120mm 6D Black US $239.85
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 RACEFACE Race Face Deus XC SL Mountain Bike Stem OE 318 120mm 6D Black US $299.97
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 RACEFACE Race Face Deus XC Mountain Bike Stem OE 254 110mm 6D Black US $224.85
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 2011 3T BIKE STEM ARX LTD CARBON 318 RD 80mm NEW US $249.90
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 LOOK Carbon HSD Stem Light 120mm White Road Racing Bike Bicycle US $349.99
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 LOOK Carbon HSD Stem Light 120mm Black Road Racing Bike Bicycle US $349.99
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 LOOK Carbon HSD Stem Light 130mm White Road Racing Bike Bicycle US $349.99
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 LOOK Carbon HSD Stem Light 110mm White Road Racing Bike Bicycle US $349.99
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 LOOK Carbon HSD Stem Light 110mm Black Road Racing Bike Bicycle US $349.99
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Fox 40 Mountain Bike MTB Fork Blue US $239.99
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Fox 40 Mountain Bike MTB Fork Black US $239.99
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 435g 42 x 9cm Merek Road Bike full carbon fiber Integrated handlebar stem US $215.00
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 445g 42 x 12cm c c Merek Road Bike full carbon fiber Integrated handlebar stem US $215.00
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 Stem Vintage NITTO Tengaeshi BIA Reversible 65 Alm Road Bike Keirin US $220.00
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 Kuota KOM Carbon Road Bike Size M Zipp Crank Handlebar Stem 303 Campy Record 10 US $3,999.00
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 Kestral Talon Carbon 57cm Road Bike Frameset Frame Fork Seatpoststemheadset US $599.99
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 440g 42X9cm Merek White Road Bike carbon Integrated handlebar stem US $215.00
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 445g 42X10cm Merek White Road Bike carbon Integrated handlebar stem US $215.00
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 FSA K Force Light UD Monocoque Carbon 100mm x 318mm Road Bike Stem NEW Enve US $280.00
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 FSA K Force Light UD Monocoque Carbon 110mm x 318mm Road Bike Stem NEW Enve US $280.00
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 Time NXR 2011 medium carbon road bike frameset module plus includes bar stem US $5,000.00
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Fox 40 Mountain Bike MTB Fork Gun Smoke US $239.99
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Fox 40 Mountain Bike MTB Fork Silver US $239.99
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Rockshox Boxxer Mountain Bike MTB Fork Blue US $239.99
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Rockshox Boxxer Mountain Bike MTB Fork Gold US $239.99
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Rockshox Boxxer Mountain Bike MTB Fork Gun US $239.99
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Rockshox Boxxer Mountain Bike MTB Fork Red US $239.99
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Rockshox Boxxer Mountain Bike MTB Fork Sil US $239.99
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 Hope Top Crown MTB Stem For Rockshox Boxxer Mountain Bike MTB Fork US $239.99
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 Hope Top Crown Integrated Stem For Fox 40 Mountain Bike MTB Fork US $239.99
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike Frame 20 Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Cage Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike Frame 18 Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Cage Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike Frame 16 Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Cage Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike BSA Frame 20 Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike BSA Frame 18 Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike BSA Frame 16 Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike 20 Frame Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Cage Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike 20 Frame BSA eatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike 18 Frame Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Cage Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike 18 Frame BSA Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike 16 Frame Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Cage Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon MTB 29er Bike 16 Frame BSA Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle Headset US $499.00
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 Full Carbon 12K 29er MTB Bike BSA Frame 20 Fork Seatpost Handlebar Stem Saddle US $599.00
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Syntace F109 90mm 31.8 96d Black 1-1/8" Threadless List Price:  |
DescriptionSyntace F109 Stems.Item SpecificationsColorBlackWeight108gIntended UseMountain,RoadBar Clamp Diameter31.8mmStem Angle96degStem Length90mmSteerer Tube1-1/8" ThreadlessDefined ColorBlackS.H.I.S. Clamp Diameter28... |
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Delta Cycle Corp Smartphone Mount for Bikes
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DescriptionBike mount for most smart phones |
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Reusable Decoration Wall Sticker Decal - Perfect Sakura Blossoms List Price: |
DescriptionBecome an interior decorator and transform your living space from ordinary to extraordinary with these unique stickers! With these stickers you'll be sure to add plenty of color, depth, fun, and individuality apart from the average home... |
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Goal0 90401 Rockout Speaker List Price: |
DescriptionShare your portable music anywhere Hit the trails, water or office and share hours of high quality sound with fellow trekkers. The Rock-Out pumps sound from your iPod, mp3, mp4 and other audio devices through its integrated speakers... |
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463 - Universal Air Daddy Pump Adapter List Price: |
DescriptionThe Universal Pump Adapter speeds inflation of exercise balls.The valve stem is compatible with gas station air hoses, air compressors and bicycle pumps. Includes needle adapter. |
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iBike iPro Power Meter with Wireless Stem Mount
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DescriptioniPro Computer, USB Adapter for Downloads, 3 CR2032 Batteries, Wireless Stem mount, Assembly Hardware, ANT+ HR Strap, ANT+ Wireless Combined Speed/Cadence Sensor, Cadence Magnet, Speed Magnet, Zip Ties, DVD with iBike Software (Win/Mac), Trial Version of Cycling Peaks WKO+ |
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Topeak Small Handy Phone Pack List Price: |
DescriptionTopeak offers a great cell phone bag to take phones, sunglasses, or a pen on the ride.Fast, easy attachment and removal on any tube with the included QuickClick band clampItem SpecificationsColorBlack |
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Topeak PDA Phone Pack List Price: |
DescriptionBAG TOPEAK PHONE PACK PDA II BLK |
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Buybits Ultimate Addons 13.3mm-14.7mm Motorcycle Bike Fork Stem Yoke Mount & 3 Prong Adaptor
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Description13.3mm-14.7mm Motorcycle Bike Fork Stem Yoke Mount & 3 Prong Adaptor for Ultimate Addons Case or Cradles. If you have already purchased an Ultimate Addons waterproof case or phone holder you'll be aware we use a three prong attachment system... |
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Garmin Forerunner Bicycle Mount Kit List Price: |
DescriptionAttach your Forerunner to your bike to collect workout data while cycling. Great for multisport workouts. The Forerunner quickly attaches to the bike mount for a clean transition from running to biking. |
