Image: dmf
The days are getting longer and finally a bit warmer. High time to get the bike out of the basement and start the first ride. Leisure activities on two wheels are booming – in the pure muscle power segment and even more so in the electrical sector. At the start of what will hopefully be an accident-free cycling season, the Steyrer Zeitung asked the specialists: What is important before the first ride? How do short-winded beginners in the saddle become persevering mountain goats? What bike trends are we heading towards?
Alexander Hrinkow has been looking after customers in the shop of the same name in Steyr since 1986. Today he runs the shop with his son Dominik. Both were active in cycling, support and develop professionals in the in-house team and know what is important in cycling.
If you want to save time and money, take your bike to a trusted dealer and bike mechanic during the winter. “Everyone has more time for service and there is a discount”, says Dominik Hrinkow. Before pedaling for the first time, check the brakes, close the quick-releases correctly, check the tires for cuts, add air and, above all, lubricate the chain. “In general, far too little attention is paid to this.” Hrinkow recommends a bottle of chain oil “It can be applied exactly where I need it.” With a spray there would always be a risk “that the brake discs or rims have also come off a bit, and in these places you really don’t need it.” For e-bikes, charge the battery to 75 percent if it is not used for a long period of time and store it in a cool and dry place.
Where do you want to go?
Anyone who buys a new bicycle has a wealth of options and models at their disposal. “The first thing I ask is the intended use”, says Dominik Hrinkow. With a trekking bike you will have little joy on the Damberg. Keyword Damberg: Gravel bikes are very trendy. These gravel bikes are similar in frame to road bikes, but with wider tires and different geometry.
With mountain bikes, the way is clearly in the direction of fullys – to put it simply: more suspension travel means more safety off-road.
So-called SUV e-bikes are in high demand for e-bikes. These are real all-rounders: suitable for asphalt and mountains, with lights, luggage racks and all the trimmings. “In general, our e-bikes are getting lighter and lighter”, says Hrinkow. Regarding the price question on the subject of SUVs, the specialist says: “If you are willing to spend more than 4000 euros, you will get a product that you will be very happy with.”
As with cars, the first question customers often ask about electrically assisted wheels is range. “If you really understand the motor as a support and use it as such, you don’t have to worry about running out of juice on a 100-kilometer tour with a 630-watt battery.”
What else can be found in the shop in Steyr: “More and more women are switching to racing bikes.”
It doesn’t matter whether it’s an e-bike, mountain bike or racing machine – the correct seating position is crucial for riding fun. “Everyone has different proportions and it is an advantage that we manufacture every bike in-house and adjust it precisely to the respective customer”, says Hrinkow, who appreciates going out together. After work with dad Alex a Neustift round or every Wednesday evening with anyone who is interested. “Our goal is to leave together and come back together.”
From Tuesday, May 9th, the women’s group will be on the road .
- More at www.hrinkow-bikes.at
Learning from the pros – ideal training for beginners
Whether crossing the Alps by mountain bike or conquering the French Alpine passes, which until now have only been seen in the live images of the Tour de France: a lot is possible with training. The basic training is the basis for everything else.
Dominik Hrinkow was a professional himself and now looks after the professionals in the Hrinkow cycling team, he knows the dos and don’ts in terms of training very well. Beginners should avoid mountains and hills at the very beginning. Regular exercise is important, you should drive in such a way that you can still talk to someone. “Training two to three days in a row, then a break. Regeneration is important, otherwise the body stagnates and nothing goes further.”
The motto on the bike is: “Only the legs move, the rest of the body remains as still as possible.” Keep the cadence as high as possible. Buttock cream can make life easier for beginners and especially make it easier to sit. Don’t forget to drink and eat during training, whether you’re hungry or thirsty. A bar or a banana would work. Avoid a so-called hunger branch as much as possible. “That means pure stress for the body.”
Source: Nachrichten
