It's that time. Cyclists are racing through Golden State in the Amgen Tour of California. So we thought it would be the perfect time to check into cycling tech.
Bike shops like Specialized in Morgan Hill, and Chain Reaction in Los Altos cater to the cyclist who wants everything. We've seen carbon fiber bikes you can lift with a finger, shock absorbers that would make your car jealous, and our favorite -- the computerized trainer that helps you find the best bike, seat, even riding position for you.
iPod on your bike? That's so last year. We found a guy who's integrated his iPad into his biking routine. He might not be one of the riders you'll see during the Amgen Tour of Caifornia race. Then again, most of us won't be racing but still want the coolest tech on our bikes, too.
Hop on, and several cameras send your image(s) to a nearby laptop. There, a bike specialist can tell if you're crouching too far, reaching too much, or if you're just on your way to future back pain. The seat will be adjusted, handlebar position tweaked, even pedals changed around, all while you're perched up on something that looks like what your car sits on when its brakes are being fixed.
In fact, bikes have gotten more high-tech as cars have done the same. GPS, music to go, and all sorts of body function measurements can be had as you go. Not to mention cool, futuristic looking tires and super light bikes that use less energy to get going. There are too many blogs out there to count dealing with what riders call the bike-centric life, and you can compare notes and reviews at the click of a mouse.
All very convenient, all bringing lots of money into the biking industry, and all, as we welcome the Amgen race, very tempting evey time we walk into a bike shop. It's like car shopping these days. Tons of gadgets and cool materials that beckon us to get out there and ride.
