Another great advantage of bikes is the fact that if you do choose to go to work this way, you know that you won’t get stuck in any traffic. Most busy city centres now have cycle lanes so even if there is heavy congestion, you don’t have to get stuck in the middle of it. As a result it is a much more relaxing way of commuting to and from work and you don’t have to worry about hours of extra time being added onto your journey if you get stuck in major traffic.  

Not only are bikes better for the environment and more practical, but they are also much cheaper than running a car. With your car you have tax, insurance, MOT, petrol, repairs and other costs. However, with a bicycle you simply buy the one you like and that is it. Some people choose to have cars and bikes depending on where they need to travel. If this is the case then you will be surprised how much money you can save in petrol if you use your bike for short journeys.

One of the best things about bikes is the fact that cycling is a great method of exercise. On top of all the other benefits they offer you can stay fit at the same time. Simply cycling to and from work or to the shops everyday is enough to keep you happy and healthy.

Bikes can also create hours of fun. Bike rides with friends or family are a great way of exploring, keeping fit and having fun. It is also cheaper than paying to go to tourist attractions yet you are likely to discover something new as well.

With there being so many advantages of bikes it is hardly surprising that more and more people are investing in them. Their benefits are endless and they can last for many years and have many different uses.

Mountain bikes are a great form of exercise because when you cycle, even slowly, you burn plenty of calories. It is a great way of toning muscles so whether you are trying to lose weight or simply tone up you are bound to be happy with the results.

If like most of us you are one of those people who finds it hard to get motivated to do exercise, then mountain biking is a great way to get in shape with friends. Mountain bikes are a great way to spend time with friends and family whilst getting some exercise at the same time.

Another great benefit of mountain bikes is the fact that they allow you to get outside and experience nature. After spending all week in an office, warehouse, or cooped up inside your home, the effect of biking is both soothing and energising.

Some trails are easy and allow for a leisurely ride while others are intense with uneven terrain, lots of hills and obstacles (trees, bushes, rocks, logs, etc.) Depending upon the level of exercise you want to get on your bike as well as your level of experience, you need to determine which trails are right for your needs.

A great way to uncover trails is to find other owners of mountain bikes and ask them to point you in the right direction. Most people will be happy to help and you will discover trails it is unlikely that you would have found on your own.

Safety gear is important when riding mountain bikes as it can be a dangerous activity at times. You should buy a pair of goggles to wear during your workout because as you ride through various trails, you may be surprised by low-hanging branches and small insects. The goggles will protect your eyes and ultimately your safety on your bike.

It is also advisable to buy some elbow and knee pads. If you fall off of your bike the impact can be rough on these areas so it is wise to protect them with the right gear.

Mountain bikes are a great way to get outdoors, exercise and experience nature. You can burn extra calories, discover great new biking trails and enjoy the company of friends at the same time. Make sure you are well-equipped with water and the right safety gear and you are ready to start mountain biking and getting fit.

Mountain bikes are available in many shapes and sizes and come with a wide range of price tags. Some bikes have thick tires that soften the impact of high-intensity riding and are excellent to use on rides where you will spend most of your time on rough and uneven terrain. Other mountain bikes have thin tires and are ideal if you plan to ride mostly on a smooth surface such as pavement.

A sturdy and durable helmet is one of the most important things that you will need. Biking helmets are usually lightweight so they won’t feel too heavy or uncomfortable. Most helmets are made partially out of hard Styrofoam with a plastic outside so they can protect your head and not cause any discomfort.

It is easy to fall off mountain bikes especially if you are a beginner so knee and elbow pads will come in handy. Plan ahead to protect any areas that may feel the impact as mountain biking can carry some risks and hazards. Even if you are not riding on rough terrain, you should still protect yourself just in case.

Plan to buy a car rack or truck rack if you live far from any available trails. Doing so will allow you to easily transport your mountain bikes. Roof racks offer the flexibility of having your bike accessible quickly. However, it is difficult for some to live their mountain bikes to place them on their car’s roof. In this case, a trunk rack may be a better choice.

You will need to buy a bottle rack for your mountain bike as it is hard work so you are likely to get very thirsty. You need to have a place on your bike to store water that is immediately accessible that way you can stay hydrated during your ride.

You may want to also pick up some tools to carry with you on rides. You may find the need to adjust the height of your seat or the need to fix a flat tire in the middle of your ride. Buy a small bike pump and an extra inner tube. Your mountain bike can get a flat at any time, so you will want to be prepared.

Mountain bikes are an exciting adventure so plan ahead to make the right decisions to get the most out of it. Purchasing the right kind of mountain bike for your personal needs is the beginning. Stocking up on all of the biking gear you will need ensures both your safety and fun when you ride.

There are a few key factors that you should keep in mind before purchasing any mountain bikes in order to ensure that you are getting exactly what you want. The first thing is to know what kind of bike you need as there are many different types of mountain bikes available. Each has its specific uses, strengths and weaknesses. For example, some bikes are designed to be used on rough and uneven terrain whilst other bikes are designed to provide a smooth ride but their use should be limited to smooth, even terrain. Other mountain bikes are better-equipped to endure the rigors of cross-country biking.

Buying a bike is similar to buying a car because you may walk into a shop and see the bike of your dreams only to be floored by the sticker price. Before you visit a bike shop determine how much money you are willing to spend because some mountain bikes can cost thousands of pounds. Others are very affordable and may be effective for what you plan to do with the bike and won’t break the budget.

If you do not determine your price range ahead of time, you may find yourself agreeing to buy a bike that you cannot afford. Remember, you want to enjoy your mountain bike. You do not want to be miserable about the amount of money you spent on it.

Many people choose to buy their mountain bikes through a mass consumer outlet which can surprisingly lead to problems. Much of your bike’s performance will depend on how well it is assembled. When you purchase your bike from a major retail store they are less likely to take the time needed to properly put your bike together. Also, you will probably need to have your bike worked on in the future. Like cars, good mountain bikes require occasional “tune-ups.” Major retail stores are not likely to offer this type of service.

Visit several bike shops in your area, speak to the salespeople and even try to speak to the owner. These people are often passionate about mountain biking so will take proper care to assembling your bike. As well as this, when you need to have work done on your bike in the future, you will feel confident taking your bike to the place where you purchased it.

Buying a mountain bike requires a little planning and research. If you follow the tips above, you have an excellent chance of finding the perfect mountain bike for your needs and budget. After that, the world is an open road.

Bikes can have tires placed on them that are either narrow or wide. Like most things on bikes (suspension systems, pedals, etc.), the type of tires you put on your bike will depend largely on what treatment you will be putting your bike through. Typically, cyclers who take their bikes through rough terrain use wide tires. These tires are more capable of handling the friction on these intense rides. Wide tires can also withstand small objects that you may run over during your ride. For example, small pebbles and branches are easily absorbed.

If you are going to be riding your bike on smooth surfaces such as in the street or well-paved biking trails, narrow tires should suffice. In fact, if you plan to do most of your riding on pavement, wide tires may actually slow you down due to the friction.

Your decision regarding whether you should use standard or tubeless tires on your bike will depend mostly on your planned use of it. In addition, the effort required for installing these types of tires may impact your decision. The installation process for tubeless tires is not complicated but you need to make sure you have compatible products before performing the installation.

Most bikes come with standard tires. It is still important to know what benefits, if any, tubeless tires can offer you. Most agree that the biggest benefit of tubeless tires is the ability to use lower air pressure. Bikes with low air pressure perform better. However, when the air pressure in standard tires is low, there is a risk of getting a flat. Also, low air pressure provides better traction and more suspension. This can impact the amount of pressure that is absorbed by bikes on hard rides.

The type of tires you put on your bike have a huge impact on your bike’s performance. Different types of rides require different types of tires. In the end, knowing what you want to get out of your bike will help greatly in deciding what kind of tires to put on your bike.

Some people like to ride their bikes in various types of environments. In this case, you may consider buying multiple tires and installing them on your bike as needed. That way, you can be prepared to take your bike on any kind of ride that you choose.

Lack of space is a common problem amongst many homeowners and most people tend to start looking for bigger houses when they find themselves in this situation. However, what if you can’t afford a bigger house or are happy in your current house, just wish it was a bit bigger? A lot of people fail to realise that the extra space they want is already in their home. Loft conversions are an excellent way of creating more space for your home and also adding value to it at the same time.

Perhaps this is the reason why so many residents in West London are opting for loft conversions instead of moving. Two of the most popular types of extensions in the area are semi hip dormer and gable dormer. This type of extension is an attractive way of adding extra room onto your house and also creates versatile rooms due to the additional headroom that will have been created. You can even choose from two different types of dormer windows to make sure that the extension compliments your house perfectly.

If you have an older house, a popular choice is to go with the traditional pitched roof dormer. This style isn’t as wide as the flat roof dormer and often includes decorative features which help to give your home more character.

The second type of conversion is typically for people with newer houses who are looking to give their home a more modern and contemporary look. The modern flat roof dormer makes ideal bedrooms, playrooms, living-rooms and even bathrooms.

Residents of West London wishing for more space and light in their lofts have been using dormer windows to get the desired effect. The various different styles of window can create a whole new look for your house and add character at the same time.

Here at Econoloft we provide many different kinds of loft conversions and you can even visit our showroom if you wish to look at an actual conversion. We offer a selection of loft conversions to suit any budget and from DIY handbooks to full service conversions we have a solution to suit your needs. Visit www.econoloft.co.uk for more information

Dormer

Dormer loft conversions are typically used when there isn’t enough room in the attic for the planned extension as they add additional headroom. This method requires an actual extension onto the roof in order for a more standard shape to be created that would be suitable for a room.

These extensions are named after the type of window that is installed to fit the conversion style and involves a dormer window being put in as part of the exterior conversion. It is built at the rear of the roof to provide floor and living space and is generally a square section construction which maximises the overall living area. The extra space that is left will have been created by adding extra depth to the existing roof.

One of the main advantages of dormer loft conversion is that it’s cheaper than some other types of conversions, yet can increase the value of your house by 10 – 20 percent. Often you don’t even have to get planning permission for this type of conversion but it is advisable to find out about this first.

Rooflight/Velux

This option is generally adequate for those contemplating smaller loft conversions for a single bedroom, study or something similar. They are typically carried out where adequate height is available within the existing loft space. Like the dormer style, this is named after the type of window that is installed to fit the conversion style.

Rooflights can be installed with a minimum disruption and are available in a range of designs and styles for flat, sloping and pitched roofs, in wood and polyurethane frames, with various shutter designs, rollers and glazing, and with electric controls.

Velux extensions are a great way of providing you with extra light in your house. The popular modern windows admit large amounts of light and measurements can be tailored to meet your exact requirements. With a variety of different shapes and sizes to suit most loft conversions, increased heat insulation, extra light and space, you can see why so many people choose to have a velux loft conversion.

They are also ideal if you don’t want a full conversion but want to get some extra light coming into your loft. The reason why this is so popular is because the windows we use are top quality, double glazed and it is the cheapest conversion to do as no alterations are made to the roof itself. On top of this, as the windows come in such a large variety of shapes and sizes you can choose a style that compliments your house and suits your taste.

Mansard

This type of conversion is generally designed within the inner London areas, where clients are following the Mansard trend of similar conversions within their locality. This type of conversion was the preferred design a number of years ago although is still popular today.

Mansard loft conversions can be created to the rear and sometimes to the front of your traditional style home; normally to a terraced property and sometimes to a flat roof property.

With so many different types of loft conversions available it’s hard to know what is what. However, with enough research and with the help of your conversion team you will pick out the perfect extension for yourself.

The first thing that normally grabs people’s attention is the fact that loft conversions can significantly add to the value of a home. In some cases the selling price of a house has gone up by an extra £100,000 as there is an additional room which is probably unusual for similar houses in the area.

The expansion comes as a great benefit as it creates extra room which is something that people always want. When planning on extending a family the room can be used as a nursery or even an office or guest room. The best part about loft conversions is the fact that they provide all the additional room needed without having to move house. Many people really like where they are currently living but are so tight on space that moving seems to be the only option. Not only does this renovation mean that people can stay in the home that they love, but it is also a lot cheaper than moving house.

A lot of people think that when they put an extension onto their house that they are going to lose space. However, this doesn’t have to be the case as loft conversions are built upwards so don’t require any extra floor space at all. A conservatory or extension built on to the back of a house means losing valuable garden space which is especially important with children. Extending up to the loft is much more practical as it is unlikely many people use it for anything other than storing junk.

Loft conversions usually cause less disruption to the house than an extension would. For example, an extension put on to the back of a house means that access to the garden is going to be very restricted. However, with a loft conversion people can access their house normally as people don’t tend to walk around their lofts on a day to day basis.

There are also many more advantages of having loft conversions such as the fact that they are cheaper than other extensions, are further off the ground which means more peace and quiet and the addition of sky lights means that the room can be bright and airy. Taking all this into consideration it is not surprising that so many more people opt for loft conversions over extensions nowadays.

Whether you are extending or renovating your home a loft conversion is usually the most cost effective way of making your home bigger. In the past many people have opted for adding extensions onto their house to create more room. However, this isn’t always possible due to space restrictions. As well as this it makes more sense to build up rather than out as it saves you losing space around your property. It is likely that this is the reason why rear dormer extensions have become increasingly popular for people living in Victorian mid terrace houses in the St. Albans area.

Rear dormer conversions are an attractive way of adding extra space onto your house. You can either chose between a traditional pitched roof dormer or a modern flat roof dormer. This usually depends on the style of your house. Traditional pitched roof dormers are more suited for older houses and add to the appearance of the house and provide extra light in the roof. For newer, more modern houses, the modern flat roof dormer is a popular choice and makes ideal bedrooms, playrooms, living rooms or whatever else you would like to add to your house in St. Albans.  

Another advantage of loft conversions is that as you are more than likely going to be on the third floor, you are further away from all the noise going on outside. This means you can create your own peaceful room where you can escape to when you need some peace and quiet.

Here at Econoloft we provide many different kinds of loft conversions and you can even visit our showroom if you wish to look at an actual conversion. Visit www.econoloft.co.uk for more information.

Two of the most common types of loft conversions in the South London area are gable up rear dormer and semi hip dormer extensions. With 1.6 million people living in this area, which is 1/5^th of London’s population, finding a new house is bound to be a long and stressful experience. Rather than put yourself through that, a loft conversion is a great way of adding extra space onto your home.

Dormer conversions involve building on a roof extension to your attic to make more space. They are most commonly used when there simply isn’t enough space in the existing attic as they create extra headroom in the area that protrudes from the sloping roof.

The space in your loft can be as much as 30 percent of the total floor area of the home. It usually only contains a cold water storage cistern and a chimney stack which in almost all cases is wasted space that can be turned into habitable space. If your attic is used for storage you don’t even have to lose all of this space as some parts of the area can be retained.

One of the main advantages of a dormer conversion is that it’s cheaper than some other types of conversions, yet can increase the value of your house by 10 – 20 percent. Often, you don’t even need to get planning permission but ensure that you do find out about this first.

Dormer conversions are loved by many people in South London because they offer extra protection to your existing floor space by adding an extension to the rear, front or side of your property. This style offers you additional floor space and extra width to your new room. There are several types of roofs for a dormer conversion, these being pitched, flat or pent roofs. This means that you’re bound to find something to suit your taste.

Semi hip dormers extend the ridge line of a hip-end roof to make it into a gable-end roof. This gives you a much larger roof area thus providing you with more space in your attic. A hip to gable conversion extends the ridge line from the existing hips to overall the flank wall of the house. As a result of this, the standing space in your attic is increased as well.

This type of conversion involves changing the sloping side of your property, the “hipped side”, to a flat, gable end, creating a much bigger loft room and often creating space for the staircase. This type of construction is normally only possible where planning permission is not required.

At Econoloft we don’t just offer gable up rear dormer and semi hip dormer extensions, we provide plenty more conversion types meaning that you’re bound to find something to suit your taste. For more information about our conversions and what we do, visit www.econoloft.co.uk.