| How to Store a Bike Posted: 25 Mar 2020 05:00 PM PDT Whether you have an expensive bike that you use every day or a cheap bike that you take out occasionally, it's important to store it securely. Think about your storage needs to determine where to keep your bike when you're not using it. Then, choose a storage rack so your bike isn't leaning against a wall. With a little care and consideration, your bike will be safe and sound until you're ready to ride. [Edit]Choosing a Storage Location - Use your garage to easily store multiple bikes. If you have space in your garage, it's a great way to store bikes so they're not in your way. A garage is more secure than storing your bike outside and you don't have to worry about bringing a wet bike into your home.[1]
- To make it easier to get your bike in and out of the garage, designate a bike-only space so it doesn't get blocked by storage containers, vehicles, or clutter.
- Designate a small shed for your bike if you don't have garage space. Clear space in an outdoor shed if you want to park 1 or more bikes. The shed protects the bike from extreme weather and you can lock the door to secure your bike.[2]
- If you don't have space in your yard, consider placing a bike shed on an unused parking space.
- Set up a bike tent for an inexpensive and portable storage option. If you don't have a small shed on your property but you have outdoor space, buy a lightweight bike tent. You can quickly set this up just like a standard tent, but it's designed to fit 1 or 2 bikes.[3]
- Keep in mind that although a bike tent protects your bike from rain or wind, it's not a secure way to store your bike for a long time.
- Keep your bike indoors if you don't have a garage or outdoor space. If you don't have a yard or garage, you'll probably need to get creative with storing your bike inside. If your house or apartment has stairs, try hiding it under them or devote a small workroom to storing the bike.[4]
- You can display your bike and make it part of your home's decor. Consider hanging it on the wall in one of your main living spaces. You can even buy or make a bike display shelf.
[Edit]Picking a Storage Rack - Purchase a floor stand if you only want to store 1 bike. If you're looking for a simple storage solution that doesn't require you to lift or move the bike, buy a bike floor stand. This looks like a long metal bar that bends up at 1 end. To store your bike, roll the front or back wheel into the middle of the stand and it will stay in place.[5]
- Floor stands are a good option if you're storing the bike indoors, in a shed, or in a bike tent.
- Choose a vertical stand if you want to take up less storage space. Look for a bike stand that has a vertical pole and clamp near the top. Lift up the bike so you can clamp the seat post in place. This raises the bike up a little so only 1 tire is on the ground.[6]
- You can use a vertical bike stand indoors, in a bike shed or tent, or in the garage.
- This is also a good option if you don't want to install a hook or mount to your wall or ceiling.
- Install a hook, hinge, or mount to the wall if you want to keep the bike off of the floor. If you don't have a lot of space and don't want your bike resting on the ground, buy a hook to screw into the wall. You could also purchase a hinge or horizontal wall mount that installs directly into the wall. Then, lift your bike by the frame or wheel so it hangs on the mount.[7]
- For example, if you use a horizontal wall mount, you'll lift the bike up so both ends are suspended by the mount. If you're using a hook, you'll probably need to hang just 1 of the tires by the hook so the bike dangles.
- Install a ceiling-mounted pulley if you want to maximize storage space. If you have limited space in your garage or entryway but want to store your bikes inside, buy a ceiling-mounted pulley. Hook a clamp attached to a rope to each end of your bike. Then, pull on the rope so the pulley raises the bike to the ceiling.[8]
- This is a good option if you want to be able to park cars in your garage without your bike getting in the way.
[Edit]Protecting Your Bike from Damage - Avoid leaning the bike against a wall. Always use a storage rack when you're not using your bike instead of propping it against a wall or immovable object. Propping the bike can damage the frame, gears, and seat over time. Your bike can also fall over since it's not secure.[9]
- Leaning the bike puts pressure on parts, which can cause them to loosen.
- Drape a tarp above the bike to protect it from dust and moisture. Hang a thin tarp over the bike so it's suspended above the bike. If you can, drape the tarp over something that's taller than the bike so it doesn't come into contact with the bike. Then, secure the bottom of the tarp in place with bungees, stakes, or rope.[10]
- If you completely encase the bike in a tarp, the material can trap moisture which causes the bike to rust.
- Put a full bike cover over your bike if you're storing it for a long time. Purchase a bike cover made of a stretchy elastic material that conforms to the shape of your bike. Cover the bike if you plan to store the bike outside or in your garage for the long term.[11]
- The cover prevents the bike from getting scratched, stained, or faded. Most are waterproof too, which prevents the bike from rusting.
- Use at least 1 type of lock to keep your bike secure. If you're storing your bike anywhere outside, it's a good idea to lock it with a heavy-duty lock. Buy a "U" or "D" shaped lock and thread it through the frame so you can lock it to an immovable object. To make it harder to steal, thread heavy chains or a cable lock through the wheels and secure them to the object.[12]
- Avoid using locks that are thin since these are easy to cut.
- Clean and prep the bike if you're storing outside for the long term. Take off any electronic parts that might stop working because of exposure to moisture or extreme cold. Then, clean your bike with water and dry it thoroughly. Spread a lubricant on parts of the bike that might rust, such as the bolts, drivetrain, or spokes.[13]
- You can also spray a rust-inhibitor if you have a steel-frame bike.
- Remember to thoroughly clean the bike and pump up the tires before you plan on using it again.
- If you're still unsure about how to store your bike, check your local cycling center or bicycle club for ideas.
[Edit]References |
| How to Style a Poncho Posted: 25 Mar 2020 09:00 AM PDT Ponchos are flowy garments that usually only have a hole for your head and billow out over your arms. Styling ponchos can be difficult since they don't hold a shape well. If you have a poncho that you'd like to wear but you aren't sure how, try dressing it up with a mini-skirt or tights, keeping it casual with skinny jeans or wide-legged pants, and adding heels or tennis shoes to complete your look. [Edit]Dressing up Your Poncho - Wear your closed, knee-length poncho as a dress for a fashion-forward outfit. If you really want to turn heads on the street, try throwing on your poncho over some tights to wear it as a dress. Make sure your poncho is about as long as a mini-dress to create this look.[1]
- You can also forego the tights if it is warm enough out.
- Choose a midi-dress or skirt for a layered look. Throw on your poncho over a midi-dress or skirt that hits you at the knees to show off the pattern of your other layer. Make sure the dress and the poncho complement each other in color or pattern so that your outfit doesn't clash.[2]
- Keep your dress solid-colored if you have a patterned poncho for an interesting effect.
- This look can create a top-heavy effect, so use caution if you are trying to avoid that.
- Try a poncho over a maxi-dress to keep warm and look stylish. Ponchos are already pretty heavy and have a lot of fabric. Play up this look by putting one on over a full-length skirt or dress that reaches your ankles. This look can keep you warm in the winter while also showing off your style.[3]
- A gray or cream poncho pairs well with a light-colored or patterned maxi-dress.
- You can use a poncho that opens at the front if you want to show off the top of your dress.
- Pair your poncho with trousers for a work-appropriate look. A solid-colored poncho is a great look over some pinstriped or dark-colored dress trousers. Wear a button-down shirt underneath your poncho to take it to the office and look both cool and professional.[4]
- A white or cream poncho looks great with navy or dark green trousers.
- Throw on a purple or maroon poncho with some black pants for a nice contrast.
[Edit]Creating a Casual Look - Show off your legs by wearing a poncho over a mini-dress or skirt. Ponchos generally hit just above or below the waist. You can emphasize your legs by throwing on a mini-dress or skirt that shows off some skin. If your poncho is longer, make sure it ends just above the hem of your dress or skirt.[5]
- A vibrant poncho over a neutral mini-skirt is a great contrasting look.
- Go for a retro look with some flared jeans. Ponchos are already a call-back to the era of bell-bottom jeans. Embrace this look with some light-wash flared bottoms and a plain top. Wear a shorter poncho with pants like this so that your outfit isn't too heavy.[6]
- Classic ponchos don't have an opening in the front, so wear one of those to call back to the classic style.
- Brown ponchos look great over light-wash jeans.
- Emphasize this look even more by wearing a pair of large sunglasses.
- Create a sleek silhouette by wearing a poncho with skinny jeans. Ponchos are top-heavy, so if you want to emphasize your shape underneath, throw on some skin-tight jeans or pants. This look creates a nice contrast between the heavy flow up top and the form-fitting bottoms.[7]
- Wear a fitted T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt with your poncho to enhance the form-fitting look.
- Embrace a fashion-forward look with wide, oversized pants. Ponchos are often worn on the runway with large trousers that play up the oversized look. Draw inspiration from high-fashion by pairing your poncho with wide-legged trousers that complement your poncho in either color or pattern.[8]
- Wear a flowy top to increase the oversized look.
- This outfit is great for staying warm in the winter.
- Create a modern look with a poncho and distressed jeans. Since ponchos have been around for so long, you may want to modernize them with an updated style. Throw on some ripped or distressed jeans underneath of your poncho to show that you have an updated sense of fashion while combining it with a classic piece.[9]
- Put on a band T-shirt to modernize your outfit even more.
- Light-wash distressed jeans create a nice balance with a darker colored poncho.
- Wear an open poncho over shorts for a contrasting outfit. Since ponchos are normally worn in the cold months, you can create an interesting look by putting one on over a pair of fitted shorts. Make sure your shorts hit above the knee and aren't too baggy in the waist. Open up the front of your poncho to show off your interesting outfit.[10]
- Wear a tank top underneath your poncho to embrace the summer vibe.
[Edit]Adding Shoes and Accessories - Elevate your poncho with chunky heels. If you are wearing your poncho over a dress, you can add large heels or platform shoes to stick with the oversized look of the poncho. Match your shoes with the color of your other layers or stick with the color of your poncho for a cohesive outfit.[11]
- Chunky heels also go well with bell-bottom jeans or flared trousers.
- Stay comfortable and casual by wearing sneakers with your poncho. If you're wearing jeans or trousers with your poncho, you can stick with the casual look by wearing a pair of sneakers. Throw on some high-tops or some tennis shoes to stay comfortable throughout the day.[12]
- Skinny jeans, a poncho, and high-top sneakers make a classic outfit that can be worn almost anywhere.
- Wear tall boots to accentuate your legs and dress up your look. Since ponchos can be top-heavy, throw on some knee-high or thigh-high boots to call attention to the skin you are showing. Wear your boots with a mini-skirt or dress for a chic, sophisticated outfit.[13]
- You can also wear tall boots over tights if you are wearing your poncho as a dress.
- Keep your poncho casual with some strappy sandals. If you are wearing your poncho to a casual event, stick with that theme by wearing casual shoes. Strappy sandals or flip flops work great with a poncho over leggings. You can wear this outfit to the beach to keep you warm as the sun goes down or to an outdoor party.[14]
- Wool ponchos are great for keeping you warm in the summer months.
- Add thin heels to keep your poncho classy. If you are wearing your poncho over a mini-dress or some formal trousers, stick with the classy style of your outfit by throwing on some thin, stiletto heels. These shoes will elevate your poncho to make it more formal and sophisticated.[15]
- This look works great with a neutral, plain-colored poncho, like black or navy blue.
- Cinch your poncho at the waist with a belt to emphasize your curves. If you want to wear a poncho but you still want to accentuate your waist, throw on a belt that sits just above your hips. This will cinch the poncho inwards and give you more of an hourglass shape.[16]
- If your poncho has an opening at the front, you can use the belt to drape it open.
- Try on your outfits in front of a full-length mirror so you can see the entire look.
[Edit]References |
| How to Read CBD Oil Labels Posted: 25 Mar 2020 01:00 AM PDT Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in hemp and marijuana plants that can be extracted and used to ease pain, reduce stress or anxiety, and lower the chance of seizures without giving you a high. When you buy CBD oil, check the label on the packaging so you can see if it's good quality. Each package of CBD oil has a different potency, so make sure you know the strength of the oil you're taking. Continue reading the label to find out how the company manufactures the product to determine if it's safe to use. With a little bit of research, you'll be able to pick a CBD oil that works for you! [Edit]Determining the Potency - Find the amount of CBD in the oil listed in milligrams. The amount of CBD will be clearly labeled on the front of the package so you can easily find it. Check next to the number to see if it's the amount in the entire package or per serving. If you're trying CBD for the first time, choose an oil with less CBD so you can get used to how it affects your body.[1]
- Compare the package's size to the amount of CBD to learn the concentration. Look near the bottom of the label to find the total amount of oil in the package. Divide the amount of CBD by the size of the package so you know the oil's potency. Compare the potencies of multiple oils so you can choose one that works best for you.[3]
- For example, if a 15 mL bottle contains 500 mg of CBD, then the equation would be 500/15 = 33.3 mg of CBD per mL.
- CBD oil affects everyone differently. While it may only take you 1 dose of oil for you to feel it, another person may need multiple doses or a higher potency to feel the same effect.
- Make note of the serving size on the nutritional label. Check the supplement information listed on the back or side of the package to find the serving size. CBD oils usually have serving sizes of 0.5 or 1 mL, but it may vary depending on the product you're using. The label will also list how many servings are included in the package.[4]
- Don't use more than the serving size listed until you know how CBD oil affects your body.
- Too much CBD can give you adverse reactions and make your conditions feel worse.
- Check if the CBD oil contains any THC. Since CBD oil is extracted from hemp or marijuana, it may contain trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the chemical that gets you high. Look on the label near the amount of CBD or on the nutritional panel on the back of the package to find the amount of THC. Usually, high-quality CBD oils will have less than 0.3% THC and will not give you a high. If you can't find the amount of THC listed on the package, avoid getting the oil since it may be low-quality.[5]
- Check the laws and regulations on CBD in your area since they may vary.
[Edit]Checking the Manufacturing Process - Look for full-spectrum or isolate to determine if the oil uses the whole plant. Full-spectrum oil contains other chemicals from hemp plants to help enhance the effects of the CBD. Isolate oils only use pure CBD from the plant, but they may be less effective. Check the front of the package or near the nutritional information to see what kind of CBD oil you have.[6]
- Some labels may say "whole-plant" instead of "full-spectrum."
- Full-spectrum oils may contain trace amounts of THC while isolate oils will not. If you are drug-tested on a regular basis, choose an isolate oil instead.
- Check for the oil's extraction process to make sure it's safe to consume. There are multiple ways to extract CBD oil, but some of them use toxic chemicals that aren't safe to use. Check near the nutritional information to see if they list the extraction process on the package. If they list CO2 or ethanol as an extraction process, the oil will be safe for you to use. However, if they use a chemical like butane, then it may not be safe to use.[7]
- If you can't find the extraction process on the label, look on the product's website to see if it's listed there.
- Don't buy CBD oil if you aren't able to find the extraction method.
- See if the label lists the percentages of each ingredient. Check on the nutritional panel for a list of the ingredients included in your CBD oil. If you have a good-quality oil, then each ingredient and their amounts should be on the package. If you don't see an ingredients list on the package, then there may be additives in the oil that could be harmful.[8]
- If you don't see cannabidiol in the ingredients or it only says "hemp oil," then there it may have a lower amount of CBD than what's listed on the package.
- Search for the batch number so you can check lab reports on the oil. Manufacturers usually have third-party labs test the CBD oil to check the purity and make sure it's safe to consume. Check for a batch number printed or stamped onto the package. Look up the product and the batch number online to see the lab results so you know what's in the CBD oil.[9]
- If you don't find a batch number or third-party lab testing listed on the package, then the CBD oil may be low-quality.
- Pay attention to the expiration date. The expiration date is usually printed on the side or bottom of the CBD oil package. If you're close to the expiration date, avoid getting or using the oil since it will start to lose its effectiveness. Only buy the CBD oil if you think you'll use all of it before the expiration date.[10]
- If you don't see an expiration date on the package, then don't use the CBD oil since you don't know if it's still effective.
[Edit]Expert Advice Keep these warnings in mind when choosing a product: - Do not buy a CBD product from a company you don't know anything about, or any product that isn't sealed or labeled.
- Smoking or vaping any substance, including CBD, will irritate your lungs and could result in the development of lesions or other respiratory issues.
- Do not rely on CBD to treat significant psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar. Instead, work with a licensed therapist who specializes in those conditions.
- Many CBD oils have customer service lines listed on the package so you can call a representative and ask any further questions you have.
[Edit]Warnings - Talk to your doctor before starting CBD oil since it could have negative interactions with other medications you take.[11]
- Side effects of CBD oil may include, nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, and irritability.[12]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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