difference between bicycle helmets and skating helmets? Every helmet has been designed for a

particular sport or hobby.

In the United States the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has set up standards that

helmets must abide by for each activity or sport. Following is a summary of how each is made and

what the manufacturers have provided for typical skateboarding and cycling.

Skateboading Helmet Basics

Skateboarders will have many crashes so they need a good sturdy helmet to withstand the repeated

abuse. Because of this the skateboarders helmets are made of a thicker plastic. Additionally the

interior foam is typically made of Expanded Polypropylene (EPP). This foam will retain it’s shape

and can protect for multiple hits. True skateboarding helmets will meet not only the CPSC’s

standards but the ASTM standard F1492 as well.

Skateboard helmets are rounded to match the curvatures of the head. Because of the thick plastic

and resilient foam they are heavier than their bicycling counterparts. Skaters helmets don’t have

many vents either and typically will be hotter than a biking helmet.

Bicycling Helmet Basics

Cyclists aren’t expected to crash near as frequently as skateboarders. Because of this their

helmets are made of a thinner plastic and less resilient foam. Even saying this they still must

meet certain standards. These standards help to ensure the protection of the riders head and most

importantly brain.

The biggest difference is if you have a crash that causes a head hit be prepared to replace your

helmet. Additionally the lightweight design and additional ventilation is made to help keep your

head cooler.

Can I wear just one type of helmet?

The short answer is yes, but it depends. For bicycling and recreational roller blading and skating

this is true. However for both bicycling and skateboarding the answer is yes if you want to wear a

skateboading helmet only. Research has found (and this doesn’t take a rocket scientist long to

figure out) that skateboarding, even recreational, can have more active head hits than other

activities. Just be prepared to have a heavier and hotter load on your head while riding.

Bottom line is if you ride your bike for many hours you would be better off having just a bicycle

helmet for this purpose. The weight and ventilation will reduce fatigue and overheating when

compared with skating style helmets.

Curt has produced the Class 1 trailer hitch model 11020 for the Smart Car ForTwo year models 2008- 2010. The Smart Car is reported to have about a 600 lb towing capacity but is probably more like around 500lbs. Regardless this is enough to haul a trailer hitch bike carrier or cargo box.

With it being a class 1 hitch the receiver tube is 1 1/4 inches. So whether you already have a hitch bike rack or are looking at one please keep this in mind. You can always buy a 1 1/4 to 2 inch adapter to mate your favorite rack if it is a class II.

Installation instructions are included. There is a couple of holes to drill and easily found tools are required. Unless you are not mechanically inclined most people can handle the installation as long as the instructions are examined closely.

Affordably priced this is a great solution for your bike and cargo needs. Although you can’t haul much it will definitely help with your favorite bike or a few extras as you drive about. You can find this hitch at Amazon

First let’s look at the practicality of it. These units average in range of 20 miles and can get speeds up to 12 mph. Here are some reasons not to get one:

The next point to consider is cost. On the low end you may find some units around $400. Typically you will find them to be higher, as much as $4,000. I don’t know about you but these days it’s getting harder and harder to justify that kind of cost in our household.

Last is a sticking point for me which is what to do about the batteries. All batteries die at some point. You will have to either recondition or replace them thus adding more cost. Not only that, at least in my mind, it reduces the “green” factor a little bit. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not stating my stance on the whole environment thing, just putting out my opinion on this one point.

Granted there are many positive points with an electrically motorized bicycle. Points such as less fossil fuel being burned, you will still get some exercise, and you wouldn’t sweat as much using a motorized bicycle as opposed to non.

So is this bicycle worth your time and money? In all honesty it really depends on your living and working environment AND your finances. If you can afford it and you live close to work it may just be worth your time.

Plenty of room for four bikes
This 4 bike carrier has ample room to carry something for everyone. With 22″ Carrying arms the Allen rack gives enough room for your bikes to safely ride.

Individual Bike Cradles
Unlike some systems each bike has its own cradle. This helps to keep your favorite frame in place. By keeping it in place you reduce the chance of damaging yours or others bikes.

Superman Material
Just like the man of steel this carrier is ruggedly built. Able to withstand long rides and heavy bikes you’ll know it will save the day.

Powder Coat Finish
Just as the carrier is made of steel the powder coat finish helps protect it too. Resistant to scratches and dings, the finish helps to keep your rack looking good for years to come.

Patented Single Key Release System
Not much fumbling around trying to release the post on this puppy. Quickly tilt it down to gain access to your gear. Although it is specially made with rear spare tire mounts in mind, it does not swing very far. Sorry Jeep Wrangler owners, you won’t have room to swing the gate out.

Patented Tie down Strap
Allen made a specially designed strap to give the best security available. No need to worry about your bike bouncing off the back while going down a mountain back road.

2 Inch Mount
This model only comes available for two inch receivers.

Light Weight And Easily Moved
Even though it’s made of steel it is still light enough for most adults and many children to handle. Coming in a 27.2 pounds this rack can be easily moved from between vehicles or back and forth to the garage.

Although not as popular a brand as other hitch racks, this is a great unit for rear spare vehicles. For the best prices and availability check out the Allen 542RR Deluxe 4 rack bike
rack from Amazon.

Specially Designed Cradle To Reduce Wear And Damage
Yakima’s special cradle called the switch blade will keep your bikes from damaging themselves. Swaying can wear or even damage your favorite bike creating a bad day. Less sway means less worries for you and that means more enjoyment riding.

Narrow Arms For Supporting Most Bikes
The arms on this carrier are narrow enough to fit most bikes. Some riders have reported that they have difficulty with the kids bikes. Usually most get them on after a few minutes of trying them in different positions.

Powder Coat Finish For Durability
This type of coating helps keep your rack looking good. It’s durable so it will withstand wear and tear. Although any coating overall does not weigh that much, powder coat is lighter than paint therefore it does help in keeping the weight down.

Versatility In Vehicle Mounting
No need to worry which size receiver you have. Yakima had the foresight to know the Class II and Class III mounts are the most widely used and included an adapter. You can easily change from a 2 inch hitch to a 1 1/4 inch hitch. Riding with a friend with a different size hidden tow mount is not a problem.

Almost Anyone Can Move It
This unit is handled fairly easily. Weighing in at 37.5 pounds most anyone can move it around if swapping vehicles or needing removed for other activities.

Proprietary Pin Is Frustrating But Offers Less Vibration
One complaint is that you have to use Yakima’s
own hitch pin. What the upside is for this (and other manufacturers who do this) is that their special pin will cinch down on to the main tube. By doing this the amount of noise and vibration is reduced making a more comfortable ride for you and your passengers.

Smooth Transport For Your Bikes
The Double Down is a stable and sturdy way to move around your rides. You will drive easy knowing that your bikes will ride smoothly through rush hour traffic or through backwoods roads.

Limited Lifetime Warranty
Yakima’s warranty is limited to the original owner of the product. Additionally they will cover manufacturers defects but not wear and tear. They will not cover abuse either such as overloading and ramming it into that brick wall behind you. As long as you take care of your Yakima DoubleDown
, it will take care of you for many many years.

I’ve looked all over the internet for these racks and the best deals always seem to come from Amazon. Click here to learn more about the Yakima DoubleDown 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
.

Two Models Available For The Most Popular Size Receivers
Thule provides you with a 4 bike carrier that will fit in most any hitch. The 956 model
will mate with the class III 2 inch hitch. Alternatively they also provide the 957 model for class II 1 1/4 inch receivers. Nearly all carriers for hitch mount will be one of these two sizes.

You Can Haul Bikes For The Whole Crew
Whether you are planning for a group ride of just fun for the family the 956 can accommodate it. With able room on the forks you can load up to four bikes. With a weight limit of 140 pounds most adult bikes will ride securely and safely.

No Sticking Out Like A Sore Thumb Here
From the tip of the forks to the end of the hitch shaft is a total of 34.5 inches. This makes the Parkway just long enough to be functional but short enough to not get in the way. You’ll still have to remember it’s back there when backing up, however!

Forks Wide Enough To Handle Most Sizes
This carrier has an 11 inch fork width. At this size you should be able to handle bikes for most sizes. This width can accommodate all but the tiniest or most unusual shaped bikes.

Strap ‘Em Down For Safety
Tie down straps are included and are adequate for keeping your bikes secure during transport. Some feel ,however, better with additional straps. You can get these when you buy your rack or later on.

Access To Your Trunk Or Hatchback
Like many other rear mounted carriers you can fold the frame down for access. Like most carriers of this type you have to have the bikes off of the forks. Leaving you bikes on while trying to lower can cause potential damage or harm to you and or your bikes.

Put It Together And Be Off And Driving
This bike rack is super simple to assemble. Most people report that they can have it together in less than 15 minutes.

Not All Racks Are Perfect
The one biggest complaint about Thule’s 956 Parkway bike carrier
is that it does  not use a standard hitch pin. Also to lock it down you must have Thule’s lock. Although I can not suggest it, many have reported that they drilled out the hole and used their own pin and lock. This complaint is not just isolated to Thule. One advantage to this way of securing to the receiver is that it creates more stability and less vibration of the carrier frame.

The simplicity and durability of the Thule 956 Parkway has been a hit with riders for many years now. No wonder coming from a company that specializes in carriers for your vehicle. Amazon I have found always has the best deals. Click here to learn more about the Thule Parkway 4 Bike Hitch Mount Carrier