Cyclocross Pro T-700 Full Carbon Disc Cycle Cross Bike. Ultegra 6800 11 Speed. Vision 30 CX Wheel Set. TRP HY/RD Hydraulic Brakes.

Stradalli Carbon RD17 Hydraulic Disc Brake Bicycle. Shimano Dura Ace 9000. Vision Team 30 Wheelset.

Stradalli Carbon RD17 Hydraulic Disc Brake Bicycle. Shimano Dura Ace 9000. Vision Team 30 Wheelset.

Introducing The New Road Bike Frame Perfect For MMA And UFC Fighters

Stradalli Cycle and American Top Team have joined forces to bring you the ultra light 3k carbon fiber bike frames that are specifically designed to assist some of the top MMA and UFC fighters in the world with their cardio training.

The Venice full carbon fiber frame is made of the same 100% 3k HM carbon fiber that is used on other our most popular frames. It has the tensile strength of 50 tons per square cm and the exterior weave of 3000 weaves per crossing (3k). This frame is one of the quickest yet comfortable road bikes you will ever ride and is available at a great price. 

5 Sports That Benefit From Cycling As A Form Of Cardio Training

Cross training is nothing new and it is gaining popularity at high schools, colleges and even the pro level. For years you only did workouts based on the sport you were training for but then it was discovered that taking training tactics used for other sports may help an athlete to improve in their own arena. MMA fighters use cycling all the time to help improve their endurance without putting strain on their bodies, especially their knees.

You already know that riding a full carbon road bike down A1A for an hour gives you all the cardio you need to improve endurance and unlike running it doesn’t put a tremendous amount of pressure on your knees, back and joints. What you may not know is there are multiple sports where cycling, especially training on full carbon road bikes have actually become part of the routine for pro athletes.

1.       MMA: Of course we will start with MMA because they are the best example. These larger than life gladiators train to battle each other in hand to hand combat. However, when it comes to getting their cardio in they prefer the advantages that the bicycle allows them rather than putting on their running shoes.

2.       Basketball: Now this one surprises people because while playing basketball you have to run up and down the court hundreds of times so it only makes sense that you would train by running. That’s old school tactics that simply don’t work. Look at Lebron James, he rides his bike to and from games because it helps him to improve his durance but also takes the strain off of his knees. That’s the point athletes have found with cross training with a bike, if you run during the game and run during practice the last thing you want to do is run during training as well. You have to give your body a break but still find a quality cardio to help you improve and get stronger. Riding a bicycle does that.

3.       Hockey: This one doesn’t surprise anyone but what few people know is when hockey players usually ride bikes, immediately after a game. Yes, many players like to ride for at least 30 min directly after a game because it stretches out their legs, helps them improve their endurance but also spares their legs from anymore wear and tear.

4.       Football: Giant men pushing and hitting each other for an hour a week so why not have them run to train? That’s asking for trouble which is why many football gyms have an abundance of stationary bikes to help their players get in a safe form of cardio. Have you ever watched a game and noticed at least 1 bike on the sideline for the players to use when they need to stretch out their legs? There’s a reason.

5.       Cycling: No seriously, how does a cyclist train for a race, they ride a full carbon road bike. So if an MMA fighter, a basketball start, a hockey player and a football giant are all riding a bike to get into better shape why wouldn’t a cyclist do it? Here’s the catch, they ride for 5 hours or more a day to prepare, not exactly something you should try on your first trip but it gives you an idea of the commitment it takes to be able to handle those major races like the Tour De France.

Why do we care about how athletes train if we aren’t playing a sport? Science, sports teams have spent billions of dollars in research to find new ways to make their athletes stronger, faster but also help them to heal and get injured less often. If they have a secret we want to know about it, not so we can go play in the Super Bowl but because we want to get healthier. Cross training opened our minds to the idea that maybe other sports have something to offer that we can incorporate in our routines and the one thing nearly every sport seems to be on board with is hopping on a full carbon road bike and taking it for a ride. 

Cycling VS Running

The debate between running and cycling as a form of cardio continues on. Obviously at Stradalli Cycle we willbe a little bias because we sell full carbon bikes and believe it is the best form of exercise you can do not only from a health standpoint but for enjoyment as well because cycling is a fun recreational activity. However, after talking with several trainers, professional athletes in MMA as well as other sports and several customers who work out on a daily basis here is what we have found:

It is important to note that both exercises are great forms of cardio; they strengthen the heart and build leg muscles. Both exercises will help you to lose weight, maintain your weight and improve your overall health.

Losing Weight: Both are great forms of cardio to lose weight. Burning calories will be based on your weight, how fast you are going and more. Running does burn more calories in the same period of time. However, that is due to the fact that you are supporting your entire body’s weight. The question is what are you more likely to complete on a daily basis, running for a full 40 minutes or going for a bike ride for an hour?

Convenience: Running enthusiasts will say that going for a jog in the morning is cheaper than buying a full carbon fiber road bike. While that’s true you also have to look at what form of cardio you are most likely to stick with. Riding your bike is a great form of exercise but it can also be done as a recreational activity as well as an alternate method of transportation to and from work.

Strength and Endurance: Cycling allows you to go longer than running because you are not beating up your body as much. When you run you are supporting your entire body’s weight with your legs and that puts major strain on your lower back, knees and joints. Ever have a shin splint?

Again running is still better than doing nothing and if it is your only means of exercise then it is a great form of cardio, you will lose weight and get healthier. But when comparing the two, many pro athletes prefer training on bikes because they get many similar advantages that you receive from going for a run but less wear and tear on your body.

Another note: While you may be tempted to go with a bike you find in a retail store understand that you are missing out on true value. If you love riding you will want to upgrade and now you have a bike that you cannot get a good return on. If you start with a full carbon fiber road bicycle from Stradalli you will not only love it but you can get them for a low price because they are sold directly from Stradalli Cycle rather than a 3^rd party distributor or bike shop. Full carbon fibercycles are light weight but more durable to give you a better feel and a far better ride.