Cycling For Everyday People
From the beginning of 1900’s, cycling has been a major addition to the human condition. You can use them for everything from transportation, racing, exercise, to just plain fun. Personally, I have been using bicycles of all types for all types of things my whole life. I started riding a bike at a very young age. I used bicycles for transportation before I was able to drive. Even rode my bike to my driving lessons.
Transportation
Bikes have been used to get to work, school and everywhere in between. If you live in the UK then you already know this because it’s a main source of transportation. Other countries use them to take their goods to market. I rode my bike to school in Texas every day. Some days I was going to school and it was below 20 degrees in the morning and after school it was 70 degrees. So, I would end up freezing the next morning because I would leave my coat at school.
Parking lot for bikes in Japan.
There are all Types of Bicycles you have to figure out which one is the correct one for you.
Dropbar Bikes:
- Road Bikes: made light weight for fast riding on smooth pavement.
- Cyclocross Bikes: designed for mixed surfaces with wider tires.
- Touring Bikes: The rugged design allows the user a lot of different chooses of use. Usually a more relaxed design from other dropbar bikes.
- Adventure Road Bikes: Longer frame more suitable for long Rides, light touring and/or commuting
- Triatholon/time Trial Bikes: Specific use to keep the aerodynamics down. Mainly used for very fast short rides.
- Track/Fixed-Gear: Mainly used for track riding. Only one gear can have it’s advantages and disavatages.
Fitness bikes can use either type of handlebars. Designed for people that want a high-performance bike without the drop handlebar riding position.
Upright handlebars
- Mountain Bike: Designed for going off road. Lower gear setting for pedaling up steep trails.
- Hybrid Bike: Medium-width tires and wider seats make it more comfortable for riding. Good for casual riding
- Dual-Sport Bike: More aggressive style than an Hybrid. Good for commuting, touring and on unpaved trails.
Cruisers
- Cruiser: made for leisure rides around town. Very Comfortable riding position.
- Flat-Foot Comfort bike: Elongated frame to push the pedals forward of the seat. you can place you feet flat on the ground while stopped yet still allows you to fully extend your legs while riding.
There are still more not listed here.
If you go to a bike shop to get your bike, they will sometimes give you special deals to go with your bike. The specials could include tune ups for free. That can save as much as $25 each time you get a tune up. They don’t set a limit on those either. Plus the people that work there are very knowledgeable about the types of bikes and can get you fitted for the correct kind in no time.
During a century ride (100 miles) a friend of mine showed up with a time trial bike. That was not the best bike for that kind of ride. He ended up finishing yet was hurting very badly for the effort. Always look for a shop that isn’t just willing to sell you anything. Look for the shop that is looking to sell you the best bike for your need.
Learning
You should learn a little about each bike that you plan on buying. There will be times that will go on a long ride and need to know how to change a tire. You will want to know how and have the equipment necessary to change a flat and always have a back up plan.
Get more on how to DIY with bike repairs
An example of this is. I was riding with a group of riders and one of them got a flat. Realizing after opening his pack that he didn’t have the correct tube. Most of the group had continued except for me and one other person. His back up plan was to call the shop that we started at and have them come out and pick him up. Luckily it didn’t come to that because I happened to have the right size tube for his bike with me. Using our skills, we got him fixed up and finished the ride.
Group rides are a great place to get to know the area you are riding and the people in that area.
If you need to learn how to ride a bike you can find local classes on the web. The police departments also offer classes.
Exercise
Cycling in the saddle is considered a non-weight bearing exercise. This does not promote bone density. At the same time, it is considered suitable for rehabilitation of the lower limbs. Personally, I find biking far more enjoyable than running. Plus, I can bike 20 miles in the time it takes me to run 6 miles. I also like to ride with groups of people it makes things more interesting.
Leisure:
There are some places in Pennsylvania, and California that have cycling tours of the different wineries and vineyards. These rides usually cover anywhere from a half day to a full day event. These rides can be more of the relaxing and enjoying the scenery then if you were to do the same thing in a vehicle. Plus you get your exercise for the week in and are able to “sample” some wine. Wines you tasted in the Napa and Sonoma Valley are delivered to you door. Take a look here.
