| Bicycling is an activity that everyone can enjoy. Riding | | | | and your body. |
| at even a leisurely pace helps with overall balance and | | | | Adjust the handlebars so that your elbows are |
| coordination and is great for cardiovascular health. If | | | | slightly bent. Raise or lower the seat (also called the |
| you've finally decided it's time to hit the road-on | | | | saddle) so the bike is easy to pedal and does not |
| bicycle, that is-make sure you're taking the trip on | | | | place unnecessary stress on your knees. When you |
| the right bike. | | | | sit on the seat, your extended leg should be not |
| Before purchasing a bike, consider how often you | | | | quite straight. Many bicycles offer wider saddles with |
| plan to ride. Bicycle prices can vary considerably; the | | | | extra padding or gel inserts that lessen the impact of |
| amount of money you spend on a bicycle should | | | | the riding surface on your body. |
| depend on how often you plan to use it. The next | | | | Always wear a properly fitted helmet. The right |
| thing to look at is the places you'll be riding. This | | | | helmet should rest low on your head, just above the |
| determines the type of bike you'll need. Here is a | | | | eyebrows, to protect your forehead in case of a fall. |
| brief rundown of some of the different types of | | | | No matter where you ride, it's important to know |
| bikes and their uses: | | | | what is coming up behind you. Get a rearview mirror |
| Road Bikes - A road bike, or racer, is meant for | | | | for your bicycle that attaches either to your helmet |
| smooth surfaces. The wheels are tall and thin and | | | | or to the end of the handlebars. |
| enable you to reach greater speeds on paved roads. | | | | Some riders also choose to wear fingerless riding |
| Road bikes are designed for fast, long-distance riding. | | | | gloves to cushion their hands. Gloves also help |
| Hybrid Bikes - Hybrids are a cross between a road | | | | protect your hands in case of a fall. |
| bike and a mountain bike. They go faster than | | | | Wear athletic shoes in good condition. Broken or |
| mountain bikes, but enable you to sit in a more | | | | too-long laces can interfere with the bike chain or get |
| upright position. If you are planning to ride on paved | | | | tangled on the pedals; damaged soles can hinder your |
| roads and trails, a hybrid is a good choice. | | | | ability to make a safe, quick stop in case of |
| Comfort Bikes - A comfort bike generally features a | | | | emergency. |
| wider seat, wide tires for better traction on loose | | | | It is also a good idea to attach a holder to the bike |
| surfaces, and upright seating. This style is designed | | | | frame and carry a bottle of fresh water, especially if |
| for leisure riding. | | | | you plan to ride for longer than an hour. |
| Mountain Bikes - If your route is mostly unpaved or | | | | Shop around before making any buying decision. Talk |
| gravel, a mountain bike may be more suitable. | | | | to the associates at a good bike shop to get their |
| Mountain bikes have wide tires, usually with knobby | | | | advice and recommendations. If the salesperson is |
| treads, and a sturdy frame. Mountain bikes do not go | | | | knowledgeable about the bikes and equipment they |
| as fast as road bikes or hybrids. | | | | carry, they'll make it their goal to steer-and pedal-you |
| Make sure you choose the right bike frame to fit | | | | in the right direction. |
| your frame. An ill-fitting or poorly-sized bicycle is not | | | | Whether traveling solo, or with family or friends and |
| only hard on your body, it takes the fun out of the | | | | whether biking in an urban park or on a quiet country |
| ride. | | | | road, take time to notice the sights and sounds that |
| To check the height of the bike, straddle the | | | | surround you. The benefits of bicycling are not only |
| crossbar (the frame bar between the seat and the | | | | physical-taking a break and getting away from it all |
| handlebars) with both feet on the ground. There | | | | helps calm the mind as well. A bit of fresh air will do |
| should be 1 to 3 inches of space between the bike | | | | you good. |