Bicycles for fun and Health

by Paul Tick

The end of winter is a great time to think of bicycles. If you have one that you've kept stored away for the winter, you can soon bring it out and tune it up for the spring. If you don't have one, this is the perfect time of year to purchase one. Sales are slow in the winter so you are likely to find bargain prices now. Also, you can check the Want Ad Digest and the classified sections of newspapers for used bikes, and often find great deals there.

There are four main styles of bicycles presently available. A "mountain bike" is built for rugged terrain. It is strong, but heavy and slow, so it is not your best bet for commuting. A "road bike" (also called a "racing bike") is light-weight and fast, best for country roads. A compromise between these two is called a "hybrid." It is medium-weight and sturdy, yet versatile enough for both commuting and going on unpaved trails. The simplest bikes are called "city bikes." They are slow, medium-weight, sturdy and low-maintenance (think of your "three speeders" from childhood).

When buying new, consider spending a few extra dollars to shop at a small bike store rather than at a department store. In these specialty shops, your salesperson is likely to be a biking enthusiast and know lots more about bikes .You will pay more in the specialty shop, but you will likely get a higher quality machine that will last longer. The bike shop will probably also give you a free tune-up after 30 days, which is important as the bike cables take this time to stretch and then will need to be readjusted. If you are new to bike riding or buying, go to the library first. Look for books with tips on how to make sure a bike is the right size for you. You will also get safety tips.

Along with your bike you will need a well-fitting helmet, and maybe a lock and tire pump with a gauge. If you will ride at night, get front and back lights and maybe a reflective vest to wear. Other than this, you are set to go.

Many people ride their bikes to work, avoiding the hassles of traffic jams and parking, while helping to protect the environment from further pollution and getting excellent exercise along the way. If this is not within your sights for right now, you can try dedicating one or two days each week as your car-free/exercise days. A car costs an average of 50 cents per mile to operate-you can see how quickly your bike will pay for itself.

Find out how much fun it can be doing a service for the environment, for your body, and for your bank account.

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