Getting started on a bike - part 2

As promised, here's some more information that will hopefully help you begin using a bicycle for everyday tasks and journeys in lieu of traveling by car. As stated in prior columns, the benefits are many and, with good planning and proper knowledge of what you're doing, it's also a practical option in many cases. Please take a look at my column in Florida Weekly's June 11 edition if you missed part 1.

Based on bike industry estimates and casual observation, chances are good that you already own a bike. Almost every American household owns one or more bicycles, even if a significant number are little more than garage fixtures that rarely get used. Whatever the status of your bike, having the right type for the intended use is very important since it will likely make the difference as to whether or not you'll continue using human power regularly. For the very best advice I recommend a visit to a bona fide bike store where you'll find professionals who'll help you decide which style is best for your anticipated needs and, should you make a purchase, fit you appropriately. Discount stores or even sporting goods retailers can't offer the level of service nor quality products you'll find at your local bike shop.

Go in with some idea of what you're looking for. For some help, try these basic ideas. Keep in mind that this overview is subject to interpretation and that I fully expect bike aficionados to take issue with me on some of the terms, descriptions, and pros/cons I describe. Like I mentioned above, if you really want to know about bikes visit your local bike shop.

For those intending to travel very long distances for utilitarian trips - say 25 miles or more - you'll want to look at traditional road bikes, although you probably don't want a racing style road bike since they aren't really made for carrying a load. And their very skinny, high-pressure tires are prone to flats, something that often makes moot the benefit of time gained by the higher speeds you can travel. An alternative is a touring bike since it is intended to be fit with racks and saddle bags but, like the racing style bike, has skinny, high-pressure tires that experience flats all too often for my tolerance level. There are, however, flat-resistant tubes and tire liners that will reduce the frequency of this problem. On either style of bike you'll feel every bump and depression because of the high tire air pressure and because there usually isn't any suspension available.

When excessive distance isn't really an issue you might consider a hybrid bike. It allows you to ride more upright, has slightly wider tires that don't require extremely high pressure, and can be equipped with as many accessories as needed. A hybrid also can handle various surface conditions very well and can be purchased with shock absorbers, making the ride smooth. Mountain bikes are also something to consider if you'll sometimes be dealing with dirt roads or otherwise traversing surfaces other than asphalt. You can swap standard knobby tires for ones that are more road-friendly in order to improve efficiency yet still retain the benefits of being able to handle tough conditions when needed. Of course, suspension is available on either style and both can be equipped to handle quite a load, assuming you don't have rear suspension of the type that doesn't allow a rack to be utilized (a feature usually only available on certain mountain bikes).

Finally, for the traditionalist or those who believe in keeping it simple, a single-speed beach cruiser or comfort bike with pedal-based coaster brakes is a very good choice when living in a place with terrain as flat we have in Southwest Florida. Other than a few high bridges there are no hills to climb so multiple speeds aren't really a necessity. Headwind, however, is sometimes strong and persistent enough that you might wish you had some lower gears to switch to, especially in places such as consistently windy Cape Coral.

 

Whatever bike you'll be using, keeping it in good working condition is important for both efficiency and safety. Many of the routine maintenance tasks such as ensuring there's enough air in the tires, keeping clean - especially moving parts, and making minor adjustments, can be done by even novice riders. But until you become more familiar with other aspects of a bike's workings it might be wise to have an experienced bike mechanic take care of major problems. Compared with what it costs whenever you take your car or truck into the shop, you'll be pleasantly surprised when dealing with your bike shop.

My next column will be the final of the "Getting Started" series. Laws pertaining to bikes, proper operation of your bike when on the road or sidepath, and route selection tips will be covered.

Until then, I'll look for you on the roads…

- Dan Moser is League Cycling Instructor/ Trainer and a former Bike/Ped Coordinator nator who cycles regularly for transportation, recreation, and fitness. He may be contacted at moserdeleon@ juno. com or (239) 334-6417.