fitbody


Choosing Wheels Knowing your style and primary planned uses are paramount. Leading manufac- turers, including Cannondale, Electra, GT, Marin, Novara, Raleigh, Scott and Trek offer many models for men, women and youngsters. Categories range from urban, road or mountain to recreation, comfort or cruising. Bikes designed for road and


PEDALING PLEASURE


Find a Bike that Fits Your Style by Randy Kambic


M


ay is here—National Bike Month—heralded by a new Outdoor Industry Association


study, which reports that bicycling is adult Americans’ second-favorite out- door activity, after running. Its popular- ity is not surprising: Biking provides


Health


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energizing aerobic and cardio exercise, flexibility, freedom, access and simply makes anyone feel young and vital. “Everyone remembers their first bike and learning to ride it,” says Micah Rice, managing director of national events with USA Cycling, in Colorado Springs. “Parents can tap into that inter- est and the entire family can participate in a ride around the block, along a bike path, on an adventurous bike trail or in a local group fun ride.”


Cycling is easier than running, because it is


less hard on your body and you can ride at any pace or distance.


Sometimes we ride to combine shopping with exercise on local streets; on other occasions, we eagerly traverse old rail lines or ride hillside moguls. Having the right bicycle delivers the most from any experience.


natwincities.com


pavement are generally lighter and have more gears than mountain bikes, which are built with more shock- absorbing features, such as rugged suspension and rough terrain tires, plus more lower gears to help ascend inclines. Urban and commuting bikes feature a slightly more upright riding position that helps bikers and motorists to see each other better. Steve Colmar, a sales specialist at


REI’s Seattle, Washington, store, pro- vides two key guidelines for choosing and using a bike. Regarding seat posi- tion, “Make sure your leg has a slight bend when your pedal is at its lowest point in its rotation. If the legs feel a little cramped, raise the seat.” Regarding handlebar position, “Many serious road bikers adjust handlebars to be a little farther away, so they can lean forward with more weight in their hands, while many casual riders prefer a more upright position, because that’s what they are accustomed to while sitting. Whatever you are most comfortable with works.” He notes that REI (rei.com) master


bike technicians nationwide provide advice on selecting a bike, as well as free public bike maintenance classes.


Cargo Carriers


Some riders feel that shouldering a knapsack is uncomfortable, inadequate or hinders pedaling. Bikes can be equipped with cargo-carrying capabilities to increase usability. Whatever the length of trip, hav- ing the gear to bring along key supplies will yield more utility and enjoyment: Think water, food, spare tube, cell phone, etc. What about bringing home some fresh produce from the farmers’ market? For around-town use, go with a bike


trailer for frequent large loads; smaller amounts can fit into one or two front and/ or back bike bags. Local bike shops can advise.


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