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--- BIKE CLUBS ---
This emerging category is the one to watch for
bike commuters. Aptly named, commuter bikes are the workhorses of the
bike world. They’ve been wildly popular in Europe and Asia for
years, and are finally making their way across the pond to U.S.
shores. The rider position is upright, stable, and comfortable.
Built for speed, road bikes have skinny,
smooth, high-pressure tires; low drop handlebars; and a narrow
seat—all designed for fast, aerodynamic performance.
Adjust your seat tilt for comfort: Many cyclists keep their seats level, while others have them tilted. If the front of your seat's tilted too high your butt will hurt, and if it's tilted too low you'll slide forward and strain your arms. |
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Choosing the Right Bike
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Designed for off-road riding, mountain bikes
have fat, low-pressure, knobby tires that grip roots, rocks, and mud;
flat, upright handlebars that are easy to maneuver on tricky terrain;
and many easy gears for climbing steep, gravelly hills. Most also have
“suspension” or shock
With comfort in mind, lifestyle bikes have
upright handlebars, wide tires, plenty of gears, suspension seat
posts, and wide saddles to help give you the most comfortable ride
possible.
If you haven't bicycled in a while, expect to be sore at first; chafing or soreness should get better with time. If it doesn't, the first thing to check is the seat adjustment; see Seat Tilt above and Seat Height. If adjusting doesn't help, look into a seat pad, a wider seat, a seat with a hole in the middle, or padded or seamless cycling shorts. |
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Fitting Your Bike Your bike must fit you. That's your first important safety feature. If you're not comfortable, you're more likely to ride badly and hit something. Getting exactly the right fit depends on many things--including your size and riding style--so you should talk to a bike dealer if you have fit problems. But first, consider these six points. Frame Size If your bike's frame is too tall, too short, or too long, it's very hard to adjust other things to make you comfortable--so you might need a new bike. Check the Height Stand with your bike between your legs. Measure the space between the highest part of the top tube and your crotch. For city riding a one inch to three inch space is safest. (This is a general rule. It's different for other situations, such as off-road riding or with bikes that have a sloping top tube.) Frame Length If, when you ride, you feel overly stretched or have pain in your neck, shoulders, or back, your frame might be to long. Try moving the seat and handlebars closer together. Also, some people--including many women--have torsos shorter than what most bikes are made for. If you're one of them, you can get a bike with a shorter frame height and raise the seat higher, or get a bike made for people with smaller torsos. Seat Height A seat that's too low will strain your knees, while a seat that's too high will make it hard for you to pedal and put your foot down. Here are some ways to get the right seat height for city riding:
Handlebars After you've set your seat height, set your handlebars so you feel comfortable. Some things to guide you:
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