Bicycles are a popular form of transport and recreational activity. They are also a useful tool for reducing your carbon footprint.
How to Choose a Bike
A bicycle is an incredibly effective way to get around town or on the road. It uses a lot less energy than a car, and it takes less time to travel the same distance. In fact, you can save money by commuting to work by bike rather than driving or taking public transportation.
You can ride a bike anywhere you go in the world, and it’s a fun way to get exercise as well. Riding a bike also helps you burn calories and build muscle while improving your cardiovascular health.
There are many different types of bikes on the market, each designed to meet a particular need. Here are a few of the most common types:
Touring bikes
If you want to carry your gear over long distances, a touring bike is a great choice. They’re lightweight and feature attachment points to attach racks, fenders, water bottles, pumps, lights, and more. They’re also easy to control if you have a heavy load and come in both upright and recumbent styles.
Performance bikes
If you’re looking to ride fast on the streets and in organized races, a performance bike is a good choice. They’re lightweight and feature aerodynamic designs to improve your speed and help you climb hills faster.
Hybrids
If your bike riding tends to take you through a mixture of paved and unpaved trails, a hybrid is a great choice. These bikes feature a more upright riding position and usually come equipped with large-diameter road wheels for speed, paired with wider tires for off-road traction.
Pedal-assist bikes
If you like to get on the pedals but don’t have the physical strength, a bicycle with an electric motor can be a great choice. You can find these small electric motors on a variety of bikes, from commuter to cargo to sport models.
Cycling is a gentle, low impact workout that can help you lose weight and build muscles. It’s also an excellent way to keep your balance, which is often lost as we age.
Adaptive biking
If you have a lower-body injury or condition that prevents you from riding an upright bicycle, a recumbent bicycle is a great option. They’re comfortable, and they can be pedaled with a hand-cranked drivetrain or with an electric motor-assist system.
The key is to choose a model that fits you best, and you should always make sure that the bike has proper fitting. Having the wrong fit can increase your risk of injuries and reduce the benefits that you get from bike riding.
It is also important to follow the safety rules of the road while you’re on a bike. You should ride with caution at intersections, and be careful on roads that have poor visibility (i.e., trees, potholes, and other obstructions). You should also ride with reflective clothing so that other people can see you as you pass them.