Cycling
Cycling is a recreation, a sport, and a means of transport across land. It involves riding bicycles, unicycles, tricycles, and other human powered vehicles (HPVs). As a sport it is governed internationally by the Union Cycliste Internationale in Switzerland (for upright bicycles) and by the International Human Powered Vehicle Association (for other HPVs). Cycling for transport and touring is promoted on a European level by the European Cyclists' Federation, and regular conferences are held under the auspices of Velo City, whereas global conferences are coordinated by Velo Mondial (http://www.velomondial.org)
Getting started
Road bicycles range in price from fifty dollars to thousands of dollars depending mostly on weight. The lightest bikes weigh around 15 lbs and are the most expensive. For most, a good starting bike would be in the range of 18-22 lbs and would cost just under $1000. Common bike manufacturers for most skill levels include Trek, Cannondale, Giant, Lemond (http://www.lemondbikes.com), Specialized, Klein (http://www.kleinbikes.com/), Bianchi, and Fuji (http://www.fujibikes.com/). Interested and more experienced riders will also consider Litespeed, Merlin, Omega, and Airborne for nice Ti frames and Mercian and Roberts for Steel frames.
Being sized for a bike and taking it for a test ride are both recommended before making a purchase. Most road bikes include clipless pedals in which special shoes attach to special pedals, which allows for the transfer of power to the bike throughout the entire pedaling motion.
The drive-train components of the bike should also be considered. A middle grade derailleur is most likely sufficient for a beginner. Also, unless a lot of serious climbing will be done, a double-crank (2 chainrings) front gear system will suffice in place of a triple-crank (3 chainrings) system.
Biking assessories that some consider helpful include a lock, pump, gloves, cycling shorts (with pad), clips to hold wide trousers/slacks/jeans, cycling shoes, spare tubes, CO2 cartridges as a possible replacement for a portable tire pump, water bottle and water bottle cage and tire levers.
Items that can be purchased later or omitted include gloves, full sized tire pump, multi-tool, bicycle computer, studded tires and degreaser. A bicycle helmet is obligatory in some legislations, especially for children.
Cycling is a reasonably low maintenance transport form / hobby / sport and the beginner can learn much from bike shop personnel. Many bike shops even hold complimentary maintenance classes. Inspection and maintenance of brakes is important.
Organized rides and races
Many cycling clubs hold organized rides and races varying that bicyclists of all types compete in. The typical organized race/ride starts with a large group of riders. This will thin out over the course of the ride. Many riders choose to ride together in groups of the same skill level to take advantage of drafting practices.
Most organized rides include registration requirements and will provide information either through the mail or online concerning start times and other requirements. Rides usually consist of 25, 50 and 100 mile routes, each with a certain number of rest stops that usually include refreshments, first aid and maintenance tools.
See also
Utility cycling and slow recreation
General
Sports-related cycling and fast-paced recreation
Other
External links
- Biciclopedia.com's Cycling News (http://biciclopedia.com/races/index.php)
- cyclingnews.com (http://www.cyclingnews.com)
- dailypeloton.com (http://www.dailypeloton.com)
- Rec.Bicycles Frequently Asked Questions Parts: 1 (http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-faq/part1/index.html), 2 (http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-faq/part2/index.html), 3 (http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-faq/part3/index.html), 4 (http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-faq/part4/index.html), 5 (http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-faq/part5/index.html)
- Cycling @ Active.com (http://www.active.com/cycling/)
- velonews.com (http://www.velonews.com)
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