Bicycling Basics

Who would have thought that getting yourself from one place to the next would be so expensive? With the price of gas these days, more and more people are looking into low cost transportation alternatives. This is prime time to say hello to our old friend, the bicycle.

If you're only going a few miles, a bike can get you there for next to nothing. The great thing about a bike is that repairs are usually inexpensive, and if you're handy, you can probably do most of the repairs yourself. Even if you take it to your local cycle shop, it'll cost you tons less than what you would be paying for gas or car repairs.

Buying a Bike: How and Where

A decent bike can be bought new for around $100 to $200 dollars. You can get new bikes for less than this, but you really should avoid buying the cheapest bike you can find, because you'll probably end up regretting it in the end. A decent used bike can be bought for about $50.

If you're unsure about what constitutes a quality bicycle, talk to someone at your local bike shop and ask them about the features that make up a good bike, what manufacturers they recommend, and which ones to avoid. Bike shops aren't always the best places to buy bikes, but don't feel guilty about not buying your bike at the bike shop after asking the employees all sorts of questions- you'll probably end up coming back when it's time to buy parts and accessories or when you need parts and repairs. Bike shops are just about the only place you'll be able to get replacement parts, so you'll probably be back to buy stuff there eventually.

Speaking of parts, there are a few great places to get new tires and inner tubes very cheaply. Ace Hardware will sometimes have tires for about $5, and Fred Myers (also known as Fry's) has similar deals.

When it comes to buying a bicycle, there are many options, but the best prices are usually found at large retailers. A department store like Wal-mart or Target will have decent prices on low end bikes. If you can find one with a reputable name brand that is in the $100 to $200 range, it might be a winner. Try to avoid fancy no-name bikes that are in this price range- they're usually inferior in quality compared to a name brand bike that cost about the same, but has fewer fancy features. You'll end up paying more for the off brand bike in the long run, believe me! It's also a good idea to pick up any accessories that you might need while you're there. A really comfortable seat with springs and a gel pad is a great investment for about $25, and you're probably going to want a decent lock for that new set of wheels, too.

If you know how to work on bikes, the second hand store can be a goldmine, but you may end up running around all day trying to find a good bike in a thrift store. Of course, you could always try your luck with the local classifieds or Craigslist.

If you plan on carrying a load of books, groceries, or just about anything, a rack can come in very handy. You may or may not have to go to a bike shop to get one of these. A good trick is to get a couple of bungee cords, and use them to strap a backpack onto the rack. This not only spares your back some abuse, but when you reach your destination, you'll have the convenience of a backpack, too. To top it off, the pack makes for a handy place to keep a couple of essential tools and parts with you. Having the right tools and parts on had will save you the hassle of having to walk your bicycle home.

Rules Of The Road: Riding Safely

When it comes to riding your new bike, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first thing to remember is that bicycle riders are supposed to follow the same rules as cars. That means that you should ride with the flow of traffic, and ride on the street. You should be alert at all times, because a lot of drivers just won't see you. Try to wear light or brightly colored clothing, and make sure that your bike has all of the proper reflectors. A headlight and tail light is essential if you're going to be riding at night. Always keep an eye on cars that are waiting to pull out into traffic ahead of you. A good place to look is at their tires- that's the first thing that you'll see move when the car starts to roll. Also, it's a good idea to look at the driver's face to see if he or she acknowledges your presence.

Try not to ride in the rain, and if you have to venture out into the elements, be very careful not to turn your bike too sharply or too hard, otherwise you might find yourself face to face with the asphalt. Another useful tip that most riders have to learn the hard way is that you should not apply too much pressure to the front brakes when you're stopping, otherwise you'll end up doing an unintended faceplant!

Just to wrap things up, here are some general bike safety guidelines:

1. Obey traffic laws. This means that you should ride your bike in about the same way that you would drive a car, only try to stick to the right side of the road.

2. Stay alert! You never know when someone might not see you, and pull out in front of you.

3. Make yourself easily visible, both day and night. This means wearing light colors, having reflectors, and lights.

4. Take the least traveled route. Less traffic means less danger, and you'll have a less stressful trip, too.

5. Keep your bike in good repair. A well maintained bicycle is a safe bicycle!

Now that you've learned the basics, you should be ready to buy a bike and start pumping those crazy legs of yours, getting around without spening a dime at the pump!