| If you hate running, for whatever reason, cycling is a | | | | - Cycling shorts and jersey. Padded cycling shorts |
| great alternative aerobic exercise. When you take | | | | make your ride more comfortable and a |
| your bike out for a spin, you get to exercise your | | | | brightly-colored jersey makes it easier for others to |
| chest, arm, abdominal and back muscles with little | | | | see you. |
| impact on your joints. | | | | - Water bottle or hydration pack. Always carry one of |
| But, be warned. If you've not cycled since childhood | | | | these, particularly if you are planning on doing some |
| and don't have a bike right now, the price of a bike | | | | long rides. |
| might shock you. | | | | - Tire repair kit. Always carry the gear necessary to |
| Whether you fancy a mountain bike or a road bike, | | | | repair a flat tire and make sure you know how to use |
| don't expect to pay less than $500. The more | | | | it. Right, now you've got the essential gear it's time to |
| expensive bikes become, the lighter and stronger they | | | | hit the road. So, here are a few tips to help you get |
| become. Cheaper bikes are made of different grades | | | | started: |
| of steel but as the price climbs you'll find bikes made | | | | - Ride with a club or friends. It's more fun riding with |
| of materials such as aluminium, carbon fiber and | | | | other people and you can learn a lot from riding with |
| titanium. | | | | more experienced cyclists. |
| The price of a bike also reflects the quality of the | | | | - Follow the rules of the road. Remember, a cycle is |
| components such as the brakes, gears and pedals. | | | | vehicle and you must follow the rules of the road. Stop |
| For example, cheaper bikes have toe clips but you can | | | | at all signs and lights and use those hand signals you |
| pedal more efficiently with clipless pedals that lock into | | | | learned in driver's ed. |
| cleats fixed to the bottom of your cycling shoes. | | | | - Off-road on wide fire roads. If you decide to go |
| Although, your feet are locked in, you can easily clip | | | | off-road, start on wide fire roads instead of narrow |
| out by simply twisting your foot to the side. | | | | single-track trails, where there are more obstacles and |
| To make sure you get a good deal, find a bike dealer | | | | you are more likely to crash. |
| where you know the prices are negotiable. | | | | - Maintain control. This is particularly important when |
| When buying a bike, it's worth noting that you'll need | | | | heading into turns. Head into a turn at a slow enough |
| some other items before you're ready to hit the road. | | | | pace to maintain control and avoid squeezing the |
| Here's a list of the essential cycling gear you'll need to | | | | brakes too hard because you can easily fly over the |
| buy, in addition to your bike: | | | | handlebars. Cycling is a great way to work out in the |
| - Helmet, gloves and glasses. A well-fitting helmet is | | | | great outdoors. By getting the essential gear and |
| essential for protection against head injuries. Gloves | | | | following the cycling tips in this article, you can enjoy |
| protect your hands if you crash and make your ride | | | | one of life's most popular and stimulating outdoor |
| more comfortable. Glasses offer protection from dust, | | | | aerobic activities. |
| dirt and gravel. | | | | |