| For new bicyclers it is important to think about what | | | | Handlebars - The handlebars go out from the stem to |
| kind of bicycling you will be doing. Most people will be | | | | form a T, but then they curl downward. This allows |
| either mountain biking or road biking. Road bikes are | | | | riders to grip either the T-section or the under-section |
| specially engineered for paved surfaces and fast | | | | so they can hunch down, reducing wind resistance. |
| speeds. Mountain bikes are designed for rugged terrain | | | | This position also maximizes the power that can be |
| and stability. Road bikes were originally developed for | | | | produced by pumping the legs. |
| racing and have some unique features. For beginners I | | | | Gears - Gear combinations are varied but, generally, |
| have outlined some of the features of current bicycles | | | | high. While road bicycles of the past had only 10 gears |
| for road riding. | | | | (10-speeds), they now have from 16 to 28 gears. |
| Frame - The type of material the frame is made of | | | | Pedals - The type of pedal is a platform, but the |
| depends on the price. The ideal frame is lightweight yet | | | | specific style may vary. Some platform pedals come |
| sturdy. The low-end frames are made of either steel | | | | equipped with toe clips. Sometimes clipless pedals are |
| or aluminum. Neither is especially lightweight, but the | | | | used so the rider can clip cleats to pedals. This cleat |
| more you pay, the weight tends to decrease. As the | | | | pedal combination allows the rider extra power by |
| frame goes up in price, components begin to be | | | | driving the pedal through the full rotation. |
| swapped out for more premium materials such as | | | | I hope this introduction helps answer some of the basic |
| carbon fiber. High-end frames are made of newer, | | | | question new riders often ask or maybe are afraid to |
| more expensive materials like titanium. | | | | ask because they don't want to look like a newbie. |
| Wheels - The wheels of a road bike are narrow and | | | | Don't be afraid to ask questions. You will find that most |
| under high pressure when fully aired. They are | | | | bike riders are friendly and jump at the chance to |
| designed to decrease friction with the road by | | | | introduce someone new to the sport. Look for a local |
| minimizing contact with it. These wheels are not the | | | | bike shop, stop by and get to know the regulars. You'll |
| most comfortable, but there is no argument that they | | | | be hooked and helping other beginners in no time. |
| are the fastest. | | | | |