A purist would say that to enjoy cycling you only need a bike and a place to ride. Yeah right! We are a bike shop so naturally we think it needs a little more attention than that.  So come along Grasshopper and you will learn the secrets of cycling equipment.

Lesson 1:　 Choose the right bike
Bicycles come in a variety of flavors designed to appeal to a variety of tastes and we carry a bike for every ability and budget. If you are unsure about what style might work best for you, consider these questions…

1 - Where will you do most of your riding?

Comfort Bike:　 If you have been away from vigorous physical activity for awhile then this bike is designed with you in mind.  Wide comfortable seats, an upright seating position and lots of easy gears  make this bike a natural for the new rider. These bikes can be ridden on the streets, sidewalks and bike paths. They also can be ridden off pavement due to their wide tires but they are not suitable for mountain biking.

Hybrid Bike:　 While it shares many of the attributes of the Comfort Bike, the Hybrid sports taller wheels, and narrower tires that increase efficiency.　This bike will accelerate more quickly and coast longer but the increased efficiency comes at the expense of some stability in loose terrain.　 The Hybrid is recommended for someone with a little more confidence on a bike. This bike should not be ridden off pavement.

Road Bike:　 If speed and distance riding are your main concern, or if you just want to spend a few hours a week pretending you are in the leader's jersey at the Tour de France, then you probably want a road bike. These bikes require more attention while riding and more care after the ride. But oh what a ride. Road bikes are the right choice for anyone who wants to participate in long organized rides such as the MS 150 or any of the large number of century rides offered throughout our area.

Mountain Bike:　 By far the largest segment of the market, mountain bikes are for those who crave the adventure of the woods.　Mountain bikes also do quite well on pavement but are a little slower than other types of bikes. These bikes have a slightly upright seating position, big, knobby tires and strong brakes. Whether you like soothing trails or blazing downhills dodging boulders and trees, there is a mountain bike for you.　
Entry Level:　 Suitable for riders who will be riding off pavement, on gravel or dirt roads or bike paths, from time to time.
Mid-Level Hardtails:　 Off road worthy bikes for those who do not want to spend a lot of money.　 These bikes feature front suspension, which increases comfort and control, and more durable drivetrain components that hold up better to off-road abuse
Dual Suspension:　 The ultimate in off-road performance. Because these bikes offer greater comfort and control, they are quickly becoming the standard for serious trail riders. We highly recommend "dualies" for riding our rugged terrain.

Lesson 2:　 The Right Size

A well fitting bike allows you to create power while maintaining control and being reasonably comfortable. We carry a wide variety of sizes to insure that everyone receives the best possible fit. If you are looking for a performance advantage, we will start with a traditional set up then work with your physiology to provide the best possible fit.

Lesson 3: Fine Tune the Fit

To finish the fitting process, you will need to take a couple of rides on your new bike while paying close attention to your position. Do you find yourself sliding forward on the saddle? Are you elbows locked out instead of bent? Is there any discomfort in your knees? These are issues that may be resolved with fine tuning the fit of your bike. We can help with expert advice on stem and saddle adjustment as well as replacement parts if that becomes necessary.

Lesson 5 : Safe Riding

Safely riding on today’s crowded roads requires paying attention and anticipating driver’s actions. Here is a list of common wisdom on safe cycling.

1. Avoid dangerous traffic conditions

      a. rush hour traffic

      b. Roads with narrow lanes and high traffic counts

2. When turning, always apply your body weight to the outside pedal and grip.

3. Cross railroad tracks perpendicular to the rails.

4. Use lights whenever poor visibility exists.

5. Wet road conditions require extra caution in turns and extended stopping distances

Now grasshopper you are ready to ride. If only you can snatch the presta valve adapter from my hand…