Cycling is one of the most exciting and popular physical hobbies out there today. Many people use cycling for fun and adventure. Many also use it as a great way to commute to and from work in an eco and health friendly fashion. Cycling is a wonderful cardio exercise with many benefits including improved heart health.
Before you can get out there cycling though, you need to have the right equipment for the job. Where you’re planning on cycling will make a big difference in what kind of equipment you need. The same bike probably won’t perform similarly on a smooth freshly paved street and on a muddy trail after a rain shower. However, when you equip yourself with premium equipment, cycling can become a lifelong love.
There’s a variety of subsets of bikes that are designed for riding primarily on the road. The main feature that may be found with road bikes is a thinner and more aerodynamic design. Many eschew extra features like shocks, since those can absorb power and momentum and slow the bike. Since they should be on solid features on the road, these bikes tend to have much thinner tires. Having less surface area on the ground reduces friction and allows the cycler to move faster with less effort. This is also why they can be so lightweight as well.
Road and city bicycles can often be more multi-purpose as well. It’s common for additional storage devices to be attached above the rear tire, allowing someone cycling through the city to bring their things with them. Many cities have cycling rental services where you pick up a bike from a dock, then drop it off at other docks throughout the city. This can be useful, but these road bikes tend to be simpler, heavier and more rudimentary.
For people who want to get out of urban areas with their cycling, then a mountain bike is the way to go. Mountain bikes are still usable on roads, but they have more friction and lack the speed of some other options.
Mountain bikes are often fitted with shock absorbers for the front and/or rear wheels. These take in a large amount of the impact of rocks or other uneven surfaces, rather than translating them up through the frame and into the body of the rider. Mountain bikes also feature thicker tires with more tread on them. This enables them to get grip from uneven and slippery surfaces. Many mountain bikes go for “fat” tires which are even capable of riding in snowy conditions as well. Mountain bikes are often a bit heavier and are perhaps more durable due to the potential for falls and off road damage. No one wants their bike to break while they are miles from their car on a trail.
If you’re going to cycle, then you need the right equipment. The first thing every person should get is a great helmet. Take some time when getting your helmet to ensure that it fits correctly. It shouldn’t shift much when on your head, so that it can never interfere with your vision in any way. Helmets are made to absorb one crash or fall and need to be replaced if that occurs.
Depending on what kind of cycling you’re doing, you may want to get some specialized clothing for it. Pants with extra support and cushioning in the seat area can make extended cycling trips more comfortable. Fabrics which wick away moisture are also common as they can ensure a rider stays noise and dry despite sweating.
Hydration is important as well. Bikes as a child seemed to always come with a water bottle holder attached to the frame. Adult options are a bit more impressive. Hydration can come from water bottles, but these can often clip on anywhere. Many hydration devices include wearable bladders that can be filled with water and easily sipped from without having to stop.
