Cycling

Cycling is a recreation, a sport, and a means of transport across land. It involves riding bicycles, unicycles, tricycles, and other human powered vehicles (HPVs). As a sport it is governed internationally by the Union Cycliste Internationale in Switzerland (for upright bicycles) and by the International Human Powered Vehicle Association (for other HPVs). Cycling for transport and touring is promoted on a European level by the European Cyclists' Federation, and regular conferences are held under the auspices of Velo City, whereas global conferences are coordinated by Velo Mondial

Getting started

Road bicycles range in price from fifty dollars to thousands of dollars depending mostly on weight. The lightest bikes weigh around 15 lbs and are the most expensive. For most, a good starting bike would be in the range of 18-22 lbs and would cost just under $1000. Common bike manufacturers for most skill levels include Trek, Cannondale, Giant, Lemond, Specialized, Klein, Bianchi, and Fuji. Interested and more experienced riders will also consider Litespeed, Merlin, Omega, and Airborne for nice Ti frames and Mercian and Roberts for Steel frames.

Related Topics:
Road bicycle - Trek - Cannondale - Giant - Specialized - Bianchi

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Being sized for a bike and taking it for a test ride are both recommended before making a purchase. Most road bikes include clipless pedals in which special shoes attach to special pedals, which allows for the transfer of power to the bike throughout the entire pedaling motion.

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The drive-train components of the bike should also be considered. A middle grade derailleur is most likely sufficient for a beginner. Also, unless a lot of serious climbing will be done, a double-crank (2 chainrings) front gear system will suffice in place of a triple-crank (3 chainrings) system.

Related Topics:
Drive-train - Derailleur

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Biking assessories that most consider essential include a helmet, cycling shorts (with pad), cycling shoes, spare tubes, CO2 cartridges or a portable tire pump, water bottle and water bottle cage and tire levers.

Related Topics:
Helmet - Cycling shorts - Cycling shoe - CO2 cartridge - Water bottle

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Items that can be purchased later or omitted include gloves, full sized tire pump, multi-tool, bicycle computer and degreaser.

Related Topics:
Glove - Bicycle computer - Degreaser

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Cycling is a reasonably low maintenance hobby/sport and the beginner can learn much from bike shop personel. Many bike shops even hold complimentary maintenance classes.

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