Basic Concepts of Bicycling in Traffic
Don't be Afraid to Change Gears
Is Bicycling Dangerous?
Protect That Bike: Locking
Basic Bicycle Maintenance Tools
Uncommon Reasons to Bike
Bicyclists & Motorists Sharing the Road
Choosing the Best Bicycle for You
Fit for a King
Keeping Your Components in Shape
Romance on Two Wheels
The Many Benefits of Biking
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
You Are Riding Bicycle History
Basic Concepts of Bicycling in Traffic
By Arthur Ross
For the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
The most basic concept to keep in mind when learning how to ride a bicycle safely in traffic is that your bicycle is a vehicle. The rules for riding a bicycle in traffic are the same as for driving any other vehicle, like a car. Following these rules of the road is the safest way to ride and your best defense against being involved in a crash.
Here are five essential concepts that will help you bicycle more safely:
- Ride on the right side of the road, always in the same direction as other traffic. Riding against traffic is unpredictable, especially to drivers at intersections, driveways or to those exiting parking spaces. Remember that bike lanes go one way only, in the same direction as other traffic on the street.
- Ride as far to the right as practicable, not as far right as possible. Practicable means safe and reasonable. Mid-block, your lane position depends largely on the width of the lane and your speed with respect to the speed of other traffic. The faster you are traveling (such as downhill) the farther left in the lane you need to be. The narrower the lane, the farther left you need to be to ensure that overtaking motorists will pass you safely. Wisconsin law requires a motorist passing a bicyclist to give at least three feet of clearance when passing. Stay far enough away from the curb, or from the edge of the road, to avoid hazards such as sand, broken glass and potholes that tend to accumulate there. About three feet is typical. Also ride at least three feet from parked cars to avoid a suddenly opened car door. When approaching and reaching an intersection, your lane position depends upon your destination. On the right for a right turn, towards the center if going straight, to the left (or in a left turn lane) for a left turn.
- Turns are made the same way on a bicycle as they are when driving a car. To change your lane position, or your position within a lane, first look behind you to see if there is any other traffic nearby. Traffic in the lane you want to move into has the right of way. Signal and change lanes/position within a lane when there is a safe opening in traffic. Again, this is the same way you change lanes and turn as when driving a car. A left turn can also be made by riding straight through the intersection, stopping, and walking or riding your bicycle across the street when safe.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals. These apply to bicyclists as well as motorists. Be especially alert for yield and stop signs, traffic signals, and one-way streets. Obeying traffic signs and signals is your first defense against crashes, and is the best way to gain respect from other road users.
- Ride defensively. Be aware of what is going on around you, both in terms of roadway conditions as well as other traffic. Watch the road for hazards like sand, broken glass, potholes and railroad tracks. Watch side streets, driveways, alleys and parked cars for traffic that may enter the street in front of you or turn across your path. Remember that trees, shrubs, fences, bright sunlight and darkness can make it difficult for you to see and for others to see you. Adapt your riding style to minimize these and other hazards.
At night, use a white headlight and a red rear reflector. Many bicyclists also use a red flashing light on the rear of their bicycles. During the day, wear bright colors to help others see you.
Know and watch for others' mistakes. Some common situations to be alert for include: a motorist coming towards you who turns left in front of you; a motorist passing you then turning right in front of you; a motorist pulling out from a stop sign, driveway or parking space without yielding to you.
Finally, help fight road rage by respecting others' rights. If you, as a bicyclist, want to earn the respect of motorists and pedestrians, then you need to respect their rights as well. Never compromise someone else's safety for your own convenience.
Arthur Ross is the Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coordinator for the City of Madison and a member of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
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Don't be Afraid to Change Gears
By Jim Guthrie & Arthur Ross
For the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Never changed gears on my bicycle, and I do just fine, thank you. This is a stock phrase uttered by those who don't really understand bike gears. If you own a multi-speed bicycle, but ride it like a one-speed, listen up. Learn how to use your bike and your body to their fullest. Today's bicycles can have up to 27 "speeds" or gears. So what?
If you have ever driven a car with a manual transmission, you know the engine works most efficiently when you keep it working within a certain range of revolutions per minute (rpm). Shifting gears keeps the engine within the range. Bicycles follow the same principle. Except, on a bike, your body is the engine, and how fast you are pedaling determines the rpm. From 70 to 90 pedal rpm is ideal for bicycling. It should be maintained uphill, downhill, on flatland, against a head wind or with a tail wind. Pedal rpm translates into cadence, and the goal is to keep this constant. As terrain changes, shift gears to maintain cadence, not speed: Use easier gears to climb hills; harder gears to descend them; and medium gears to cross flatland.
Everyone has a different cadence. This is obvious when you observe people walking, running or pedaling in a group. People move their bodies at different rates over varying distances. Keeping your bike in high gear one with more resistance does not necessarily make you go faster. Instead, it can stress out your legs. And using all legs to go faster doesn't work because bicycling is essentially an aerobic activity. Strong heart and lungs are the key. Therefore, to increase speed, work up to a cadence at which you feel steady and comfortable for long periods of time. A higher cadence in any gear equals greater speed. Many factors play a role in determining which gear to use. We have already explained why desired speed is not a consideration. Now let's see what is important to gear selection.
The bike's sprockets (those round sawtooth discs that the chain sits on) are in effect the bike's transmission. The two or three sprockets in front are connected to the bike's pedals. From five to nine sprockets abut the real wheel. Choosing a gear boils down to deciding which two sprockets the chain belongs on at any one time. Maximizing cadence stability is the goal. As you sit on the bike, look down (but watch out for that parked car ahead!) and notice the chain's position relative to the sprockets. If the chain is positioned all the way to the left, nearest the bike's frame, on both the front and back sprockets, then you are pedaling the smallest, easiest gear. If the chain is all the way to the right, as far away from the bike's frame as it can get, on both the front and back sprockets, then you are pedaling the largest, hardest gear. Other combinations result in the middling gears. Shifting the chain in towards the bike on either the front or the back will give you an easier to pedal gear. Shifting the chain out away from the bike on either the front or the back will give you a harder to pedal gear.
Enough theory. Now hands on: Put your hands on the shifters and play with the gears until you get the feel of them. Don't be afraid to change gears -- you won't break the bike! Start with the chain on the middle sprocket in the front (or the smaller one if you only have two) and experiment shifting the rear gears. Once you have mastered the rear, experiment with shifting the front. Now are you are ready to switch gears and enjoy riding more?
Jim Guthrie is a bike commuter in Milwaukee, Arthur Ross is the Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coordinator for the City of Madison and both are members of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
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Is Bicycling Dangerous?
By Arthur Ross
For the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Is bicycling dangerous? Bicyclists get asked this all the time. Some people think that by just getting on a bicycle and riding down the street, bicyclists are endangering themselves in some way. But bicycling is not an inherently dangerous activity. In fact, it is one of the healthiest things you can do.
The U.S. surgeon general's 1996 Report on Physical Activity and Health said: "Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States." The same study also reported that more than 60 percent of adults and nearly half of young people ages 12 to 21 do not achieve the recommended amount of regular physical activity. If I were a doctor, I would write every patient a prescription to ride a bicycle. A five-mile, 30-minute bike ride on most days is all you need to stay healthy. The best way to ensure getting this "vitamin" daily is to incorporate it into your daily routine by bicycling to work, on errands, or to visit friends.
Despite the evidence, a lot of well-meaning bicycle safety efforts focus on the supposed "dangers" or "hazards" of bicycling. What they are really trying to address ¬ but rarely admit -- is the danger that car drivers pose to bicyclists, as opposed to any inherent danger in riding a bicycle. These safety efforts focus on the bicyclist behavior, including the wearing of helmets. This is a good starting point, but it does not go far enough. Wearing a helmet only makes it relatively safer to crash; otherwise it does nothing to make bicycling safer.
Educational programs aimed solely at bicyclists overlook the fact that motorist behavior often jeopardizes bicyclist safety. Indeed, road rage is often evident in car-bike interactions. Motorists desperately need training in sharing the road with bicyclists; and all road users need to replace "get out of my way" with safe, courteous responses. Bicycle safety also has a lot to do with the way we design our communities, neighborhoods and individual streets.
The United States Department of Transportation set two goals in April 1994: to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities to bicyclists by 10 percent; and to double the percentage of trips made by bicycle. An April 1999 progress report compared data on bicycle crashes and bicycle use from 1990 to similar data for 1995. Bicyclist injuries fell 15 percent, though fatalities fell by less than one percent. Furthermore, while bicycle use as a percentage of all trips increased by 16 percent, still bicycles were ridden less than one percent of all trips. If we want to further increase the number of bicycling trips while reducing injuries, then we have to look at improving the environment that bicyclists operate within. Some recommendations:
- Streets with adequate width, lower car speeds and volumes
- Neighborhood destinations such as schools, stores, and jobs close enough to housing so that the bicycle becomes an obvious transit choice
- Communities that promote all transportation modes equally a bike plan should not be a garnish on the overall transportation plan
Anyone who seriously wants to improve bicyclist safety or who cares about improving peoples' health should be promoting the bicycle. Their goal should be to develop bicycle-friendly communities where they live, work and study.
Former BFW Board Member Arthur Ross is the Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Coordinator for the City of Madison. He is an Effective Cycling Instructor and member of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
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Protect That Bike: Locking
By Dave Glowacz
First North American serial rights Copyright 2000
One recent evening in Chicago, a man who frequently bikes to and from work approached the signpost where he had locked his bike for over a year. The familiar newspaper boxes were there -- but not his bike.
"It baffled me. How'd they take it?" said the man, Gary Hochgraf. "They didn't break the lock, because there weren't any pieces of metal around."
On that deeply frustrating day, Hochgraf joined some 500,000 Americans who report their bikes stolen each year. Like Hochgraf, many victims left their bikes unattended -- though not necessarily unlocked. If you must park and lock your bike, leaving it unattended, knowing a few tricks -- such as ones used by many veteran thieves -- will make your vehicle less of a target.
"Take a look at the 'no parking' sign posts," said Jack Rimkus, a plainclothes Chicago cop. "You'll notice that 85 percent have their bolts removed at the base." Thieves -- sometimes posing as bike messengers -- scout for bikes locked to these posts, he said. "All the thieves do is pull the pole up, and the lock slides right off. If you're going to lock your bike to something, make sure it's permanent."
"Make sure you've locked it", warned Keith Mistrik, a Chicago bike store owner. Mistrik said that cyclists will, for example, "run into McDonald's for a soda without locking up. I hear 20 other theft stories for every one involving a locked bike." According to Mistrik, steel alloy U-shaped locks provide "by far the best security out there today." But, he warned, stay away from cheap foreign copies: "The American lock is probably ten times as durable."
For complete protection a U lock should lock the frame and both wheels, requiring the cyclist to remove the front tire, Mistrik said. Many people prefer to "cross-lock," using the U lock and another cable or chain with its own lock, he added. Better yet, take your front tire with you, said Officer Rimkus. "Then the bike is useless to the thief."
Despite the solid reputation of the U lock, a thief can prop one against a solid surface and crack it open with a heavy hammer. "We had one of our thieves demonstrate it for us, and he did it with two whacks," Rimkus said. However, bikes parked in busy areas are less vulnerable: "They like to do that a little more privately."
Bike owners who prefer chains should get one of hardened metal, at lease three-eighths inch thick. Cables are a lightweight alternative to chains. A thief needs a 3-foot cutter to slice a three-eighths inch cable. Obviously, most thieves don't carry such a cutter around, so they prefer to target small, inexpensive padlocks. "Generally, the lock should be the size of the cable or thicker," Mistrik advised.
Regardless of locking method, if the thief wants the bike and knows what he or she is doing, the heist will be successful. But don't lose hope. Nationwide, police recover thousands of bikes each year. Your best hope of getting your bike back is to have it registered. Owners who have registered their bikes, like Gary Hochgaf, get a phone call from police after it is found. Where police can't identify owners of bicycles, many departments sell the bikes at unclaimed property auctions. These auctions can attract hundreds of buyers -- some of whom spot their stolen bikes. However, Officer Rimkus said, unless the person shows proof of ownership, like a serial number, police cannot simply return the bike. Rimkus said that few people register their bikes, even though registration is easy. "If police recover the bike," said Rimkus, "then I've got your name, I've got your serial number, I've got your bike type and you can have your bike back tomorrow."
Theft Prevention Tips:
- Park your bike in open, populous areas.
- Use a hardened steel U lock, thick padlock, chain or cable. Avoid combination locks.
- Lock through your bike's frame and both wheels. Take your front wheel if you can.
- Lock to an immovable object and make sure a thief can't lift your bike over the top.
- Wrap your chain tightly and position your lock away from any solid surface like a sidewalk or lamppost.
- Take all easily-removed accessories like lights, computers and panniers with you.
- Register your bike's serial number with the police department.
Dave Glowacz is the author of Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips, available at book stores and bike shops, by calling 800/888-4741 or by e-mail.
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Basic Bicycle Maintenance Tools
By Jim Haraughty
For the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
You too can keep your bicycle rolling smoothly, and safely, whether you are just now bringing it out of winter hibernation or even if you use it regularly. With just a few tips and a few tools, you can make most repairs and perform maintenance on your own. The tools are available at any hardware store, with the exception of a "Y" Allen wrench, which may be purchased at any bike shop. These tools would be a good one-time investment of $25-$50:
- Tire levers
- Tire pump with a pressure gauge
- Tire patch kit and extra tube
- Bike multi-tool
- De-greaser and lube for chain and bearings
- Set of metric Allen wrenches
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Medium size Crescent wrench or a set of pen-ended/boxed-end combo wrenches
- Spoke wrench
- Cone wrenches (more useful for older bicycles)
- Cable cutter
- Chain tool
With the proper tools in hand, keeping your bike out in the sunshine is simple. Washing your bike, checking the brakes, wheels, and drive train are also all key elements to keeping your bike rolling smoothly. Washing your bike gives you an opportunity to see things on your bike that the average person wouldn't notice. You will become familiar with how it looks and operates. Do not use a high pressured hose because it could force dirt into bearings and cause damage.
Next, take the time to inspect the bike from top to bottom, noting cracks, fatigue marks in the frame and rusted or frayed cables. Brakes are one of the most overlooked items on a bike, but one of the most important. Squeeze the brake lever and try to roll the bike. It should not move. Check to see if the brake levers come all the way back to the handle bar, they should not. If they do, either the brake cable needs to be tightened or the brake shoes need to be replaced. Check for fraying in the brake cable or a kink that would make the action of the brake sluggish. If either of these situations is found, replace the cable. After both brakes are adjusted properly, put a little lube on the pivot in the handle and on the brake pivot bolt. Also make sure the brake shoes are centered on the rim when the brakes are applied. If not, loosen and adjust to center. Don't forget to re-tighten.
Things will not go smoothly if your wheels are not in good working order. Look over each wheel and inspect the tire to see if there are any cuts or abrasions. Also check the side walls for cracking. If any of these conditions apply, you will need to replace the tire. Use one of your tire irons to work the bead (the edge of the tire) off the rim. This will help you to work the whole tire off.
The drive train is the "transmission" of the bicycle. Use your "Y" wrench to check the tightness of your chain ring bolts and also check the front and rear derailleur to ensure they are tight. Remember, if you remove any part that is metal to metal, or threaded, it must be greased and lubed before the part is put back. Lastly, use a dry lube for your chain. Just turn the crank backwards, put lube on the chain and wipe off the excess.
Think of these items as one-time investments if you are serious about maintaining your bike on your own. If not, you can take it into a bike shop and expect to pay between $35 and $55, each time you bring it in. If you do not ride frequently, or only in summer, this may be an option for you. If you ride more often, the investment is a good idea. Doing your own maintenance and repairs allows you to become more familiar with your bike. This will build your confidence to make on the road repairs, especially fixing flats and making small adjustments.
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Uncommon Reasons to Bike
By Peter Flucke
For the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Better health. Cleaner environment. Cheap transportation. Less congestion. These are all benefits of bicycling that most people already know about, but before you get on a bicycle check out the positive side-effects in the not-so-fine print right here.
Riding up the corporate ladder. Reliability, perseverance and self-motivation are traits that employers look for. But how can you show your boss that you have the right stuff? Well, if you are a bicycle commuter you probably already are. People who bicycle to work get noticed. They may receive a little ribbing from their peers about arriving at work on two wheels instead of four, but they may also be gaining points with their higher ups. When co-workers say things like, "Are you nuts?" or "I could never do that." listen to what they are really saying. Isn't it really, "Wow is he in shape." Or, "Look at her, rain or shine she is always on time and she's riding a bike." Riding your bike may just put you ahead of the pack and ride you into a better job.
The Family that plays together. Kids want fun. You want cheap. The kids want speed and excitement. You want convenient and educational. Bicycling can satisfy all of the above and then some. Bicycling builds family ties. When you ride together there are no distractions like phones, televisions or computers to keep you from talking. Bicycling teaches teamwork. On a family ride, everyone must allow for each family member's strengths and weaknesses. Achieving family bicycling goals fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Bicycling teaches self-reliance. By riding as a family you can teach your children that they can get places -- on their own -- quickly, cheaply and without polluting the environment.
Marriage counseling on two wheels. Job demands and family responsibilities can put a lot of stress on a marriage. And quality time together is a rare commodity for most couples. A bicycle ride together is the ultimate in quality time. You may only have time for a quick ride during lunch or (if you can find a baby-sitter) an hour ride after dinner. But the time and money you spend will be well worth it. Add a little bit of fresh air and exercise. Subtract work pressures. And cancel out having to answer the question, "Why?" twenty times an hour. It is amazing how quickly you can remember all of the reasons you got married in the first place. Surely the price of a couple of bikes and a baby-sitter is less than a marriage counselor!
Cure wanderlust. Most of us want to get away from it all now and then. But all too often, we just don't have the time or the money to get far enough away from our everyday lives to make a difference, unless you are traveling by bicycle! When you travel by bicycle you are exploring the minute you leave your front door. Your best route by bicycle is seldom your best route by car. Thus, you will likely use roads -- right in your own neighborhood -- that you have never been on before. Every corner you turn becomes a new adventure. At bicycle speed you will see, hear and feel things that you have never experienced before. Bicycling will give you a whole new way of looking at things and may just cure your wanderlust.
Discover the other positive side-effects of bicycling - ride!
Peter Flucke is the president of WE BIKE and a member of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
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Bicyclists & Motorists Sharing the Road
By Peter Flucke and Arthur Ross
Contrary to popular belief, bicycling is not inherently dangerous. What is dangerous are the often-illegal interactions, which occur between bicyclists and motorists every day. If everyone followed existing laws more carefully, bicycling would be much safer.
The mechanics of driving a car are quite simple. Despite this simplicity, driving is the most dangerous thing that most of us do on a regular basis; dangerous not only for us, but for those around us as well. Every time there is a crash between a bicyclist and a motorist, it is almost certain that one of the drivers broke a law. Motorists are often unaware of, or disregard, laws designed to protect bicyclists. More than 90 percent of bicyclist fatalities involve a collision with a motor vehicle. Motorist-caused collisions with bicyclists occur most often when a motorist:
1) turns left (or right) into the path of a bicyclist at an intersection;
2) fails to stop for a stop sign or other traffic control device; or
3) exits a driveway or alley without first stopping and then looking
Let's take a look at some of the laws that affect a bicyclist's safety from the motorist's perspective. By law, a bicycle is a vehicle and bicyclists are given all of the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. The same set of laws apply to both bicyclist and motorists, with only a few exceptions. To safely interact with bicyclists on the roadway, motorists must follow these laws:
- Yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles, including bicycles, before turning left at intersections and driveways.
- Stop for all traffic control devices (stop light/stop signs) and yield to all traffic before proceeding.
- Leave at least three feet between you and the bicyclist when passing.
- Do not exceed posted speed limits and reduce speeds when necessary (especially at night).
- Do not drink and drive.
If these laws were followed, the majority of bicyclist/motor vehicle collisions caused by motorist errors would be prevented. Interestingly, in most cases where a law was broken resulting in a crash, the driver who broke the law knew that he or she had committed a violation.
For motorists to safely interact with bicyclists, it is helpful to understand what the bicyclist is doing. For example, a bicyclist riding more than two to three feet from the edge of the road may be avoiding rough pavement or may be concerned that motorists are passing too closely (within three feet) in a narrow lane. Instead of thinking of the bicyclist as an obstacle to get around as quickly as possible, think of the bicyclist as a person and treat him or her as if he or she were your child or spouse or friend. Slow down, look around, give plenty of clearance when passing, and move into the next lane if necessary for the bicyclist's safety. Do not honk your horn at a bicyclist unless it is an emergency. Make eye contact when possible and wave instead.
Furthermore, be especially cautious around young bicyclists. Children are not small adults. They have developmental and physical limitations, which can make them unpredictable. Slow down when you see children on bicycles and be prepared to react. Young bicyclists on sidewalks or in driveways are a common danger. Be careful as you pass. They may suddenly enter the street in front of you. Also, a child bicyclist on the road in front of you may suddenly turn left without first looking behind or signaling, leaving you little time to react.
To learn more about cooperating with bicyclists on the road, take an Effective Cycling or Motorist Education course. To find a course near you, contact the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. The BFW also produces a wallet-sized card with a synopsis of the state's bicycle and pedestrian laws. To get a card, contact the BFW at (608) 251-4456 or
by e-mail.
Peter Flucke is a former police officer and president of WE BIKE. Arthur Ross is the Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coordinator for the City of Madison and an Effective Cycling Instructor. Both are members of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
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Choosing the Best Bicycle for You
By Chris Kegel and Peter Flucke
For the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
The best bicycle for you is the one that suits your needs.
As a child you probably did not care what you rode, which is fortunate because you probably did not have a choice. Whatever mom or dad bought you or whatever you could salvage was fine. As long as the wheels went around and the tires had at least some air, you were ready to go (brakes were optional!). But times have changed. Now you do have a choice. Now you can choose the bicycle's type, size, frame material, components and even color, ultimately choosing the best bike for you.
The first step in selecting the right bike for you is to determine where you would like to ride. Will you be riding mostly on-road or off-road? Do you want to travel at a leisurely pace or do you want to race? Will you be riding for fitness, for recreation or to work? Any bicycle can take you where you want to go; it's just that some types of bicycles do it better than others.
The five general types of bikes are: mountain, road, hybrid, comfort and recumbent. Each has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the kind of riding you want to do.
Mountain bikes Designed for off-road use, they have wide, heavily treaded, low pressure tires, strong compact frames, straight handlebars and an upright riding position. In many ways a mountain bike is like a sport utility vehicle.
Advantages: sure footed, nimble, durable
Disadvantages: more wind and rolling resistance on smooth roads; noisy and bumpy ride, slow
Road bikes are built for on-road riding and speed. They have narrow, smooth, high pressure tires, drop handlebars, an aerodynamic riding position and a narrow seat. A road bike is like a two-seater sports car.
Advantages: less wind and rolling resistance; on-road, smooth and quiet, fast
Disadvantages: less stable in dirt or gravel, harsh ride on rough roads.
Hybrids A hybrid is a cross between a mountain and a road bike. They have mid-width, moderately treaded, medium pressure tires, straight handlebars, an upright riding position and a wider seat. This type of bike is very popular for riding around town and for light trail use.
Advantages: Smoother ride than a mountain bike and more stable than a road bike
Disadvantages: Less stable off-road and slower on-road
Comfort bikes These are modified mountain bikes designed to be more tame for the less aggressive rider who values comfort. They have wide, smooth treaded, medium pressure tires, high handlebars, an upright riding position and a wide, soft seat.
Advantages: Smooth, soft, stable ride
Disadvantages: Slow on-road and less nimble off-road
Recumbent bikes These bikes look like reclining chairs on wheels. The rider sits close to the ground with legs extended horizontally to pedals in front. Although different, this type of bike is gaining popularity.
Advantages: very comfortable and fast on-road
Disadvantages: different feel from a regular bike, inability to stand up.
Bikes come in many sizes, so picking the correct size is important. General size recommendations for adults when standing flat-footed over the top bar are:
- Recreational mountain bikes: Allow 2 to 3 inches of clearance. (More aggressive riders should have 3 to 5 inches.)
- Hybrids: Allow from 1 to 3 inches of clearance.
- Road bikes: Allow approximately 1 inch of clearance.
Other factors such as seat height, seat fore and aft position, handlebar height and reach also play a part in proper bike fit. See your local bicycle shop for assistance.
The frame determines the majority of the bike's riding characteristics. Steel, aluminum, carbon and titanium are all materials used in building bikes. The key is not what material is used but rather how well it is made. Lightweight frames are good, but they must also be strong. A bike's components -- gears, derailleur, chain, crank and brakes, for example -- are important. Better quality pieces will work like new years from now. Get the best that you can afford. Your intended use and buying style will determine what makes sense.
Once you know the type of bike you want and have selected size, frame material and components, the most fun is choosing the "look," i.e. the color.
A bike shop is the best place to buy a bicycle. The staff is knowledgeable and can assist you with your choice. Having a relationship with a bike shop is also helpful when it is time for repairs. Furthermore, get to know your new bike. Start with short rides at first and build up gradually. Recapture your youth. But this time, first choose the best bicycle for you.
BFW Board Member Chris Kegel is the owner of the Wheel & Sprocket bicycle stores in Wisconsin, Peter Flucke is the president of WE BIKE and both are members of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
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Fit for a King
By Richard Schwinn
The more you ride, the more a proper bike fit will affect your comfort and performance. A high quality bike is a major investment that can last for years. A proper fitting by a knowledgeable shop is an invaluable investment in your riding experience. A proper fit starts with the cyclist.
Numerous bike fitting formulas exist in our cycling universe, such as the ever-respected Greg Lemond formula or the popular Fit Kit®. There are always exceptions to these rules, however; depending on formulas alone leaves room for error. Start with yourself. Be clear about riding objectives and you will save yourself hours of agony in the saddle. Before you get a fitting ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you desire to improve your performance or to increase your comfort?
- How flexible is your body?
- How sensitive are you to changes in your riding position (saddle height, and position, bar height and so on)?
- What makes you uncomfortable?
- What is your perfect riding position?
- How willing are you to change your riding habits?
Getting clear on your answers to these questions dramatically increases the odds of success. Get good advice.
The better bike shops have a specialist who performs their fittings. Ask for that person. Then ask them a few questions:
- Can they relate to your problems? Look for someone who understands the kind of riding you do. They should be willing to show you how to achieve your goals. Above all, they should listen well.
- How do they perform their fitting? A good fitting should start with a personal interview and some kind of measurements (probably of you and your existing bike). It should include some verification of their recommended fit either on a bicycle fitting machine or a wind trainer. With the right chemistry, you and your fitter can work magic. Fittings typically take one to two hours. Most shops charge $50-100 for a fitting and include this in your bike purchase. It is one of the best investments you can make in your cycling future.
Next, listen to the "coach inside." When you are sitting on the sizing cycle or the wind trainer during a fitting, if it doesnąt feel right, it probably isn't. It is crucial for you to feel how your body reacts to your riding position. This is called "listening to the coach inside." Don't be afraid to share your feelings with your fitter. Take your time to get the right fit and don't rush the process. After all, this is your bike, it should fit you.
In many cases, the recommendations from a good fitting can guide you to low-cost changes in your existing bike. Bike shops offer a wide range of cranks, seat posts, saddles and stems which can let you radically change your riding position on your existing bike. You need to install a 60mm stem to get a proper fit (instead of a typical 110mm stem). You and your shop can choose the frame and component sizes which optimize both fit and handling.
We have never found a good answer to why FitKit® makes a recommendation down to the millimeter (e.g., "Your ideal top tube length is 538mm"). Most people cannot detect a 5mm difference in top tube length. Your ideal fit (the combination of frame geometry, stem position, saddle position and crank length) can change as often as the terrain you ride on. The best bike fitters cope with this by helping you locate your "sweet spot". Your sweet spot is the riding position closest to your most normal comfortable riding position. A good fitter will recommend a sizing which allows you to adjust components freely. Fitting will always remain as much art as science. With careful thought and close work with knowledgeable advisor, you can multiply the benefits of your investment in your bike. Nothing else will do so much for your riding pleasure or your performance.
The folks at USA Cycling in conjunction with Computrainer have invested thousands of man-hours to improve performance through proper riding position. They put the rider on a Computrainer (a computerized training system), selected a fixed workload and measured the rider's heart rate in different positions. They found the most efficient riding position was also the most comfortable, resulting in a lower heart rate.
Lastly, the sore bottom has plagued riders since the beginning of time. If this is your problem, you'll find your saddle choice just part of the solution. As you start the ride with fresh legs, pedaling lifts you partially off your saddle relieving pressure from the buttocks. When your legs tire, you sit longer, hence you butt gets sore. Physiologists have learned the ideal fit uses two main muscle groups in your legs - the hamstrings and the quadriceps. A poor fit causes one of those groups to be overused. The result: your legs tire faster, you sit sooner, leading to a bothersome bum. Often, simple changes to your stem height, saddle height, saddle position and saddle angle can improve efficiency and endurance, allowing a longer, more pleasurable ride.
Former BFW Board Member Richard Schwinn is the owner of Waterford Precision Cycles in Waterford, Wisconsin and is a member of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
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Keeping Your Components in Shape
By Scot McCollum
For the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
The components of your bicycle are comprised of moving parts which need to be lubricated on a regular basis. The first level of maintenance can be done with a can of oil and a rag. Petroleum based oils, like Sturmy Archer, or synthetic based, like Tri-Flow or Superlube, work well. Motor oil is too heavy and attracts dirt which not only makes your drive train more of mess, but also wears it out faster.
Begin by lubricating all of the pivots on the front and rear derailleur with a drop or two of oil. For those who are lucky to have an internally geared three speed hub, ten to twelve drops of oil once a month is sufficient. If the shift cables passes by a cable fluid at the bottom bracket, lubricate there as well and wipe away excess oil. It is important when lubricating components to not let oil get on the sides of the rims or brake pads. Lubricate all the pivots on the brakes in the same manner. Under normal riding conditions, do this every two or three months; if you are riding in more inclement conditions, you may have to perform this every two or three weeks.
When oiling the chain, use the oils listed above or Seeds chain lubricant. Apply oil to the rollers of the chain until you have completely gone around the entire chain. Loosely wrap a rag around the lower section of the chain and, holding on to it with your left hand, pedal backwards with your right hand until the excess oil and grime are removed. For bicycles with a coaster brake, you need to pedal forward while a friend holds the back of the bike up.
In addition to lubricating the calipers and levers of the brakes, there are two more things that can be done to enhance braking. Scrub the sides of your rims with warm, soapy water and a good sponge or brush. While you are scrubbing the sides of the rims, it is also a good idea to do the sidewalls of your tires. Dish detergent works well because it does not leave a residue, and is readily available. Solvents will also work, but some will leave an oily residue.
The next item is to clean the contact surface of the brake pads. This is particularly important on bike with aluminum rims (i.e. alloy). Dirt and grit picked up by the rim becomes impregnated in the brake pad creating an abrasive surface that will erode away the sides of the rim and cause an annoying grinding sound when the brakes are applied. A couple of passes over the braking surface with either a file or a piece of emery cloth will generally fix this problem. Particles that are deeply embedded can be pried out with a straight pin or a safety pin. Despite removing a small amount of pad material, these will improve braking and save you money in costly rim replacement.
Following these simple tips can help keep your bike riding like new.
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Romance on Two Wheels
By Dave Glowacz
First North American serial rights Copyright 2000
Having trouble finding a reason to bicycle? Try this one: romance. Almost everyone gets the meaning of having a date "in the back seat." But most people don't know how one can find romance on the saddle of a bike. And not just a tandem bicycle. Not having your cycling companion ride their own bike can actually limit your opportunity for a
bike-dating breakthrough, as we'll see in a minute.
As a starting point, let us consider the perhaps delicate matter of going on a bike date with someone not as cycle-savvy as yourself--someone who might have last gotten on a bike when they still wore braces. You might protest: Why should you hassle with using bikes to go on a date with a cycling novice? Well, think about why you bicycle at all: You like that it keeps your body, wallet, and planet healthy.
Imagine giving such a gift to someone you date--as a powerful way to introduce an alternative to firing up the car. Envision yourself changing attitudes, two wheels at a time. For your potential companion, the first key to chucking the car keys involves not shoving the idea down their throat. You might feel that because you embrace bicycling, anybody that doesn't comes from an inferior part of the species. But this attitude won't persuade your date to try a bike, let alone try it with you. Rather, simply suggest--gently--that the two of you would have more fun on your trip to a movie, restaurant, or concert if you went by bike. If your date seems receptive, take him or her by the hand and carefully, slowly, and patiently go for a bike ride.
Before the date, you should make sure your partner has a rideable bike. If not, borrow one. But say your date has an old three-speed that needs a little attention. If you feel handy with a wrench and an oil bottle, offering to fix it up gives you a great chance to score points provided it works better, not worse, after you've had at it. At the very least, you can impress your date with your generosity. Next, you should help your date look and feel good. Talk with them about dressing in light layers, with a non-absorbent synthetic material (not cotton) closest to their skin. This will move sweat away from their body and keep them more comfortable. Sweat, at some point in the dating process, means intimacy, but up front keep it cool.
Your date might worry that a bike helmet creams their coiffure. To spread out the helmet's crushing effect, help tie a bandanna, pirate-style, over their hair before helmeting. While doing this, diffuse any noticeable hairy tension by snarling "Aye, ye matey!" Finally, get your date physically comfortable on their bike. Pump up their tires to make for easy pedaling. Also, adjust their bike's seat so they can stand with both feet flat on the ground. This seat position seems too low to experienced bikers, but it helps the novice come to a stop without falling over. (Bad form on a date.) And before you go anywhere, make sure your charge knows how to stop.
Okay, so now comes time to roll--"time" the operative word here. When biking with a novice, multiply the time it would normally take you to get somewhere by three or four. To avoid frustration (yours and theirs) with speed differences, let them lead. Wherever possible, use side streets and avoid left turns. If busy intersections overwhelm, walk across them. And take frequent breaks.
And don't forget about security. No, not the emotional kind. Rather, both you and your escort must have enough locking hardware to securely park both bikes at your destination. Many cycling novices don't own good locks, so if necessary, borrow a serious lock and key from a biker pal.
Sure, all this might sound more pedantic than romantic. But remember: Dating by bike lets you demonstrate how you can support and encourage your date in situations that would never arise in a car. If you quash your urge to show off your superior cycling skills, you will impress the one you are sweet on with your sensitivity. Leading, perhaps, to the day when going out with someone usually means traveling via the mode you love most: by bike.
Find more biking tips in Mr. Bike's book - Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips, available at book stores and bike shops, by calling 800/888-4741, or by e-mailing.
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The Many Benefits of Biking
By Heather Putnam
For the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Want to bicycle but having a hard time getting motivated? Getting inspired is easier than you think. One of the most positive impacts of bicycling is improved health. Healthy People 2000, a report published by the U.S. Public Health Service, outlines many health benefits of bicycling:
- Those who exercise regularly live longer than those who do not.
- Regular exercise not only enhances quality of life as we age, but it also helps maintain our functional independence.
- School children who exercise regularly enjoy better health and better grades.
Another way to think about exercise is to consider the impact of NOT exercising. Physically inactive people are more than twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease as those who exercise regularly. In short, moderate exercise such as bicycling can offer major health benefits. Beyond physical health, bicycling helps to relieve stress; to fight off depression and anxiety; and to enhance your sense of well-being. There are many other benefits of bicycling. Here are just a few:
- Bicycling is fun. It does not matter if you like to go fast or slow, to go cross country or next door, to travel by yourself or with others, to get out every day or once a month. All are possible by bicycle. And all are FUN.
- Save money. Every time you bicycle rather than drive, you save money by not having to buy gas and by putting less wear and tear on your car. In fact, you save about 26 cents for every mile you choose to bicycle, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Bicycling three miles each way to work for a year saves $390 -- enough to pay for a new bicycle and a new helmet.
- Save time. You are probably thinking, "What? I can't ride my bicycle as fast as I drive my car." True. However, it is not the maximum speed that counts, rather the total time from door to door. If you consider the time it takes to find a parking space, trek across a parking lot and go to the gym to work out (necessary since driving is essentially sedentary), bicycling is very time-efficient -- especially for trips shorter than five miles.
- Less traffic-related stress. The stress and elevated blood pressure that result from driving in congested traffic are well-documented. Just mention congestion and your blood pressure likely rises. Nothing is quite so satisfying as riding in a bicycle lane past cars stuck in a traffic jam. Also, you can choose to pedal on streets with less traffic than the main thoroughfares and maybe avoid the congestion altogether. Just as congestion is created one car at a time, it can be alleviated one car at a time. Whenever you bicycle there is one fewer car on the road and, therefore, less congestion.
- Parking is no problem. When you bicycle you can almost always park closer to your destination than when you drive a car, saving time and frustration. Bicycle parking facilities are compact. In fact, eight bicycles can park in the space required for one car!
- Reduce air pollution. Bicycles do not emit pollutants into the air. On the other hand, motorized vehicles are responsible for 70 percent of the carbon monoxide, 45 percent of the nitrogen dioxide, 34 percent of the hydrocarbon and 18 percent of the particulate emissions that humans produce, according to the National Bicycling and Walking Study. About 60 percent of the pollutants from a typical car trip are given off in the first few minutes of operation, reports the World Resources Institute. Each time you choose to bicycle rather than to drive a car, you make a valuable contribution to improving air quality. Although Wisconsin is not California, much of southeastern Wisconsin does not meet federal air quality standards, and Madison fails to meet these standards several days a year.
- Freedom to travel. Bicycles provide a way to travel wherever and whenever you want. Bicycles allow youth a degree of independence not realized when mom or dad has to drive them. The freedom, of course, also extends to the parents, who no longer have to chauffeur their brood.
- Happy employers Employers have great incentives to support employees who bicycle. The National Bicycling and Walking Study reports that, compared to those who drive, employees who bicycle tend to have greater job satisfaction, to be more productive and to miss work less often due to illness.
Ms. Putnam has a master's degree in landscape architecture and specializes in urban bicycling.
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Where the Rubber Meets the Road
By Scot McCollum
For the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
As bicycling advocates, we know that commuting is a great way to let our presence be known and to stay in shape. In order to accomplish this as efficiently as possible, our bicycles must be up to the task. Wheels and tires are ground zero for bike performance.
Flat tires from external sources (glass and road debris) may not always by under our control, but the condition of our wheel components is under our control. When properly inflated to the recommended pressures, tires will not only be more resistant to flats, but will make the bicycle easier to pedal because of the lower rolling resistance.
Tires should be free of cuts in the sidewalls and the tread. The tire needs to be replaced if the chords are frayed on the sidewall or if they are showing through the tread. Also inspect the sidewalls for sign of abrasions by poorly adjusted brakepads contacting the tire. Readjust brakepads if abrasions are minor; readjust brakepads and replace the tire if the chords are cut. Inspect the inner tube next. Make sure that there are no cuts or abrasions at the base of the valve stem. This is caused by underinflation or not installing the tube with the valve stem perpendicular to the rim. If the tube is flat, only repair it if the hole is a pinhole which is not on the seam or if it is a cut less than a quarter of an inch.
The rim strip is the piece of rubber, cloth, or reinforced nylon that separates the inner tube from the heads of the spoke nipple or from the spoke holes in box style rims. It must be in good condition with no cracks or tears and should be directly centered above the heads of the nipples. On U-shaped rims, which include all steel rims and some aluminum rims, the end of the spoke should not protrude above the top of the nipple. If this does occur, file until flush using the serrated edge of a file.
Wheels should be kept in a reasonable state of tension and true. Wheels with broken or loose spokes are more likely to leave you stranded. Basic maintenance pays off with a safer, more comfortable, and more satisfying commute.
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You Are Riding Bicycle History
By Jim Guthrie
For the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
Think you're riding the latest, greatest, high-tech version of the two-wheeled human powered vehicle. That's what I used to think. Then I joined a group of antique bicycle enthusiasts, the Wheelmen, and discovered that it's all been thought of and been done before. The big difference between the past and the present is materials; the space age has brought some neat things to bicycling. Let's take a brief trip through the history of bicycling. Perhaps you will end up as hooked as I am on this fascinating story.
Carriage makers started making bicycle prototypes in the early 1880's. They had iron tires, wooden wheels and, of course, a not-so-comfortable seat. People simply called them "wheels." These machines were "enjoyed" primarily by wealthy young gentlemen in Europe who had more leisure time than most. They would ride their "wheels" through the parks thrilling all who watched. Unlike bicycles of today, on these machines the rider had to pick up the front wheel in order to change directions. And to move it forward, the rider had to push his feet along the ground--hardly an efficient means of transportation.
By 1821, the first "wheel" had made its way to the United States. By the 1860's, riders could actually steer and pedal thanks to those two inventions. But getting anywhere on such dinosaurs still took a lot of effort. (Remember what it's like to pedal a child's tricycle.) To rescue the winded riders came the big drive wheel (the front wheel to which the pedals are attached on a tricycle). It was developed by an Englishman named Starly and dubbed the "highwheeler". People loved them because, compared to previous models, they could really cruise on their highwheelers.
When Starly completed his bike, he challenged a horseman to a 100-mile, one-day race. Starly won the race on his contraption and didn't require any hay, oats or water. The horseman required two mounts to complete the journey. Eventually, people began to see bicycling as a real means of transportation and not just a toy. It allowed them, through their own exertion, to reach their destination faster than on foot. And many ventured farther than they would have without a bike.
This new freedom caused societal changes; in a small but significant way, it contributed to the women's liberation movement. With bikes, young women more easily evaded the watchful eye of their chaperones. Bloomers, an early version of pants, were invented by a woman for females who wanted to ride a bicycle and still appear to be appropriately dressed.
Still other activities evolved as a result of the "wheel." Ordinary (highwheel) bicyclists irritated horsemen because the bike sometimes spooked the horses. Retaliation by horsemen involved sticking their riding crop in the spokes of the bicycle's front wheel causing the cyclist to catapult off the bike onto his head. This maneuver was called "taking a header" and injured or killed many early cyclists.
Poor roads were also a hazard to cyclists. Muddy rutted wagon lanes often made falling unavoidable. Logically, bicyclists began to organize for their own protection. Riding clubs formed throughout the Midwest and the East. Ultimately, a national organization, the League of American Wheelmen, was formed. Its goals were to teach people how to ride and to improve road conditions. The League's Good Roads Movement resulted in the paving of many roads out East. In Wisconsin, however, we can credit the dairy industry with our fine paved country roads.
With all this interest in cycling, it was just a matter of time before bicycle design became more cyclist-friendly. That day arrived in 1885 when the Safety bicycle was introduced by its inventor, James Stanley. Featuring a rear-driven chain transmission and two wheels of approximately the same size, the Safety is the direct predecessor to today's mainstream models.
According to Nick Sanders in his book, Bicycle: The Image and the Dream, "By 1900, the bicycle had nearly reached perfection and was much the same as it is today." Oh, yes, and that seat that you all find so comfortable -- there have been many attempts over the last hundred plus years to improve it. But alas, even space-age materials can't improve some things.
Jim Guthrie is a member of the Wheelmen and the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. He can be seen riding his highwheel bicycle in the Milwaukee area where he lives.
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