Essential cycling gear .......................................................................
If you haven’t owned a bike since grammar school, prepare yourself for sticker
shock. Mountain bikes,the fat-tire bikes with upright handlebars, are somewhat
less expensive than comparable road bikes,the kind with the curved handle-
bars. In both categories, you won’t find many decent bikes under $500; many
cost more than $2,000. Don’t take out a second mortgage to buy a fancy bike,
but if you have any inkling that you may like this sport, don’t skimp, either.
You’ll just end up buying a more expensive bike later.What distinguishes a $500 bike from a $2,000 steed? Generally, the more
expensive the bike, the stronger and lighter its frame. A heavy bike can slow
you down, but unless you plan to enter the Tour de France, don’t get hung up
on a matter of ounces. Cheaper bikes are made from different grades of steel;
as you climb the price ladder, you find materials such as aluminum, carbon
fiber, and titanium. The price of a bike also depends on the quality of the
components— the mechanics that enable your bike to move, shift, and brake.Cheaper bikes come with toe clips(pedal straps) that enable you to pull up
on the pedal as well as push down. But you can pull up even more efficiently
with clipless pedals, which lock into cleats affixed to the bottom of your
cycling shoes. These pedal systems are like ski bindings: You’re locked in, but
your feet pop out easily when you fall. To clip out, you simply twist your foot
to the side.Beginners usually have an accident or two with clipless pedals because they
haven’t developed the instinct to twist sideways. Suzanne once tipped over
with both feet clicked into her pedals. We’ll spare you the details of her
injury, but let’s just say that she ended up at the gynecologist.Find a bike dealer you trust and know that bike prices are negotiable. Ask the
salesman to throw in a few free extras, like a bike computer to measure your
speed and distance or a seat bag to carry food and tools.Don’t even think about pedaling down your driveway without a helmet snug
atop your noggin. Cycling gloves make your ride more comfortable and protect
your hands when you crash. Glasses are important to protect your eyes from
the dust, dirt, and gravel.Buy a pair of padded cycling shorts and a brightly colored cycling jersey so
that you can easily be seen. Unlike cotton t-shirts, jerseys wick away sweat
so that you won’t freeze on a downhill after you worked up a big sweat climb-
ing up. Plus, jerseys have pockets in the back deep enough to hold half a gro-
cery store worth of snacks. Always carry a water bottle or wear a hydration
pack, a clever backpack-like water pouch that we describe in Chapter 25.152 Part III: Getting to the Heart of the Matter