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When it comes to getting a bicycle for exercise or fun, there are plenty of options to choose from. For openers, there are comfort and cruiser bicycles. Think old school Schwinn – bikes with balloon tires and big seats. These are the preferred choice of many recreational bike riders.
Other choices include mountain bikes, racing bikes, touring bikes and specialty bicycles such as; recumbent, BMX and tandem (2 person) bikes. No matter which type of bike you may choose, biking is a great way to increase stamina, improve cardiovascular strength and have all around better fitness.
Mountain biking has become one of the more popular bike riding activities, enjoyed by a wide age range of people. Be advised that a good quality mountain bike can be fairly expensive, so you will want to decide what your real needs are. When shopping always ask plenty of questions and be sure to let the sales person know what your main use for the bike will be. You might even try some bike rentals to help you make a decision. You may decide you only need a light duty mountain bike, which would also be good for regular riding.
When it comes to riding, remember that not all biking trails are for experts only. Mountain bike trails are rated – the easiest is green, an intermediate is blue and difficult trails are pink. Go slowly to begin, mountain biking requires some skill and you’ll need to learn how to handle the bike to minimize chance of injury.
Another type of bike that is gaining fans is the recumbent bike. These are becoming very popular with older riders and cross country riders. On a recumbent bike you have a very comfortable seat that you can lean back in, much like sitting in your favorite reclining chair. Your butt is very comfortably cushioned. Your feet are out in front of you, similar to when you’re driving your car.
An interesting note; recumbent bikes are the fastest type of bicycle. One reason is that with your legs extended forward and pedaling in front of you, you are able to move more weight with much less effort than a conventional bike. Beginning recumbent riders say it takes a while to develop what are called “recumbent muscles” but once you do you may never go back to an ordinary bicycle.
But whatever type of bicycle you choose, just do it! Biking is a great way to get an aerobic work out and burn calories at the same time. The best part is that anyone can ride a bike and it’s a great family recreation to be enjoyed together.
If you need more help figuring out which bike might be best for you or where you might be able to save money when buying a bicycle? Here is a site dedicated to information about Cannondale Mountain Bikes – http://www.cannondalemountainbike.info
The Cannondale Mountain Bike info site offers a video to help you evaluate what type of bike would best be suited to your needs. To find out more, click on either of the above links!
