Bike
Fit:
Bike
Fit Proper bike fit is important. A bike that s too large or too small
is difficult to control and can lead to discomfort or injury. As a
general rule for road bicycles, you should have at least one inch of
clearance between the top tube and your crotch as you stand astride the
bike. Clearance should be approximately two inches for a hybrid or cross
bike and three to four inches for a mountain bike. Ask your bike shop
for help fitting your bike.
Outfitting Your Bike
You
don t have to spend a lot of money on gear, but certain accessories can
make bike commuting safer and more enjoyable. Prioritize spending on
safety-related items. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and
since bike commuting is very economical, you will save money in the long
run. To make choosing among the wide variety of bicycle accessories a
less daunting task, think about your needs, talk to friends and staff at
your local bike shop and read equipment reviews in bicycle publications.
Headlights &
Tail Lights
Headlights are required by law
for night riding. Taillights are a good addition to the rear red
reflector. Lights vary greatly in their quality of construction,
mounting design, amount of light they supply and run time. Headlights
are divided into three categories: rechargeable, non-rechargeable, and
generator. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Battery-powered LED
(light-emitting diode) lights are long-lasting, light weight and
reliable.
Tools
It s a good idea to carry a
basic tool kit with a small set of allen wrenches, a tire patch kit,
and tire levers. Flat tire repair is often featured in bicycling
magazines and is always included in repair manuals. Products such as
puncture-resistant tires, tubes and tire liners can help prevent
flats. Inquire at your local bike shop. Including a rag in your tool
kit can help you stay clean in the event of a mechanical problem. |
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Fenders
Fenders help in wet conditions. They nearly eliminate spray from
your wheels, keeping you drier, cleaner, and more comfortable. |
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Mirrors
Some cyclists use mirrors to keep track of traffic behind them.
Mirrors come in two basic types: head-mounted and bar-mounted.
Mirrors mounted on your helmet (or eyeglasses) are constantly in
your field of view, requiring just a quick glance to check the road
behind, but some find them distracting. Bar-mounted mirrors are not
in the field of view, but often are subject to vibration from the
road. Although mirrors can help you keep tabs on traffic, they are
not a substitute for looking behind you before changing lanes. |
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