Cycling

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(Redirected from Bicycling)

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.

1 Getting started
2 Organized rides and races
3 Bicycling and health
4 Notes
5 See also
6 External links

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Getting started

Image:Kusuma bike large.jpg Image:Utility bicycle.jpg The two most popular types of bicycle in North America are mountain bicycles and road bicycles. Both range in price from US$50-3000 or more depending mostly on weight and quality. In the case of road bicycles, the lightest bikes weigh around 6 kg (13 lb) and are the most expensive. For most, a good starting road bike would be in the range of 9-10 kg (20-22 lb) (stripped down with no accessories) and would cost just under US$1,000 in the United States; most likely it will have been manufactured in East Asia, although its actual brand name may be European or American. Basic serviceable second-hand bicycles can be bought for US$50-150 or more from classified advertisements and through online auctions.

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.

The drivetrain 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 (two chainrings) front gear system will suffice in place of a triple-crank (three chainrings) system.

When buying a bicycle, set aside some money for accessories. Accessories that some consider helpful include a lock, mudguards/fenders, lights, luggage racks and pannier bags, pump, cycling shorts (with padding), clips to hold wide trousers/slacks/jeans, cycling shoes, spare inner tubes, CO2 cartridges as a possible replacement for a tyre pump, water bottle and water bottle cage, a puncture repair kit and tyre levers.

Winter cycling also requires lights, cycling gloves, a waterproof jacket and/or overtrousers and possibly waterproof overshoes.

Items that can be purchased later or omitted include full sized tire pump, multi-tool, bicycle computer, studded tires and degreaser. A bicycle helmet is obligatory in some jurisdictions, especially for children.

Cycling is a reasonably low maintenance transport form/hobby/sport and the beginner can learn much from online forums and bike shop personnel. Many bike shops even hold complimentary maintenance classes. Inspection and maintenance of brakes is important.

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Organized rides and races

Many cycling clubs hold organized rides and varying races that bicyclists of all types compete in. The typical organized race/ride starts with a large group of riders. This will thin out over the course of the ride. Many riders choose to ride together in groups of the same skill level to take advantage of drafting.

Most organized rides include registration requirements and will provide information either through the mail or online concerning start times and other requirements. Rides usually consist of 25, 50 and 100 mile routes, each with a certain number of rest stops that usually include refreshments, first aid and maintenance tools.

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Bicycling and health

Bicycles are commonly used by people seeking to improve their fitness and cardiovascular health. In this regard, bicycling is especially helpful for those with arthritis of the lower limbs and who are unable to pursue sports such as running that involve more pounding and resultant trauma to joints.

It has been estimated that, on average, approximately 20 life-years are gained from the health benefits of road bicycling for every life-year lost through injury <ref> {{cite book

| author =British Medical Association 
| coauthors =Mayhew Hillman, David Morgan
| title =Cycling: Towards Health and Safety 
| origyear =1992 
| publisher =Oxford Univ. P 
| id =ISBN 0192861514

}} </ref>. Some of those injuries, such as those to the head and extremities resulting from falls and collisions, are acute.

Chronic injuries, including nerve damage at weight bearing locations, can also occur as a result of repeatedly riding a bicycle for extended periods of time. Damage to the ulnar nerve in the palm, the genitourinary tract <ref>Eur Urol., Bicycling related urogenital disorders. 2005 Mar;47(3):277-86 (PMID 15716187)</ref> or bicycle seat neuropathy <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> may result. In extreme cases, Pudendal Nerve Entrapment can be a source of intractable perineal pain <ref>Am J Phys Med Rehabil., Pudendal nerve entrapment as source of intractable perineal pain. 2003 Jun;82(6):479-84. (PMID 12820792)</ref>. Some bicyclists with induced pudendal nerve pressure neuropathy gained relief from improvements in saddle position and riding techniques <ref>Clin Exp Neurol., Bicycling induced pudendal nerve pressure neuropathy. 1991;28:191-6. (PMID 1821826)</ref>.

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