You can get a bike for any surface on the market today whether you want a road bike for the tarmac, a mountain bike for the hills or a casual bike for general riders. No matter which type of cycling you do, biking is a great way to keep fit, increase your muscle strength and give your heart a workout.
Road bikes are popular among people who want to speed along flat, smooth surfaces. The wheels are different to mountain biking tyres because they are much thinner. The frame is less bulky too.
Recumbent bikes are getting more and more popular among the more elderly bikers. The relaxing position of the seat on a recumbent bike means that you will be comfortable whilst riding. Your butt is very comfortably cushioned. You will be sat with your feet in front of you like you are driving a car. Recumbent bikes are the fastest type of bicycle. One reason is that with your legs extended forward and pedalling in front of you, you are able to move much more weight with much less effort than on a conventional bike where your legs are underneath of you. Although it can take a while for beginners to develop their ‘recumbent muscles’ once they have it will be hard for them to return to an upright bicycle.
Although one of the toughest forms of cycling, mountain biking is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. You can rent mountain bikes from riding groups if you cannot afford the expensive models. You may only decide you need a light duty mountain bike which would also be good for regular riding. Not all mountain biking trails are killers and for experts only – they had to start somewhere too! Mountain biking trails are rated somewhat like ski trails, the easiest is green, an intermediate is blue and difficult trails are pink. To reduce the risk of injury you should learn how to handle the bike and go slowly so that the damage done to your joints is minimal.
Whatever style of biking you prefer, make sure you get pedalling! Biking is a great way to achieve an aerobic workout and burn calories at the same time. What’s more, the family can all ride together and you don’t need a license to ride a bike.