A Short and Sweet Primer on Bicycle Gearing and
Safety for the Recreational Rider

by John Bullaro

Riding a bike can leave you breathless. Well, maybe not breathless, but gasping for air. Bicycles today have multiple speeds. Some novice riders use only one gear and struggle as if shifting required an engineering degree. A few adults put on a comedy act when they ride. Their seat's so low so their knees almost reach their chest. Often the bike's too small so riding a straight line is nearly impossible.

A bicycle is an engineering marvel. It is one of the most efficient machines invented by humans. It's most vulnerable features are its two pneumatic tires. A flat tire is your biggest worry and even a couch potato can learn to fix one. Learning to use the gears properly (there are now up to 24 gears on a bike) can reduce the gasping.  A good dealer will teach you how to adjust the gears and brakes. If you have timid lungs, there are excellent electric assist bicycles available for a modest cost. (Check out Libertybikes.com or Google "electric bicycles.")

I'll not confuse you with gearing formulas. A professional bike shop will advise you on the low and high gear range you might need for cycling pleasure. Ask your bicycle salesperson to set you up with the best gears for your physical requirements and for climbing hills. They will know what you need. Be prepared to pay a little extra if retro fitting of gears is necessary. (Visit mechanical nerds or Google "bicycle gearing.") Low range gears will be your best friend.

To paraphrase the old TV ad, "A brain is a terrible thing to waste." WEAR A HELMET.  

Here's a few more safety tips to get you back home for dinner:

2) Always ride with the flow of traffic.
3) Never, ever, ride two abreast in the street.
4)  Watch for parked car doors that can flatten you when they suddenly fly open.
5) Exercise caution at intersections. Mall driveways may be hell-bend on buying an iPhone and not be concerned about a bicycle rider.
6) Use you eyes and ears. No ear buds, please.
7) Signal your intentions to auto drivers.
8) Use bike paths when possible. And stay off side walks unless absolutely necessary, and then go slow. 
9) Stop at stop signs and stop on red lights. Cyclists are subject to traffic tickets.
10)  If you ride after sunset, wear a bright colored shirt or jacket, have a tail light and head light. I always use a non vibrating side view mirror.

Most importantly

11) Have Fun!! 

Unless you're a Lance Armstrong devotee, forget spandex shorts or skin tight, blazing colors jerseys. Be comfortable. Forget toe clips or "pedal clips." You're not racing. Start with short rides, a mile or two, and slowly increase as conditioning develops. In no time you'll be cranking off twenty to thirty mile trips. Soon you and your mountain bike will be on back country roads free from the maddening crowds.

Wolf Image on Banner by Don Joseph