The Bike

The most obvious piece of equipment required for cycling is the bike. There are numerous types of bikes used for various purposes. Consider your needs carefully before buying.

The Mountain Bike

These are sturdy bikes with fat tires that were originally designed for trail riding and can therefore handle very rough terrain. Some people like mountain bikes for urban riding as the wide, knobby tires provide a sturdy balance and good road grip. Mountain bikes are generally heavier and their tires provide more surface area thus making them slower and more cumbersome than a road bike or hybrid.

The Road Bike

This type of bike has narrow tires and a light frame that were designed specifically for road riding (think: Tour de France). Due to its specially-designed, lightweight and more expensive components, including a frame that requires a position in which the rider hunches down over the handlebars (encouraging speed through aerodynamics), this bike is for those with strong interests in road cycling and racing. The road bike is not practical in the city where thin tires can become caught in grates or potholes, or loose grip on gravelly surfaces.

The Hybrid Bike

Some call the hybrid the "€œbest of both worlds". The hybrid bike combines components of both the mountain bike (upright sitting position and lots of gears) and the road bike (lighter and more efficient; same size rims as a racer but with wider, somewhat knobby tires). This comfortable bike is good for both long and short trips and is equally at home on well-worn trails as on the road. If you are not planning to race or do any "€œhard core"€ off-roading, the hybrid's versatility may be perfect for you.

The City Bike (or Cruiser)

These are simple, low-maintenance one-speed bikes intended for short urban trips and errands. They often have built-in mudguards, lights, racks and baskets. Built for comfort, these bikes have a sprung saddle that requires a very upright position. These are good urban bikes if speed is not important to you. Due to the hilly terrain of the Peterborough region, you may need to consider the cruiser's limitation of having only one gear.

The Recumbent Bike

A recumbent bike's main feature is its unique riding position. Instead of sitting in a saddle, a recumbent requires that you recline in a padded seat. Because of this there is no strain put on the rider's neck, back or wrists. Due to the rider's position, recumbent bikes can be up to 30% faster than a standard bike! (The current record is 80 mph!! Because of this they have been banned from competing against conventional bikes since 1934.) If you are seriously considering a recumbent, determine your needs carefully and do the research. There are many different types available.

The Proper Fit

To ensure that you enjoy cycling and don't create unnecessary aches and pains, your bike must be properly fitted to your body. Below are some general guidelines, however, fine-tuning your bike position can greatly improve your efficiency and comfort-level. Visit a reputable bike specialist for that perfect fit.

General bike fitting guidelines:

• There should be a clearance of two to five centimetres from the top tube (crossbar) to your body when you stand on the ground and straddle the bike.
• The seat should be at least five centimetres above the frame. While you are seated, both feet should touch the ground. When pedaling, your knee should be slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest point.
• The handlebar stem should be adjusted so that your hands rest lightly on the handlebar and your body weight is evenly balanced between the front and back of the bike

- from the City of Ottawa's TravelWise site

The Anatomy of a Bike

It is helpful to learn the parts of a bike. This will enable you to talk to your bicycle mechanic and is necessary for learning basic maintenance techniques.

Other Equipment As Required By Law

The provincial law requires that cyclists have proper equipment. You must be equipped with:

• A bell or a horn
• At least one braking system on the rear wheel capable of skidding the wheel on dry, level pavement
• A white front light visible from a distance of at least 150 meters
• A red rear light
• 2 strips of white reflective tape on front forks 125 mm by 25 mm
• 2 strips of red reflective tape on rear forks

It is the law for every cyclist under the age of 18 to wear a CSA-approved bicycle helmet. Although it is not law for adults, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you wear an approved helmet too. Wearing a helmet drastically decreases your chances of serious head injury and death. For tips on purchasing a helmet, visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.

Here are some other helpful sites:

• How to Fit Your Child's Helmet
• Getting into the Helmet Habit

Reflective and light-coloured clothing is important for keeping you visible to drivers at night and in inclement weather. For versatility, try wearing a retro-reflective triangle or vest. You can also place reflective tape on your helmet, panniers or bike trailer.

Bike Locks

Having a good lock is essential for theft prevention! After an unlocked bicycle, bikes without proper security equipment are the next common target for thieves.

Generally speaking, strong U-locks tend to be more reliable than coil or cable locks. Ensure that when you purchase a lock it is designed for security and not fashion. Ideally, you should choose one that is hard to cut through - like solid steel! It can also be a good idea to have 2 locks, with different mechanisms. That way, professional thieves can't use the same tool.

A lock is also not the place to save money. A good investment here will be a good investment for your bike. But even if you have the best quality lock, ensure it does its job by following these tips:

• Position the lock as tightly as possible between the bike frame and wheel making it harder for thieves to use tools to break it.
• If your U-lock unlocks with a key at the crossbar, make sure the keyhole faces the ground.
• Don't position your lock close to the ground. This makes it easier to break and less obvious to onlookers who may be unsuspectingly watching a crime.
• And finally, always double-check your lock before you leave your bike!

More Tips to Prevent Theft

• Always lock up your bike!
• If your bike is expensive, consider using a second, used bike for errands and commuting in high theft areas (downtown and school grounds, for example)
• Make your bike look "€œugly" and unique (stickers, markings); the flashier and newer-looking the bike, the more attractive it is to thieves
• Take off all removable objects when you leave your bike (lights, mirrors, bags, seats, wheels, water bottles, etc.)
• Lock your bike to a sturdy, immoveable, unbreakable object (not wire fencing, trees or wooden rails) in a busy, well-lit area
• Don't lock your bike in the same location all the time. Thieves may notice a pattern and target your bike
• Be sure to register your bicycle with the Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service - call (705) 876-1122 for more information
• Never, ever buy a stolen bike. You will be encouraging theft by supporting the stolen bicycle market

Useful Cycling Accessories

Here are some cycling basics (though not necessities) that will help keep your ride safe, comfortable and enjoyable:

• a side-mirror to help see behind you (but remember to check over your shoulder too)
• a tire pump - have a small, portable one for traveling and have a comfortable-to-use stand-up pump for home
• fenders - front and back fenders will keep mud and rain from splashing your clothes
• a water bottle and holder -€“ a must for longer trips
• a rear-rack to carry things and to support panniers
• a repair kit that includes tire levers, a spare proper-sized tube and tire patches
• appropriate screwdrivers and adjustable wrench
• spare batteries for lights
• money and contact phone numbers in case of an emergency
• a cell phone for emergencies
• protective eyewear (for sun and debris)
• padded, breathable bike shorts
• bike gloves
• pant clips (or rubber bands!)