Saturday, August 13, 2011

Biking

Biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, as well as one of the most popular forms of low impact exercise. Choosing the right bicycle frame for you is critical to maximize your enjoyment and minimize your potential for injuries.

What is your goal for the bike? Will you be using it for commuting and running errands, or climbing extreme terrains? Solely on the road for exercise, or will you be taking it out on long road trips? The frame of the bike, and how it fits you, are critical elements in the experience.

If you plan on biking primarily on streets and roads, find a frame that you can easily straddle with one leg on each side of the center crosspiece. You should have between 3 to 6 inches clearance between the crossbar and your crotch. This will diminish the potential for slipping and injuring yourself, and make it possible to maneuver in stop and go traffic when you will have to lower one or both feet to the ground.

In a mountain biking situation, you should look for 1 to 3 inches of clearance. Because of the terrain, you will need to ‘hug’ the frame at times for balance. If the frame, and the center of gravity of the bike, are out of balance with the center of gravity with your body, falls are more likely to occur.

The length of the frame is important as well. When seated on the bike, your back should be in a straight line with your hands on the handlebars. If your back is bent or flexed, you can easily sustain a stress injury on sudden stops or on a sustained ride. You can adjust the distance somewhat by raising and lowering the seat and handlebars.

Once you have adjusted for body length, you need to check that you are still able to reach the pedals in proper form. With the seat at the right height to protect your back, put one foot on the pedal and extend it until the pedal is fully down. Your knee should still be slightly bent with the ball of your foot firmly on the pedal. If your knee is fully straightened, you are asking for a stress injury. If the angle of your knee is too high, you will be rocking back and forth as you pedal, causing an overbalance and potential fall, as well as not using your leg muscles to their maximum potential to propel you.

Choosing a frame made from the right materials is also important. Mountain biking is rugged sport, and the bicycle’s frame will take a sustained pounding. A lightweight titanium alloy, or even a carbon fiber frame is recommended if you are going to seriously pursue the sport. For city or road riding, a bike frame made of aluminum or lightweight titanium-steel alloy is usually just fine.

Bicycling is meant to be a fun and useful means of transportation. Be sure you select the right frame to fully enjoy your biking experience.

1 comment:

  1. Always look out for 3 inches of clearance to the sides of the trails. hug the frame like it's somebody or better yet, be one with the frame. Own it as your own and it will move like the way you want it.
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