Many times, when I bring up the topic of bicycling, the first question I’m asked is, “Why in god’s name would I ride a bicycle?”
The answer is a lot simpler than you’d imagine. Bicycling is one of the most refined means of travel and transport, next to trains and boats.
With spring finally upon us, you may want to reconsider riding a bike. And not just for the recreational purposes. Ride it everywhere.
Going out drinking tonight? Ride a bike. You can get as hammered as you want and you won’t have to worry about a DUI.
Got a blind date? We all know how sketchy these can be. A bicycle can be your escape route, as bicycles can maneuver through many routes cars can not. So, if your date turns out to be a real wilder beast, hop on the saddle and vanish.
Even mundane errands are more fun on a bicycle. That’s because its the enlightened way to get from point A to point B.
Maybe you don’t have a bike. There are a couple of tips I’d like to share with you to get you moving.
1. Buy used. The upfront investment is a decent one. You can get a lot more bike when you buy used than new.
2. Buy steel. Steel is real. Carbon can shatter and when it does, it is random and horrifying. Aluminum is a cheap man’s way of travel. Steel bikes are great and will probably out last you and your stupid ways.
3. When sizing yourself for a bike, buy large. Most bike sales people will try to squish you onto a poorly fitting bike. When standing over the top tube, you basically want that tube to be at most an 1″ from your Mr Johnson or Ms Vajayjay. As long as you’re not buying a bike just to do sweet jumps, this is not an issue.
4. Don’t buy a bike just to do sweet jumps. Why? ‘Cause you’re not 7 years old. Get a grown man’s bike and handle your damn business.
5. The bike saddle (seat) is one of the most important elements of your bike. If the bike comes with a cheap seat or a worn out seat, get a new one. Invest. Its your ass.
6. Don’t buy a racing bike. You’re not Lance Armstrong. Nor will you EVER competitively race.
7. Wear regular clothes when you ride. The ONLY thing you might want to consider is a pair of padded bike short liners. These REPLACE your boxers and should be worn as such. Other than that, there is nothing that you need to wear other than your normal street clothes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this.