Getting into cycling can be a bit intimidating if you let it. Here are some answers to the questions we get the most.
I just lost over 20 pounds during a three month period by cycling more and drinking less soft drinks. On a bike, you can get your heart rate up almost as easily as running, but without all the stress on your knees, ankles, and feet. That means you get a great aerobic workout and you're able to recover a lot quicker..
How much do good bikes cost?
If you are wanting to ride around the neighborhood with your family, you can get a great comfort bike for around $300 - $500 (depending on what options are important to you). If you want to ride some off-road trails, the $300 - $550 price range provides several great options. If you plan to start with a full-suspension version, $800 - $3000 bikes are typical. If you want to take up road biking, prices start at around $700 and go up to well over $3000 for the extreme lightweight models.
Why should I buy my bike from Lewis & Clark instead of Wal-Mart?
Honestly, if it wasn't for Wal Mart there probably wouldn't be a
cycling industry. Like most of my friends, I bought my first bike
(and my second, and my third) at Wal Mart. They really do have some
great bikes for the money. If you can only spend $80 to $100 on a
bicycle, I strongly recommend giving them a chance.
That being said, if you plan to ride more than once a month or
so, buying a bike at Lewis & Clark will more than make up for the
difference. First of all, a well-ridden bike needs to be tuned up two
or three times a year so the shifters and brakes work properly. If
you buy your bike at Wal Mart, you'll have to take it to one of the
many qualified bike shops in town for service (Wal Mart doesn't
service bikes). Tune-ups typically cost $40 - $60. That means that
after two years, you may end up spending over $300 on your Wal Mart
bike, anyway. Lewis & Clark has some really nice bikes for around
$300 and that includes lifetime tune-ups.
Why are the bike seats so narrow? They hurt my butt.
We always recommend limiting your first four or five rides to 20
minutes or less. That way, your backside has time to get used to the
bike seat without taking a beating on a long first ride. Only after
those first five rides can you accurately assess whether or not your
seat is comfortable.
After those first five rides, 75% of our customers are happy
with their current seats. For the other 25%, we always keep a good
selection of seating options for your bicycle. We're always happy to
sell accessories to those who need them.
Do I have to wear tights to ride a bike?
Not all of us look like Lance Armstrong in our cycling shorts. That being said, I never ride without tights. Cycling tights are simply made to eliminate friction around the saddle area. Remember, friction is your enemy (a lesson I had to learn the hard way) when it comes to bikes. If you want, you can wear your regular shorts over your tights. Oh, and don't wear any underwear under your tights - it's the friction thing again.
What accessories do I need to enjoy cycling?
There are many different accessories available to bikers, however, if you can only choose three or four, here they are: A helmet, Cycling shorts, A tube (and some way to air it up), and water (there are several ways to carry water).
Oh, and we really do recommend riding with a friend. It always makes cycling more fun.