Cycling is a good activity to do for aerobic fitness. Many
people do cross training which includes cycling. It is a good non-impact exercise and does not put much stress on your joints.
It is a good way for people to exercise who have injuries from weight bearing activities or have leg problems.
Equipment
Bikes
Cruising/Touring bikes are designed for the average, recreational
rider, featuring 18 to 21 speeds. These bikes are built for comfort on long rides.
Road bikes are designed for riding and racing on paved
surfaces, so they're larger, yet with lighter frames (about 10kg). Road bikes have at least 16 speeds and narrower tires.
The higher-end models are lighter and are made from carbon fibre. These bikes can weigh less than 7kg.
The RVs of the cycling world, mountain bikes are designed for off-road
riding on dirt trails and through woods. Tires are wide for traction, and the bikes are heavy, averaging 18kg. These
bikes come with 18 to 24 speeds.
Clothes
If you are riding long distances it is important to have shorts made for
cycling. A smooth leather chamois or synthetic liner will help to reduce the discomfort,
especially if it is padded.
Gloves provide you with a nonslip grip, cushion your hands from nerve damage,
give you something to wipe sweat and runny noses with and also save your palms in a fall. The fingerless gloves are the most
common.
You can wear almost any shirt, although more than 70% of drag is caused
from wind resistance of the body. You can reduce this by wearing things made of lycra or other form fitting materials.
