Bicycle riding is a great way to stay fit, have fun and enjoy a variety of locations.

For those new to the sport, there are techniques and equipment that can help a novice pedal the right path.

Before buying a bicycle, a person must determine if the goal is fitness or fun and whether most rides will be taken on a street, trail or off-road.

David Fodor, who has owned City Cycle Supply at 3217 Elton Road, Richland Township, for 20 years, said most of his customers are looking for a blend of recreation and fitness.

Road bikes are designed for riding on paved streets and going fast, while mountain bikes and hybrids have exploded in popularity.

Most bicycles Fodor sees going out the door these days are hybrid models.

Hybrid bike

A hybrid is one that blends the best characteristics of road and mountain bikes into a cycle that is sturdy, comfortable and fast, and ideal for riding on streets and area rails-to-trails terrain.

“These days, I sell a lot (of bikes) to middle-aged people who are looking for more when it comes to fitness,” he said.

“They may go out and walk a mile on one of the area rail trails, but if they are on a bike, they will discover they can see 10 miles of scenery in the same amount of time they spent walking.”

A true mountain bike has wide tires, usually with knobby treads and a stout frame. They are specifically designed to handle the rugged trails without breaking apart.

Mountain bikes do not go as fast as road bikes, which is a trade-off for their durability along with a more comfortable riding position.

In hybrid and mountain bikes, riders sit higher and are more upright with the straight handlebars, which is a good choice for people with back problems.

“People aren’t hunched over and there’s less strain on the shoulders,” Fodor said.

“We can offer a wide seat and high handlebars.”

Cruiser bike

Many people are tempted to buy a cruiser bike, similar to the ones people rent when they go to the beach. They have wide tires, wide seats, upright handlebars, and most often have a single gear. Cruiser bikes are easy to maintain but work best with flat terrain. They are designed for a rider whose main interest is more about being comfortable than with going fast.

Fodor cautions people who plan to frequent  trails about buying a cruiser-style bike.

“Bike trails are deceptive, because most people assume they are level,” Fodor said.

“But it doesn’t take long for people to realize that the trails have deceptive grades that can challenge a person riding a cruiser bike.”

Average price

A quality hybrid bike costs about $350. Most average from between $300 and $500, depending on the frame and choice of manufacturer’s parts, such as derailleurs, suspension forks, brakes or a seat with a shock absorber.

Hybrids can range from seven to 24 speeds.

“Most of the bikes we have are equipped with 21 speeds and it’s not as complicated to operate as some people may think,” Fodor said.

Fodor said making a one-time investment can pay dividends for decades.

“A person can run a good bike forever if maintained properly,” he said.

“I service bikes that people bought back in the 1980s and they are still going strong.”

The size of the bicycle is critical for comfortable riding. Work with a retailer to determine the proper fit.

Lynn Sanner, owner of Rockwood Trail House, a bed and breakfast at 131 Rockdale Road in Rockwood, opened a bike shop to cater to the riders of the 42-mile Allegheny Highlands Trail in Somerset County.

Several models

“People should try several models and choosing one often depends on the style of riding a person will be doing,” he said.

“A bike has to feel good as well as perform.”

 Most department stores may have one model in one or two sizes for men or women.

“I may have one model in eight sizes,” Fodor said.

When buying a men’s bike, a person should be able to stand flat-footed over the bike and clear the bar by one or two inches.

Biggest complaint

“Seats should be adjusted high enough to allow the leg to be straight at the bottom of the pedaling stroke,” Fodor said.

The biggest complaint Fodor hears from customers is that the bike seat makes a person’s buttocks sore.

He said a weekend rider should expect comfort for a one- or two-hour ride without being inflamed for an entire week afterward.

“I have found that pads for seats are not the way to go to alleviate sore sit bones,” Fodor said.

“A quality gel seat that sells for about $30 is a good solution.”

Fodor offers a money-back guarantee on gel seats.

“Normally, I get maybe one in 50 returned or they bring it back and trade it for a different size or style,” he said.

But as with any machine, proper care is vital to keep it running smoothly.

Sanner offers a basic yearly tune-up service for $25.

“We begin with proper lubrication, make adjustments to shifters, front and rear derailleurs and check hubs among other things,” Sanner said.

Experts agree that people should resist the temptation to go cheap.

With bikes, like most everything else, people get what they pay for.

People often bring an inexpensive bike to a shop for repair, but dealers sometimes have to advise the owners that restoring the bikes to a safe and proper working condition can often cost about half the price of a decent bike and not worth fixing.

Best advice

Before making a purchase, Fodor suggests that the best place to get information is from the riders themselves.

“They will give you an unbiased opinion when it comes to equipment,” Fodor said.

“It’s better than asking a bike salesman in a bike shop. Look for someone with a newer bike, because they can explain the advantages of the latest equipment.”

Hydration is important when riding. It not only lubricates joints it is vital for regulating body temperature, absorbing nutrition and eliminating wastes.

Insufficient water can result in dehydration the symptoms of which are dizziness, cramps, fatigue and nausea.

“During the summer, we sell a lot of insulated water bottles,” Fodor said.

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