RESOURCES | To learn more

KEEP IN MIND
Safety tips and classes: League of American Bicyclists, bikeleague.org/educenter/factsheets.htm.
Comfort: Stand up on pedals occasionally while riding. Move hands around. Also stretch. "Do a few circles with one arm, a few circles with the other. Roll your head, shrug your shoulders," says Andy Hampsten, former pro racer and Tour de France stage winner.
Upgrades to the bike's three contact points: hands, feet and bottom. First, "you've got to get those things oriented correctly," Jacobson says. Then consider padded bike shorts, worn without underwear; padded gloves; gel handlebar grips; bar ends for more hand positions on mountain-style handlebars; cork handlebar tape with gel added; or a suspension seat post. Clipless pedals "give you more security because your feet won't fly off the pedals while you're riding," says Steve "Gravy" Gravenites, former bike race mechanic and now co-owner of Gravy Wheels bike shop in San Anselmo, Calif. You quickly release from a clipless pedal by turning your foot sideways.
A range of comfort bikes -- on which the cyclist usually sits more upright -- is available, with upgrades such as suspension seat post and fork, softer handlebar grips and wider tires. Bikes designed for commuting are similar, often coming with lights and fenders, plus racks to carry loads. "There is such a wonderful selection of commuter bikes that requires less maintenance," Serotta says. "They're a little bit heavier but they're great for getting around on." For any bicycle, try to take a long test ride to check comfort.
To find the best bike shop, go into a few shops, see how you get treated, Gravenites says. There should be "an air of professionalism." Cycling clubs can usually steer you to a good shop, he adds. Also, it's fun to talk with experienced club riders, and you can improve your skills.
RESOURCES
Bicycling magazine, www.bicycling.com.
Recumbent Cyclist News, www.recumbentcyclistnews.com.
"Bicycling With Children," by Trudy E. Bell (Mountaineers Books).
Safe Routes to Schools program, www.saferoutestoschools.org.
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, www.bhsi.org.
"Zinn & amp; the Art of Road Bike Maintenance," by Lennard Zinn (Velo Press).
"Zinn & amp; the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance," by Lennard Zinn (Velo Press).
"Andy Pruitt's Medical Guide for Cyclists," by Andrew L. Pruitt (RBR Publishing), available online at www.roadbikerider.com.
"Bicycling Medicine," by Arnie Baker (Simon & amp; Schuster).
Serotta bicycle dealers, www.serotta.com/pages/dealers.html.
Source: Washington Post