 "Push that pedal")
Nothing compares to a cycling trip that allows a city to be seen in a different light, on a different pace. But this is incomplete unless one has the right gear, the right bicycle and the safest accessories. Cycling enthusiasts tell the author how to make one's riding experience count
The budget
The perception about buying cycles and gear is that it is a cheaper alternative to other sporting options. This is why, according to Biju Kunnappada, a cyclist and founder of Bengaluru-based Cycling Boutique, people often tend to compromise on the quality of the bicycle or the gear over comfort. "What most people don't realise is that investing in good gear supremely enhances the amount of time one spends on a cycle," he says.
As a simple formula, Gaurav Wadhva, Delhi-based cyclist and owner of Supreme Cycles, suggests that nearly two-thirds of one's total budget should be kept aside for the bicycle. "You'll want the rest for accessories-because no matter your price range, you still need basics like a helmet, a pump, a water bottle, and bottle cages," he says.
While most bicycles start at Rs 10,000, a Mercedes-Benz bicycle costs up to Rs 3.69 lakh.
The right size
Riding a bicycle is a lot of about how well the bike fits your body. Any good salesperson should help you find the right size, then make at least four adjustments: seat height, saddle position, handlebar height and reach. But Wadhwa recommends taking the help of a certified fitter. "This person will take precise measurements, set you up on multiple bikes and swap parts if necessary to dial your position," he explains. Kunnappada adds this it is almost imperative to go in for this service if you are a serious biker. "The bike fit service uses elements of sports medicine and can tremendously reduce chanhes of injury," he says. A word of caution, though. Retailers sometimes offer deep discounts on odd-sized bikes left over from previous seasons. "Resist the temptation unless the bike is truly your size," says Wadhwa.
The right clothes
Proper clothing while riding a bicycle, says Kunnappada, ensures that you stay on the road longer. "If you invest in good apparel, you will not be burdened by poor weather." Padded cycling shorts are a must if you are planning to ride for any serious distance . While there are seat covers that cushion the saddle, padded shorts are a better way to increase comfort and reduce bruising and numbness.
Similarly, a well-fitted jersey is an important component for your biking experience. While basic shorts and jerseys cost up to Rs 1,500, the premium ones, which keep you cool and insulated, can cost upwards of Rs 6,000.
The right kind
Start by deciding which of the most common bike types makes sense for you - mountain, road, hybrid or city/commuter. The mountain bike is a straightforward choice if you have off-roading on your mind. "If you expect to spend most of your time on the pavement, your options increase. Depending on your goals, you might want a road bike, a commuter, or a hybrid," says Wadhwa.
Kunnappada suggests that buying a bicycle that is flexible and light, even if it means it will be more expensive, is a great investment. Divya Bhagia, a student of economics and an avid cyclist, offers a solution to those worried about their pockets. While Cannondale, Fuji, Trek and Giant are popular and reliable bikes, Decathlon's Btwin cycles are a cheaper alternative to these. A good hybrid cycle can cost between Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000, and can even go up to a couple of lakhs. The Btwin and Firefox bikes cost upwards of Rs 10,000.
Safety first
The first accessory to be fitted on your bicycle should be blinking lights. Even if you are not planning a night prowl, these lights will help you to be spotted, and avoided, by passing vehicles.
Helmets and gloves are an absolute must. "This cannot be stressed enough, and yet safety is not taken seriously in India," rues Kunnappada. Bhagia, too, suggests that a helmet is essential, especially if you're on the road with cars and other vehicles. "Besides preventing injury, it also ensures that people take you seriously." The best helmet is one that is light and is well-ventilated. The lighter it is, the more expensive it gets.
Gloves, though may seem cumbersome, prevent your hands from getting blistered or sore. These, too, help you stay outdoors longer.
Shoes and sunglasses are usually two accessories that cyclists suggest should be riding-specific. For this, Kunnappada recommends branded eyewear that has an anti-fog layer and is strong enough to protect you from small stones and gravel on the streets. In terms of shoes, the best ones are those that fit into the pedal and do not slip. Specialised cycling shoes even have a clip for the pedal.
The budget
The perception about buying cycles and gear is that it is a cheaper alternative to other sporting options. This is why, according to Biju Kunnappada, a cyclist and founder of Bengaluru-based Cycling Boutique, people often tend to compromise on the quality of the bicycle or the gear over comfort. "What most people don't realise is that investing in good gear supremely enhances the amount of time one spends on a cycle," he says.
As a simple formula, Gaurav Wadhva, Delhi-based cyclist and owner of Supreme Cycles, suggests that nearly two-thirds of one's total budget should be kept aside for the bicycle. "You'll want the rest for accessories-because no matter your price range, you still need basics like a helmet, a pump, a water bottle, and bottle cages," he says.
While most bicycles start at Rs 10,000, a Mercedes-Benz bicycle costs up to Rs 3.69 lakh.
The right size
Riding a bicycle is a lot of about how well the bike fits your body. Any good salesperson should help you find the right size, then make at least four adjustments: seat height, saddle position, handlebar height and reach. But Wadhwa recommends taking the help of a certified fitter. "This person will take precise measurements, set you up on multiple bikes and swap parts if necessary to dial your position," he explains. Kunnappada adds this it is almost imperative to go in for this service if you are a serious biker. "The bike fit service uses elements of sports medicine and can tremendously reduce chanhes of injury," he says. A word of caution, though. Retailers sometimes offer deep discounts on odd-sized bikes left over from previous seasons. "Resist the temptation unless the bike is truly your size," says Wadhwa.
The right clothes
Proper clothing while riding a bicycle, says Kunnappada, ensures that you stay on the road longer. "If you invest in good apparel, you will not be burdened by poor weather." Padded cycling shorts are a must if you are planning to ride for any serious distance . While there are seat covers that cushion the saddle, padded shorts are a better way to increase comfort and reduce bruising and numbness.
Similarly, a well-fitted jersey is an important component for your biking experience. While basic shorts and jerseys cost up to Rs 1,500, the premium ones, which keep you cool and insulated, can cost upwards of Rs 6,000.
The right kind
Start by deciding which of the most common bike types makes sense for you - mountain, road, hybrid or city/commuter. The mountain bike is a straightforward choice if you have off-roading on your mind. "If you expect to spend most of your time on the pavement, your options increase. Depending on your goals, you might want a road bike, a commuter, or a hybrid," says Wadhwa.
Kunnappada suggests that buying a bicycle that is flexible and light, even if it means it will be more expensive, is a great investment. Divya Bhagia, a student of economics and an avid cyclist, offers a solution to those worried about their pockets. While Cannondale, Fuji, Trek and Giant are popular and reliable bikes, Decathlon's Btwin cycles are a cheaper alternative to these. A good hybrid cycle can cost between Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000, and can even go up to a couple of lakhs. The Btwin and Firefox bikes cost upwards of Rs 10,000.
Safety first
The first accessory to be fitted on your bicycle should be blinking lights. Even if you are not planning a night prowl, these lights will help you to be spotted, and avoided, by passing vehicles.
Helmets and gloves are an absolute must. "This cannot be stressed enough, and yet safety is not taken seriously in India," rues Kunnappada. Bhagia, too, suggests that a helmet is essential, especially if you're on the road with cars and other vehicles. "Besides preventing injury, it also ensures that people take you seriously." The best helmet is one that is light and is well-ventilated. The lighter it is, the more expensive it gets.
Gloves, though may seem cumbersome, prevent your hands from getting blistered or sore. These, too, help you stay outdoors longer.
Shoes and sunglasses are usually two accessories that cyclists suggest should be riding-specific. For this, Kunnappada recommends branded eyewear that has an anti-fog layer and is strong enough to protect you from small stones and gravel on the streets. In terms of shoes, the best ones are those that fit into the pedal and do not slip. Specialised cycling shoes even have a clip for the pedal.