Answers to general bicycle questions

Read at your own risk. I'm just a guy with a web site and an interest in bicycles sharing some of my own experiences and opinions. The answers to the questions below should be taken with a large dose of your own common sense. I am not responsible, nor am I accountable for any results, positive or negative that you may experience. That said, feel free to contact me with any question that is not addressed below.

1. What is a utility bicycle?

Any bicycle that is ridden and used by its owner serves a purpose, therefore is of utility. However in a more specific sense, a utility bicycle is generally a simple, dependable, weather-resistant bike capable of carrying its rider and loads of various types in an urban environment. Common features of utility bikes may be found here. Utility bikes are present in all climates, in all parts of the world. Utility bikes have been in existence for well over a century and continue to serve their riders daily, wherever people live.

In the US, bicycles are mostly associated with either sports and recreation or as being toys for children, both venerable uses, but generally limiting. In much of the rest of the world, bicycles are primarily viewed as tools of utility or transport. It is the bicycle which affords utility in daily life that we in the US often fail to consider. To put the dichotomy of the common American perspective in focus, imagine thinking only of either Formula 1 racers or wheeled toys when you hear the word "car," while ignoring the ubiquitous automobiles on every street.

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2. Where can I acquire a utility bicycle?

Option 1:
The easy way is to buy a purpose-specific utility bike. If you decide to go this route, there are some good models available through reputable local bike shops. It is best to consider the features that are important to you, then do some research and try as many models as you can find. When purchasing, don't haggle on the price. There is very little profit for a local retailer built into the sticker price for a utility bike, and a good bike, carefully selected and professionally sized for you will be worth the cost. A variation of this option is to happen upon a good opportunity, whether it is finding a suitable bike at a garage sale or picking up a bike on vacation in Holland and shipping it home.

Option 2:
This route is a bit more adventurous, but requires imagination and some mechanical knowledge or the willingness to learn and experiment. It is possible to re-equip an existing bike to be a utility bike. Some bikes originally designed for another purpose are better suited than others. An older, steel, non-suspended mountain or road bike may be a good starting platform, while more complex carbon-fiber or suspended bikes may not work as well. Be cautioned too, because although there is the potential for this option to be less expensive than Option 1, depending on your donor bike, desired features and mechanical ability, the price may add up quickly. As with Option 1, it is important to consider the features that are important to you, then do some research and critically evaluate the donor bike. If most everything seems workable, then proceed to building the utility bike of your dreams with the parts and features that you desire.

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3. I haven't ridden a bike in years. How can I start again?

Picking up bicycling again after years away from riding can be an experience as rewarding as learning to ride in the first place. However, as adults, our bodies aren't generally as adept at new physical challenges as they were in youth. If there are any concerns about your current health or capacity for physical exercise, it is recommended to check with your doctor before proceeding.

Once you have received medical clearance, it's a good idea to start slowly and find places to ride away from traffic or other obstacles. Make sure that you have a good helmet, that your bike is in proper operating condition, and that you are aware of and obey safety rules. Ordinary bicycle riding is not competitive. You should not compare your abilities or speed with anyone else, just enjoy the freedom of two wheels. The more you ride, the more your skills will improve, and over time you will develop preferences and discover new ways in which to enjoy a more active life.

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4. My child has had difficulty learning to ride a bike. Is there an easier way than training wheels?

Yes. Training wheels are, as a friend calls them, "the crutch that cripples." Training wheels inhibit young riders from acquiring the skill of balance, the most important step in learning to ride. A child quickly realizes that training wheels will hold the bike up, and learns there is no reason to attempt to balance on their own. This is evident in the way most kids with training wheels may be seen pedaling down the street, leaning at an angle, with a training wheel serving as an outrigger for support. A child may continue in this stagnant stage for years with no progress, increasing parental frustration and the child's anxiety. Training wheels serve only to prevent true learning and should be avoided.

An easier way does exist, in fact it is the way that children learn to ride in most of the world. The key is that balance is learned and the child becomes confident before pedaling is introduced. This method works, depending on the coordination and abilities of individual children, in some cases from age 18 months or so on up. Success is often achieved in a few sessions, sometimes in as little as a day or two. Here is how it is done:

1. Make sure that the bike is small enough. Lower the seat so that the child may easily rest both feet flat on the ground while sitting on the seat. This position gives the child confidence that they may recover control while learning.
2. Remove the pedals. This step is crucial. When first learning to ride, propulsion is not as important as balance. The child will use his or her feet for both propulsion and braking, scooting the bike along.
3. Find a large, safe, obstruction-free flat surface such as a parking lot. A trimmed lawn makes good padding and a reasonable rolling surface for very young riders. Make certain that the child has a properly sized helmet and is wearing protective clothing such as a long sleeved shirt and jeans.
4. Let the child learn first how to sit on the bike and allow them to progress at their own speed. You can model behavior on your own bike, avoiding the pedals. They will soon figure out that pushing with their feet makes them move. It won't take long for them to discover the fun of the situation. Eventually the child will learn that if they push off and lift their legs off the ground, they will coast. Your child is now balancing! Let your little rider progress at his or her own rate, and decide when to stop the session.
5. As the child's confidence increases, so will their skills. When he or she is scooting around and balancing well, you may introduce the pedals on the bike. If it doesn't work, don't hesitate to remove the pedals and try again later. It is important to listen to feedback from your child and to let them know they play a central role in making decisions.

Any small bike with the pedals removed will work with the directions above, but it is also possible to purchase special "coasting" bikes for toddlers. The designs originated in Europe, but are starting to become available in the US. Like-A-Bike is a high quality, albeit expensive coasting bike. Skuut is a more affordable option available in the US, and there are other similar bikes available from Radio Flyer and at some Target stores. Below is a photo of my daughter testing out her Skuut bike at about a year and a half of age. At the time, her legs were not quite long enough to ride, but she enjoyed giving it a try.

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5. Can you really do everything on a bike that you could with a car?

No, nor is that the intent of utility bicycling. The purpose of utility bicycling is to provide options for using other modes of transport than just a car. Certain needs and activities may require the use of a car, but certain others do not. If a person begins to think about choosing modes appropriate to a situation, changes in behavior may develop. For example, it may be necessary to use a car to pick up family from the airport or to visit the mountains, but a bike may be a better choice for a quick trip to the grocery store a mile or so away, or to get to a light rail stop for a commute. In fact, these mundane daily trips are often made more enjoyable on a bike.

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6. What are some benefits of riding a bicycle?

Tangible benefits of bicycle use arise from many sectors. Here are just a few examples:

• Health: Riding a bicycle is simple, low impact exercise that can lead to better individual health and establish healthy habits. Also, for every mile ridden on a bike as opposed to a car, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions decreases a little bit, helping us all. Bicycle use alone is not the pathway to increased health and sustainability, but it plays a role as part of a comprehensive approach to healthier behavior.
• Economics: Riding a bicycle is inexpensive transport. Fuel prices continue to climb and will stay high. Experts agree that world peak oil production has either already been reached or is about to be reached at any time. Every mile you ride on a bike personally saves you a measurable expense in reduced fuel consumption.
• Politics: Riding a bicycle requires no fossil fuel. Petroleum sources are often located in environmentally sensitive of politically unstable areas, and the more we can do as a culture to reduce our dependence, the more agile our stance may be in international diplomacy. The way forward for not only our country but the world is through more responsible use of limited capital and resources.
• Commerce: In urban areas, people are often sequestered within their cars, removed from local commerce. Pedestrians and bicyclists move at a slower pace and are more inclined to stop and buy products at street level. Communities which promote non-motorized traffic enjoy vibrant local trade derived from foot and bike traffic. In Denver, this success is evident in Stapleton, Cherry Creek and other developing areas where mixed use and human scale planning is prevalent.
• Quality of life: Riding a bicycle is enjoyable and a good way to relieve stress. It encourages interpersonal and neighborhood interaction. Neighbors who know and communicate with each other are an important part in establishing safe, cohesive communities in which criminal activity is not tolerated.

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7. Is a single speed or fixed gear bike right for me?

Perhaps, but the choice to own a single speed or fixed gear bike is personal. The answer is probably no for a fixed gear if you are a novice rider. Having a fixed gear means no coasting and a very different approach to braking. Only expert riders generally consider a fixed gear.

However, a single speed bike has a freewheel and may coast, and requires hand or coaster brakes. There are no shifters or derailleurs involved, so mechanical components are simplified. A single speed may be a good choice for someone who wants a simple, reliable bike. However, it is important to take note of the area where you might use such a bike. If it has steep hills or you have knee or other joint problems, a few more gears may be well worth the added complexity.

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8. What features should I look for when buying a bike?

The answer depends on you and the manner in which you plan to use the bike. That said a bicycle with a very specific purpose is generally not well adaptable for other uses. Consider some general features that you might find useful down the road.

• A range of tire sizes that will work with the frame and fork. Serious road racing bicycles that will only accept the skinniest racing tires are not that useful for anything other than road racing. A bike that can fit even slightly wider tires can be ridden on more diverse terrain and varied conditions.
• Mounts for racks and fenders. Features on the frame meant to receive racks and fenders known as braze-ons simplify the addition of these components and increase the utility of almost any bike. A bike that has more possibilities for use is more likely to be ridden.
• Simple design and materials. A bike that has overly complex and expensive suspension components requires equally complex and expensive maintenance. That may not be a factor now, but in a couple of years when the manufacturer no longer supports the specific seals or pivots of your bike, you may be out of luck when maintenance is concerned. Some racing bikes are very light, but the extreme lightness in construction effectively makes some of these models overly fragile and therefore semi-disposable. Carbon fiber (essentially plastic) and ultra light aluminum commonly fall into this category.
• Proper size: Educate yourself on sizing techniques relevant to your intended application. A seat higher than the handlebar may be good for a pro in the Tour de France, but it is of little comfort for casual riders in daily life. Far too often bikes are sold to customers based on an agressive racing look, resulting in frame sizes which are too small. This leads to poor riding position and potential back, wrist and neck pain, and eventual abandonment of riding. A more upright position is more comfortable for urban riding, enables riders to better see traffic and reduces the likelihood of pain or injury.
• Anything but a department store bike: No brand or type of bike sold at a large box store is recommended, whether new or used. These poorly built and assembled machines are not worthy of the title "bicycle'" and are a major source of the common misperception of bikes being merely toys, unfit for real use. Do yourself a favor and find a good local bike shop that is interested in finding a quality bike, new or used, which is appropriate for you. A $150 department store bike will bring nothing but frustration and will likely remain unridden. Spending a little more at a legitimate bike shop will get you a real bicycle that you can ride and enjoy for years, with quality and service upon which you may depend.

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9. Where is a good place to buy a bike?

Local, reputable bike shops are generally your best choice. The more you or a friend know about bicycles, the more options are available including eBay, Craigslist and garage sales. If you choose a bike shop, make sure that you test ride several bikes before making a decision, and that the bike you are buying serves your needs and is properly sized. Here are a few good utility bike models to check, but the best way is to look around and try before you buy. Most important to remember: don't buy a bike based on hype, color or price if it doesn't fit you or your needs properly. Owning a bike that you don't or can't use is the same as having no bike at all.

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10. Why should I ride when it is easier to drive a car?

Riding a bike for transportation is not for everyone. An individual must possess at least a minimum of physical and mental abilities required to safely operate a bicycle. It is also necessary to be able to plan ahead and to account for contengencies more than is generally associated with using a car. A bicycle is not always the easiest mode of transportation, but when a rider knows what to expect and is able to adapt to various situations, utility bicycling can be much more fun than motorized travel, and sometimes requires no more time or effort than driving. Ease of use is subjective, and if an individual is unwilling to alter established habits, change is likely to be met with more perceived difficulty than maintaining the status quo. Bicycling is not necessarily an end solution to anything, but in conjunction with other factors it may be a catalyst, leading an individual to discover new things about life and themselves which may ultimately be rewarding and satisfying.

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