BICYCLING BACK TO THE BASICS

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BUY FOR COMFORT AND SAFETY

The most important component of a bicycle—as far as the comfort of the operator is concerned—is the seat. Don't buy a bike with a plastic seat . . . we've found the perches to be about as flexible as granite. A long-distance jaunt on one of those supports will leave you so saddle sore you won't approach your bike again for days. Avoid soft, cushiony-springed models, too. They seldom provide the comfort required for serious biking.

We've come to prefer all-leather saddles. Such seats look hard because they are hard, but one of the beauties of leather is that, after a prolonged battle with your behind, the cowhide will give in and shape itself to the contours of your buttocks.

Ten-speed bikes offer you (of course) ten potential gear selections to suit the varying conditions of terrain and wind. Don't limit yourself to one gear, because, if you do, you'll never learn cadence. The key to developing a perfect rhythm is to time your cranking revolutions to your body's metabolic rate. Don't worry . . . it's really much easier than it sounds. Just pedal consistently at all times, because pumping your feet too fast or too slow is terribly inefficient. For instance, an extremely low gear may seem easy at first . . . but you'll soon exhaust yourself performing the extra revolutions necessary to maintain speed. Always find the gear that allows you to pedal comfortably under a given set of conditions.

Naturally, if you haven't ridden a bike for quite some time, you'll need to start in gradually. Begin by taking a short ride on level terrain. Then listen to your body . . . let it tell you how fast to proceed.

When you pedal into the wind, ride like a jockey . . . keeping your head down and your shoulders pulled in. It's also a good idea to assume a similar stance when pedaling up steep grades. If you look up and anticipate the summit, you'll likely find it more difficult to reach that goal. Keep your head lowered and concentrate on only one stroke at a time.

For the sake of comfort, try to avoid wearing pants with thigh-chafing heavy inseams while riding. (Chamois-lined biking shorts are great . . . but also expensive.) Ordinary sweat pants are a practical alternative. (If you pedal to work, as I do, you'll probably find it best to carry your work clothes in your panniers and change when you get there.) By dressing comfortably—and maintaining proper cadence—you can stay cool on warm days and warm on cool days.

Although snow and ice will occasionally thwart any bicyclist, cold temperatures are surmoun-table . . . if you dress in layers and take special care to protect your outer extremities. (For example, wear a woolen stocking cap to cover your ears, heavy down mittens, two pairs of wool socks, etc.) Remember, too, thateven on the coldest day—your body requires liquid. Therefore, you should always carry a canteen. (On a hot day, try pouring some of the liquid over your head while you ride. You'll dry off in no time, and your body will savor the refreshing treat! )

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