By Terry Hannum
Contributing Writer
April 07, 2008 07:51 am The weather is just about perfect to begin a full season of biking. Current world affairs make riding a bike environmentally correct, financially satisfying and the secret to a healthy mind and body. Before you see what's new, take a look at how far we have come with this attraction to create transportation by our own means. Though the first bike designs and designers might be hard to track down, there were workable designs on Leonardo DaVinci's sketch pads in 1490. Though the French "Celerifere" bike designed by Conte Mede de Sivrac was considered a revelation in travel style, the absence of steering capabilities made it a hazardous challenge to ride. The German Baron Karl Drais von Sauerbronn's 1818 "Laufmaschine" or running machine had steering but no pedals. So it wasn't until the late 1800s that biking was really ready for its dawn. The 1870s brought the "Penny Farthing," the "Velocipede," or bone-shaker, and the "Rovercycle," all of which reached an eager market. One of the greatest sales boosts in bike history came in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was driven not by athletic men, competitive college boys or ambitious young males, but by women. The bike was an opportunity for motion, travel and freedom that was completely unavailable to women before this time and it became a feminist craze. In this era of bloomer protests and ideas of voting, the bike was a statement of strength and independence for women. More than 100 years later, the bike is again going to step up onto the podium of popular choice as fuel costs, automobile prices, rising insurance and pollution curb this driving nation. Bike designers seem to have been anticipating the demand with designs that are efficient, comfortable and durable, as well as being eye-appealing. At Alpine Ski Hut, at 150 Main St. in Oneonta, Ed Hofbauer can talk bikes. He said that service is the key in getting a bike. His shop has noticed an impact from the large chain stores that deal in inexpensive bikes, but service is what has kept his business successful, he said. The service he provides comes in many forms, beginning with a customer who, regardless of age, is buying his or her first "real" bike. Hofbauer can explain the many different types available on the market today and help narrow the field of choices by explaining which style would suit the user's needs. Hofbauer carries road racing bikes that are for distance bike riders, with speed in mind. He said that these bikes generally start at about $600 with the separate purchase of shoes and pedals. The "comfort" series or "short commuters" are a wide range of bike styles that have lots of shock-absorbing power and are perfect for bikers who would typically travel five-to-10 miles at a time. The biker sits more upright on these bikes than on the racing bikes, and they usually have 21 speeds to work with. The wider-style tires give good traction and hold the road or path well. Price range here can vary dramatically but tend to start at around $330. The last basic category is mountain bikes or off-road bikes, which are all about shock absorption and traction. One great thing about bikes is that with a small amount of upkeep, there is little expense beyond the initial purchase, and you can save money, too. The service you receive when buying a bike can make all the difference. The bike you decide on will fit your body frame and the purpose you will be using it for. If there is a need for adjustments, repairs or upgrades, a bike shop can work with you and offer advice. At SportTech, also in downtown Oneonta at 166 Main St., expert bike mechanic and rider Ed Lorenz explained that this is the busy season for tune-ups and people looking at new bike purchases. The most popular sellers right now are the "hybrids," which reflect the growing interest of people wishing to have a bike for commuting and pleasure. "They are a great all-round bike," Lorenz said, one that does a bit of everything. Bike racks are another consideration for those who plan to bring their bikes along to enjoy while traveling or to transport their bikes to paths. The necessity _ the is one item to not leave home without regardless of what your age, experience, distance to travel or route you will take _ is the helmet. Lorenz said that the majority of the SportTech customers wear helmets and he strongly recommends helmets to all his customers. Typically helmet prices begin at around $30, and it is good to have them fitted properly for maximum cushioning and protection. Mountain bikers step into more protective gear with knee and elbow pads along with eye protection. Many bikers have a small tire pump attached to the bike frame for quick air-pressure adjustments. There are many trails and routes for bikers that have varying degrees of challenge for riders, and Lorenz usually advises customers to hook up with friends to go riding. After work and weekend rides can be fun, and the Catskill Scenic Trail is a prime destination. This former railroad bed gently stretches through farmlands and over trestles from Grand Gorge to Bloomville in Delaware County. There are clubs and groups, also, and often the best place to come across these organized rides is while you are on a ride as well. The extras for biking are limitless: there are specialty shorts (starting at about $30), shirts, sunglasses, indoor trainers, books, guides, maps, on-the-trail repair kits, camelbacks (starting at about $35) and much more. It's amazing that one of the best sources for a huge variety of these items with plenty of selections, sizes, colors and all is a local company. Andes is home to a national and international biking supply company call Greenfish Sports. It boasts a catalog and Internet shopping site that has it all _ including the bikes themselves. Partnership owner Sam Greenman relocated his Long Island company to Andes about five years ago with his wife, Elaina Fisher. Greenman explained that the company tends toward bikers looking for a higher-end, custom-made bike and mountain bikes with a full range of parts available, as well. The business' clients can be as local as just down the street or as far away Australia, and everywhere in between. It's time to stop thinking that a bike is just a bike and consider all the options listed so far and then add some that were not even mentioned. There are the tandem rides built for two, along with retros, recumbents, trailer additions for toddlers to travel, exercisers, tricycles, unicycles, chainless, training wheels, snow bikes (yes!) and bikes to ride in the water that all await your peddling pleasure. Add up all of this biking information and the sum total is priceless with the sights you will see, the money you save, the exercise you get and the adventures you will have to share. The season has begun!
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