The Area 9 LAPD team organized an interesting session on Bicycling by Mr . Gokul Krishna , who is a bicycling enthusiast , a bicycle shop co founder of the shop , A bike affair . , a bicycling book author , a certified trainer working with state and national champions . He gave us a lot of tips and insights into bicycling . He covered different aspects like :
- Types of Bicycles
- Which is a good brand ?
- Which is better cycling or running ?
After touching on these points in more detail . There were questions posed by Tablers who attended the session . Here is a Q and A from the interactive session which covered some important points .
- What are the types of Bicycles available and which one is used for which application ?
There are broadly 3 different types of bicycles –
- Road Bicycles with drop handle bars ,thin tyres and higher gear ratio . The posture is aggressive which means riders have to bend more . It is ideal for riding long distance (more than 50 KM or fast on good roads .
- Mountain Bikes : wide knobby tires , wide straight handle bars , at least front suspension , disc brakes , these are for riding off roads (trails) where there are no roads .
- Hybrid or city bikes : Ideal for fitness purposes to ride on city roads and weekend long rides (50-100 Kms ) Straight handle bar, relaxed posture and intermediate thickness tyres. Some city bikes may be single speed. There are some hybrids with front suspension for riding in country side.
- How does one go about selecting a bike for oneself ?
- Think about your fitness and cycling goals, see which category fits you best and select category of bicycles. 2. Based on budget and size shortlist bikes. 3. Test ride and buy.
- How do I check Bike Fit / Size of the Bicycle for me?
This is not something that is advisable for new comers. Better to find a trust worthy
store or get a knowledgable friend to help. However the steps are mentioned
below:
1. Set the saddle height such that when you sit on the saddle and keep your heel on
the pedal which is at the bottom most position your legs are almost fully stretched.
2. Once the saddle height is set check how is the reach. (Reach is the distance
between the saddle and handle bar). You should feel comfortable in holding the
handle bar – you should be neither stretched out nor cramped. If in doubt take a
photo from the side view and get it checked by an expert.
- What are the Parts of a Bicycle?
Frame, fork, wheels, handle bar, saddle, brake & gear lever, front & rear derailleur, Crank, chain, pedal, freewheel, tyres & tubes
- When getting a Bicycle – What Accessories does one need?
Mandatory – helmet, rear light, bottle cage, bottle, cycling shorts, gloves
Need Based – headlight, pumps, puncture kit, cycle computer (speedmeter) etc
- Care to be taken when Starting a Ride?
Ensure wheels are securely in place, ensure wheels are rotating freely, inspect tyres to see there is sufficient air, Inspect tyres for cuts, Drop the bike after lifting the bike a few inches from ground and check for any rattling / loose parts. Ensure chain is lubricated.
- What is the maintenance required on the bicycle and at what intervals ?
Drive train needs to be cleaned and lubricated once in 150km. Air needs to be topped up once or twice a week. Dry the chain and other parts if exposed to water.
- If one has a limited Budget – What Brand and Specifications Should he or she be looking at?
For 10K budget Decathlon bikes are best value for money. 20-30k budget is no man’s land and bikes are not good enough. Either spend above 30k or 10K. At 30k and above consider – Merida, Specialized, Fuji, Focus, Astr, Kona, Trek, Scott & Giant.
- Stretching Pre-Ride and Cooldown / Stretching – Post Ride?
No pre ride stretching is required. At the beginning of a ride gently warm up by riding at a lower gear and pedalling faster (cadence of around 90 revolutions per minute.
- ) In case of a Second-Hand purchase – What?
Better to get it vetted by a trust worthy bicycle shop .
- Which is Better – Cycling OR Running?
Both are good and recommended to be used based on individual needs. Cycling is easier on the body and has no impact – so ideal for people starting in fitness. Running is easier to do during travel. However chances of injury with poor running form is high. So important to get running form checked by an expert.
These are some of the key questions from the Q and A session .
The speaker , Gokul had also shared inputs on post workout stretches as well . All in all , It was a very informative session .
Please find a link on the post work out stretches shared by the speaker
ROUND TABLE INDIA - AREA 9 