A resolution to ride on - Haaretz

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Wed., September 05, 2007 Elul 22, 5767

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Last update - 22:14 04/09/2007

A resolution to ride on

By Danit Nitzan

As the Rosh Hashanah holiday draws near, so do the resolutions to increase physical activity and efforts to preserve health during the coming Jewish calendar year.

Cycling is particularly suited to those who tend to make such promises: You don't have to be in great physical shape to begin and you can ride anywhere. Cycling is pleasant, but it also strengthens and tones the body, and you feel fantastic when you get off the bike at the end of a ride.

Alex Kaplan, spokesman for the Israel Cycling Federation and a mountain biker himself, offers some suggestions for how to choose your routes and find the bike that best fits you. Here's what you need to know:

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1. What kind of rider are you? Before purchasing a bike, it's important to set your goals. Do you intend to ride in the city? Off or on the roads? Those who intend to use the bike as a mode of transportation would be wise to select a wide-seated city or town bike, which provides a superbly comfortable ride, a rear carrier, and a front basket to carry belongings. Those who are interested in riding in the city but would also like to engage in moderate trail riding should choose a "hardtail": a mountain bike with a front-end suspension system and tires suitable to riding on varied surfaces. Potentially serious off-road cyclists require mountain bikes with a firm frame, which can bear the brunt, all-terrain tires and strong brakes. Long-distance riders, who intend to stay on roads, should opt for lightweight "road bikes" with thin wheels and an aerodynamic frame.

2. Purchase your bicycle in a specialty bicycle store, preferably one located close to home. Bicycles require continual maintenance - especially when they are new - and professional bicycle shops offer tuning and light repairs during the first year. Knowledgeable retailers located close to your home are far more likely to provide you with adequate service.

3. Fit the bicycle to the rider's height. The correct frame size is the most important aspect of the purchase. Take the bicycle on a brief test ride before making a decision.

4. Don't overspend. If you're not certain you will ride on a regular basis, it is better to buy an inexpensive, first bike and upgrade later. Purchasing a relatively cheap, simple bike may save you money in the long run. But an expensive bike with a popular brand-name may be easier to sell if you decide to stop riding.

5. The more sophisticated a bike is, the more it will require service. Progress has a price and simpler components may require less care. You be the judge.

6. Budget for accessories: A helmet, gloves, cycling shoes and attire, replacement packs for water-carrying backpacks and other items are necessary elements in the purchase of a bicycle.

Sample prices: A hardtail mountain bike produced by a reputable manufacturer NIS 1,000-1,200; quality city bikes NIS 800; simple but good all-mountain bikes NIS 3,000-4,000; upscale all-mountain bikes NIS 5,000-8,000; quality road bikes for beginners NIS 2,500-5,000; professional road bikes from NIS 5,000.

Accessories: Helmet NIS 100-200; gloves NIS 70-120; water pack with bladder NIS 180-400; knee and elbow guards NIS 150-300; cycling shorts from NIS 200; cycling shirt from NIS 150.

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1.	Cycling on Israeli roads? sounds like suicide.	22:58	\|	Aaron	04/09/07

2.	biking	09:04	\|	Michael Orlow	05/09/07

3.	more bike trails	16:12	\|	Mr. biker	05/09/07

4.	Bicycling	16:30	\|	Leon N. Zoghlin MD	05/09/07

5.	Not worth the chance	21:54	\|	Reuven	05/09/07

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