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Gas prices have been going up very quickly, and the impact has been quite serious to many families. Many have gone from scraping by to having money trouble, or doing pretty well to just scraping by. It’s pretty rough out there.

This is why bicycling to work is increasing in popularity. Bicycles are relatively cheap, and if you live within a reasonable bike ride to your work it can be very practical as well as healthy.

It may seem odd to many to think of riding to work, but there are a few tricks to make it more reasonable.

First, is your commute reasonable? This is a personal decision. For some 5 miles each way may be a maximum. Others may be willing to go 10 or more miles by bicycle to work.

Second, find out where at work you can keep your bicycle. While many employers will probably not have a bike rack available, you may get permission to store your bike someplace where you work. All you need is a place that’s a bit out of everyone else’s way. Talk to your boss.

Third, decide how you’re going to transport your work clothes. Most people don’t want to ride their bikes in the clothing they’d wear to work; it’s too easy to sweat in those. But you can fold your clothes neatly into a backpack and change at work. If you’re careful about it the wrinkles should not be severe. Think about clothes that resist wrinkling but still look professional.

Fourth, think about what kind of weather you are willing to ride in. The weather won’t be perfect year-round just about anywhere. How will you cope with pouring rain? 100+ degree F weather? Does it snow in your area? Obviously some days will be much harder than others for riding a bike.

Will you need more than a bike?

You will want some basic equipment that you may or may not own already. A bicycle helmet is vital. Not all car drivers care to watch out for bicyclists, and I do know people whose lives have likely been saved by their bike helmets. The most recent case was used to show my niece what could happen if she didn’t wear her helmet. A helmet all but split into pieces and a rider only lightly injured is a great object lesson.

Other equipment may or may not be needed. If you’re going to be riding at dusk or night, a front and rear light is a very good idea. You do not want to be invisible. You’ll also need regular maintenance on your bike to keep it in good condition.

And if you need to carry equipment to work, you’re going to need something for carrying it. It may be the backpack you carry your change of clothes in or a pannier for your bicycle.

Don’t forget a backup plan.

While you may hope to ride to and from work daily, sometimes a change in the weather may make it impossible to get home on your bike. Some places get rather sudden changes in the weather that you may not want to deal with.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to have a coworker who is willing to take you home. Or public transportation may be a practical option. You may even be able to have your spouse come get you if the weather is too bad. Whatever your solution is, plan it out in advance so you aren’t struggling to figure it out when the need is urgent.

Riding a bike to work can result in significant monthly savings and help you to keep fit. As gas prices make it more painful to fill up your car, this option may greatly simplify your life.

Stephanie Foster runs http://www.findbicyclesonline.com/ to discuss bicycle riding. Find the bike you want or bicycle parts at http://www.findbicyclesonline.com/category/bicycles/

While choosing the right bike does not necessarily involve the same commitment as choosing say a wife, for instance, it still does need some considerable thought. If you are buying a bicycle for the first time and are not really sure what you want it for, the options are virtually endless. So you probably want to figure out what purpose you want to use the bike for. This is your very first determination.

Basically, today there are four different types of bicycle and your choice should obviously be based upon what your purpose for the bike is.

Road Bikes have been designed for use on paved surfaces. They feature thin tires and a lightweight frame. They also seat you in a position bent forwards over the handlebars and are suitable for traveling at higher speed over longer distances. They will not stand up to heavy loads and rough terrain, much like walking in the woods in high heeled shoes.

Mountain bikes have become ever more popular over the past twenty years. In fact, the popularity of mountain bikes could be considered to be explosive. These chunky bikes are extremely strong, the tires have knobby treads and they are specifically designed for really rough terrain.

One of the trade-offs for the durability of a mountain bike is the fact that they do not have the speed of road bikes. But they have a far more comfortable riding position, and this alone makes them popular with people who suffer from back problems, and want to ride a bike purely for the exercise of it.

Be warned though that because of the popularity of mountain bikes, they are more likely to be punted by sales people. But if you are looking for purely a road bike, and you purchase a mountain bike, you will be paying extra for a whole lot of features that you don’t, or won’t ever need.

Hybrid Bikes are a merger between mountain and road bikes and features allow the rider to have the upright seat and handlebars yet allow more speed than the typical mountain bike. Hybrid bikes are a good choice for city riding and offer durability, speed and comfort.

Cruisers have wide tires, upright handlebars and sometimes even a gear. These bikes are most often seen in relaxed surrounding such as the beach. They are the simplest bike mechanically and are perfect for people who want comfort over any other bicycle feature. Quite notably, they are durable and easily maintained.

If none of these bikes is what you are seeking, there is still a huge variety of other options available. You could even go for a tandem, providing you have a riding partner, or recumbent, which has a long wheel base and seats the rider in a supine position. And if you don’t fancy the falling-off aspect of biking, why not even consider a tricycle.

Sebastian Marders loves writing about a variety of things and sharing the website that inspires each piece with his readers. If you would like to know more about bicycles, then please visit http://bikemonster.com.

Amidst the smoke and fumes that are emitted daily by the Mercedes and the BMWs, there is one mode of transport which is increasingly gaining popularity in today’s world. In spite of its simplicity, the bicycle towers above the other more sophisticated vehicles due to its health benefits. Not only does a bicycle give you thinner thighs and a shapely backside, it also reduces your chances of heart disease.

However, bicycle riding is fraught with many dangers too, in case you happen to be a novice at it. It’s important to become an expert on the bike before joining the mainline traffic.

While riding a bike, be sure to wear a good sturdy helmet. Researches indicate that a good helmet reduces the chances of a head injury by as much as 85%. It’s also imperative to ride on the correct side of the road. Children should always ride a bike under the supervision of an adult cyclist.

A bike does not need much maintenance, as compared to other vehicles. However, there are certain points to be remembered while doing the periodic maintenance of your bike:

1. Chain: Most people prefer chains with a wax based lubricant rather than oil. The reason behind this is that oil collects dirt faster which is abrasive to the chain. Use a solvent to degrease the chain at least once a year, so that your bike functions at the optimum best.

2. Derailleur components: It is essential to lubricate the pivot points and derailleur cables using good petroleum based lubricant. Once you lubricate them, you also need to adjust the cables since they have a tendency to stretch over winters.

3. Brakes: Lubricate the brakes with petroleum or wax based lubricant depending on the degree and roughness of use. Here, pay attention to brake pads. It’s essential that the brake pads hit the rims evenly. In case of fluid actuated disc brakes, check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir.

4. Wheels: Spin the wheels to see if they wobble. In case they are wobbling just a wee bit, they can be adjusted using a spoke wrench. If the wobbling is quite pronounced, then take it to the bike shop and get an expert to fix it.

Apart from these maintenance tips, it’s also important to tune up your bicycle regularly. Enjoy your bike and take care of it. Riding a bike is one of the most beautiful experiences of life. With the wind on your face and the sun on your back. What could be better?

Sebastian Marders loves writing about a variety of things and sharing the website that inspires each piece with his readers. If you would like to know more about bicycles, then please visit http://bikemonster.com.

Since the beginning of time, the human race has been inventing new games and sports. In ancient times, games were invented to test endurance and train warriors for acts of war. Some of the newest sports to develop are snowboarding, rollerblading, skateboarding and mountain biking. While none of these sports would be able to assist in a warfare type situation, they are pretty extreme sports and will definitely keep you fit and your “fight or flight” responses working at peak conditions.

Mountain biking has transformed the traditional bicycle, first available in the late 1800’s, into a well oiled piece of machinery. The knock-on effect of this has created one of the most exciting and popular new sports of the 21st Century.

Regardless of the fact that the sport is referred to as “mountain biking” it is actually suitable for everyone, regardless of background biking proficiency and age. Although I wouldn’t recommend that my ninety-year-old grandmother participate, she might disagree with me as she is always up for a new challenge. Some of the most appealing things about this sport is that you can participate at relatively low cost, and that you can start off slowly. Just because you’re mountain biking, it doesn’t mean that you have to pedal at breakneck speed down Everest.

A mountain bike is not your average bicycle, and the extreme end of the sport may be quite simply described as “bicycling on steroids”. Mountain biking will always demand more of you than just pedaling along a flat road on a sunny afternoon. Even the bike itself is built with this in mind. It’s more streamlined and muscular in appearance than the good, old fashioned, racing bike. Characteristically, the frame is built from chunky, rounded tubing suspended above shock absorbers and the tires are also chunky and knobby.

The terrain that mountain biking takes place in is very different from the more traditional form of biking. Mountain bikes are made to go up and down rocky trails and descend into muddy streambeds and sandbanks. This is normally all the fun of the activity.

The mountain biker does have to be an adrenaline junkie to some extent. It is more physically demanding than other more passive forms of biking, and requires razor sharp reflexes and quick thinking in the face of hazards or danger. These skills can be learned, but don’t think that on your first ride you are going to be able to accomplish the same result as a seasoned master of the trails. You need to take your time and develop first-rate mountain biking legs.

But if you think you are going to like this sport and are determined to take part in mountain biking, it is helpful to have a basic knowledge of the different categories available to you. Here are the five different popular categories of mountain biking.

1. The most popular is “Cross Country,” which is normally undertaken on rough, woodland paths.
2. “Downhill Mountain Biking” entails racing downhill and includes large jumps.
3. “Dirt Jumping” is about exhibiting the biggest and most amazing stunts.
4. “Free Riding” is riding out without any particular style.
5. “Urban Riding” involves grinding ledges and can be done anywhere.

Each category needs a different bike that suits the terrain, and possibly a slightly different personality type as well. Once you have chosen your desired category and your preferred bike, all that will be left for you to do is start pedaling.

Sebastian Marders loves writing about a variety of things and sharing the website that inspires each piece with his readers. If you would like to know more about bicycles, then please visit http://bikemonster.com.