Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, December 6, 1993 TAG: 9312070074
SECTION: NEWSFUN PAGE: NF1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ROSS FLOWERS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Banana seat bikes, BMX bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes are all popular. There are as many things to consider when choosing a bike as there are reasons for kids liking to ride them.
Kara Morgan of Roanoke County likes to feel the air blowing against her face when she's on her bike. So does Margaret Lemon of Roanoke, who says it's a pleasure knowing she doesn't have to walk.
Matthew Huffman of Vinton says he enjoys being by himself when he's riding a bicycle. Racing her cousin is one of the best things about bike riding, says Veneta Hackett of Montvale. "We like to do tricks on our bikes," she said.
Almost everyone who wrote to Mini Forum agreed: Bike riding is good exercise and it's fun. But having the right bicycle and equipment is very important to your safety and enjoyment.
One of the most important things to think about when deciding on a bike is the price (you'll find this is probably very important to your parents.) People who sell bicycles will tell you that you should not buy a bicycle just because of the price. A bike specialty store is probably the best place to go for the right combination of price and quality.
At Cardinal Bicycle in Roanoke you can get a nice single-speed BMX bike with handbrakes for about $140. BMX bikes are sometimes called dirt bikes. They are good for riding in grass and gravel or just around the neighborhood. Single speed means the bike has one set of gears.
You could also buy a mountain bike with 18 speeds, starting at about $220. Mountain bikes are like heavy duty versions of dirt bikes. They have more gears for easier riding and can be taken on many types of terrain (ground). John Hostetter of Lexington says he likes to ride his mountain bike long distances.
East Coasters Cycling and Fitness is another bike specialty store with locations in Roanoke and Blacksburg. There, a BMX bike, comparable to one at Cardinal Bicycle, can be purchased starting at about $170. A city-style mountain bike can start at $200. The city-style mountain bikes have many gears, but they may not be built for heavy riding. East Coasters also carry "tougher" bikes for a little more money.
Keep in mind that bicycles are made by different companies. Cardinal Bicycle stocks bikes made by Raleigh and Schwinn. East Coasters carries bikes made by Trek and Specialized.
A department store such as Hills also sells nice bikes at good prices. Hills sells bikes from smaller companies such as Murray and Huffy. A BMX bike at Hills could run as low as $120.
Unfortunately, bike specialty stores don't buy these bikes for resale. If you buy a bike from a specialty store, it can be bought and resold by them when you outgrow it.
Used bikes are another way to go. East Coasters can't keep used bikes stocked. Cardinal Bicycle, on the other hand, usually has a good selection to choose from. A bike bought at $130 could resell for as low as $60. All used bikes are fixed, if needed, and given fresh tires. Used bikes sold at Cardinal Bicycle even have a lifetime warranty.
Maybe the most important thing to keep in mind when biking is safety. Make sure you have the right bike and the right equipment. Don't get a bike that is too big for you. Especially if you are just learning to ride.
Joe LeGault of Cardinal says, "Get a bike that is small enough to learn on." When you are too big for it, you can sell it back to the store and buy a new one.
A helmet is a must. A helmet will run anywhere from $16 on up, and that costs a whole lot less then a visit to the doctor or hospital, says John Carliss of East Coasters. "I don't ride to 7-Eleven without a helmet," he said.
In choosing a helmet, fit is the most important thing. A salesperson will help with that. Higher prices on helmets don't mean higher quality; they just give the wearer more growing room.
Other recommended safety equipment includes gloves, lights, and knee and elbow pads for beginners. Gloves can cost about $15. Lights can be bought as low as $10. Knee pads, as well as elbow pads run around $20 and can be found anywhere in-line skates are sold.
Make sure that the bike you end up with is right for you. Don't just look at prices.
And, as Alaina Camden of Lexington says, "It's fun riding a bike because you can get to places much faster." Just make sure you get there safely. Happy cycling.
by CNB