Even if you don’t plan on climbing any mountains, a mountain bike is still a great investment. Mountain bikes are tough. They have a suspension system that makes for a comfortable ride, and fat, wide tires are less likely to slip than the thinner tires on a cruiser bike, especially on wet roads. Mountain bikes have alloy frames that are strong and lightweight. They are definitely not just for climbing mountains. Three big reasons to buy a mountain bike are the great exercise it gets, the fuel you save by commuting by bike instead of a car, and the lack of environmental impact a bike makes compared to a car.
Benefits of riding a bike
Bicycling is great exercise. Not only do you strengthen your legs, but you also develop better cardiovascular health. A multi-speed mountain bike will allow you to adapt to your particular physical shape. Bicycling is also kinder to the joints than higher-impact exercises like aerobics or running. Position your mountain bike seat high enough so that your legs are almost fully extended with each pedaling cycle. And of course, riding a bike gets your leg muscles in shape. You can start on flat ground, then add speed and varied terrain as your legs get stronger. It’s a good idea to stretch both before and after mountain biking.
Many people have the habit of taking their car even on the shortest journeys. There may be errands that are too far to complete on foot, but are within bicyclable distance. There are many types of nylon baskets and racks that easily attach to the front or rear of your mountain bike and can easily hold a few groceries. Because urban areas tend to be fairly flat, getting around by bike can be faster than driving. You have to be careful in traffic, so it’s vital to buy a helmet that fits you well and is easy to put on and take off.
In a time when energy is expensive and people want to reduce the use of natural resources, riding a bike makes even more sense. You can burn a lot of fuel with just short trips around town. All that carbon dioxide emitted from cars really adds up, and many scientific experts believe that carbon dioxide emitted from cars is a major contributor to global climate change. When you ride your mountain bike instead of driving your car, you don’t contribute to environmental damage. Bicycling is one of the most efficient carbon neutral forms of transportation.
mountain against the road
If you’re thinking about buying a bike, whether it’s for exercise, to save on energy costs, or to reduce your environmental impact, you should consider buying a mountain bike. Mountain bikes are built to be tough and have wider tires that grip the road better and are less likely to slip on wet surfaces. With the right size mountain bike, a helmet, and perhaps a basket or nylon haul bag attached to the handlebars or frame, you’ll not only get fitter, but save resources and put more money in your pocket. to buy less gasoline for your car.
