VOL. XV, NO. 9
MARCH 8, 1974
What You Should Know Before
Buying a Bike
Buying a Bike
By MELINDA VAUGHN
What better way exists to get exercise and see the USA than riding a bike! Or don't you have a bike? Well, maybe we can help you there. Bikes are now selling fast; but before you rush out to buy a bike, you should consider some things. First, what style of bike do you want?
If you are a sports freak or are planning a cross-country trip, a 10-speed bike would be your best bet. On the other hand, if you want a bike merely with which to ride around town and use as transportation to and from school, a 3- or 5-speed bike would be your best choice.
The prices of a 10‑speed range from $90 to $450. A 10‑speed without an excess of special equipment and fancy trimmings will cost approximately $90. If you are riding up hills or against the wind, a 10‑speed's gears will do most of the muscle work.
What better way exists to get exercise and see the USA than riding a bike! Or don't you have a bike? Well, maybe we can help you there. Bikes are now selling fast; but before you rush out to buy a bike, you should consider some things. First, what style of bike do you want?
If you are a sports freak or are planning a cross-country trip, a 10-speed bike would be your best bet. On the other hand, if you want a bike merely with which to ride around town and use as transportation to and from school, a 3- or 5-speed bike would be your best choice.
The prices of a 10‑speed range from $90 to $450. A 10‑speed without an excess of special equipment and fancy trimmings will cost approximately $90. If you are riding up hills or against the wind, a 10‑speed's gears will do most of the muscle work.
Since light‑framed bikes are easier to handle and can travel faster than a heavy‑framed bike, a light‑framed bike will cost more than a heavy‑framed one.
Some tips might be helpful for the bike hunter. 1. Deal with a bike shop that repairs its own bikes. That way you won't have to search all over Chicago for a bike part. 2. If you are in the habit of locking your bike to a post, as a parking meter, use the almost thief‑proof Kryptonite lock. 3. Shop around. Prices vary on the same item. 4. For a stronger bike buy a lugged‑framed bike, not a welded‑framed one. 5. Make sure the bike does not have plastic pedals. Rubber pedals are best for local riding and serrated metal ones (rattrap) are best for cross‑country riding.
After you buy your bike, look for the new trails and facilities Mayor Richard Daley has promised to cyclists.
Some tips might be helpful for the bike hunter. 1. Deal with a bike shop that repairs its own bikes. That way you won't have to search all over Chicago for a bike part. 2. If you are in the habit of locking your bike to a post, as a parking meter, use the almost thief‑proof Kryptonite lock. 3. Shop around. Prices vary on the same item. 4. For a stronger bike buy a lugged‑framed bike, not a welded‑framed one. 5. Make sure the bike does not have plastic pedals. Rubber pedals are best for local riding and serrated metal ones (rattrap) are best for cross‑country riding.
After you buy your bike, look for the new trails and facilities Mayor Richard Daley has promised to cyclists.