The Wheels of Fun

The wheels of fun

 

These days more and more people are riding bikes. They ride them to work. They ride them to school.

And they ride them on weekends for fun and exercise.

I guess there's nothing like pedaling on a peaceful country road.

I suggest that you experience such a great feeling. Let's find out how you can become a cyclist.

What type of bike is right for you? The first step to becoming a cyclist is choosing the type of bike you ride.

You have to consider two things.

First, decide where you are going to ride. Second, decide if speed is important to you.

Road bikes are specially designed for going fast on paved streets. They have thin tires and a light frame.

If you're going to travel long distances at high speeds, you should choose a road bike.

Having tough tires and a strong frame, mountain bikes are good to ride on rough mountain roads.

They do not go as fast as road bikes, but they are strong and comfortable.

Hybrid bikes combine the features of road bikes and mountain bikes. They are fast and strong.

If you want to ride for shorter distances like from your home to your school, a hybrid bike is right for you.

 

 

 

What is the right bike size for you?

 

After choosing the type of bike, the next step is choosing the right bike size.

Find out the right size for you from the table below. The taller you are, the larger the frame you need.

 

Bike size

Rider Height	Road Bike Frame Size	Mountain Bike Frame Size	Hybrid Bike Frame Size
Below 150 cm	42cm ~ 45cm	33cm ~ 37cm	38cm ~ 42cm
150cm ~ 167.5cm	46cm ~ 51cm	38cm ~ 42cm	43cm ~ 47cm
167.5cm ~ 178cm	52cm ~ 55cm	43cm ~ 47cm	48cm ~ 52cm
above 178cm	56cm ~ 60cm	48cm ~ 52cm	53cm ~ 58cm

 

What is the right riding position?

 

Now that you have the right bike for you, it is important to learn the right riding position.

A poor riding position can lead to injuries and pain. Let's learn how to ride a bike in the right position.

① Check whether the seat is set at the right height.

When you sit on the seat and touch the lower pedal, your leg should be bent at about 25 degrees.

② Your back should be bent at about 30 degrees.

③ Your shoulders should be slightly forward to support the weight of your body.

④ Your arms should be bent a little when your hands are on the handlebars.

 

 

Bike Safety Tips

 

There are some tips for making your riding safer when you ride on the road.

 

• Make sure that you ride on the right side of the road.

Put a light on your bike, and turn it on at night.

The light should be directed to the ground to show you the road conditions.

 

• When making a turn or stopping your bike, you need to use hand signals.

Hand Signals Turning right, Turning left, Stopping, Riding slowly

Okay. You are all set. Always remember that safety is the most important thing when riding a bike.

Have fun and stay healthy!

 

"Life is like riding a bike: you don't fall off if you don't stop pedaling." - Claude Pepper

 

 

출처 : 중3 영어교과서(비상교육)