Bike Advice From The Big Wheels

It is National Bike Month as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and May 16-20 is Bike to Work Week. But before you go out and purchase a bike, there are safety issues to consider.

The experts at Consumer Reports suggest that cyclists of all ages know the basic cycling safety tips. They also suggest that bicycles and gear be customizedfor each consumer.

On Friday, Kim Kleman, managing editor of Consumer Reports, visits The Early Show to discuss cycling safety tips and review Consumer Reports' top-rated bicycles.

A lot of places sell bikes now, but consumers should you go to a bike retailer to get a good bicycle, Kleman tells co-anchor Rene Syler.

"You're going to pay a little more money," Kleman says, "but they'll have a far better stock of bikes. They'll have bikes of all sizes and comfort. You have to be fit to it well. The people will be better mechanics and they'll just serve you better. You'll get a better bike at a bike shop."

Here are a few safety and comfort tips:

Helmets:
The most important thing to remember when riding a bike is to wear a helmet, Kleman says, pointing out a lot of parents think their kids don't need them because they are not riding fast.

"Everybody needs a helmet. If you're just sitting on your bike and fall over, you can hurt your head," she says. "Even if your toddler is not riding him or herself but is on the back of your bike, (he) needs a helmet."

Try it on before you buy. For a proper fit, buy a helmet at a bike shop, which may offer better service than other retailers. Choosing a helmet that fits and wearing it properly increases a bicyclist's protection. A bike helmet should sit level on the head, not tilted back like a hat. Most helmets now have easily adjustable stabilizing straps to create a snug fit, and many helmets for young riders also have buckles designed to avoid pinching the skin.

Those who ride a lot should look for a helmet with adequate ventilation. Many youth helmets are not well ventilated, so an avid young cyclist might do better with a smaller-sized adult model.

Want a multisport helmet? Be careful. "Skate style" helmets, which cover more of the head, look like they'd be appropriate for other sports, but many are not. Only helmets whose stickers say they meet skateboard and snowboard standards are best suited for those sports.

Know when to discard it. Unless you have purchased a multiple-impact model, replace your helmet if you crash and hit your head.

Kleman says, "We've found no evidence that you have to replace it every five years, but certainly once you've fallen and hit your head..."
Bicycles:
Focus on Fit. Fit is as important for bikes as it is for helmets. The right fit involves a complex series of interrelated measurements and adjustments for seat height, angle, and rear adjustment, along with handlebar height and reach.

Customize the Components. The right gears, brakes, seats, and pedals can ease a journey. Cyclists can buy many components separately and retrofit them to their own bikes.

For those in the market to buy one of the 19 million new bikes Americans will pedal home this year, Consumer Reports suggests cyclists match the bike to the preferred riding style. Mountain bike or road bike? Steel or aluminum frame? Each has pros, cons, and features best suited to one kind of riding.

• Rough terrain with steep slopes: Consumer Reports recommends a full-suspension mountain bike. Most bikes have 27 speeds and 26-inch wheels with wide, knobby tires.

  "It did really well going downhill. It's very efficient," Kleman says. "You don't have to stress your joints using this bike."

  C.R. recommends: Specialized FSR XC Pro ($1,200) - It had the best blend of downhill shock absorption and riding efficiency.

• For less rugged off-road trails the best choice is a front-suspension mountain bike. A shock-absorbing suspension fork and rigid frame is fine for tamer trails. These bikes need less maintenance and are more efficient on smooth terrain. Most have 24 or 27 speeds; 26-inch wheels; wide, knobby tires; narrow or moderately wide saddle; and flat or riser handlebars.

  C.R. recommends: Gary Fisher Marlin ($450) - It was the all around best in this category.

• Moderate-speed riding on pavement and smooth dirt paths: A hybrid bike, a cross between a comfort and road bike, is considered the best choice. Most have a shock-absorbing suspension fork and seatpost with 24 speeds; 700C wheels (a designation from the French system, indicating size and width; it's about 27-inch); mid-width, fairly smooth tires; moderately wide saddle; and riser handlebars.

  C.R. recommends: Giant Cypress LX ($470) – It stressed smoothness during Consumer Reports' road tests.

• For casual riding on pavement and smooth dirt paths a comfort bike is recommended. Most have a shock-absorbing suspension fork and seatpost; 21 speeds; 26-inch wheels; wide, relatively smooth tires; wide saddle; and riser handlebars. Generally, they have the most upright riding position, which casual riders often find most comfortable.

  C.R. recommends: Jamis Explorer 2.0 ($300)- It was rated top in this category.

"Many bikes do come with reflectors," Says Kleman, "But it's important that you are as visible as you can possibly be."