Start Spinning Your Wheels
Regardless of whether the Tour de France is in your future, you can still hit the road this spring and ride like a pro. Cycling has never been hotter, thanks in part to Lance Armstrong and his inspiring story.
For a look at the latest gear to hit the market, Steven Madden, editor-in-chief of Bicycling magazine, joined The Early Show on Friday with a variety of bicycles, from hybrid to custom made. Madden says bike sales are at a 20-year high — not only because of the Armstrong effect, but also because the sport has caught on with older people looking for a form of exercise that's easier on the knees.
Specialized Dolce for women: $800
Even though bikes are unisex, some are designed specifically for women. This one has a saddle specifically designed for women, an adjustable stem, shorter handlebars, and a wider seat.
Pinarello Galileo: $1,900
This bike, made by an Italian manufacturer, is for the serious intermediate. It has 20 speeds and an aluminum frame. The fork is made of carbon fiber, which minimizes road vibration.
Independent Fabrication XS: $9,000
The 2005 Bicycling editors' choice award winner, this one is ideal for a "bike snob." It's custom made, which means you will get measured, measured and measured again, then interviewed before the bike is constructed. They'll ask you when you ride, where you ride, the weather conditions, and the terrain. They'll put together the frame and fork, then let you pick the other parts, like handlebars and saddle. Made of carbon and titanium, it performs like a racing bike and is unusually comfortable to ride.
Giant Cypress EX: $450
An economical hybrid bike, it's a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. It's good for all-around urban use, absorbs bumps well, and let you shift gears while stopped. Good for beginner to intermediate riders.
Elektra Mini Rod (children's bike): $250
This is the kid's version of the wildly popular Townie bike for adults. It has "flat foot technology,", meaning you can sit on the saddle and put your feet flat on the ground — a great feature for children still struggling with balance.