We're asking readers to weigh in on an important question today. We need help choosing a new bike.Here's the question: If you are buying a bicycle to exercise, do you pick one with a single speed and coaster brake or do you go all out for a slim ten-speed with hand brakes and skinny tires?
If the object is a workout, do you want a smooth, efficient bike that makes it easy to climb a hill? Do you ride face down and bent over with your butt in the air? Or will fat tires and a chunky frame be more likely to help you break a sweat? If you want to burn fat, do you add a picnic basket for weight?
We're familiar with the sexy racers and the intrepid mountaineering bikes, but now two categories have emerged with interesting names: the "cruisers" and the "comfort" bikes. Boomer markets anyone?
We need an hour of aerobic exercise with a heart-rate averaging around 110 beats per minute. And of course we want to look good in the neighborhood. Question: Can all that be done, while seated tall on a comfy wide-bottom perch?
These are the big questions of the day. That, and, "Will there be a regime change in Iran, leading to a lessening of tensions in the Middle East?"Thank you for your help.
----------------------------------
UPDATE
Sister Sosie emails from Sunol, CA, where they have opinions about these alternative transportation things: She writes:
Please don't limit yourselves. Consider:
and for very best exercise and highest cool factor, the
Trikke:
