1. Sizing a bicycle
2. Bicycle styles
3. Saddle height
4. Recommended equipment
5. Basic bicycle maintenance
6. Locking up your bicycle
7. Different pedal systems
8. Rules for cyclists
9. Local racing teams

Sizing a Bicycle
There are a few factors to keep on mind when getting a bike sized. Your height and leg length are important as well as your riding style and intended use for the bicycle. It is recommended to have 2 to 4 inches of clearance between you and the top bar for a mountain bike. 1 to 2 inches is appropriate for hybrid bikes and cruisers. It is important to have a comfortable reach to the handlebars so that you have control over the bike. Consequently some people may have more standover clearance to achieve a comfortable sitting position. Road bikes require a more precise fit and therefore bicycle manufacturers offer more sizes than for other styles of bikes. For a more accurate fitting come in and talk to a sales person.

Bicycle Styles
Road: Good for long distance riding and racing.
Hybrid: Leisure riding and for longer rides. Upright riding position.
Triathalon: Racing in triathalon events.
Cyclocross: Designed for offroad cyclocross events where there are obstacles to run over. This also makes a good commuter bike for someone who wants speed but also need something more durable than a road bike.
Comfort: Very durable and smooth riding. Stable like a mountain bike but upright like a hybrid.
Cruiser: Great for the lake front. There are not many gears to deal with and often a coaster(foot) brake. Upright position.

Saddle Height
There are a few adjustments you can make with your bicycle saddle to make your riding more comfortable and efficient. The up and down height is an important measurement when you are in the saddle. There should be a slight bend in your knee when your foot is at 6 o'clock. This prevents knee injury and makes your pedal stroke stronger.
The forward and back position of your saddle allows you to stretch out or get closer to the handlebars. This also affects the amount of pressure put on your knees.
The third adjustment that can be made is the tilt of the saddle. It is important that you are not tilted too forward so you do not put too much pressure on your wrists and hands. It is also important not to ne leaning to much backwards or it will be very akward when pedaling, especiallly up a steep hill.
These subtle adjustments can make a huge difference when you are riding so please come in for a proper fitting.

Recommended Equipment
1. A helmet is strongly recommended for street and off road riding.
2. Padded shorts and gloves will make the ride much more comfortable.
3. A flat repair kit and pump is important especially if you are riding in remote areas.
4. Plenty of water which can be carried in a Camelbak hydration pack or on a bottle cage.
5. Rear rack with panniers to carry books and clothes to work or school.

Basic Bicycle Maintenance
1. Make sure the proper air pressure is in your tires. There is a recommended amount on the side of most tires. A lower # is for off road riding and a higher # is for paved surfaces.
2. Check that all the bolts on the bike are tight. It is very dangerous to ride on a bike where something is loose because you could get hurt and you will damage the parts.
3. Lubricate the chain occassionally. It is important not too put too much lube on the chain because it willattract dirt. Don't use WD40 because it will dry out the chain.
4. If the bike starts making lots of noise or if it feels different than usual then bring it in and have a mechanic check the bike over or give it a tune up. This will lengthen the lifetime of the bicycle.

Locking Up Your Bicycle
It is important to secure the bicycle frame as well as the wheels when you are leaving your bike unattended. Remove your front wheel and place it next to the rear wheel so that 1 lock can secure both wheels and the frame. A U-Lock is the best kind of lock to use. When putting your front wheel back on the bike make sure that the quick release is closed properly and that you put your brakes back on (you must release the cable for most bikes).

Different Pedal Systems
Toe clips and straps secure your feet onto the pedal without having to wear special shoes. They allow the rider to pull up on the pedal and keep the foot from slipping forward. Clipless pedals require bicycling shoes with a cleat to attach the shoe to the pedal. These shoes are much stiffer then an average shoe and they give the necessary support for the small pedal. This pedal system is the most efficient way of riding. It is great for long distances, racing, and tricks because your feet do not slip off the pedals.

Rules For Cyclists
The rules and laws for cars also apply to bikes. Lights are required when riding in the dark and a helmet is highly recommended.

Local Teams
We sponser a local team that is active in a variety of events. They participate in road, mountain, and track races. Try riding with them before joining. You can contact the team directly at www.2CCRacing.com