Sarasota Cycle and Fitness

Riding a bike is a great way to get fit. Bicycling provides a cardiovascular workout, builds stamina and overall muscle tone, and is a great strength workout for the lower body. It’s also a lot more fun than the gym!

Bicycle shops are staffed by folks with a comprehensive knowledge of cycling and are a good place to connect with local bicycle enthusiasts and become more active in the local cyclist community.

Bicycle frames are available in steel, carbon, graphite, aluminum, and even bamboo. Bamboo has the flexibility and strength to make it an ideal frame building material. In addition, it is a renewable, biodegradable resource.

It’s important not to clean your bike by blasting water sideways at it. Doing so may force the water into the pedals, hubs and bottom bracket, which may compromise the grease and bearings inside these components.

Did you know that although triathlons are considered by some to have started in France in the 1920s, the first modern swim / bike/ run event to officially be called a 'triathlon' was held in San Diego, California in 1974?

Cycling is a good exercise choice when you want to start slowly, either because of injury or because you are just beginning an exercise program. You can get the advantages of a cardiovascular workout and increase muscle tone without the pounding that other exercise put on your legs and joints.

Did you know that the smallest bicycle an adult can ride actually has wheels made from silver dollars?

Bicyclists should ride as far to the right side of a lane as possible unless they are turning left or passing on someone’s left side. If the lane is narrow and cannot be shared with a car, then bicyclists should stay in the center part of lanes.

Getting a front parking space is the goal and focus of many. But what if everyone rode bikes instead? A single parking space can fit as many as 6 to 20 bikes. Think of all the open spaces!

The San Francisco Police Department estimates that 90% of bike thefts are drug related and that bicycles are considered to be a form of currency on the streets.

Cycling improves cardiovascular fitness by making the heart pound in a steady manner. Studies have shown that cycling to work will increase cardiovascular fitness by 3 percent to 7 percent. Cycling uses the largest muscle groups, which raises your heart rate to benefit stamina and fitness.

"Bike shops have a wide selection of bicycle models, sizes, styles and colors," writes the National Bicycle Dealers Association. "Their expert staff coaches you through the process of finding the best bike for you."