In these hard economic times, Americans are doing what they can to stretch their dollars. One way to do that is find alternate methods of transportation. Instead of driving themselves, people are beginning to carpool to work. Some people go the public transportation route. Still, a plethora of people are not only trying to save money, but lessen their carbon footprint and are going green and employed the use of a city bike, also known as commuter bike, to get around.
Americans spend roughly $2000 on gas a year. In NYC, the price of a monthly metro card is $104. That adds up to $1248 annually, so you save around $752 by exchanging private transportation for a public service. However, the price of a quality commuter bike has a ball-park figure of the amount you saved switching between modes of transportation.
It is important to know what kind of bike you will need for commuting. Most department stores will sell consumers a mountain bike because they are the most inexpensive. However, these bikes are not built for riding on paved roads. These bikes were designed to travel over dirt and gravel and in mud. Mountain bikes have wide wheels and a lot of tread on the tires. They offer more resistance when trying to peddle over pavement and this in turn makes the commute harder because of the extra energy exerted in trying to overcome the friction. Mountain bikes are for off-road riding, and shouldn't be used for commuting.
Instead of purchasing commuter bikes on a whim. Make sure you educate yourself about what you will and won't need in a bike. You can find a lot of information online with a simple search. Another method is to find a local bike shop and ask for information that way. Avoid department stores because they generally do not have expertise in the area of commuter bikes.
In a time were Americans are gaining weight, and the economy is not the best, commuter bikes are a great, cost-effective way to save money, lose weight, and help out the environment. The price of your new bike will cost less than the amount of money you would spend on gas or mass transit in one year. Moreover, you are reducing your carbon footprint and getting fit at the same time. Remember to educate yourself on what kind of bike you need before you make a purchase.
Americans spend roughly $2000 on gas a year. In NYC, the price of a monthly metro card is $104. That adds up to $1248 annually, so you save around $752 by exchanging private transportation for a public service. However, the price of a quality commuter bike has a ball-park figure of the amount you saved switching between modes of transportation.
It is important to know what kind of bike you will need for commuting. Most department stores will sell consumers a mountain bike because they are the most inexpensive. However, these bikes are not built for riding on paved roads. These bikes were designed to travel over dirt and gravel and in mud. Mountain bikes have wide wheels and a lot of tread on the tires. They offer more resistance when trying to peddle over pavement and this in turn makes the commute harder because of the extra energy exerted in trying to overcome the friction. Mountain bikes are for off-road riding, and shouldn't be used for commuting.
Instead of purchasing commuter bikes on a whim. Make sure you educate yourself about what you will and won't need in a bike. You can find a lot of information online with a simple search. Another method is to find a local bike shop and ask for information that way. Avoid department stores because they generally do not have expertise in the area of commuter bikes.
In a time were Americans are gaining weight, and the economy is not the best, commuter bikes are a great, cost-effective way to save money, lose weight, and help out the environment. The price of your new bike will cost less than the amount of money you would spend on gas or mass transit in one year. Moreover, you are reducing your carbon footprint and getting fit at the same time. Remember to educate yourself on what kind of bike you need before you make a purchase.
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