Editing Cycling (section)

==Equipment==
{{Main|Bicycle}}
{{Annotated image 4
|caption = Road cyclists often wear tight-fitting clothing to improve performance and comfort for competitions. Here, a cyclist wears a summer team [[cycling kit]] made with [[Lycra]] material and a [[bicycle helmet|helmet.]]
|image = Cycling kit full body.jpg
|image-width = 220
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|height = 293
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|annotations =
{{Annotation|58|15|[[cycling helmet|helmet]]|background-color=#ffffff | color=black}}
{{Annotation|58|95|[[cycling jersey|jersey]]|background-color=#ffffff | color=black}}
{{Annotation|44|146|[[cycling gloves|gloves]]|background-color=#ffffff | color=black}}
{{Annotation|44|175|[[cycling shorts|bib shorts]]|background-color=#ffffff | color=black}}
{{Annotation|66|234|[[socks]]|background-color=#ffffff | color=black}}
{{Annotation|44|256|[[cycling shoes|shoes]]|background-color=#ffffff | color=black}}
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[[File:Cycling in Alabama.webm|thumb|Video of a recreational cycling ride in [[Alabama]]]]

In many countries, the most commonly used vehicle for road transport is a [[utility bicycle]]. These have frames with relaxed geometry, protecting the rider from shocks of the road and easing steering at low speeds. Utility bicycles tend to be equipped with accessories such as mudguards, pannier racks and lights, which extend their usefulness on a daily basis. Since the bicycle is so effective as a means of transportation, various companies have developed methods of carrying anything from the weekly shop to children on bicycles. Certain countries rely heavily on bicycles and their culture has developed around the bicycle as a primary form of transport. In Europe, Denmark and the Netherlands have the most bicycles per capita and most often use bicycles for everyday transport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ecf.com/press-corner/cycling-facts-and-figures/ |title=European Cyclists' Federation – Cycling facts and figures |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120213149/http://www.ecf.com/press-corner/cycling-facts-and-figures/ |archive-date=20 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_312_en.pdf |title=This version of the web site is now archived – Cette version du site web est archivée. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205185930/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_312_en.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2015}}</ref>

Road bikes tend to have a more upright shape and a shorter wheelbase, which make the bike more mobile but harder to ride slowly. The design, coupled with low or dropped handlebars, requires the rider to bend forward more, making use of stronger muscles (particularly the [[Gluteus maximus muscle|gluteus maximus]]) and reducing air resistance at high speed.

Road bikes are designed for speed and efficiency on paved roads. They are characterized by their lightweight frames, skinny tires, drop handlebars, and narrow saddles. Road bikes are ideal for racing, long-distance riding, and fitness training.

Other common types of bikes include [[gravel bicycle|gravel bikes]], designed for use on gravel roads or trails, but with the ability to ride well on pavement; [[mountain bikes]], which are designed for more rugged, undulating terrain; and [[electric bicycle|e-bikes]], which provide some level of motorized assist for the rider. There are additional variations of bikes and types of biking as well.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-31 |title=Types of Biking - Gorp |url=https://gorp.com/types-of-biking/ |access-date=2023-12-17 |language=en-US}}</ref>

The price of a new bicycle can range from US$50 to more than US$20,000 (the highest priced bike in the world is the custom Madone by [[Damien Hirst]], sold at US$500,000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/stages/hirst/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226083113/http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/stages/hirst |archive-date=26 February 2012 |title=Trek Bicycle: The world's best bikes for road, mountain, or town |publisher=Trekbikes.com |access-date=6 June 2012}}</ref>),<ref>{{cite web |archive-date=25 February 2007 |url=http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-1-2-15285-1,00.html |title=Custom Bike Builders: Groupe de Tete |publisher=bicycling.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070225094609/http://www.bicycling.com/article/1%2C6610%2Cs1-1-2-15285-1%2C00.html}}</ref> depending on quality, type and weight (the most exotic road bicycles can weigh as little as 3.2&nbsp;kg (7&nbsp;lb)<ref>{{cite web |archive-date=14 November 2011 |url=http://www.light-bikes.com/bikegallery/BikeListing.asp?id=1507 |title=SPIN Custom...7.04 lbs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114120218/http://www.light-bikes.com/bikegallery/BikeListing.asp?id=1507}}</ref>). However, UCI regulations stipulate a legal [[Racing bicycle|race bike]] cannot weigh less than 6.8&nbsp;kg (14.99&nbsp;lbs). Being measured for a bike and taking it for a test ride are recommended before buying.

The [[bicycle#Drivetrain and gearing|drivetrain]] components of the bike should also be considered. A middle grade [[dérailleur]] is sufficient for a beginner, although many utility bikes are equipped with [[hub gear]]s. If the rider plans a significant amount of [[hillclimbing (cycling)|hillclimbing]], a triple-chainrings [[crankset]] [[bicycle gearing|gear system]] may be preferred. Otherwise, the relatively lighter, simpler, and less expensive double chainring is preferred, even on high-end race bikes. Much simpler fixed wheel bikes are also available.

Many road bikes, along with mountain bikes, include [[clipless pedal]]s to which special shoes attach, via a [[cleat (shoe)|cleat]], enabling the rider to pull on the pedals as well as push. Other possible accessories for the bicycle include front and rear lights, [[Bicycle bell|bells]] or horns, child carrying seats, cycling computers with GPS, locks, bar tape, fenders (mud-guards), baggage racks, baggage carriers and pannier bags, water bottles and bottle cages.

For basic maintenance and repairs cyclists can carry a [[bicycle pump|pump]] (or a [[carbon dioxide|CO<sub>2</sub> cartridge]]), a puncture repair kit, a spare inner tube, and [[tire levers]] and a set of [[allen keys]]. Cycling can be more efficient and comfortable with special [[cycling shoe|shoes]], [[cycling gloves|gloves]], and [[cycling shorts|shorts]]. In wet weather, riding can be more tolerable with waterproof clothes, such as cape, jacket, trousers (pants) and overshoes and high-visibility clothing is advisable to reduce the risk from motor vehicle users.

Items legally required in some jurisdictions, or voluntarily adopted for safety reasons, include [[bicycle helmet]]s,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.yescycling.com/bicycle-helmet-laws-in-the-us/ |title=Bicycle Helmet Laws In The US – The Complete List – Yes Cycling |date=25 March 2017 |work=Yes Cycling |access-date=25 February 2018 |language=en-GB}}</ref> generator or battery operated lights, [[retroreflector|reflectors]], and audible signalling devices such as a bell or horn. Extras include [[studded tires]] and a [[cyclocomputer|bicycle computer]].

Bikes can also be heavily customized, with different seat designs and handle bars, for example. [[Bicycle gearing|Gears]] can also be customized to better suit the rider's strength in relation to the terrain.