On Sunday, March 2, 2014 9:13:06 AM UTC-8, Garrison Hilliard wrote:
ATLANTA â?? Like other cities, Atlanta is seeing an explosive interest
in biking.


Note that commuter or general biking requires a different sort of bike than sport biking and an entirely different attitude.

Today's sport cyclists are willing to have a heart attack to beat someone else to what they consider to be a "finish line" whereas normal cyclists want to get somewhere or return with groceries etc.

The old Schwinn shops that are still in business can again be thriving if they start paying attention to more than kid's bikes. Sport cycling shops don't really want to carry commuter bikes and they look down their noses at them.

But good commuters and grocery bikes are available for between $600-$1000 for pretty much top of the line stuff. 10 speed rear internal hubs with single chain ring cranks and fully covered chains and fenders with STRONG racks on the back and a good handlebar bag. Larger tires that allow lower pressures to a smoother ride on lower class roads and are less likely to flat.

Weight is a concern on all bicycles but less on commuters and grocery bikes..

Upright positions because speeds are under 15 mph.

Helmets are OPTIONAL because the very thought of a helmet puts many people off and at lower speeds using flat pedals without helmets statistically shows no increase in injuries over helmeted riders.

If you want to promote bicycling you have to promote it, not try to make it some sort of stepping stone to sports riding.