Get Equipped for a Good Ride; The Right Bike is Key for an Enjoyable Cycling Experience.

Jay Zech refers to them as “garage ornaments.” He’s talking about bicycles that get stored away during peak riding season after the rider usually a novice ends up stiff and sore.

“You go out, it’s not a comfortable ride, and you come home and hang it in the garage,” said Zech, owner of Gung Ho Bikes, 1815 Susquehanna Trail North, York.

He has seen his share of weekend warriors who decide to retire their bike pants after barely breaking a sweat. That’s why comfort is everything when it comes to cycling.

You’re much more likely to go out and enjoy the ride on a bike that fits you well, is adjusted well, and is designed for where you’re riding it, “as opposed to the bike at Wal-Mart that is heavy and clunky and the person who adjusted it will be working in cosmetics next week,” Zech said.

Cycling enthusiasts recommend finding the right bike perhaps a so-called “comfort bike” with larger tires for balance and comfort, and with a seat that allows the rider to sit upright, not hunched over the bars like professional riders. Such bikes are suitable for riding around the neighborhood as well as cruising the mostly flat, picturesque 21-mile Heritage Rail Trail County Park, a path particularly suited for families and beginners.

The National Bike Dealers Association’s Web site (www.nbda.com) helps those looking to buy a bike. Those who purchase through a dealer will find more service and expertise than at a mass-market store and a steeper price, too. Expect to pay anywhere from $250 on up, depending on the features. Prospective buyers should consider how they plan to use the bike for casual trips around the neighborhood, for health and fitness, or to compete in races.

The bicycle may be the largest piece of equipment to consider, but it’s not the only one. First-time as well as frequent riders benefit from wearing the proper attire.

John Linden of Adventure Cycling & Fitness in West Manchester Township cited a list of accessories considered important for a safe, comfortable ride.

First and foremost, a properly fitted helmet is essential for both adults and children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that bike-related crashes kill more than 800 people each year and send more than 560,000 to hospital emergency rooms with injuries. The commission’s statistics also show that less than half or 38 percent of adult riders regularly wear helmets. Yet, wearing one can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent, according to the Bicycle Safety Helmet Institute (www.bshi.org).

Once the head is protected, it’s time to turn to the rest of the body. When riders complain to Linden about seat discomfort, he usually discovers that ill-fitting or improper attire is to blame. Zech said jeans are the worst kind of pants to ride in. The heavy seams tend to bunch at the crotch. Both men recommended bike shorts, either the tight spandex, or the looser-fitting kind, with sewn-in panels that give extra padding. (Cost: $30 and up.)

Goggles/sunglasses (around $35) help to keep bugs, dirt, and other foreign objects out of riders’ eyes. Gloves ($15 and up) ensure riders will get a good grip on their handlebars.

Linden and Zech recommend building up speed and endurance gradually. Start with 5 or 10 miles then build up to 20-25 miles. “You don’t need to be out there for two hours, a good workout can be 40 minutes,” Linden said.

Both men recommend the Heritage Rail-Trail as a prime starting point for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a safe, satisfying riding experience.

Cyclists make up the largest segment of rail-trail users, 71 percent, although the number of walkers, joggers and horseback riders has grown.

PIC: DAILY RECORD FILE

The Heritage Rail Trail County Park offers miles of relatively flat terrain for cyclists of all skill levels.