Uygun Bisiklet Nasıl Seçilir? I
In the early 1900s, we see the bicycle taking on its current form. Since then, designers have strived to use muscle power more effectively and have carried out detailed work on the basic construction of the bicycle. They have conducted intensive research on how to choose the right bicycle.
In fact, we can give a noteworthy example from Turkey. Sometimes I see riders riding motorcycle-like down hill bicycles with double shock absorbers, wide and thick spoked wheels, in the city. However, riding these models, which are designed for going down hills and mountains, in the city is nothing but torture.
Three points of the body come into contact with the bicycle during travel: hands, hips and feet. The harmonious position of these three points determines comfort and efficiency on two wheels. There are different variables to find the healthy position.
In different parts of our country, bicycle parts are known by different names. For example, the sprocket on the rear wheel of a bicycle can be called a ruble, a filibir or a gear sprocket. I am sorry to say that there is no common terminology language currently in use. However, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has published a standard on this subject in three different languages (ISO 8090:1990 Cycles-Terminology).
Of course, during the course of these intensive studies, it was realized that improvements to the bicycle alone were not very useful, and that human dimensions also needed to be taken into account for effective riding. At first, bicycles were built based solely on gender, taking into account that women have narrower shoulders, smaller rib cages, shorter torsos, wider and stooped pelvic bones, shorter arms, smaller hands and feet than men. But the difference did not end with gender. They took into account that even though they are the same height and weight, their limbs have different body measurements. The bicycle craftsmen set out to find effective methods and formulas to create more specialized components and equipment specific to the user and to determine the proper riding position.
Just when they thought they had succeeded, bicycles started to appear, this time according to their intended use. This means that a road racer, a triathlete, a track racer, a BMX rider, a downhill rider or a mountain biker needs to vary their riding position. Normally, every development that has taken place has been geared towards a healthier use of the bicycle. Choosing the ideal bicycle is very important to prevent various health problems and injuries as well as comfort. Having an incorrect or improperly adjusted bicycle carries great risks for the rider's health. I realize that I am prolonging the subject, but I wanted to give certain information to explain the importance of the subject and that bicycle selection has details that require attention.
Today, professional cyclists recommend different formulas and methods to convey the ideal bicycle and proper riding posture. I will continue to advise you by blending what I find important from these suggestions with the experiences I have gained in my company. Determining the ideal bicycle and proper riding position is a complicated and time-consuming process. Because the rider's body structure, fitness level and flexibility, riding habits and style affect finding the most suitable posture on the bicycle. The posture of our body on the bicycle is directly reflected in our riding. The healthy delivery of performance to the pedals and the comfort of the position on the bicycle are always related to the correctness of the posture.
When choosing a bicycle, we should have two main criteria. These are comfort and performance. The harmony between these two criteria varies according to the intended use of the bicycle. There are two important questions we need to answer before buying a bicycle; "What will I do with my bicycle?", "Where and for what purpose will I use my bicycle?". For example; a track racer is not very interested in the comfort of the bike. In fact, he only sits on the saddle for 5-10 seconds during the race. On the contrary, long-distance cyclists spend 5-10 hours a day in the saddle. Long-distance cyclists are more interested in comfort than speed. Because they want to enjoy the scenery along the way.
