Whether you like bicycles or not, it is impossible to deny that they are having a moment right now. Though there is no official designation (like “The Great Bicycle Renaissance of the 21st century”) as of yet, we can confidently say that there is a cycling surge taking place all over the world, with thousands of people recently picking up this sport and hobby. If you have spent extended time on the bike, you probably already understand the appeal. For those who don’t, we have created a list of reasons why cycling is the greatest sport.
1. It helps us get in great shape
Cycle training and causal cycling engage a multitude of muscles from the toes to the shoulders, providing a near full-body workout. As such, it is also a great way to lose weight without straining the heart too much. Perhaps this is the reason why gyms have bicycle machines emulating the activity. Still, it is much more enjoyable to exercise on a real bike instead of a sweaty machine surrounded by people.
2. It takes us places
Cycling is a sport unique in the aspect that it takes us where we want to go. Sure, you have sports like windsurfing, paragliding, and skiing that also move people from one point to another, but they rarely provide the option to get to work, a party, or virtually any place on land. As long as you have a functional bicycle and a good repair kit, you can easily travel around the world with it, or at least within the confines of your country or region.
3. It helps the environment
Every person traveling to their destination by bicycle is one less car on the road, and hundreds of pounds of emissions that do not go into the atmosphere. With climate change wreaking havoc on the world, biking has become a noble endeavor that is looked upon as a major choice in favor of environmental cleansing and sustainability.
4. It brings us closer to nature
When was the last time you got to enjoy the natural landscapes around your home and city? Most people zip by forests, parks, meadows, and rivers in seconds in their cars and buses, failing to capture the beauty of nature. Since bicycles are slower than automobiles, they provide the cyclist with more time to enjoy the scenery, as well as allowing them to breathe the fresh and unfiltered air.
5. It helps us make friends
In many regions and towns, cyclists are a very close-knit community. We can observe dozens of cyclists gathering to cruise through cities at night, neighbors commuting together on bikes, and even couples forming due to chance bike encounters. If you buy a bike and start exploring the neighborhood with it, the chances are that you will meet other like-minded individuals and maybe make good friends.
6. It lets us express our style
Consider a power meter to be a significant upgrade to your bike. It helps improve your performance so you can be a better, stronger cyclist. Whether it’s crank- or pedal-based, choose the power meter that works best with your bicycle. After all, cycling is not just a sport but a way of life. It’s good for you and the environment, too.
Bikes come in dozens of types and varieties, providing endless opportunities for customization. Thus, you can apply your own visual style to your bicycle or tweak its performance with certain parts. This is something rarely available with other sports.
