Cycling Myths Busted

There is an episode of the old television series Bonanza where Ben Cartwright and his sons travel to another town to sell cattle where events there perpetuate “alternative facts.”   They arrive in town without cash due to a robbery, so the locals think they're destitute.  Hoss is tricked into drinking a high alcohol beverage and causes a disturbance so he must be a worthless drunk. The deception culminates when Ben is lured to a barn, knocked unconscious, and hung by a rope to look like suicide. 

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The stories that were spun were designed to settle a score and make people believe that the high and mighty Ben Cartwright had fallen so low that he was responsible for ending his own life.  Fortunately, the plot was foiled and the perpetrator’s myths were busted.     
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There are also myths perpetuated by the uninformed about cycling that stop people from enjoying a bike ride in the city.  Below we tackle a few of them.   

1. You have to spend a lot of money on a bike – Shopping around at garage sales, Craig’s List, and Working Bikes can snag you a sweet ride for a small price.  When purchasing a used bike be sure to factor in what it will cost in upgrades to get the bike ride ready.  A shiny new urban bike from a bike shop starts at around $350.  Stay away from cheap bikes at big-box stores and those that fit poorly—it is better to spend a little more if it means you will want to bike more.  
2. It’s dangerous – New infrastructure for cycling and more cyclists on the streets make it safer.  The chance of being killed when cycling are pretty similar to the chances of being killed when walking, and you wouldn’t think twice about that!  Physical inactivity can result in coronary heart disease so it is actually more dangerous to be a couch potato than a cyclist!
3. You have to be really fit – Cycling is the most efficient form of muscle powered locomotion on the planet.  It takes a third of the energy that it would take to walk the same distance. If you are new to cycling go out and ride on your own or with a friend (keep a social distance!) for a block, then two, until you get your endurance up, or get an electric assist bike (ebike) to help you level out your exertion and enable you to go farther and faster.  Many group rides (when safe and legal) have a specific riding pace so select one that meets your current fitness level. 
4. It’s no fun in the rain – Sunny and dry conditions are preferable, but wet rides can be surprisingly enjoyable and can improve your self-esteem.  You’ve conquered the weather!  So you do not have to be both wet and cold invest in a waterproof jacket and always carry it so you are prepared for a change in the weather.   
5. Cycling saddles are uncomfortable –The shape of the saddle on your bones and riding style is what influences comfort.  Women should always select a women’s specific saddle.  Since you cannot tell if a saddle will fit your bones by looking at it, find a bike shop with a saddle demo program or allows it's return if you determine it is not a good fit for you. 
6. You’ll arrive at work hot and sweaty – If would be ideal to have a shower facility at work and change into your work clothes, but if that is not available take your time, carry your gear in a pannier or backpack designed to wick moisture away from your back, and wear urban cycling apparel that wicks moisture away from your skin.  An ebike will get you where you want to go with less effort and enable you to arrive invigorated and happy. 
7. It’s just a bunch of men – Men are indeed the majority of cyclists on the streets, but it does not have to be and women cyclists are growing.  Find a woman friend to bike with, support from a woman owned bike shop, such as Earth Rider, and a woman encouragement organization, such as Woman Bike Chicago,  

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