Newspapers / Daily Tar Heel (Chapel … / Nov. 5, 1981, edition 1 / Page 13
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Bikes, accessories of all ty pes available for Ghapel Hill who ride on one or two wheels cyclists By JANE CALLOWAY ' Whether for riding to work or school, or just traveling through the countryside, the bicycle, with one or two wheels, has become a popular means of transportation. ' Bicycles are designed in two different styles. Racing bikes are lightweight, have steep frame angles, and are devised for quick, responsive handling, said Alfred Reid of the Chapel Hill Cycle Shop. The touring cycles are built with a long wheel base, and heavier tires for comfort and durability. "Bikes are becoming more specialized. Within the last five or six years the really popular bike has been the fast touring bike, which is a combination of both," Reid said. "The most popular bike with the students is Fuji's Gran Tourer Se," Reid said. Described as the "Typical 10-speed", it has a lightweight frame and weighs 28 pounds. This touring bicycle sells for $245. Michael Cleason, co-manager ef Tumbleweed Cyclery in Carrboro, said most students purchased the Lotus Grand Prix which sells for $235. "If you buy a bike of good quality, you get good value for the money. That's using the dollar efficiently," he said. "Most students buy one of several Raleigh bike which are in the $239 to $289 price range, "said Jim Rumfelt, manager of The Clean Machine in Carrboro. Rumfelt said the types of bicycles purchased changes with the seasons. "In the spring we sell touring bikes rang ing in price from $300 to $400. People are spending more money on bikes." The Clean Machine sells Japanese bicycles by Raleigh, Schwinn and Univega; and French bikes by Motobecane and Pegeot. Prices are from $165 to $550. The shop also sells unicycles by Schwinn, which ranges in price from $80 to $150. "We don't sell many of them," said Lindsey Smith, an employee, adding that they only stock one a year. . Coming in various heights from two to six or eight feet, they are regarded by most people as dangerous, he said. "If they can endure the learning process, they will ride it." - ' Austrian two-wheelers by Austro-daimler and Puch; Japanese cycles by Lotus and Concord; the Coppi. from Italy and Windsor bikes from Mexico are sold from $150 to $1200 at Tumbleweed Cyclery. Special orders for unicycles are taken here. Tumbleweed Cyclery and the Chapel Hill Cycle Shop also will build bikes and custom fit them for the pur chaser. "We outfit it to their needs," Gleason said. The Chapel Hill Cycle Shop uses Trek frames which are made from a special steel alloy. This makes the bicycle "lightweight without losing strength," Reid said. The bikes are equipped with things such as toe clips and pad ded handlebars. The lighter the bicycle, the more expen . sive it is. All three cycle shops handle maintenance and carry a full line of accessories. Reid said, "We do everything from fixing a flat tire to a major overhaul, but we do not do major structural repairs." "We specialize in our maintenance program," Gleason said. One basic requirement for all bikers is a water bottle. "Even in relaxed riding the body uses more fluid than it takes in," Reid said. "It is important to drink water." 'If they can endure the learning process (of riding a unicycle), they will ride it. . Lindsey Smith The Clean Machine Other items which can be purchased are clocks, which come in two styles; a headlight and a raincover; and also panniers, or touring bags, which are used to carry per sonal items and equipment. Two types of pumps are available a floor pump for use at home and a frame-fit pump to carry on the bike. Special cycling shirts are made with large pockets in the back for carrying maps and extra water bottles. Bata Bikers, hard-sole shoes, are made so the cycler does not feel the pedals. , cD Jane Calloway is a staff writer for The Daily Tar Heel. V Xss V y r X (4 4 T Vv J'.v 5 v . t , X - ,y ,f. y. , Rcccr in a recent Csrrbcro raca cru!ss dong - . . .for amateurs, competitors, sport provides solitude, exercise. ' ' ' i y " ' ' i '' ' y 1 i a Spotlight, Novembers, 1981 7
Daily Tar Heel (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
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Nov. 5, 1981, edition 1
13
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