Buffalo Rising Online

Jan 30th 2007, 12:38pm By Christa Glennie Seychew

It's really only a matter of hours until February's issue of Buffalo Rising Magazine hits the streets. January's TREND section featured articles on getting fit in the New Year. Below is the piece we ran on cycling, may it encourage and inspire those of you looking to get a little outdoor exercise.

Most think of cycling as a sport for fair weather. Not so, say cycling enthusiasts. Whether in your home or out on our slushy streets, with a few additions to your bike and wardrobe, cycling can be a great way to get in shape over the winter.

Those that are uncomfortable with the thought of braving our below-zero wind chill may find that biking inside is just the ticket. Rick Cycle Shop offers shoppers the Minoura Mag 500 bicycle "trainer", one of the best available. A trainer is a small piece of equipment that works like a stand, allowing the rider to get a good workout while holding the bike steadily in place. The Mag 500 offers 7 different resistance settings; the lowest allows the cycle to be used for aerobic spinning. Compact, portable, and weighing only 12 pounds, this trainer is perfect for someone that may want to store it when it's not in use.

If you're courageous enough to brave a Buffalo winter on a bike, it isn't the cold that will make it an exercise in endurance. It's the wind. When it comes to clothing, a resistant outer layer, coupled with a breathable inner layer, is vital. Once your cycling expedition begins to increase your body temperature, it is important to have clothing that will keep you warm without overheating.

Buffalo Fleece and Outerwear is here to help. They carry Patagonia's necessary capilene base layers. Available in pants and tops (crew and zip neck) in both men's and women's sizes, these products breathe, wicking away perspiration while maintaining your body temperature.

Another significant item carried by Buffalo Fleece is the Marmot Oracle Jacket. Designed for all four seasons, this jacket is lightweight and lined with a fabric specifically designed to disperse moisture. It also uses a stretch fabric that allows for a full range of motion,Aeibut won't ride up. It is also "seam taped" rendering it 100 percent waterproof. If you need to stay warm and dry, Buffalo Fleece and Outerwear is a good place to start.

Just a few doors down from Buffalo Fleece is a great cycle shop, Campus WheelWorks. Among their very comprehensive stock of cycling items are some that will specifically aid the winter cyclist. Nokian carbide studded tires are a step in the right direction for those looking for traction in conditions that present ice and hard packed snow. Manufactured in Finland each of these high-quality durable tires provides its rider with 160 points of traction, sure to make any winter ride a less slippery one.

Campus also carries fenders in all shapes and sizes by famous makers like Topeak and Planet Bike. Fenders are really your best defense against becoming soaked by those ubiquitous puddles and salty slush piles, and Campus can order any shape or style you're looking for. But while you're at it, why don't you have them tricked out? They've just recently added custom paint-work to their long list of offerings- maybe your fenders can be next?

So get out there! The bike doesn't need to sit in the garage all winter long. Why spend your tax refund on a monstrous piece of workout equipment when a little trainer will turn your bike into a home gym? Better yet, don some good workout togs, get a set of studded tires, and tour the city on two wheels.

Rick Cycle Shop 743 Main 852.6838

Buffalo Fleece and Outerwear 758 Elmwood 883.4380

Campus WheelWorks 744 Elmwood 881.3613