Wheels of fitness
Cycling is emerging as a rising trend among the health-conscious and those who want do their bit for the environment
Aditi Garg

When JFK said, “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike”, he got it absolutely right. The once simple mode of transport has got a techno makeover. The humble cycle now boasts of multiple gears, ergonomically designed body, carbon-fibre frames and aerodynamic built, making it not just a vehicle to take you from one point to the other, but a passion to be indulged. An increasing number of people are realising the benefits of cycling in terms of health, environment and as a pastime.

Dipti Bansal from Chandigarh feels cycling is a good exercise

Off the fast lane

Fast is not always the best; it does save time but it also restricts your view beyond the obvious. In old cities like Delhi, many interesting places are inaccessible by cars and other motorised vehicles. Delhi By Cycle was started by Dutchman Jack Leenaarsis four years ago. It is a cycle tour company that lets you relish the pleasures that you may miss in a car or by public transport. Tenzin of Delhi By Cycle says, “Most of our clients are foreigners and expats but there has been a steady increase in the number of Indians who want to experience Delhi on a bicycle.” It is only when you leave the air-conditioned confines of a four wheeler that a city truly talks to you.

The urban cycle brigade

There is a growing breed of urbanites who have taken to cycling with a vengeance. For them it is a wholesome experience that not just keeps them fit but lets them do their bit for the environment. With cramped spaces making parking cars forever more difficult, a bike is a handy, fuss-free alternative that needs hardly any parking space and even less maintenance. Dipti Bansal from Chandigarh uses her cycle to run most errands around her house. She feels it is the most convenient way to commute. She says, “I love to accompany my son when he cycles and have on various occasions gone for a movie on my cycle. It is a good exercise and eco-friendly too.” For Balkaran Mangat (37), an advocate from Mohali, cycling is his chosen form of exercise. Mangat had been using the stationary cycle at the gym for a long time but the freshness after shifting to regular cycling has been a welcome change. His early morning sojourn on his bike with his 12-year-old daughter, who is a budding tennis player looking to increasing her stamina, is a time he really looks forward to.

Ecocentric lifestyle

A cycle is one of the few vehicles that do not use any form of fuel or animal energy. It is powered by human energy and that makes it very eco-friendly. Its popularity is rising meteorically and even people from affluent backgrounds are taking it up as a hobby or for fitness. Many people are becoming aware of their carbon footprint and are biking to work once or twice a week. WWF India's Himanshu Pandey who lives in Gurgaon, says, “A bicycle has no carbon footprint and riding one attunes you to a more conservational lifestyle with an eco-friendly mindset. The more your body adapts itself to pedalling, the more you want to push it in the direction where you save more fuel, more energy.” He says a bicycle ride to his workplace takes him just 15 minutes more than a ride on a public transport, which is hardly much. Many areas have cycling clubs like Pedal Yatri in Gurgaon that have hundreds of people who get together in the morning for many an enjoyable ride spanning 50-200 km.

A smooth ride

Choosing the perfect bicycle is a matter of utmost importance for those who are passionate about their rides. These cycle enthusiasts come from varied backgrounds and are willing to shell out loads of money for the right bike. Sales of bicycles have been going up, especially that of high-end ones. Though there are more cyclists than ever before since the automobile age started, the ride has not been smooth and the riders have had to rough out, among other things, high prices of quality bikes. Jeewanjeet Singh, store in charge, Firefox Bikes Pvt. Ltd. is of the opinion that subsidising bikes will encourage more people to use them. He says that a lot of their customers come in luxury cars and are looking at the segment for leisure and touring. But students and environmentally sensitised people are equally interested in buying and riding bikes.

Benefits of pushing the pedal

Apart from helping the environment and taking you from place to place without using expensive fuel, there are many health benefits of cycling. An exercise that you can do throughout the year anywhere, even at dirt track, it keeps your heart healthy and happy by acting as a stress buster. It not just builds the muscles in your legs, contrary to popular belief, rather it is a complete exercise for your core. Said to increase brain power and improve coordination, it is a great way to keep your skills sharp.

Best cycling tracks in India

Beginner: In and around Chandigarh, Delhi, Alibag, Mount Abu, Ooty, Udaipur, Bangalore, Kochi - Thrissur and most cities with something worth exploring.

Moderate: Areas in Manali, Leh, Ladakh, Panshet Dam, Nilgiris, Ramtek to Chorbawli, near Nagpur, Khindsi Lake, Kargil-Padum, and more

Tough: Shimla -Leh, Yagulung - Kullu, Nubra Valley and Sikkim

Safety saves

Visibility: Get into a fluorescent jacket or reflective clothing to be spotted easily by oncoming traffic.

Protection: Always wear a helmet, however short your trip. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Cycle tracks: Wherever possible, choose to use a cycling track and stay off the main road.

Hydration: Even when the weather is not very warm, a trip on the cycle can have you sweating profusely. Always carry a water bottle to avoid loosing too much water.

Right bike: Pick a bike that is the right size for you and you will be able to control it better.

Avoid: Keep away from dimly lit areas where motorists might not be able to spot you quickly enough.

Follow rules: Just because you are riding a bike, it does not exempt you from traffic rules. For your safety and for others, follow all the rules to the T.

Humble bicycle goes fast forward
As cycling becomes a passion for an increasing number of fitness enthusiasts, Indian and overseas bicycle manufacturers are flooding the market with an array of high-performance bikes
A Subodh Samuel

All you gym rats take note. Cross-trainers, treadmills and multi-gyms maybe fashionable fitness mantras but don’t ignore the good old bicycle — simply because it is one of the most potent fitness tools. Don’t believe it? Ask Reena Mathews, a Delhi-based environmentalist, who is on her bicycle at 6 am every morning and heads for India Gate from her Green Park residence — a distance of around 8 km — along with two cycling buddies. En route none of the three talk. With pulsating music reverberating in their ears and their bodies bent over, they pedal away to their destination and back in a little over an hour.

Pedal fitness

Welcome to the world of cycling. Today trainers the world over are again promoting this time-tested regimen where people pedal their way to fitness. “Between the three of us, we try and keep the levels of enthusiasm and energy high. We start by pedalling at light resistance levels and then raise speed levels till you can almost hear your heartbeat,” says Reena. The exciting hour-long ride to India Gate and back brings in all elements of a cardio rush. Fitness experts will tell you that there’s no better way than riding a bike to get your body into peak form. Which explains why cycling is becoming a passion for an increasing number of people.

As if responding to the rising demand, a number of Indian and overseas bicycle manufacturers are flooding the market with a mindboggling array of bikes that not just address fitness needs but also stoke people’s adventurous spirit. The all-terrain bikes, for example, are not just good for the city but also offer thrills on hilly tracks. Though there are some inexpensive variants in the market, most high-performance bikes are not cheap by any stretch of imagination. Though Indian racing bikes from companies like Hero, TI Cycles and Atlas can range between Rs 10,000 and Rs 45,000 but imported bikes made of carbon fibre with gearshifts, brakes on the handlebars and lightweight aerodynamic wheels can cost a lot more.

Daunting price tags

A specialised tarmac mid-compact bike, for example will set you back by more than a lakh rupees, the Bianchi Vertigo 105 can cost upwards of Rs 1.25 lakh, a Planet X N2a SRAM will come for no less that Rs 2.5 lakh and if you think of buying a Scott’s Plasma Premium, make sure you have more than Rs 5.5 lakh in your bank account! If you think some of these prices are daunting, then you haven’t taken into consideration bikes made by leading automobile companies of the world. The Colnago Ferrari CF8 can cost upwards of Rs 10 lakh and the BMC Impec Lamborghini bike comes for a whopping Rs 19.50 lakh.

Though the Indian market is flooded with imported cycles, fitness experts say that there is no need to bust a bank for a bike. Any good performance bike like the India-made Hercules Rydes Neo or the Hero Octane Estes will give as effective a workout as bikes with eye-watering price tags. But there are a few things one has to consider while going in for a professional bicycle. Though most top-end professional bikers use carbon fibre, fitness specialists say there is no harm in switching to the slightly heavier aluminum frames. These are equally durable, resistant to corrosion, offer exceptional damping against road vibration and are a lot cheaper without compromising on performance.

It is well known in biking circles that tyres can make or mar a cycling experience. Experts say that even if you have an old bike, make sure you have the best tyres attached to it. Quality tyres will make a big difference in rolling resistance and traction of the bike, bettering the performance considerably.

Points to consider

There are many other points to consider before buying a bicycle. The most important one is to select a bicycle that fits your body type. This will not only enhance your biking experience but also make the ride smooth and comfortable. According to experts, you should take a test ride and see if the bike measures up to your pedalling stroke and your knees move properly without grazing the sides.

It is also important to check the handlebar height, width, stem length and seat height. If there is anything out of place, it is better to get it adjusted before buying it. If that is not possible, then go in for another model. It may be more expensive but a ‘well-fitting’ bike will add quality to your regimen by keeping you happier and in the saddle longer.

Most of the Indian bike enthusiasts usually consider these points even as Indians take to serious biking. The increasing interest in cycling can be gauged from the fact that much like the Tour de France, India now has its own version called Tour de India, which is a three-city cycling event. When the event began in 2012, it was held in Delhi, Mumbai and Srinagar. In 2013, while Delhi and Mumbai remained unchanged, Srinagar was replaced by Jaipur. The event was endorsed by Salman Khan in 2012 and John Abraham in 2013. Such has been the popularity that last year it attracted more than 200 participants from 40 countries apart from hundreds of cycling enthusiasts from India. This year the event — to be held in December — is expecting a much bigger participation even as more and more Indians get hooked to the joys of cycling.

Premium Indian bikes

Though India is the second largest producer of bicycles in the world, it mainly specialises in the mass market segment. However, of late, some leading manufacturers have started making high performance bikes, which have seen a spike in demand in the last few years.

Leading the premium bike segment is Hero Cycles with its Urban Trail series in a price range starting from Rs 10,000 to around Rs 43,000 a bike. The other big player in the luxury brand is TI Cycles makers of the BSA SLR. The company is now producing the Montra range of bicycles with prices starting at around Rs 17,500 a bike. Sonepat-based Atlas Cycles, too, manufactures high-end bikes like the D/Shox, Yoyo IBC and the Storm series ranging between Rs 3,000 and Rs 9,000.

Health benefits of cycling

Being fit is in. And there’s no better way than cycling to get your body into peak form. The following are some of the health advantages of cycling:

Banishes stress

Cycling is addictive. It produces endorphins in the body, which banish stress and usher in a sense of well-being.

Cardio benefits

According to doctors, cycling is a great cardio-vascular exercise as it improves blood circulation and breathing.

Body toning

Studies have shown that a person can lose up to 5 kg and have a toned body in a year with half hour of brisk cycling daily.

Coordination & balance

Cycling improves coordination and body balance which prevents falls and tumbles, especially in older people.

Boosts stamina

Cycling does wonders to your stamina. Long distance cyclists are known to have amazing strength and endurance

 

Schwinn Sporterra Sport The Schwinn 2010 Sporterra Sport is a bicycle built for riders seeking a sporty design on a lightweight and ergonomic frame. Its lightweight aluminium alloy frame and triple crank makes it an eminently ergonomic bicycle, which is an optimal solution for both serious and casual riders. Price: Rs 29,250

Giant Scr-2 The SCR 2 bicycle is Taiwan-based world bicycle leader Giant’s entry level road machine. The bicycle is ideal for fitness, training and the long rides. It is built around an aluminum frame and is equipped with a front and rear derailleur, shifters and powerful brakes. It comes with high performance tyres and saddle. Price: Rs 36,000

Kross Hexagon X2 Though primarily a mountain bike, the Kross Hexagon X2 is excellent for any terrain. Because of its easy maneuverability, the bike can be used by both men and women. The pedals are crafted from high-quality plastic that makes these durable and the frame is made of aluminum for a super smooth ride. Price: Rs 24,500

Hero Octane Estes Stylishly designed lightweight adventure bike, it has a two-piece design frame with maintenance-free full suspension system. Built from high strength aluminum alloy that is made with special heat treatment for strength and flexural rigidity. A very efficient bike for entry-level enthusiasts. Price: Rs 11,000

Firefox Cyclone Cyclone is one of the most popular models of Firefox. It is a hard-tail bike designed for city and adventure trails. It performs extremely well even on dirt trails or on other unpaved surfaces. It comes with alloy body frame with shifters and 7-speed gears. It is available in white and red colours. Price: Rs 14,000

Vilano Shadow The Vilano Shadow is one of the most versatile bikes well-suited for commuting as well as a means of exercise and fitness. It has a lightweight aluminium frame with an integrated headset and free pedals and also precise and controllable braking and shifting making it ideal both for the amateur and the professional rider. Price: Rs 39,000

Hercules Rydes Neo The Rydes Neo is Hercules’ entry level Indian hybrid bicycle. It comes with an alloy hard-tail frame and is available in white and blue colours. It is equipped with derailleurs, shifters and hybrid tyres and has alloy handlebar, stem and seat-post and a steel crank making it a great bike for enthusiasts. Price: Rs 14,100

Raleigh AT-10 The new all-terrain Raleigh-10 supports a powerful frame along with the alloy tubing, with terrain soaking forks. It uses a Raleigh-designed aluminum and has 21-speed gears to keep you rolling on the lightweight alloy wheels fitted with puncture proof tyres that will fend off thorns and other obstructions. Price: Rs 19,250

Trek Slique SSL One of the leading American bicycle companies, Trek makes a series of adventure-oriented bikes. Among its best is the Slique SSL model for women which comes fitted with an innovative decoupler and a ride-tuned frame that delivers the perfect balance of smoothness and power. For those who like adventure, this is a great bike to ride fast, climb high, and go the distance. Price: Rs 3.96 lakh

BLING IT ON

Unique TENT experience
For all those who fantasise about spending a night in the open this is a dream come true. The Audi Q3 has conceptualised a special tent attached to the back of the car that will make your adventure holiday one of the best memories of your life. The tent uses an inflatable structure, making it easy to set up with the supplied pump in only about seven minutes. The tent that can also be detached and used standalone, can withstand wind speeds over 65 kilometres per hour. Though to a normal person the sight of a tent sticking out from the rear of a car may look a bit bizarre but then, normal people don't drive an Audi Q3. The tent, still in the concept stage, is for high rollers who love the great outdoors.

Price: Yet to be announced

STIRRED, SHAKEN & FOAMED
What's a beer without a good head? Yet, beer drinkers know that many times the heady brew loses much of its foam while being poured into a mug. That's exactly where the Beer Foamer is of immense help. The innovative gadget inspired by the design of copper boilers in breweries not just creates dense foam within seconds but also enhances the aroma of the beer. Simply pour beer into the special container, put on the copper top, press the button, and voila, you have pub-quality beer. It makes a great gift for people who love their lager.

Price: Rs 750

Super EYE-CATCHERS
That the 2014 Dior collection was eye-catching is a given but the cynosure of all eyes this year were Dior So Real Sunglasses. A hark back to the stylish 1950s, the sunglasses come with a unique feature -- linear mirror lenses. The bi-colour half-moon lenses are a delicate blend of retro with a hint of futurism. They feature a destructured pantos shape, with a defined metal bridge and thin acetate temples. The light frame is in black acetate with black metal details. The linear mirrored lenses ensure complete UV protection, besides making you look trendy and elegant.

Price: Rs 30,000

SOCCER PLUG-INS
The 2014 FIFA World Cup which started in Brazil on June 12 has brought with it an array of products that will be a part of the wild celebrations centring around the world’s biggest sporting event. Take for example leading audio brand Bang and Olufsen. It has partnered with Pepsi to produce an exclusive range of plug-in headphones comprising four different designs, including an updated version of its Play Form 2i and BeoPlay H6 headphones. Designed to honour art, lifestyle and sport, the collection celebrates the energy and spirit of the game of soccer with the SPECIAL headphones already flying off the shelves.

Price: Ranging between Rs 9,000 and Rs 24,000 ($150 to $400)

OCEAN'S FLIER
It's the ultimate combination of speed and sophistication. The Claydon Reeves Aeroboat is one of the fastest and most elegant small yachts ever produced. Inspired by sleek design of the World War ll iconic Spitfire fighter plane, the British-built yacht is powered by a supercharged V12 Rolls Royce Merlin engine that can be configured to deliver between 1500 and 2500 hp, good for speeds between 75 to 95 knots which translates to land speed of 135 to 175 kmph. The seven-seater luxury seafarer has touch-screen controls and shock-mounted forward seats inspired by the Spitfire's landing gear. But there's a catch. Even if you are a billionaire you'll have to hurry to buy the Aeroboat. The yacht that combines romance and technology is in a limited edition of just ten!

Price: Rs 30 crore

Tribute to JOHN LENNON
It's a writing instrument befitting the stature of a legendary singer-songwriter. Montblanc's 18K Solid White Gold Skeleton is a tribute to the late John Lennon. In a limited edition of 70, the fountain pens have the word "Imagine" encircling the barrel in honour of the iconic Beatle's solo hit song, while the blue resin underneath symbolises Lennon's trademark blue glasses. The clip is inspired by his guitar and is set with blue sapphire, and there the 18K white gold nib is engraved with the symbol of peace which was the singer's lifetime inspiration. With the launch of the pen, Montblanc is ensuring that Lennon's legend not only lives on in his verse, his music and his artistic legacy, but in the beauty of a timeless writing instrument.

Price: Rs 30 lakh

'HIGH' IN THE SKY
Everyone knows that whiskey gives you a high. But if you were to visit Scotch maker Whyte and Mackay's Lion's Clyde Pub in Glasgow you will literally be on a high. That's because the drinking den is situated in the wheelhouse atop a 150-foot crane overlooking River Clyde. The pub commemorates the whiskey maker's 170th anniversary. The unique drinking joint has wood panelling, bar stools and plenty of bar snacks to say nothing of the drams of White & Mackay whiskey. Entry is by invitation only and invitees are transported to the bar on a lift for one of the most uniquely uplifting experiences of their lives.

Price: By the menu

BAGSFUL OF OOMPH
They are lady-like and luxurious. The new range of the classic Capucines bags by Louis Vuitton come in a rainbow of rich colours. Encapsulating the elegance of the full-grain Taurillon leather with protective bottom studs and shiny silver palladium accents, the Capucines are as much sophistication as anything that comes from the French luxury maison. What makes them even better though is that they can transform from formal to casual in an instant without losing their classiness. There are two sizes on offer — MM and GM. The MM comes in 10 colours, while GM is only in cherry red and black. Take your choice from fuchsia, cobalt, electric blue, cherry red, black or jade or better still, take home the entire collection.

Price: Rs 3.36 lakh per bag for MM & Rs 3.63 lakh for GM

MINIATURISING DIGITAL STORAGE
This is an ideal solution for those who are constantly running out of digital storage space. Gigs 2 Go is a set of four USB flash drives made from recycled, moulded paper pulp that come in a credit-card sized pack which fits conveniently in your pocket or wallet. The four drives (in a choice of one GB, eight GB or 16 GB) are encased in recycled paper which makes them renewable, biodegradable and lightweight. Whenever you need more storage space, just tear off one of the drives, plug it into your laptop and copy the files you require on to this miniature drive — a perfect example of the latest tear-and-share digital technology.

Price: Rs 1,500

Enter, designer IN THE KITCHEN
This could be the world's most expensive kitchen and also the most luxurious. The limited edition OLA 25 Kitchen by two Italian industry leaders --- design firm Pininfarina and kitchen maker Snaidero is inspired by the iconic Ferrari --- popularly known as the speed king of fast cars. The futuristic and provocatively designed kitchen boasts Ferrari's unmistakable metallic red lacquer which is one of the most recognisable car colours of the world. And though the worktop is glass and supported by carbon fibre, the kitchen can be customised to suit the style of the buyer. So, the next time when someone mentions a Ferrari don't just think of fast cars. Think of cooking and entertaining as well.

Price: Upon request

GOING NUTS ABOUT DONUTS
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you see the Krispy Kreme billboard in Delhi or Mumbai? Donuts, of course. But don't get puzzled if someone were to tell you that the company should make you think about champagne, chocolate and diamonds. Krispy Kreme has just created the world's most expensive donut, made with highly exclusive ingredients like gold-dusted Belgian chocolate, edible diamonds and 24-carat gold leaves and topped with 500-year-old Courvoisier de L'Esprit Cognac and 2002 vintage Dom Pérignon champagne. If you have the money to splurge, you can find this exclusive confection at London's Selfridges. And you wouldn't have to feel guilty about your sweet indulgence as the money will be a part of a fundraising effort for the Children's Trust.

Price: Rs 1 lakh per donut