Here’s What’s New

If you haven’t bicycled since your first driver’s license arrived, you might be surprised by some of the following equipment advances.

Lightweight helmets: Still strong enough to provide protection, these more stylish and aerodynamically designed polystyrene lids have replaced the old “hair nets” and heavy plastic helmets. Most let cooling wind flow through as well.

Indexed shifting: No more fumbling with levers in an attempt to coax a road bike into gear. Today’s equipment clicks effortlessly between gears.

Mountain bikes: Fat, knobby tires, upright handlebars, 18 to 21 gears and heavier construction make off-road riding a pleasure, and have led to a booming new sport. Hybrids, also known as “city bikes,” feature upright handlebars but come with narrower tires in an attempt to combine off-road durability with road bike quickness.

Clipless pedals: Almost de rigueur on more expensive road bikes, this innovation allows riders to snap their feet to the pedals for more efficient pedaling. Feet pop in and out of the footholds much the same way that a ski boot locks into a binding.

Aero or triathlon bars: Handlebar extensions put rider in an aerodynamic tuck that cuts wind resistance and allows for a comfortable riding position, with forearms resting on the top of handlebars.