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by: FabianToulouse
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Word Count: 340

Cycling is undeniably a great sport. It gets you out in the fresh air, lets you see the countryside up close, and exposes you to nature. Best of all, you do not have to have any special. Unless you are a professional cyclist, you just need a bike and the open road. There are bicycling clothes you can buy to reduce wind resistance or increase speed, but they are not necessary. You might want to consider your cycling shoes, however, for safety's sake. Pleasure riders do not require special cycling shoes, but there are certain factors that could make a regular pair of sneakers unsafe for cycling. Knowing what makes an acceptable cycling shoe could actually avert an accident.

For leisurely day biking, any pair of athletic shoes will do. For a more rugged and speed-oriented ride, however, a pair of cycling shoes should have a stiff sole and adequate tread. The better the grip your foot has on the pedal, the less likely it will slip, causing injury and potentially a crash. If you are planning to wear slick-soled, worn out sneakers, you should buy a pair of new cycling shoes immediately.

If you want to buy special cycling shoes there are many of different types to consider. Many professional road cyclists prefer cycling shoes with clips on them. These shoes attach snugly to the pedals and provide excellent grip, great power transfer, and improved safety. Many professionals swear by shoes with Velcro closures, but laces are just fine.

For mountain bikers, cycling shoes with clips on them are actually quite hazardous. Mountain bikers must be able to dismount from their bike quickly to avoid boulders or the hazards of rough ground. Being clipped to your bike would be a recipe for disaster! The most important thing mountain bikers look for in their cycling shoes is sturdiness. Some even forego athletic shoes altogether in place of hiking boots.

The bottom line is, you do not have to obsess about cycling shoes. Examine your soles, grab your helmet, and get out there and ride!

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Before you embark on your cycling adventures, be sure to research all the leading cycling shoes on the market today!

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