Bill Reed, co-owner of Reed Cycle in Eagle and Boise, knows a thing or two or about bikes. His shop just celebrated 22 years in business.
“You can start at a very young age and ride up into your 90s,” he said. “You get exercise, you’re able to enjoy the outdoors, and you’re able to move along at a little bit of a quicker pace than walking. I like to see things a little more quickly.”
According to Reed, what kind of bike you should get depends largely on where you want to ride.
“If (you’re) going to ride on single-track trails, on dirt roads, or on pavement like the Greenbelt, then we would say just a bike model according to that,” Reed said. “Most adults will get a multi-speed bike. It just gives you more options. You can adjust your speed to the terrain by shifting gears. With a single speed, you’re pretty limited to flat ground.”
For kids starting their cycling journey, Reed recommended, “a single-speed bike with a coaster brake if they’re under 5-6 years old.” After that, they’d move into a multi-speed bike as well.
And for expert riders looking for a challenge, Reed said the most popular option is a full-suspension mountain bike.
To make your trip more comfortable, Reed suggested investing in padded shorts, an updated helmet, riding gloves, and knee protection. He also offered some basic riding rules:
- If you’re coming up on somebody and you’re going to pass them, always let them know verbally and with your bike bell, if you have one.
- When on the Greenbelt or a trail system, you’ve got a total mix of people. Mind your speed and try not to go too fast for the situation.
- When you’re in the Foothills or riding on trails, a downhill rider should stop to let an uphill rider through when you come to an area where it’s too narrow for both of you. The uphill rider always has the right of way.
If you’re looking for a new spot to ride, Reed said one of his favorite spots is the Ada/Eagle Bike Park. Several Foothills trails also made his list of top spots, such as the Highland and Corrals trails. A little further afield, he said the Hidden Springs area (with the Redtail, Lookout Loop, and Current Creek trails) were often less crowded than options like Camel’s Back, though all offered their own challenges.
“Bogus Basin is also a great area,” he said. “You’ve got a good five-to-six-month season up there, depending on the winter.”
Reed did caution that if you’re headed out to the trails, prepare for goatheads and thorns by having some puncture protection for your tires.
As for why you should give biking a try?
“I think some of it just the camaraderie and fellowship with friends,” Reed said. “And being able to do something on the same, level field.”
“Riding a bicycle just gives you freedom. There’s a lot of different ways you can ride a bike and styles of bikes you can ride. There’s all kinds of other things that go with it, but freedom is the biggest one.” – Bill Reed