Build or Buy Used

Looking for a bicycle? Consider skipping the big-box sporting-goods store. Instead, visit a used-bike shop, browse pre-owned bikes on Craigslist, or build your own two-wheeler out of recycled parts at a bicycle collective near you. You'll save money, support your local bicycle gurus, and conserve the energy and mineral resources required to manufacture a new bicycle.

Accessorize Thoughtfully

Every bike needs the bling to make the ride smoother and safer. Here are some ways to make your accessories eco-friendly:

• Instead of lubing your chain with petroleum-based grease, use a product derived from natural plant oils.
• Light up without batteries by investing in a solar-powered bicycle light, or convert a cheap garden lamp into one.
• Tote your groceries in a pannier made of recycled materials, or create one from a kitty-litter box.
• Unless you’re a hardcore racer, you don’t need the infamous spandex suit. Instead, rummage around for your favorite worn-in T-shirt and shorts.

Learn Bike Maintenance

Every serious cyclist inevitably faces worn brake pads, floppy tires, or a creaky chain. By learning how to keep your machinery running smoothly, you’ll have the confidence to venture farther.

Introduce yourself to bicycle maintenance with online video tutorials and cycling guru Sheldon Brown's extensive collection of tips, or check out an illustrated guide from your library. For hands-on instruction, ask your local bike mechanic about maintenance classes or open-shop hours.

Get Comfortable

The more comfortable your bike, the more often you'll trade engine for pedals.

• Choose a bicycle frame that's your size. When riding, you should feel neither scrunched nor overextended.
• For hilly commutes, get a bike with at least 10 gears.
• Raise your saddle to reduce pressure on the knees.
• Look for a saddle that distributes your weight to your sitting bones, not your cheeks. Women, choose wider seats to accommodate your wider hips.
• Attach fenders to protect from mud splatters.
• Install a handlebar cup holder for your caffeine fix.