Perhaps the easiest way to try practical cycling is by riding to the library, video store, or any other short trip not requiring a lot of cargo. Backpacks also work, but they can get hot and heavy. Some cyclists aren't comfortable in public places wearing bike clothes, but others have become accustomed to it. Any bicycle will do, but an efficient one will be more fun. If your bike needs work, fixing and modifying a bicycle is rewarding work.
Bicycles are wonderfully simple to work on, requiring only a few special tools.
Using fat, knobby tires on pavement will waste energy and make cycling less fun, but changing them to high pressure road tires is easy. It's fun to see how often you can replace the car with your bike, and you're getting in shape and saving money while doing it. It also gives you a lot more clout when you tell your kids to get some exercise, or to conserve resources after their 30 minute showers. You owe it to yourself to give practical cycling a try - few activities are more rewarding. Copyright 1999 Bicycling Life Website.