Bicycles vary with riders

Bicycles vary with riders
JARED JANES World Staff Writer
06/17/2004
Tulsa World (Final Home Edition), Page A16 of News

Many FreeWheelers use the traditional two-wheeler, but some have customized theirs.

THOMAS -- All FreeWheelers are not alike, and neither are their bicycles.

From the 20-year-old cyclists who are preparing for their next race to the overweight rider who's just looking to see the scenery, FreeWheelers don't have to have the same goals, although they're always headed to the same destination.

With each person trying to get something different out of the FreeWheel experience, different bicycles exist to match the need.

Most FreeWheelers use the standard bicycle -- two wheels and pedals -- but the expense and quality of the machines differ.

"The bikes out here range from Wal-Mart specials to $4,000 or $5,000 bikes," said Paul Davidson, president of the Bicycle League of Norman.

Riders who are interested in speed can easily empty their bank accounts on lighter-weight bicycles. Adding titanium parts and lighter wheels makes it faster, but not cheaper.

"It's really expensive to drop the weight," said Tim Harrington, who has been a part of FreeWheel since 1997. "You get into titanium parts and carbon-fiber parts, and they're expensive."

Many of this year's FreeWheelers are riding recumbent bicycles, which are slung low with the rider's feet extended to the front.

Allan Pierce of Southard, an eight-year FreeWheel veteran, swears by recumbents. It's like riding a bicycle from an easy chair, he said.

"You can do 50 mph on here and get up and walk around without any pain," he said, leaning back in his seat.

"It's the Cadillac of them all."

Although Pierce's bicycle was made in a factory, his riding partner built his in his garage.

When Milton Hackett was considering buying a new bicycle in 1982, he saw an advertisement for a new type of two-wheeler that was made in California and was fairly expensive.

The ad also offered plans for the recumbent, at much less cost.

Hackett ordered the blueprints and cut up two old Huffy bicycles to build the recumbent he still rides today.

Pierce hit a speed of 41.3 mph during Wednesday's trip from Cheyenne to Thomas.

"Feels like my old Harley when you get up to 40 mph," he said.

Other bicycles offer a family atmosphere. Husbands and wives and teams of brothers used tandem bicycles for Wednesday's 66-mile hilly trip.

Even an exotic triple was seen on the blacktop by one cyclist.

Most people, however, were content with a standard bicycle without all the bells, whistles and extra seats.

Harrington pointed out that an expensive bicycle won't go anywhere fast if it doesn't have someone talented to pedal it.

"Some people got the money to buy the good bikes, but it doesn't mean they're really that fast," he said.

"Even if you see a $4,000 or $5,000 bike (it) doesn't mean it's got a $5,000 motor on it."

Jared Janes 581-8320
jared.janes@tulsaworld.com