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"   If you&amp;#039;re fed up with gas prices, it might be time to leave your car in the garage and dust off your good ol&amp;#039; bike\u2014or consider investing in a new one. Bicycling at a moderate speed can burn up to 285 calories per half hour (for a 150-pound woman) and is a popular, low-impact form of exercise. But before you hop back on those pedals, consider the advice of former bike shop owner David Berkoff, MD, assistant clinical professor, emergency and sports medicine physician at Duke University. - A standard bicycle is built for an average-size male, so most women are riding around on bikes that are unsupportive of their bodies, says Dr. Berkoff. If you have broader shoulders and are athletic in build (T-shaped), you may be able to get away with riding a traditional bike. Otherwise, look for a store that carries compact bike lines specifically for women, with features like smaller brake shifters and narrower handlebars. - If you&amp;#039;re uncomfortable on your bike, do something about it. Long-term use of an ill-fitting bike can lead to a range of injuries to the back, neck, knees, hips, ankles and wrists. Problems such as numbness in the hands and wrists can become permanent if they&amp;#039;re not addressed.  - Stop into your local bike shop to request a fitting where they will test and analyze your body movement while you ride to better customize your bike to your body type and needs. Bikes traditionally fit into four categories: leisure, road, mountain and hybrid, which can be good for the multipurpose rider. Nearly everything about a bike can be customized and changed, such as the seat, handlebars and pedals, says Dr. Berkoff. While you&amp;#039;re at it, pick up some gear like a snug-fitting helmet and a comfy pair of biking shorts to finish the job. What&amp;#039;s the furthest you&amp;#039;ve ever biked? Do you have a favorite trail? Tell us in comments! -Dana Gottesman  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/life/a41357/bike-right-5483/>