Peggy Nunes picks up some flowers from a flower shop in Lodi with her bike recently. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Bike riding getting more popular in Lodi with warmer weather

Peggy Nunes of Lodi still remembers her first bike from when she was 10. She had wanted one for years and was waiting for her mother to persuade her father into buying one. The bike bought at a local flea market was perfect. Silver, just the right size, and just the right price.

"My dad bought it for me for $10 (and) the rest is history," said Nunes standing tall and proud with the bike she now rides around Lodi.

With the weather turning warm and the sun staying out longer, many locals are looking to bike more. But before buying a bike it helps to know about the different types of bike, what sort of riding each is best for, and the prices of each model.

For those wanting a bike with expression, a few stores in Lodi offer a variety of bikes and styles.

Sierra Adventure Outfitters sells beach cruisers and Dan Arbuckle, manager of the store feels these bikes best suit most local riders because of a variety of reasons.

Beach cruisers have wide tires, allowing for a smooth ride, springs under the seats offering riders suspension other bikes may lack and tall handlebars helping the rider steer with ease and comfort.

And, of course the cruisers come in a variety of colors and styles.

"The beach cruiser is a reflection of a person's personality, it's a huge trend and (they can) pick out what they like," said Arbuckle.

Arbuckle sells 18 different models for both men and women and the prices range from $329-$589.

City Bicycles, another local bike shop, also carries beach cruisers along with mountain bikes and road bikes.

But, according to Michael Keleher, co-owner of the store, beach cruisers are by far the most popular bikes with about 300 being sold each year.

"I'll sell them to 4-year-olds and I'll sell the to 90-year-olds," Keleher said.

Keleher recommends people buying bikes should know what type of riding they will do, what level of rider they are, and the price range they are looking for. The type of bike is then determined by the height and inseam of the individual.

For some Lodians, bike riding comes with many benefits regardless of the type of bike they are riding.

"The fuel is free and you can just see more ... I think you miss out when you go too fast," Nunes said.

Others enjoy riding bikes because of the flatness of Lodi and the friendly people.

"Lodi is one of the best towns for cruisin'." said Bill Rhodes, 57, of Lodi, "It's flat, the biggest hill I got is my driveway."

Co-owners Rob Delany, left, and Mike Keleher, of Lodi City Bicycles, talk about beach cruisers being big sellers in Lodi in the spring time. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Rhodes rides a black cruiser with neon green flames on the sides and calls it the "Stingray he never had."

"(Bikes are) an expression, you can make it yours," Rhodes said.

Whatever bike riders choose, a beach cruiser designed for comfort, the mountain bike designed for rough terrain, or a road bike designed for speed, the benefits and enjoyment can be endless.

"You can go everywhere — to the gym, Hutchins, Downtown," said Nunes. "And, it's easier to park than a truck."