You're interested in a cross bike, but "can't quite take the plunge"? Once you ride one, you'll be amazed by its comfort and agility.

While a bit more expensive than a mamachari (city bike), cross bikes offer many benefits. Let's introduce them so that as many people as possible can appreciate their appeal.

1. Why cross bikes now?

▲ICAN AC388 Cross Bike

Amidst the restrictions on daily life and self-isolation due to the pandemic, the demand for bicycles has been rising globally. This is because a rapidly increasing number of people are using bicycles instead of public transport to avoid crowded conditions during commutes.

In particular, cross bikes, which are an intermediate option between mamachari and road bikes, are very popular among beginners.

They are perfect for those who are hesitant to get serious about road biking but find mamachari uncool. Perhaps reflecting this, there's been a global scramble for bicycles recently, and it's not uncommon for popular models to sell out instantly upon arrival.

2. The Appeal of Cross Bikes

① Speed

People who have never ridden a cross bike are often surprised by the difference from a mamachari. They're incredibly light to start pedaling, and fast.

While mamachari typically go 10-15 km/h, cross bikes can easily reach 30 km/h.

With skilled pedaling and power, a cross bike can momentarily accelerate up to 40 km/h. Even beginners can significantly increase their speed with a tailwind. You often see bikes riding alongside cars, don't you?

Also, because the tires are thinner, there's less road resistance, requiring less effort to pedal.

With plenty of gears, you can easily conquer hills without an electric assist, allowing for stress-free travel on any road.

② Diet Effect

▲ICAN AC388 Cross Bike

The aerobic exercise gained from riding a cross bike is highly effective for weight loss.

The calories burned from jogging for an hour and riding a cross bike for an hour are not significantly different, making it an effective form of exercise. This is because most of the muscles in the human lower body are concentrated in the thighs, and by intensively training the thighs, your basal metabolism increases, leading to a body constitution that easily loses weight before you know it.

While jogging can put a strain on your knees and back, riding a cross bike for long periods causes little strain, making it easy for even heavier individuals to engage in weight loss. It also has a tightening effect on the legs and waist, so you can expect changes in your physique. If running 5 kilometers is too much, cycling for a few tens of minutes can provide benefits without overexertion, so naturally, you'd choose that.

③ Exhilaration

Riding briskly while feeling the natural wind is truly exceptional.

It provides a momentary release from everyday stress and offers significant healing.

Just riding is enjoyable, and sweating refreshes your mind. You can easily travel within a 20-kilometer radius on a cross bike, and it's healthier than traveling by car. Plus, you're sure to discover new things in the city just by riding.

④ Ease of Maintenance

▲ICAN AC388 Cross Bike

It might seem surprising, but cross bike maintenance is very easy even for beginners.

Parts are easy to remove, so you can do most things yourself without going to a bike shop. Recently, many tutorials are available on YouTube, so you won't get lost on how to do things.

Even I, who initially struggled even with flat tire repairs, can now change chains by myself. You can find good, inexpensive tools on Amazon, and you won't be confused about how to use them.

⑤ A lifelong hobby

I often hear people say they're struggling because they don't have a hobby. For such people, I highly recommend a cross bike.

You'll gradually grow fond of it, and riding alone won't be enough; you'll start maintaining your cross bike yourself. There are also plenty of parts, so you'll want to customize it yourself, and expressing your unique cross bike is also part of its appeal.

If you make friends through touring, your world will expand even further.

It's not uncommon for people to find city riding insufficient and want to participate in races! First, I attached a cycle computer to know my speed and cadence (revolutions per minute), and as I thought about how to make them faster and better, I just got more and more engrossed.

In this way, it's no exaggeration to say that it's an "infinite hobby that you can enjoy throughout your life."

3. Summary

▲ICAN AC388 Cross Bike

As you can see, the cross bike is a wonderful vehicle packed with various attractions. The more you learn about it, the more hooked you're sure to become.

Many friends who are deeply immersed in this charm are waiting for you.

(I'm one of them!)

So, why don't you all try riding a cross bike in town starting now?