No vehicle, not even your own feet, can take you farther with less energy than a bike. And when a bike has multiple gears-two or three chain rings up next to your pedals and up to 11 cogs on your back ...

Cycling isn’t just fun. It can also deliver big fitness gains with the right gear and strategy. By Amanda Loudin The reporter is a former triathlete, who still dusts off her bike on warm spring days.