Technically, the land speed record for a bicycle is held by Bruce Bursford, who pedaled to an astonishing 208 mph in August, 1995. Bursford's record carries a caveat, however: He was sitting on a specially designed, stationary bike with helium-filled tires and a two-foot chain ring, set on rollers.

You can ride a bike wearing an old pair of sneakers, but cycling shoes can improve your performance. Cycling shoes attach to the pedals of the bike via cleats on the bottom of the shoe. Known as clipping in, this attachment allows a rider to make efficient use of the leg muscles in the upward and downward pedal stroke.

Triathlon-specific, road and time-trial bikes are the most common options when it comes to purchasing a bike for a triathlon. Determining what type of bike you want to ride is only the first step, however.

Checking your bicycle chain periodically can give you a heads-up to potential problems. Bike chains can wear out over time and possibly break if you don't maintain them properly. Sheldon Brown of Harris Cyclery suggests visually inspecting the chain for link wear, as well as build up of dirt and grease.

Joint swelling occurs typically after an injury to ligaments, and is a way for your body to protect your joint. Ankle sprains that lead to swelling are fairly common sports injuries. Once care has been given -- rest, ice, compression and elevation -- rehabilitation can begin.

Bicycling is not only a popular, enjoyable activity, it's also a full-body workout, utilizing nearly all of the major muscle groups in your body. Although it primarily relies on the muscles in your lower body, your upper body also gets a workout.

Nothing slows down your cycling routine more than prolonged soreness. Knee pain while cycling is usually a symptom of another problem. In the case of pain on the inner side of the knee, the culprit is almost always the position of your cycling cleat.

When cycling, your elbows act as shock absorbers, cushioning your upper body as you ride over bumps or uneven terrain. If you cycle with your arms straight and elbows locked, your elbow joints take a beating, which can result in elbow pain.

A 10-kilometer cycle can burn more than a few calories. Since counting calories without specialized equipment is an inexact art at best, your exact caloric burn will vary according to a wide array of factors. However, a "typical" baseline can be of help with your weight loss and exercise planning.

Bicycle cleats, used in combination with clips on the bottom of bicycle shoes, secure your feet to the pedals. Adjust the tension on your bicycle cleats to engage and disengage your feet to and from the pedals without difficulty.

The best bicycles for riders over 60 are all about comfort. Because so many people age 60 and older often have physical issues to contend with, riders should consider bicycles with features that reduce stress on your body. Look for bicycles with comfortable saddles and designs that keep you upright as much as possible.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that results from wear and tear to the knee joint and knee cartilage over time. Your knees, hips, shoulders and hands are most susceptible to osteoarthritis damage. If you experience osteoarthritis, you can engage in low-impact exercises like bicycle riding.