A Habit to Kick

It’s low impact. It’s totally weird. And I love it.

Up ahead is a bevy of boys on bicycles. Me, I’m on my new kickbike – handlebars, hand brakes, and big wheel in front, but now pedals, no seat, an aluminum deck for standing, and a wee back wheel. One foot is on the deck. The other is kicking backwards. Did I mention there’s a basket? And that I’m wearing a helmet for safety’s sake? Feeling like a junior high nerd, I steel myself for hoots of derision.
Instead, I hear:

“ Cool scooter.”
“ Awesome.”
“ I want one”

I wanted one, too, the minute I read about kick bikes in the New York Times this spring. U.S. runners, the Times said, are turning to the Finnish invention, which gives a tough workout that supposedly leaves your legs as loose as a yoga class would. I bought the $289 City Cruiser from kickbikeamerica.com, the U.S. distributor, an online operation with a few local dealers. (Off-road and racing models are $349 to $389.) Assembly: $71.83 at a bike shop. Two caveats: You need a decent sense of balance (though your low center of gravity makes it easier than mastering a bike), and feet larger than a size 12 might not fit on the 4-by-13 _-inch deck.

My first 8-mile ride was a kick-ass workout. It’s not as intense as running, but standing and kicking take a lot more energy than sitting and pedaling do. Except for downhill stretches, I never gained enough momentum for an easy coast. Knee report: no complaints! Legs: positively springy from the backward kicks. They “engage your glutes” and could increase hamstring range of motion, notes Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise.

I’m still developing a style. Californian Jim Delzer, who’ll start a cross-country trek on July 2, suggests 20 kicks a leg, then switching to the other side. He cuts back to 10 or 15 on a steep incline. Kicking off with the balls of your feet (clad in sturdy, well-cushioned shoes) works well. But pound your feet too hard and they’ll hurt. Ditto for your Achilles tendons if you do too much too soon. Devotees swap tips at an online group; E-mail John Varrill at kickbike4fun@yahoo.com to join.
As for speed, Delzer has hit 60 mph on a mountain descent (though his average is 9 to 11 mph). What I’ve found is you have to accept that cyclists will pass you by. Plus, if you get tired of kicking uphill and take a break, then… you’re standing still. But isn’t that just how life is?

-Marc Silver