Cycling is a great hobby for a number of reasons. Here's our top 10:

1. Cycling doesn't put as much strain on the joints as running or even walking - the bike will take your weight, no matter how many extra pounds you're carrying.
2. Cycling will give you great legs - toning (the simultaneous effect of losing fat and gaining muscle) your thighs and buttocks. Ever seen a pro cycling with a saggy behid?
3. Cycling increases your lung capacity. Chris Boardman, a pro cycling who won gold at the 1992 Olympics, has the ability to use 80 mls of oxygen per kilo of bodyweight. The average man uses just half that.
4. Cycling increases the body's ability to use oxygen and the small blood vessels that carry oxygen throughout the body.
5. Cycling is extremely good for the heart - owing to its sustained nature. Cycling Lance Armstrong is reputed to have a hear rate of 32-34 bpm - the average is over double that.
6. Pollution might not be the problem you thought it was - research has shown that pollution levels are actually higher in cars where the pollutatants do not disperse in the atmosphere.
7. Cycling is cheaper than going the gym and you can be sure there won't be anyone in the way - it's the ultimate convenience activity.
8. Cycling may get you to work a lot quicker - and you'll be helping protect the environment. Public transport is terrible and petrol costs are skyrocketing - it's little wonder that the number of cyclists is increasing.
9. Cycling can relieve stress - driving could give you road rage and a general lack of freedom. Cycling allows you to see and smell the sights.
10. It's fun! Cycling is a pleasure once you get over the initial hurdles such as lack of fitness or saddle-sores.