If rising gas prices have you down, then ditch your car for a new set of wheels. It will be healthy for both your wallet and your waistline.

Oil prices surged past $135 a barrel this week, and gasoline reached a record high of $3.83 a gallon. Rising prices on petroleum might not sound like breaking news, but, historically, gasoline prices typically fall in the week before Memorial Day. Between 2004 and 2007, the price of gas fell in the week leading up to Memorial Day, says AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report. But, this year is setting new trends. Gas prices have consistently climbed every day since May 5, and with the cost of crude oil contributing more than 70% of the price of a gallon of gasoline, it’s no surprise the pump is leaving us penniless.

But before you unpack the station wagon and ditch the Memorial Day road trip, consider making changes to your daily routine. Seventy-seven percent of Americans commute to work by themselves and according to the U.S. Census, that’s about 100 hours spent each year in the car, alone. It’s also about 12,000 miles a year and about 4.5 metric tons of carbon left in your wake.

No wonder Americans are opting to stop pumping gas into their Pontiacs (GM) and start pumping their bike pedals.

“There’s been a huge rise in demand for bicycles that’s been ramping up for the last year or so,” says Zack Stender, general manager of Mike’s Bikes in San Francisco, Calif. “Commuter bikes are a genre that’s grown faster than any other one, especially in urban areas and demand has probably doubled in the last year or two.”

Choosing a bike is a delicate balance between speed, comfort and price. Most city commuters opt for a form of hybrid bike, a cross between a mountain and a road bike, with mid-sized slick tires and upright handlebars. While a road bike will get you to work faster, that additional speed comes at the cost of comfort. “It’s a more aggressive position and a rougher ride,” says Stender. Some people opt for bikes with suspension to further smooth their ride, but that too will slow down your commute.

If your commute entails sandwiching yourself and your bike on public transportation, then you should check out the popular lines of fold-up bikes. Brompton manufactures high-end ($999 - $2120) bikes that fold in half into the smallest dimensions around. But you don’t have to drop major dough for a space efficient ride. Schwinn and Citizen both make fold-ups for around $300. “Fold-up bikes are great for people with little storage space,” says Rory Mandel, who runs a cycle club in Brooklyn, N.Y. It can fit under your bed, in your cube at work, or tuck next to you on the subway.” But, if space isn’t an issue, then don’t spent money on unnecessary perks and focus on the comfort and price comparison.

When choosing your two-wheeled companion, make sure it fits you right. Just like Ralph Lauren (RL) runs smaller than Old Navy (GPS) no two brands manufacture identical sizes. Some bicycles run small to large, while others measure in centimeters or inches. Talk to a qualified sales associate to secure the right fit. “People often buy bikes and get the wrong size and it’s ergonomically bad for you,” says Stender.

“Be careful and do it properly.”

 You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a solid set of wheels. For $300 to $400 you can purchase a quality commuter bike, and as the price goes up so does durability and smoothness.

If you’ve already funneled your excess cash into Exxon, (XOM) then consider purchasing a used bike. Make sure it’s in good condition and not close to wearing out. “For a few bucks the friendly bike stores will check it out and give it an okay,” says Stender. “You want to be careful just like going to a car dealership.”

Once you’ve got a set of wheels, contact your local bicycle coalition to get tapped into the bike community. Many have classes that teach urban cycling skills, give maps and detail the best way to get around your city.

“There are a lot of resources out there for cyclists and it’s a community that’s always very welcoming to new riders,” says Stender. Bicycle cooperatives across the country also offer free classes and use of tools to learn bicycle maintenance, saving you money in the long haul too.

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