subject: Purchasing The Right Bike For You [print this page] Road bikes are designed for riding on paved streets and going fast. They have skinny tires, a lightweight frame and a riding position that forces you to be bent over the handlebars.
People choose this if they have to travel longer distances at higher speeds. These are designed for paved use, and will not fare well on rough gravel roads or dirt.
Mountain bikes are an increasingly popular option, especially for outdoor adventurers. These have wide tires with knobby treads to increase traction.
They also have a stout frame, and are designed to handle the rugged trails without disintegrating. They do not go as fast as road bicycles, but they are more durable and allow for a more comfortable riding position.
You sit higher on these at a more upright position with the straight handlebars. This can be helpful for people with back problems, since hunching over the handlebars puts strain on the back.
If you are going to buy a mountain bike, make sure you are doing so intentionally because you know that you will in fact be riding off-road. Otherwise, you will be paying for unnecessary features, and probably missing out on a bicycle that would be a better fit for you.
Hybrid bicycles are a compromise between road and mountain bikes. They also offer the best features of both if most of your riding will be shorter trips on pavement.
Hybrids have skinnier, smooth tires, and typically can go faster than mountain bikes. They also feature the upright seat and handlebar position seen on road bicycles that many people prefer.
Hybrids are a good choice for most city riding because they offer speed, durability, and comfort. Cruisers are bicycles that have wide tires, wide seats, upright handlebars, and typically just a single gear.
You will often see these at the beach, where they are referred to as beach cruisers. They tend to have more simple mechanics and are easy to maintain.
They perform best on flat, paved surfaces. They are for a more comfortable, relaxed ride, and not for speed, racing, or mountain trails.
Tandems, recumbent, and tricycles are all unique types of rides that you likely will not see very often. Though not as popular, they each offer specific features and functions that may be just what you are looking for.
When you have figured out what you will be doing on your bicycle you can make an informed decision on which to buy. If you are not sure based on a facts and review sheet, you should take on out for a spin yourself.
You can borrow a bicycle from a friend, and some stores allow you to rent some wheels to test out a ride. If you do this, really test out the bike, do not just take a lap around the block.
If you rent a mountain bike, take to a trail for twenty minutes and see how it feels and if it is something you actually want to spend a lot of time doing. This will also give you a chance to test out traction, suspension, and speed.
Know that with bicycles, as with everything else, you get what you pay for. If you are only willing to spend fifty dollars know that you will not get a quality bike that will last you a long time.
If you want a nice set of wheels but do not have the financial means to buy a new one, you can look online and at some stores for a used one. Make sure you do some research on the model first though so you actually do get a quality bicycle.
Make sure that you do your research and are confident with the purchase you are making. You should know for sure that you will actually use the equipment.
When buying a bicycle, you should also buy the accompanying gear as well. Yes, this means you need to buy a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and riding gloves.
Though riding seems easy, there are accidents and you should have the correct protective gear to save yourself from severe injury. When you have all you need, get out there and explore the world.
by: Jack Landry
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