Buy a Bike: A How-to Guide for Every Lifestyle

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There are Lots of Options When it Comes to Bicycles

A lot of new cyclists have been hitting the roads lately to avoid high gas prices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, get in shape and just plain have fun. Many of those cyclists are buying new bicycles. The bicycles that are for sale today are lighter, stronger and more affordable than ever. What's more, there are now numerous types of bicycles, including race, touring, mountain, hybrid and folding bikes. Selecting the right bike for the kind of cycling you plan to do is essential.

If You're Not a Racer, Don't Get A Race Bike!

Too many people walk into a bike shop having seen a photo of Lance Armstrong on a racing bike, and end up buying a cheaper version of the steed he rode to 7 consecutive victories in the Tour de France. Race bikes are great if you plan to do a lot of fast riding, but remember: if you're not a racer, a race bike is not the best option for you! Hopefully this guide will help you choose the right bike.

The first thing you need to do is ask yourself what you plan on doing with the bicycle. Be realistic, but also be open to future possibilities. Are you interested in doing a bicycle tour in the future? How about a century ride? Do you hope to commute to work, ride off-road or in the winter, or just occasionally ride along a bike path? Below is a list of the different types of bicycles, their range in cost and their ideal uses.

Racing Bikes

Racing bike typically have drop handlebars, skinny tires and an aggressive riding position. They are designed to be light, fast and agile, just like a racecar. Most race bikes won't accept the fat tires that are helpful when carrying weight or riding in the winter, and they aren't designed for racks or trailers. Race bikes are built for racing and fast recreational riding. If your primary goal is to race or ride with a local cycling club, or if you only plan on using the bike for recreation on paved roads (as opposed to commuting or winter-riding) then race bikes are a good choice.

New riders will have to get used to the handling, as the narrow tires and short wheelbase can feel a bit unstable at first. Most will find race bikes fun to ride, but their usefulness is limited to the above-mentioned uses. A race bike can cost anything from several hundred dollars to well over $10,000, and everything in-between.

Touring/Commuting Bikes

These bikes are, in my opinion, ideal for most newcomers to the sport of cycling. Why? Because the vast, vast majority of cyclists will never enter a race, and touring/commuting bikes are fast enough to ride on group rides, yet they are practical for touring, commuting to work, carrying groceries, etc. How can they do all this? Well, touring bikes are heavier, have room for wide tires, racks and fenders, and are more stable thanks to a longer wheelbase.

The best thing about these bikes is that if you plan on doing a number of things with your bicycle (touring, some fast riding and commuting) then you can buy a bike such as the Surly Cross-Check. The great thing about the Crosscheck is that you can buy one frame and two sets of wheels (one for fast riding and one for everything else) and you essentially get two bikes for the price of one. The Crosscheck sells for under $1,000, but again there is a wide range in the price of these bikes.

Folding Bikes

Folding bikes have been around for decades, but there has been an upsurge in them thanks to their tremendously practicality for people looking to commute to work and travel by and with bikes. I recently purchased a folding bike from Bike Friday, for instance, because I am training for some races and want to be able to ride my bike whenever I travel. What's more, I often find myself wishing I had a bike that I could easily take with me on buses and trains (without having to box the bike or stick it on the front of the bus.)

So who buys folding bikes? Lots of people: racers, commuters that, for instance, ride to a train station and then ride from the station to work, and pilots and other people that travel a lot and still want to be able to exercise. Bike Friday, Dahon and Breezer are just some of the folding bike manufacturers out there. All of them come with smaller wheels and the ability to pack down small. Some, such as Bike Friday, are designed for speed, while others, including many of Dahon's bikes, are purely built for commuting and ease-of-folding. In other words, within the world of folding bikes there is a wide range of options; if you are a racer, you will choose a racing folding bike, whereas if you are a commuter you will choose a folding bike that suits your needs. So once you decide that you need a folding bike due to travel constrains of the demands of commuting, shop and ask around and choose the right model of bike.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes haven't been around nearly as long as road bikes (around 3 decades vs. well over a century), but they have become ubiquitous, especially at places like Wal-Mart and target. As the name suggests, mountain bike were initially developed to tackle the tough terrain encountered on fire-roads and single track. As such, mountain bikes come with wide, knobby tires, suspension (front or both front and rear) and slightly smaller wheels (for faster acceleration on steep inclines). Featuring flat bars for better handling, mountain bikes are popular with a lot of people because they are comfortable and versatile.

Specifically, the suspension and fat tires are excellent at neutralizing potholes and sidewalks. That said, touring bikes are equally well equipped for rough pavement, and are far faster. Just as with racing bikes (or SUVs, for that matter!), most riders will never take their bikes off-road; unless you are specifically hoping to do that, this is probably not your best choice. On the other hand, if you live in a cold climate and hope to ride throughout the winter, mountain bikes can fit the special tires needed to deal with icy roads. Otherwise, stick with a touring bike or the next option, a hybrid bike.

Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes are a mix between mountain and road bikes. They have wide tires, flat handlebars and can accommodate racks and fenders, and an upright riding position, but they are faster than mountain bikes as they rarely come with full suspension. They are excellent for people looking to ride short distances, on bike-paths and similar routes. If you never plan on doing a lengthy commuting or fast riding, a hybrid is an affordable and comfortable alternative to touring bikes.

Bottom line: there are lots of options, so choose wisely!