How to Find the Right Road Bike, Mountain Bike, or Hybrid
There are three types of bicycles to consider for riding outside: road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrids. Choosing a bicycle depends on what its intended use is.
The purpose of a bicycle should be known before purchasing it. Is the bicycle for the exercising on the road, having fun on the sidewalk, cycling over trails and roads, or for strictly trail? Within each of these categories, it’s possible to spend anywhere from $600 to $6000. A consumer has to know what they intend to do with the bicycle before shopping, and how much they wish to spend before it’s possible to enjoy the day shopping for a bicycle and getting sized to ride. Sizing is important because a good fit, means a good ride. The following paragraphs describe the types of bicycles.
From Racing to Road, Bicycles Meant for Speed
Road bicycles have skinnier tires and firmer suspensions, dropped handled bars and multiple gears. Road bicycles are recommended for consumers that want to use a bicycle for serious exercise involving long distances on the road. Road bicycles are required if a person has goals such as riding in RAGBRAI or The Hotter than Hell.
Craving Descents and Climbs, Mountain Bicycles Target Adventure
Mountain bicycles have many gear combinations and have originated from the free- wheeling bikes used by daredevils that do tricks. Typical mountain bike excursions include trail riding in Moab and downhill competitions. Mountain bike riders tend to not spend much time on the saddle and have different skill sets than road riders.
Hybrid Bicycles Allow Sidewalk Cutting or Trailblazing
Hybrid bicycles are made for road and trail and have a different comfort level. Handle bars and seat adjustments can be made for the specific type of riding in mind. Suspensions are not as stiff and hybrids are good for sidewalk and beach cruising.
From Low to High, Bicycle Costs Depends on Components
Bicycles vary in costs. Walmart and other “general” stores carry low end bicycles at the $150-$300 range. These bicycles are okay and serve their function but the level of comfort and quality of material will not be the same. Also, if a person shops around in the off season, Then you can buy a higher-quality bike for not much more than a basic one. When looking at a bicycle price, consider the components and the type of frame that is being purchased, and compare that to the intended purpose of the bicycle.
For $600 to $1200 a bicycle with good components and a long life can be purchased. Dura-Ace and Ultegra components by Shimano are decent components. In this price range, the popular frame materials materials are steel and aluminum., and weight of the rider and climate need to be considered when making a choice about the type of frame material. Taking the time to research components and frame styles will pay off when discussing bicycles with a sales person and will make sure a bicycle is bought within the budget. There is no need to pay more than $600 to $1200 unless a person is driven to reach for the Lance Armstrong level.
If the Bicycle Isn’t Comfortable, it Doesn’t Fit
The last thing to consider before shopping for a bicycle is fit. If the bicycle fits the consumers’ body then the investment will last because it will be a joy to ride. Generally, a good fit will be determined by the inseam of the client, multiplied by .67 and the units are typically centimeters. When discussing this at the bike shop, a good sales person will ask that the client stand flat with the bicycle and then will adjust the seat to see where the knee breaks during pedaling. A person does not want to overextend their knee. The other measurement that has to be considered is the length of the top tube in relationship to the rider’s arms. Being overextended in the shoulders could lead to different injuries. Again, the purpose should be comfort and maximum performance. This is something to be leery of when buying a used bicycle. Once a sales person has gone through a fit, the consumer should be let to ride the bicycle and acquire a feel for it.
No Head, No Ride
Last but not least is safety. A good sales person will encourage a purchase of a helmet and proper riding gear. It’s expensive at first, but down the road, it’s worth every bit. As a minimum, cover the head and get gloves. To have fun, buy bright colors. Also, ask for the water bottle basket and water bottle to be thrown in for free because plenty of water will be needed for riding. Later on, take a maintenance class at the local bicycle shop to learn how to take care of the bicycle and keep it running well for maximum enjoyment at minimum cost.