Riding a bike is fun, healthy, and good for the environment. So, it's really not a surprise that more people than ever are choosing to commute, exercise, or just run errands on two wheels rather than four. Cities are responding in turn with enacting bike friendly laws and adding bike lanes to popular routes.
Getting started with bikes
Buying a bike isn't as simple as walking into a big box store and walking out. You'll need to be measured for the right size, evaluate how you'll be riding your bike, and determine a budget. Only then will you be ready to hit the road.
Types of bikes available
There are almost endless options for what kind of bike you can buy, but the most basic categories are broken out below. In addition what is spelled out here, you'll also be able to choose between materials the bike is made out of, if you need a mens' or women's bike, tire size, and more.
- Single speed Otherwise known as a fixed wheel/gear bike, these bikes don't have any gears; this makes navigating hills difficult. However, no derailleur also means that there isn't a lot to break, and your trips to the repair shop can be reduced.
- Mountain Mountain bikes are made to be ridden hard without sustaining damage. Their tires are wider and designed to grip the road, the frame is ultra sturdy, and you'll frequently find shocks on the frame make the trip less bumpy.
- Road Road bikes are all about speed and covering long distances. These bikes tend to be the lightest weight, have dropped handlebars, and narrow tires. However, they won't hold up to rough riding.
- Fitness A fitness bike is a hybrid of sorts between a road and a mountain bike. They are a great option for those who are commuting to work or just riding for exercise.
Typical features
It's important that the features on your bike match your specific needs and style. If you're unsure if something on your bike is going to work, talk to your bike shop if a switch is possible.
- Breaks Many people are surprised to find that there several kinds of bike breaks. Talk to the shop about what kind of riding you'll be doing, and they can tell you which option is best for you.
- Seat Depending on how much riding you'll be doing, it's possible that you're going to spend a lot of time on that seat; make sure that you love yours. Cushions you can add on later tend to slip while riding, so try to avoid them.
- Derailleurs Just about every bike, except for single speed versions, have derailleurs. These need to be tuned to precision; during your test drive, the front and rear derailleurs should shift with ease.
Brand names
It's important to remember that there isn't a best bike brand; which one you should buy depends on your riding needs and budget. All that being said, Trek, Giant, Specialized, Raleigh have been well respected in the industry for only producing quality machines you can trust.
Bike shopping tips
- Don't go for the cheapest bike you can find. In fact, unless you're rarely going to ride, you shouldn't buy your bike from a big box store; the stock they carry is the lowest quality available.
- If you're shopping for a used bike, check and see if your city has a database that allows you to run the serial number to ensure it hasn't been stolen. Once you've completed the purchase, register the serial number under your name.
- Buy the best bike lock you can afford. U-locks are generally the most effective.
- Quick release wheels, while convenient for those who travel, are an easy target for thieves.
- Don't forget to buy extras like a helmet, water bottle mount, and a light if you'll be riding in the dark. While you're at it, go ahead and buy some new tubes so they are on hand when needed.
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