| While choosing the right bike does not necessarily | | | | makes them popular with people who suffer from |
| involve the same commitment as choosing say a | | | | back problems, and want to ride a bike purely for |
| wife, for instance, it still does need some | | | | the exercise of it. |
| considerable thought. If you are buying a bicycle | | | | Be warned though that because of the popularity |
| for the first time and are not really sure what | | | | of mountain bikes, they are more likely to be |
| you want it for, the options are virtually endless. | | | | punted by sales people. But if you are looking for |
| So you probably want to figure out what purpose | | | | purely a road bike, and you purchase a mountain |
| you want to use the bike for. This is your very | | | | bike, you will be paying extra for a whole lot of |
| first determination. | | | | features that you don't, or won't ever need. |
| Basically, today there are four different types of | | | | Hybrid Bikes are a merger between mountain and |
| bicycle and your choice should obviously be based | | | | road bikes and features allow the rider to have |
| upon what your purpose for the bike is. | | | | the upright seat and handlebars yet allow more |
| Road Bikes have been designed for use on paved | | | | speed than the typical mountain bike. Hybrid bikes |
| surfaces. They feature thin tires and a lightweight | | | | are a good choice for city riding and offer |
| frame. They also seat you in a position bent | | | | durability, speed and comfort. |
| forwards over the handlebars and are suitable for | | | | Cruisers have wide tires, upright handlebars and |
| traveling at higher speed over longer distances. | | | | sometimes even a gear. These bikes are most |
| They will not stand up to heavy loads and rough | | | | often seen in relaxed surrounding such as the |
| terrain, much like walking in the woods in high | | | | beach. They are the simplest bike mechanically |
| heeled shoes. | | | | and are perfect for people who want comfort |
| Mountain bikes have become ever more popular | | | | over any other bicycle feature. Quite notably, |
| over the past twenty years. In fact, the | | | | they are durable and easily maintained. |
| popularity of mountain bikes could be considered | | | | If none of these bikes is what you are seeking, |
| to be explosive. These chunky bikes are | | | | there is still a huge variety of other options |
| extremely strong, the tires have knobby treads | | | | available. You could even go for a tandem, |
| and they are specifically designed for really rough | | | | providing you have a riding partner, or recumbent, |
| terrain. | | | | which has a long wheel base and seats the rider in |
| One of the trade-offs for the durability of a | | | | a supine position. And if you don't fancy the |
| mountain bike is the fact that they do not have | | | | falling-off aspect of biking, why not even consider |
| the speed of road bikes. But they have a far | | | | a tricycle. |
| more comfortable riding position, and this alone | | | | |