How to Choose the Ideal Bike

With more and more people getting their own cars these days, it seems like cycling is slightly falling out of fashion. But it's not - in fact, nowadays it's more popular than ever, because more folks are realizing the importance of living a healthy life, and having a bike can greatly attribute to that. If you don't own one yet, you should definitely consider investing in a good bike, because there's a lot to gain from owning one - you won't just live a healthier life, but you'll also be able to save some money in the process too, as you won't have to keep up with the maintenance of your car.

First, figure out what you're going to use your bike for. While most people would just scratch their heads at this and say "aren't all bikes used for cycling?," the problem is that it goes much deeper than that. There are different types of bicycles fit for different riding styles. The most common ones are city bikes and mountain bikes, and you'll need to figure out which of those would work better for you.

A city bike is made for more relaxed riding, and usually allows you to ride in a pose where you're standing straight up, and are more relaxed. They're characterized by their larger tyres, which are also usually thinner than standard ones. The frame of a city bike has a peculiar shape as well, shifting the centre of balance downward to make the bike steadier. Those are great for regular trips around the city's streets, and they're the perfect option if you want to ride your bike to work without getting sweaty or tired.

On the other hand, a mountain bike is for more serious and avid riders. It has a more classic build, with thick tyres and a triangular frame, and usually a larger selection of gears. Mountain bikes, as the name implies, are very well-suited for riding on rough terrain, up and downhill and over small obstacles. They're also better for riding at higher speeds - especially if you have the right track available. On the other hand, a mountain bike isn't useless for everyday purposes as well - you can use one to ride around town just as well as a city bike, but you may get a bit more worked up after a short trip because you'll be straining a bit more.

If your goal is to take gentle rides around your neighbourhood and to the local store, then go for a city bike. If, on the other hand, you want full control over your ride and you intend to take the bike for more extreme purposes, go with a mountain bike. In any case though, don't be cheap - a good bicycle may set you back significantly, but it's also going to last a very long time if taken care of right. And there's hardly anything worse than a mountain bike falling apart under you right as you're in the middle of a forest after you rode several miles to get there.