A Guide On Choosing A New Bike

Buying a bike is clearly not on the same level as purchasing a new car, but it is still a decision that requires some thought. If you're buying a new bike for the first time, it can get extremely overwhelming with all the options out there. This article will help you understand what you need to know before shopping for a new bike.

The first step in finding the right bike is to determine what type of bike you're looking for. There are four different types of bikes that are the most common options; road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and cruisers. Each one is suited for different styles of riding.

Road bikes are best on smooth, paved streets. They're the fastest bikes available as well. The tires are skinny and the frames are light in weight. If you are looking for a long distance ride, this type of bike is the best option. A road bike will not do well on any sort of rough surfaces, trails or bumpy roads as its frame and tires aren't made for this type of ride.

Most buyers choose to go with mountain bikes, at least over the last 20 years. Mountain bikes have thicker and heavier frames, with wider tires to hold up against the rough adventures they may face. The thick frame is also accompanied by extremely knobby treads to keep the bike intact. The down side of mountain bikes is they're not as fast, but they do happen to be more comfortable than road bikes. For riders with bad backs, this is a great option as the seats are more upright.

Hybrid bikes are a combination of mountain and road bikes. If you plan to ride on concrete pavement, this is a great option. However, they're not suited for longer trips like a road bike. They have skinny and smooth tires that also include a comfortable seat in the upright position. These are faster than mountain bikes as well. If you ride through a city, this is a great option as they're durable, comfortable and fast.

Cruisers are a nice option if you're looking to comfortably ride around a beach or town. Many of them are only made with one gear, but include a wide seat and wide tires. The bars are also upright, to keep it comfortable and allow you to "cruise" around.

One thing I've noticed is riders purchasing mountain bikes for the wrong reasons. They're somewhat less expensive than road bikes and do offer some great features. However, if you don't plan on using the features that allow you to ride on rough surfaces, then you probably ended up choosing the wrong bike for your needs.

Just like anything in life, you get what you pay for. A good bike can last for many years, so it's worth spending a little extra on a quality bike. In a cheap bike, the components will not last as they would on a quality bike. You'll end up spending money over the years to fix it up and it won't be too long until you spend more money on fixing the bike, then if you spent the money on the higher end option.