Looking to buy a bicycle to get some healthy exercise or perhaps even commute to work?
Before rushing out to the nearest bike shop, ask yourself where and how often you plan to use the bike, then use the tips on how to choose a bike in this article to decide whether to go for a road or mountain bike, a hybrid cross between the two or even a folding commuter bike.
People who haven’t ridden a bike in years might think that all bikes look pretty much the same, especially since most are designed around a classic diamond-shaped frame. It’s only when they sit on a bike that the differences become clear, particularly in terms of riding position.
Mountain Bikes
A large proportion of bikes sold today are classed as mountain bikes, although many are never actually used to climb mountains. They are popular as they are robust, have plenty of gears for easier hill climbing and they have chunky tires which can be used on both gravel tracks and tarmac roads. They can also be used for commuting as the 26” tires can be swapped for slick road tires.
Choose from a hardtail option with front suspension, ideal for soaking up lumps and bumps on either road or off-road trail or, if planning to ride on rough rocky tracks, a full suspension mountain bike, but bear in mind that the extra suspension also adds extra weight.
The downside to mountain bikes is that many people find them uncomfortable due to the somewhat hunched forward riding position which is necessary for climbing and descending hills but not so great for recreational use. Cheap models under £150/$200 are also heavy and components will wear out quickly so for longevity, look to spend around £400/$520 for a decent quality entry-level mountain bike.
Road Bikes and Hybrid Bikes
If you plan to ride purely on tarmac over long distances at the fastest speed possible, a road bike is probably the best option. Narrow tires, a light frame and drop handlebars make for fast efficient riding but a reasonable quality road bike will cost over £450/$700.
Hybrid bikes are a cross between a road and a mountain bike and have a similar geometry to a road bike with the same larger wheels but a more upright riding position due to a high-rise stem. The slick tires on a hybrid are fine for cycling along light gravel tracks and also offer better speed than knobbly tires if cycling on tarmac. They are also cheaper than road bikes with entry level prices from £250/$325.
Fold-Up Bikes
If commuting, city riding and easy storage are the main reasons for choosing a bike, then consider a fold-up bike like the classic Brompton. It may set you back over £1000/$1200 but the high quality will ensure your folding bike lasts a lifetime and if you get bored with it, the resale value is very high.
Buy the Correct Size Bicycle
Whichever bike type you choose, ensure you buy the correct size bicycle. Stand-over height is critical as there should be at least two inches of air between the crotch and top tube on a mountain bike and at least one inch on a hybrid or road bike. For folding bikes, it doesn’t matter as there is no top tube.
So armed with the information on how to choose a bike, all you now need to do is head for the local bike shop or shop online to get the best discounts.
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Also of interest may be
- How to Choose a Tandem Bike, Road or Mountain
- Why Buy a Trailer Bike
- Women’s Bikes, Female Specific Fit
- How to Build a Single Speed Mountain Bike
- How to Choose a Folding Bike
- How to Choose an Electric Bike
- Why Buy a Brompton Folding Bike
- How Does the Cycle to Work Scheme Work? Use it to get a new bike for half price!
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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