With many communities installing new bike lanes, trails, and pathways each year, and more cyclists on the roads in North America than ever before, Cycling has never been more accessible. And since we know about the many health and wellness benefits that riding a bike can provide – not to mention convenience over driving – if you’re thinking about hopping back on the saddle, there’s never been a better time!
But before you head to your local independent bike shop to buy a new bike making sure that you are on the right style of bicycle will ensure that you have the best ride possible.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before you start the search:
- Where do you see yourself riding? On dirt paths and singletrack trails, gravel pathways and roads, smooth paved surfaces – or maybe a mix of all three.
- How long do you plan on riding for? Are you looking to train for a long distance event like a Gran Fondo, explore your local mountain bike trails with friends, commute to work, or go on quick trips around town?
- What will you take with you? If you are commuting or running errands regularly, getting a bike which is compatible with a rack and fenders will make the job much easier.
- And finally, consider how much you want to spend on your bike, remembering to include essential accessories such as a helmet and lights.
While there are a huge variety of bikes available nowadays, we’ve broken them down into a few basic categories:
Road Bikes
Road bikes are designed for traveling at quick speeds on paved roads. They are lightweight geared bikes with narrow tires and range in styles from race bikes, to long distance endurance, touring, and flat bar road bikes for fitness. If you are looking to join a local riding group, train for a charity ride or Gran Fondo, or try your hand at road racing, a road bike will suit you well.
Mountain Bikes
While there are may styles of mountain bikes for various disciplines of the sport, generally mountain bikes have wide knobby tires, flat bars, rugged frames, and wheels designed for off-road riding. From hardtails without rear suspension to cross country race bikes, dual suspension trail bikes, and long travel all mountain and downhill bikes, mountain bikes offer great fun for riders looking to explore natural surface trails and bike parks.
Hybrids
A combination of road and mountain bikes, hybrids generally have more relaxed upright riding styles, flat bars for stable handling, and mid-size tires that are capable of riding on mixed surfaces that you’d find in an urban area. Hybrids can include urban and commuter bikes outfitted with racks and fenders for all-season riding capability, comfort bikes with suspension forks and step-thru frames, or european-style city bikes with baskets or porteur racks. Riders looking for a comfortable (albeit slightly heavier) do-it all bike that is as much suited on a ride to the beach as it is to running errands around town, a hybrid might be the right choice for you.