Buying a bike this spring? Bicycles are great for exercise, commuting, or just having fun with the family, but before you make the purchase, it’s important to research. There's such a wide variety of bicycles out there, from mountain bikes to BMXs to cruisers to portable folding bikes to tricycles to tandems, that you should have no problem finding the perfect fit. Bicycling is healthy, environmentally friendly, and fun!
Mountain Bikes
The different kinds of mountain bikes available has increased since they were introduced, as they become more and more adapted to different environments and sports. If you're going to be riding in the city as well as on more rugged terrain in parks or out of the city, you might want to try a cross-country bicycle that offers dual suspension for those rocky areas. If you don't want to fork out the cash, but you still imagine you'll be going off the street, try a comfort mountain bike on for size.
Other options are available, too, but be aware that mountain bike prices are a bit higher than other models, given that they're designed to take more wear and tear.
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Racing & Road Bikes
Racing and road bikes are built for speed - the frame's are lighter, the wheels thinner, and in many cases, may have toe-clips that allow the rider not to waste any energy. Because of this, less experienced riders, or those who might be tall or heavier should avoid racing bikes until they're comfortable with a regular bike and prepared to try a bicycle that requires a larger skill set. Racing and road bikes also tend to be more prone to slippage on roads.
SIZE OF BIKE
When selecting a bike, you should pay careful attention to where your feet touch the ground when you sit on the seat. If your leg doesn’t touch the ground, the bicycle’s frame is too large. If your leg sits exactly flat or you have to bend your knees, the seat is too low or the frame is too small, and you’ll create unnecessary wear and tear on your joints and muscles – riding will become a chore. (Note that this is not always the case with BMX bicycles, or other specialty bicycles that have smaller frames.)
WRAPPING UP
Before hitting the open road on your recently acquired bike, ensure that you have a helmet. Besides being just a general safe idea, in many jurisdictions, it's also the law. Make sure that whatever helmet you do buy is certified, fits securely over your skull, and is something that you'll be sure to wear every time you go biking!
A bike lock is another important accessory that's often an after-thought. Many U-locks are easy for thieves to by-pass, and unless you live in a particularly safe area, you'd do best to stay away from these.
If you're planning on being out on your bike for long periods of time, it's important to hydrate yourself! Buy a water-bottle and water-bottle-holder kit if they're not already installed on your bicycle. Most bike shops will gladly put your water-bottle-holder on for you, but if that's not the case, don't worry - it's a relatively easy process that should take you only two minutes.
Most bicycles come with a manufacturer's warranty, and with some high-end bicycles, you can extend the warranty beyond the first year. If this bicycle is your primary mode of transportation, or used for commuting, having an extended warranty could save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Go forth and ride!
