Specialized Bikes
Types Of Bikes by Barbara Moore
There is something about buying a new bike that makes you feel like a kid again. On a shiny brand new bike, the wind feels a little wilder in your hair and you feel like your five years old. There’s no question that buying a new bike is a rush. The question is, what kind of bike to buy?
Bicycles come in styles and prices to suit every need and virtually every budget. Choosing from the many types of bikes on the market is a personal decision that’s basically determined by the type of riding you want to do.
If you are a serious off-road cyclist, you’ll need a sturdy mountain bike. Distance riders will want a lightweight model that offers speed and comfort. Cross-country travelers should opt for touring bikes. Even companion bikes have their place with urban riders needing to share the ride with children or spouses.
The choice of types of bikes is yours and yours alone. Specialized bikes are available to suit those with very particular needs. If you have a bumpy commute, for example, you’ll probably want a mountain bike. Although usually heavy with a higher rolling resistance, mountain bikes run smoothly along single tracks, over rocks and along steep mountain trails.
If you shop at the market, run an urban delivery service or just have a heavy load to bear, you should consider choosing a touring bike. These are generally sturdy, comfortable and stable. An added feature of the touring bike is the many forks and eyelets that can be used to attach racks and cranks as storage for all of your non-cycling gear.
Whatever kind of riding you do, never overlook the importance of a really comfortable seat. Some types of bikes feature ultra-comfortable recumbent seats. Others have more business-like economy seats. The former will provide you with more comfort while riding, and may even protect you from saddle sores. The latter will make your bike look more streamlined and professional, but can be a pain.
Another consideration is to buy a sports bike with a road racing frame and provision for triple cranks. If you are heavy-set or suffer from knee problems, cranks can be very beneficial in preventing pressure from falling on the knees when you are cycling on a stiff slope.
Buying a tandem bike is another possibility, particularly if you tend to ride with a companion. They are made for two riders and are more expensive than other bikes. There are a number of pros, and cons, that should be carefully considered before making the investment in tandem. If you do decide to purchase a bicycle built for two, make sure you get a model that has 700c wheels.
Hybrid bikes are great choices for those traveling short distances, going along well-laid cycle paths, or who just enjoy a relaxing cruise. Hybrids feature upright seats and handlebars, so they offer optimal comfort and really are a pleasure to ride.
Finally, if you want to really stand out, invest in a groovy cruiser bike. These can be fitted with a number of fancy accessories and components, and make for a relaxing ride if you tend to take short journeys. As the name suggests, these bikes are built for ‘cruising’.
Buying a new bike is a personal decision that needs some careful thought. When you take the time to choose the right type of bike for your needs, you’ll soon have a new set of wheels that will make you feel carefree and unstoppable. You’ll feel just like a kid again.
About the Author
Barbara Moore contributes to several web magazines, on sports and recreation and hobbies and recreation themes.
2012 Sea Otter Classic – XC Short Course
|
|
BikerBabez.biz Ruby mug $9.99 11 oz ceramic coffee mug featuring model, Ruby, with Specialized road bike… |
|
|
Pinhead Bicycle Locking Skewer Set, 4 Pack $66.64 Pinhead offers the ideal solution to bicycle wheel theft.4-pack includes 100mm front and 135mm rear locking skewers, plus seatpost and stem locks.Each lock is operated via a unique multi combination keyEach lock is operated via a unique multi combination keyEach lock is operated via a unique multi combination key2-Pack includes front and rear wheel locking skewers3-Pack includes a front and rear w… |
|
|
OnGuard Brute STD 5001 Bike U-Lock $39.56 16.8mm massive ultra-hardened steel shackle provides maximum cut resistanceUnique OnGuard cylinder offers optimum resistance against physical attach and pickingReinforced sleeve over crossbar and cylinder for additional securityTriple layer steel crossbarQuattro bolt locking mechanism with dual lockdown protection provides unequaled strength by locking the crossbar to the shackle on 4 sides, maxim… |
|
|
Rocktape Kinesiology Tape for Athletes (2-Inch x 16.4-Feet) ROCKTAPE’s Active-Recovery (AR) series of tapes are designed to enhance performance and recovery, and are engineered to meet the demands of endurance Athletes like runners, swimmers and cyclists. Unlike regular compression garments and tapes, ROCKTAPE’s AR series can be used both to apply compression to promote recovery, or decompression to relieve pain and swelling. Rocktape is used by over 6,000… |
|
|
Topeak JoeBlow Max II Floor Bike Pump $26.50 Topeak Joe Blow Floor Pump… |
|
|
Topeak BabySeat Child Bike Seat Rack with Sliding Lock $44.99 ASIN:B002FPK6CU TITLE:Topeak Babyseat II Baby Seat (Seat Only) ATTRIBUTE_NAME:7470 REVIEW:Completely redesigned, Topeak’s new Baby II child seat offers better protection and versatility than ever before. A wrap-around seat body creates a virtual cocoon of protection and features an updated 6-point harness system. An innovative suspension system cushions bumps and jolts and the integrated roll bar … |
|
|
Mountain Bike Adrenaline $0.01 Live the ultimate freerideexperienceProduct InformationIn Mountain Bike Adrenaline straddle your mountain bike and ride theadrenaline as you hurtle down the world’s most spectacular slopes. Speed dexterity and daring are the three ingredients thatwill turn you into an exceptional rider. Take your bikethrough vast 3D environments modeled after some of the most beautifuland challenging lo… |
|
|
Star Wars Battlefront $3.00 Star Wars Battlefront gives you a chance to play a soldier during the wars in the Star Wars Galaxy. Battle for freedom or dominance, across 10 unique worlds. Use authentic Star Wars weapons and vehicles — from X-Wings to snow speeders. Experience true online chaos, as you fight the great battles of the Star Wars universe! In Conquest Mode, players who capture planets will gain specific advantag… |
|
|
MX vs. ATV Unleashed $18.99 MX vs. ATV Unleashed gives players all-new environments and event types, and a variety of new vehicles — all for the best in modern off-road action. Race to the finish line in a redesigned monster truck, powerful sand-rail and raised 4×4 golf karts — or try your luck in ATVs, dirt bikes and even biplanes. Compete in massive free-world environments featuring hill climbs, machine challenges and sh… |
|
|
RAM Mounting Systems RAP-274-1-AP9U Ram Mount EZ ON/OFF Handlebar Mount for Apple iPhone 4 $17.05 RAM Holder Cradle for Apple iPhone 4Material: High Strength CompositeBall Size: 1″ Rubber ball “B” SizeThe cradle includes a set of two nuts and bolts to connect the cradle to any of the RAM patible mounts. Will not hold the Apple iPhone (1st Generation) iPhone 3G or iPhone 3G S.RAM Rail EZ-On Swivel Rail MountDesigned to fit most mon handlebar sizes this pact and durable mount is ideally suited t… |
