Choosing a bike

Choosing a bike is a process that at first glance is more than exciting. However, the huge number of models offered by both specialized bike shops, online stores, and just markets is huge. The list of manufacturers is also large, and if you consider that almost all bikes are incredibly beautiful, then the eyes of a novice buyer literally run wild. If you come across a competent consultant in the store, consider that you have solved half the problem. A specialist will be able to tell you what types of bikes exist, what types of bikes may suit you. However, your own knowledge and awareness will not hurt, because choosing a bike also means financial costs.

The bicycle is indeed becoming an increasingly popular means of transportation and a favorite "brainchild" for those who prefer active recreation. Today, according to statistics, more than one and a half billion cyclists ride the vast expanses of our planet, with thousands more happy owners added daily who have managed to make the right choice of bicycle.

What is a good bicycle?

The ideal bike, one that you can ride for life, has obviously not been invented yet. Therefore, before deciding which types of bikes are right for you, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the signs of a good bike:

• The bicycle should not be too heavy, since this “faithful friend” will not always carry you; sometimes you will have to carry it in your own hands.
• No matter what kind of bikes you are attracted to visually, remember that the bike simply must be reliable.
• Your bike may require periodic repairs, so you should be sure that there are bike shops in your area (city, town) where you can buy the necessary parts and components.
• The bicycle should be easy to control.
• A bicycle must be stable and be a safe means of transportation.
• The bike should have an acceptable price, so that the costs of the desired model are adequate not so much to an irresistible desire, but to common sense.
• You should like the bicycle, because, in essence, you are buying not just a vehicle, but a two-wheeled “friend”.

Why do you need a bicycle?

The choice of bike depends on how you plan to use it and the following questions to ask yourself before buying:

• Why do you need a bicycle and how will you ride it – every day to work or do you need it as sports equipment for training and competitions.
• What kind of terrain are you going to ride your bike on - highway, dirt road or off-road?
• If you are going to do a sport, what kind of sport – freeride, cross, country or something else?
• The choice of a bike also depends on your weight, do not hesitate to weigh yourself before buying a bike.
• Do you plan to regularly inspect your two-wheeled friend, how often are you going to take care of it and do you even have time for these chores?

If you have honestly answered these and perhaps other questions that have “emerged” during your reflections, you can begin to study the types of bicycles.

Types of Bicycles

There are countless models of bicycles. There are bicycles for girls, there are bicycles for teenagers, the most popular is the city bicycle, in a word, the choice is great.

All this “bicycle diversity” can be systematized using two main categories and six types of bicycles:

Categories:

1. Bicycle for the city or everyday
2. Bicycle for sports

Types of Bicycles

1. Road, track and racing bikes.
2. Touring bicycles.
3. Mountain bikes.
4. Road bicycles.
5. Mixed mountain and tourist.
6. Special bicycles.

Racing bikes

The frame dimensions of this type of bicycle differ in the same way as many of its structural parts from simple, everyday bicycles due to the specifics of use. These are the lightest models in weight - no more than 10 kilograms. The dimensions of this type of bicycles are selected so that the weight of the bike is minimal, all its parts are made of high-strength lightweight metal and even the chain stars, brake levers have through cuts that make the entire structure lighter. The racing type of bike has excellent maneuverability, but it is not very comfortable for long-distance travel. Track and road bicycles require physical endurance and athletic training, since they belong to the category of sports bicycles. The task of such bikes is to win competitions, and not to provide comfort on a long, leisurely journey.

Touring bicycles

The frame size of such a bike should usually correspond to the height of the tourist, in addition, a touring bike, like a racing bike, should be light enough - no more than 11 kilograms. The bike's handlebars are slightly raised, the wheels are equipped with strong thick spokes, which are specially designed for long journeys and overcoming road obstacles. A special feature of touring bikes is the pedals - toe clips. In some models, toe clips are not provided, this allows the tourist to apply adjustable efforts when climbing a mountain. Bikes of such models are more comfortable than their racing "brothers" and are equipped with many accessories - a bag or luggage racks, special mounts for flasks, and so on. Cycling tourism involves the participation of representatives of the weaker sex in hikes, so among the models of this type there are special bicycles for girls.

Mountain bikes

Extremely popular among extreme sports enthusiasts. The frame size of this type of bike is not much different from the size of a touring bike, they are slightly smaller, since on rough terrain you need to equalize the load by shifting the body to the side or back.

Recently, manufacturers have started producing mountain bikes with racing-type frames, i.e. more nimble. The wheels of such bikes are quite wide, the tires are equipped with lugs. Choosing a bike of this type is the lot of experienced, seasoned cyclists with solid experience and certain skills.

Mountain-tourist bikes

This is a kind of hybrid of the previous types, which combines all the advantages - reinforced brakes, shape and size of the bicycle frame, intermediate-width tires, all kinds of mounts for accessories. This type of bike is suitable for both travel enthusiasts and residents of suburban villages who commute to work in the city every day. The mixed type of construction made this bike popular due to its versatility. Thus, mountain-tourist models are both a bicycle for the city, and a means of transport for long trips, and excellent transport for summer residents. These bicycles are often called city or suburban.

Road bikes

They are so versatile and convenient that there are also options for children's bicycles and bicycles for girls. Despite the fact that these bikes weigh more than sports bikes - up to 14-15 kilograms, they are popular due to the strength and stability of the structure. In addition, road bikes are equipped with a very comfortable, wide saddle. Road bikes are also a type of city transport suitable for any age of the cyclist.

Special bicycles

These are tandems, that is, two-seater bicycles, and motocross models, which are extremely popular among children and teenagers. Also, special types include freestyle bicycles, folding bicycles and other exotic models. Such models are usually purchased purposefully, so choosing a bicycle of this type does not require additional advice.

Choosing a bicycle is a troublesome but also enjoyable task. It is obvious that due to the protracted global economic crisis, the old expression "a car is not a luxury, but a means of transportation" has lost its truthfulness, just look at the cost of gasoline. It is time to replace it with something more relevant, for example, "a bicycle is not a luxury, but a means of an active lifestyle and convenient transportation."