Biking is such a great activity that burns calories, gets you fit, and takes you places!
I think there are 2 main reasons that people don’t continue with biking once they start. One is that they buy the wrong bike, and the other is seat comfort.
When you are looking to buy a bike, ask yourself these questions:
1. What type of riding am I going to do? Casual, commuter, longer trips, trail riding, races, etc.
2. What kind of terrain will I be riding on? Asphalt, gravel, trails, mountains, etc.
3. How much do I want to spend?
There are basically 4 classes of bikes you can choose from.
Road bikes are very light and are built for speed and distance. These are the bikes you see on TV in races. The tires are very thin and the posture over the bike is bent over (for aerodynamics). Not meant for gravel paths or grassy type terrain.
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Mountain bikes are big and beefy. Very heavy as they need to be sturdy to take a real beating. This is fine and good if you are doing trail riding, but if you want to ride to and from work – it’s really too heavy and you will dread riding it (been there). The posture is more upright than the road bike, but not as upright as a commuter/comfort bike.
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Hybrid bikes are kind of a cross between the mountain and road bike. They have a wider tire than the road bike, but are lighter than the mountain bike. The posture is bent over like a mountain bike and will have straight across handlebars rather than curved under (like a road bike). These are good for distance riding on a variety of paths, but not serious mountain trails.
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Commuter/cruiser bikes are really all about comfort for the rider. The seating posture is more upright, so the handlebars are at a higher angle. The tires are wider for good stability. The seat is usually much wider and more padded. The bike will be heavier than a hybrid and more sturdy than a road bike. It is not meant for really long distances.
Each class of bike is going to have a range of cost per bike. Generally, the more expensive you go, the lighter the bike is and the better quality the individual parts are. As you get higher grades, the differences can be pretty small, so be realistic with your budget. A really good road bike can set you back several thousand dollars! Good entry level road bikes are going to be around $600+
I think my best recommendation is to not purchase your bike at anything other than a bike shop. You can buy off the rack bikes at Target or Walmart, but for just a little bit more, you can buy a good quality bike and get professional advice and a bike fitting (also very important).
When we lived in Colorado, we bought a pair of mountain bikes at Walmart because we were in Colorado and thought that is what we should get. Plus they were cheap. Well, I was 220 pounds at the time and the bike was super heavy. We did road riding, but there were hills and I was completely miserable trying to truck a heavy bike up those hills. I thought I hated biking. Years later when I decided to try again, I ended up purchasing a used bike that was a hybrid and fit me well, and it made all the difference in the world! You all know how I loved that bike (curse you thief!). It really felt like an extension of me when I went out.
When you go to a bike shop, don’t be intimidated. Just go in with the list of the answers to these questions, and they can steer you towards the proper bike.
For example, my answers are: I am biking for exercise, doing some duathlons, and taking long trips for enjoyment. I am riding long distances (40 miles on average) and the surfaces I ride are gravel and asphalt. I have a budget that out of necessity needs to be $600 or less (preferably a lot less LOL).
This puts me in the hybrid category, and more specifically, the performance hybrid. That means a bike suited for longer rides. The choice at this point really comes down to price and what I am willing to spend on the bike.
For seat comfort. I had talked about that already about how time will build up your sit bones. You also can change out the seat on any bike. You can purchase a more comfie saddle and install it (or have it installed). Having a comfortable seat can make all the difference in loving riding!
Hope these help a little bit if you are thinking about a bike (or wondering if the one you have is right for you).
The harder bike seats, ironically, are more comfortable than super cushy seats. Especially for long rides!
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“It really felt like an extension of me when I went out.”
This is so important (and is why I love my bike so much). It feels very natural when riding. It also makes me feel quite quick, which doesn’t hurt.
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What a great post Lori! Thanks for taking the time to write it. I keep thinking about a bike and this was really helpful so maybe I will start putting out some feelers and see if I can find one (maybe a used one if possible because I’m cheap lol). I’m always so impressed with your rides with hubby. I was just talking about you on Sunday during our walk as bikes would past you came to mind. *smile*
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..Nova Scotia Day 2 =-.
I would get the hybrid with skinny tires for speed! It might be a better choice for you since you’ve had back issues lately, might be better than the road bike. Make sure you get a proper fitting so you can have the best performace and comfort!
I have three bikes, an Electra Townie3 cruiser, a Specialized Dolce Elite road bike, and a Specialized Myka mountain bike.
Enjoy your new wheels!
Thank you for this informative post, Lori. I knew absolutely nothing about choosing when I got my bike, but, fortunately, DH knew quite a bit. I have a hybrid and it suits my riding fine. We also house son’s and DIL’s road bikes in our shed and, once in a while, ride them. It’s a very different feel and way easier on roads. Good luck in your bike search. I know you’re missing your rides.
Something to consider, too, when bike shopping on a budget: what are you paying for? Parts can be upgraded later, as you need to or can afford to. The frame and fit can’t be replaced. I took my $700 bike budget and bought a bike with a nice aluminum frame (light, but not as comfortable as steel) and a carbon fork (to make up for the not-smooth-riding aluminum). The parts on it were just good enough to keep it rolling, basically. After a year I’ve replaced the critical parts, like the shifters that were too hard on my hands, and now I have a really nice bike.
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Great post. Started such good follow-up tips. I’ve never really considered biking (klutz, prone to falling), but love reading your posts of the journeys you and the hubby take. Lovin’ that cruiser bike.
I’m so sorry about your bikes, Lori. I can only imagine how you felt the second you learned they were gone. How confusing and what a violation. That bike was with you through so many things. I’m sure it was like losing a friend.
I know you’ll love your next bike, too, but it won’t be the same. But…I know you’ll make the best of it and have fun picking it out.
The only other kind of bike I’d add to your list is the recumbant bike. That will be my next bike, hopefully next year. I love my hybrid, but the old shoulders and all their tears and rips needs something a little more reclined.
.-= Lynn Haraldson-Bering´s last blog ..Learning the Lesson Of “Just a few bites…” Again =-.
Lori, thank you for the bike primer. When/if I change bikes, I’m going to go the bike shop route. I don’t ever see myself on a road bike, but I do like the idea of a performance hybrid.
.-= roxie´s last blog ..Roxie Mountain High- Day 3 Roiling On The River =-.
Well, hell! I was reading in reverse order and didn’t pick up on the bike thievery until now. I am so sorry. How horrible and you guys were all locked up and everything. My bike is “just” a Schwinn, but I love it. This stinks!
.-= roxie´s last blog ..Roxie Mountain High- Day 3 Roiling On The River =-.
You know, as much as I gripe about my bike, I’d feel violated if it got stolen, too. 🙁
Thanks for sharing this info about picking a new bike. I think it would be good for me to get a new one in the next year or so, and this will come in handy.
.-= Pubsgal´s last blog ..Weekly Update- 8-11-10 =-.
Well you know i was leaning toward a road bike before this post but now i’m gonna have to look into a preformance hybrid. Do you feel there is plenty of room between the seat and handle bars??? Thanks for all the info girl. Enjoy your new ride. deb
Thanks for sharing your insights, especially about matching the bike to the type of rides you’re considering.
I posted on choosing a bike if you’re overweight on August 11th, if anyone’s interested.
.-= Alan (Pounds Off Playoff)´s last blog ..Week 30 Recap- In Need of a Mulligan =-.
This is a fabulous post Lori!!! I’m currently in the market for a hybrid here in Toronto. The road bike is just too dangerous to take on the busy city streets!
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Fitness Friday – Lifting Sets! =-.