Mountain Bikes vs. Road Bikes
Decided to pick up cycling as a hobby, eh? Well, now that you're one step closer to being Lance Armstrong, you should probably start considering your options. Do you want to be a speed demon or an Xtreme crossand possibly a bit strained. Below the two major categories are broken down so it will be easier to make a final decision.
Mountain Bikes
Quick Picks
Road Bikes
Quick Picks
How Do I Choose My Bike?
'''By Purpose'''
Will you ride for your commute, for exercise, or for sport? Each activity carries with it a different set of requirements.
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* '''Commuting''': You will need a road bikeunless you're commuting to Granny's house in the woods (in which case beware of a wolf named Big Bad). Your selection should be able to handle inclement weather and avoid rust, and you'll want to look for something lightweight so you're not lugging it around if you need to transfer to a bus or subway. Another consideration is what kind of commute you have. Do you live in flat or hilly terrain? Commuting in New York City is different than, say, in San Francisco; if you have lots of hills consider a road bike with smooth gear shifting.
* '''Exercise''': For exercise, you can have a road or mountain bike. When you ride, do you like to sightwin situation.
* '''Sport''': If you're into bicycle racing, you probably already know that road bikes are made similar to racing ones. They have similar frames and ride on the same type of turf. When researching, you'll want to look for one that doesn't weigh you down, so pick something made with aluminum or another lightweight material. Look for good handlebars and an adjustable seat so that correct posture is maintained. Extreme sports people, you are better off choosing a mountain bike because of their ability to handle tough terrain. Beginners should should look into mountain training bikes, and if you want take it to a professional or semi-pro level, rear shocks will be a necessity.
'''By Budget'''
Before you make a purchase, you should set aside your expectations. Create some sort of budget so you limit what you intend to spend, but be aware that a decent beginner's bike can cost $600. There are plenty of affordable bikes, and you'll realize that in many cases the most expensive one aren't always the best choice anyway. Mountain and road bikes are priced differently and by quality more than features: mountain bikes are mostly priced by their weight and durability.
'''By Rider'''
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