Bicycles
This article is the gateway to learning everything you need to know about buying bikes, especially geared for those who don't know that much about bikes. It explains all the basic types, as well as some of the more obscure ones, such as tandems. It goes through how a bike is constructed from the frame to the gears, and it will explain the basics about things that you will come across when shopping for bikes.
If you are looking for specifics on other types of bikes, please see Road Bikes, Mountain Bikes or Kid's Bikes.
Bike Types and Cost
Below you will see a series of bikes and a few details about what type of riders they are meant for. As far as cost goes, bikes can start off inexpensive, say $200, and end up costing several thousand dollars. However, for recreational riders, bikes costing under $500 are more than adequate for occasional spins around town or for a yearly bike trip with the family.
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Full Suspension Mountain Bike  - For off road biking on steep hills with rough terrain.
- Big, chunky tires and sturdy frames.
- Offer superior control and comfort, even on trails.
- Best general off-road bike, especially for endurance and racing.
- $1000-$4000.
- Example: Trek Fuel
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Front-Suspension Mountain Bikes - Also known as hardtail.
- For moderately rough or smooth terrain.
- Lighter, less bulky.
- Good for dirt jumping.
- Require less maintenance.
- $400-$2500.
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Hybrid Bike - For smooth dirt or roads.
- Big frame and knobby wheels, narrower tires.
- Combines shock absorbing qualities and comfort.
- Not very aerodynamic.
- Good for moderate commutes and casual riding.
- $400-$700.
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Comfort Bike - For casual rides on dirt or roads.
- Perfect budget model for a lazy Sunday ride.
- Usually have some 18 speeds.
- $250-$500.
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Road Bikes - For road racing and long distances.
- Lightweight steel or aluminum frame.
- No suspension.
- Come in 24-30 speed models that are good for hilly roads and multiday riding.
- Drop handlebar (you ride crouched over -- not good for bad backs).
- $500-$3000.
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Things to Consider
When it comes to the construction of your bike, there are various elements to understand. Not all of them will make a huge difference to your final decision if you are just going to get a basic department store bike. However, if you want something to last, give the most comfortable ride, and provide the utmost in performance for your needs, you need to have a grasp of what's available, useful, and within your price range.
Don't forget that when shopping, you'll need either a male or female bike. The bar on men's bikes are straight across, and the crossbar on women's bikes are pointed down diagonally. Women with particularly long torsos may be more comfortable on a man's bike.
Also consider if the bike will be for everyday use, or just for occasional riding. Many bikes nowadays come with an easy pop-off rear wheel (quick-release axle) for mounting the bike on a rack or for putting into a car. See the article on Bike Racks for more information about bike storage.
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Frame -- The average consumer bike has a steel or aluminum frame. However, high-end bikes have alloy, titanium, or carbon fiber frames.
- Steel is cheaper, heavier, and more rust prone than aluminum. Mild steel is often used in low-end bikes, and is often weaker than aluminum or better alloys.
- Aluminum frames are lightweight, stiff and are good for mountain, less expensive road bikes or recreational bikes. It is the most commonly-offered frame material today.
- Alloy is a mixture of steel and other metals, typically lighter and stronger than the mild steel mentioned above. It appears most commonly in older or higher-end road bikes.
- Titanium is the next step up, providing lightness, durability and a compliant ride, but it is by no means cheap. It is usually found in road bikes.
- Carbon fiber is the top of the line for both professionals and enthusiasts. It gives a smooth, comfortable ride, is lightweight, and absorbs shock. This is an ideal material for road bikes, if expensive.
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Handlebars
- If you don't like riding hunched over and don't mind sacrificing speed, choose a straight handlebar over a dropbar.
- Straight handlebars are standard on mountain bikes, hybrids, and comfort bikes.
- Dropbars are standard on racing and road bikes.
- Most dropbars feature multiple grips, which means you can vary your positions from crouched (ideal for fast, aerodynamic riding) to upright.
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Pedals
- Road bikes sometimes come with toe clips or straps (or both) to keep your feet on the pedal, helping you keep control, maintain a steady pace, and stay comfortable.
- Clipless or clip-in pedals require cleated cycling shoes that lock into the pedal. Traditionally used for serious road riders, they're now also commonly used by mountain bikers (read more about it here). Nonetheless, they're still not for beginners.
- Pedal Buying Guide
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Gears, Shifters, and Brakes
- The more gears you have, the easier it will be to ride uphill. However, for simply riding around on flat surfaces, a limited number of gears are really needed. Generally, choosing a gear number is a matter of need, preference, and value.
- Consult this guide that will pair your needs and preferences with your ideal gears.
- Handlebar shifters come in different styles and should be chosen according to personal comfort.
- Usually road bikes use caliper-style brakes and mountain bikes use V-style or disc brakes, which are more expensive, but which work better when wet.
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Seat or Saddle
- Seats can be replaced for around $30 or more.
- Comfort is the word.
- Some of the best seats have grooves or holes to reduce pressure.
- Gel seats provide extra padding.
- A line of seats claim to meet the particular needs of the male rider as never before (let's not elaborate).
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Tire Treads
- For road riding, you will want a smoother tread, maybe even Kevlar-beaded tires.
- On mountain bikes and hybrids, go for the knobbiest tires for mud or loose dirt, but something smoother if you want to ride on packed dirt or roads.
- For more information about tires, see the Tire Buying Guide.
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Major Manufacturers
Top Picks For Beginners
Bikes for Fun
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Tandem Bicycles - These tandem bikes look strange, but offer fun for couples, siblings, parents and children, friends...
- Usually the stronger rider sits in front and handles the steering, and the other hangs behind pedaling at the same speed.
- One person will always do more work; be prepared.
- They aren't very good for rough terrain or hills; they are perfect, however, for flat, smooth surfaces, either on the road or in parks.
- Cost is usually around $1000 or more.
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Electric Bikes - Electric Bikes come in a variety of funky styles from motorcycle-looking to classic bike style.
- What makes these bikes fun is the onboard motor.
- Fueling and the added weight of the motor can be a drag.
- Makes for an easy commute or long distance ride.
- Some models fold up for added convenience.
- Prices range from about $500 to $1000.
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Related Buying Guides
External Links
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