A bike can be a beautiful thing. Pedaling through wooded trails, cruising the streets, and enjoying scenic parkways are all things you can do when you have the right bicycle. But how do you know which one is right for your lifestyle? Let’s explore.
City/Commuter Bikes
Do you live in a major metropolitan area and want to save some money on gas while getting exercise? If this sounds like something you may be interested in, a city or commuter bike might be the right fit.
These bikes are designed to handle well in tight spaces, busy roads, and have comfortable seats for longer rides. Commuter bikes come in a variety of styles and designs, but they work best for people who can travel relatively light while they’re on the go.
Commuter bikes typically have skinny tires, flat pedals, and minimal gear shifting to keep things light and simple. This makes it easy for you to bring your bike with you wherever you go, and there are even some bikes that can be broken down for easy storage and transportation.
Road/Racing Bikes
Road bicycles can make all the difference in your performance, and for the competitive cycler racing bikes have to be just right. That’s why there are so many different varieties like featherweights, aero, endurance and so much more.
If you’re looking to compete in a competition or are serious about your cycling, opt for a road bike. There are loads to choose from, and they can easily be customized to fit your unique needs with a simple bike fitting.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or ready to take things to a new level, a road/racing bike will elevate your riding.
Leisure Bikes
Perfect for the occasional rider, leisure bikes make a great addition to any garage or shed of toys. If you’re someone who likes to ride bicycles, but doesn’t use them for utility or heavy exercise, get a simple leisure bike.
Leisure bikes typically have fewer gears, medium-sized frames, and regular tires. You can still opt for a custom frame and design with leisure bikes, and electric bikes can also fall into this category, depending on the model you choose.
If you just want to dip your toe in the cycling game, opt for a leisure bike. You’ll be sure to get your money’s worth, and there will always be the option to upgrade when the time’s right!
Mountain Bike
Living in a world of extremes? You just might be a mountain biker. Perfect for the adrenaline seeker and adventurous type, mountain bikes are a must-have for those who love the outdoors and want to combine them with their passion for cycling.
A mountain bike can handle rugged terrain and absorb the shock of sharp drop offs, large rocks, and sudden bends on a trail. Mountain bikes are designed for off-road cycling, so they have larger tires, a more upright frame, and flatter handlebars for easier steering.
These bicycles work well for outdoor enthusiasts with a need for speed, but because this sport can be dangerous, it’s important that you take things slow out of the gate and get to know your bike before hitting any huge jumps or precarious trails.
E-Bikes
E-Bikes thrived in the cycling market throughout 2020 and 2021 as a result of stay-at-home orders, gym closures, and other events in the wake of COVID. People could move around their cities with light exercise and enjoy the outdoors in a socially distanced way. While often on the more expensive side, electric bikes are a fun and effortless alternative to traditional riding. There are lots of things to consider for e-bikes, but if it’s the right fit for you, it will take you far.
E-bikes are equipped with a battery-powered motor, so you can ride with ease on hills and other tiring terrain. But before you invest in an e-bike, consider your lifestyle. Are you someone who rides everyday? How could it cut down your commute and your carbon footprint? An added benefit of electric bikes is that they provide a more sustainable, longer-term exercise experience for you. Rather than hop off on hills or other challenging parts of your commute, you can use the pedal assist, paired with a motor, to get you up and over any challenge, thus increasing your fitness as a result!
Whether you’re an avid rider or just want one for recreation, bicycles are fantastic additions to any lifestyle. With research and time, you can find the right fit for your life and budget to maximize your investment.