MyBike.com.au

If you’re new to cycling and are looking for a new bicycle, it’s very easy to be overwhelmed by the many options that face you in a bike store or online.

Bicycle manufacturers and custom bicycle builders offer a wide range of bike choices such as flat bar, road, mountain, hybrid, folding, cross, cyclo-cross, track, cruisers and the list goes on.  So it’s no surprise that it can be daunting to choose from so many different alternatives.  To help you we have put together a list of important factors to consider when searching for the perfect bike.

We will start with a brief description of the different types of bicycles and their unique characteristics.  Then we will look at key questions you need to ask yourself in order to narrow down your options.

Road Bikes – built with speed and lightness in mind (otherwise known as “Racers” for those born pre 1980).  They have aggressive frame angles to lower the riding position in order to increase aerodynamics, slim tyres to minimise ground contact, rolling resistance and friction.  They are designed to be ridden on smooth surfaces and it is not advisable to take them off road.  Due to their design and the riding position they tend to be a bit uncomfortable when travelling on uneven roads and are hard to manoeuvre at low speeds.  The narrow tyres are easily punctured and are known to get caught in tram tracks and sewers lids!

Mountain Bikes – usually fitted with wide tyres to increase grip in loose sand and to be puncture resistant. The frame is designed to allow for a more upright ridding position, increasing comfort and control over the bike. In most cases they are fitted with suspension to absorb the intended rough terrain.  The suspension equally absorbs the power transmitted from the legs to the road therefore they are not the most efficient bikes for travelling long distances or riding over hills.

Track / Fixed Wheel Bikes – as the name suggests, these bikes are built for the track and have a single fixed gear.  The frame geometry is similar to those of road bikes; however the frames tend to be very stiff for better power transfer.  These characteristics don’t necessarily make them very comfortable for rides around the city where there are uneven roads!  Lately I have seen a lot of commuters and cyclists using these bikes; more out of a personal choice and self expression rather that convenience and comfort.

BMX Bikes / Cross Bikes – made from really stiff and heavy materials to withstand jumps, bumps, rain and mud.  These bikes are usually fitted with only one gear and have very small frames and wheels to make them highly manoeuvrable for tricks and stunts.

City / Hybrid / Flat Bar Bikes – these bikes combine the angles of a mountain bike frame (to increase comfort), medium widths but with slick tyres to increase speed.  They can be fitted with side bags to carry essentials and are the best type for commuting and riding in the city as well a long distance touring.

Cruisers – These bikes are built with a variety of different frame shapes, tyres and options.  Generally cruisers are bikes that riders buy as a personal preference, and factors of style and taste play a big part in their choice.   Cruisers are often considered an extension of the personality rather than sporting equipment or a means of transport.

Ok, now that you can recognise the different types of bikes and are familiar with their characteristics, it’s time to ask yourself a couple of questions about how you wish to use your bike.  Where you are going to ride your bike?  Over what terrain?  How far?   What should you consider before you make your choice?

1) How am I going to use my  bike?

If you are looking for a bicycle purely for commuting, you may consider a bike or frame that is comfortable and which has an option of adding side bags to carry essential items such as documents, extra clothes and food i.e. City / Hybrid / Flat Bar Bikes.  Many people are also using fixed wheel bikes for this purpose, however if you live in a hilly or mountainous area, then be aware that this could be challenging.

If you are looking for a bike to exercise, think about where you want to ride.  Depending of the type of terrain you might be inclined to look at a mountain bike or a road bike.  Mountain bikes tend to be a bit more versatile because they can be taken on and off road.  If you plan to ride mostly on smooth surface roads then a Road Bike would allow you to do so more efficiently and quickly.

If your bike is purely for recreational and enjoyment, then think about where you want it to take you. How do you want to get there?  If you want a bike to cruise around with, you may prefer a customised Cruiser or Fixed wheel bike.  They come in all shapes and sizes and are great to personalise with your  own flavour.  A bike like this says something about your personality and lifestyle, and many people think of them more as a work of art than a simple bike.

2) What type landscape and/or surface will you be riding on?

If you plan to ride on roads and over a lot of hills, then consider getting a bike without suspension and a bike that’s light weight.  Suspension on a bike can absorb a lot of the force you exert on the pedals, which can make it harder for you to ride up a hill.  Also consider that the lighter the bike, the easier it will be for you to get to the top of a hill.  Perhaps a road bike is what you need, or maybe a hybrid bike as it won’t have suspension but may be a little more comfortable and manoeuvrable.

If you plan to ride through streets with a lot of potholes, tram tracks and loose gravel however, consider getting a bike with wider tyres, as they are more resistant to punctures, more forgiving over bumps and are less likely to get caught in tram tracks.  This is where either a mountain or hybrid bike may be a better choice.

Ultimately the bike choice is yours.  You should choose a bike that feels right, is comfortable, fulfils your purpose and is of course a bike you love.

This article only touches on a few points that you should consider, and there are certainly many other considerations.  Therefore, I would encourage you to find your local bike shop in the mybike.com.au directory as they can help narrow your choices and point you in the right direction given you needs and taste.

Happy riding!!!