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Type 1: Mountain Bikes (back to top)

 

There are whole communities of mountain bikers! Mountain bikes are designed for off-road cycling where the bike will be trekking through mud, dirt, rocks and other unpaved environments. Mountain bikes, which are usually made of aluminum, carbon fiber, or titanium, are built strong enough to withstand obstacles that include logs, rocks, jumps and steep declines. Knobby tires and front wheel suspension are both important features for mountain bikes-both are needed for traction and shock absorption. Mountain bikes can get pretty expensive, some going into the thousands, but a good mountain bike will run anywhere from $200-$600. The two main types of mountain bikes are hardtail mountain bikes and full suspension mountain bikes. Front and rear suspension is integrated into the full suspension bike frame, whereas hardtail's have suspension only in the front, not in the rear. Hardtail bikes are going to be more ideal for off-road trails, and even for racing since their frames are more lightweight, which is why they are a top choice for cross-country racers.

 

Cheap/Basic: Titan and Schwinn both make mountain bike models for under $300. The Schwinn is nice since it's a Rocket Full Suspension make with an aluminum frame, something that allows for rugged riding. As far as brakes, rim brakes and disc brakes are the two standard types. Iron Horse also makes entry-level full suspension and hardtail mountain bikes for beginning riders for prices ranging between $300-$800.

 

Standard: A Mongoose Full Suspension mountain bike is a great standard choice. Priced at $400, the Mongoose is high performance, and a suspension frame which makes for easy handling in rough terrain. Smith & Wesson makes a custom police mountain bike for around $700, but this one has plenty of great features including, a gel saddle (seat), mechanical disc brakes and Rockshox front suspension.

 

Luxury/Professional: Marin Pine and Iron Horse both make models that are over $1,000. Steel frames, Deore LX shifters, speed disc wheels and hydraulic disc brakes are all features worth paying in the thousands for. All mountain and cross country racing models are definitely going to cost a lot more, with prices going into the $3,000's.

 

Type 2: Road Bikes (back to top)

Unlike mountain bikes, designed for rugged terrain, road bikes are intended for paved roads. Road bikes can also be recognized as racing bicycles, and were extremely popular in the 1970's. Distinguishing features of a road bike include: dropped handlebars, narrow, skinny tires and single or fixed gears. The narrow tires are good for reducing rolling friction, and the drop handlebars allow the rider to sit in a position that minimizes air resistance. Road bikes are pricey and can range from $500 to $5,000, they are not only used for racing, but also for triathlons, touring, cyclo-cross and track riding. Many road bikes are built from aluminum, and have frames that are lighter and more compact. Road bikes can be used recreationally, used for commuting (if you live in a city that allows this), but can also be used for competitive racing.

 

Cheap/Basic: Depending on your budget, you can find used road bikes that are in good condition and run less than $500. But, spending the minimum on a road bike means a few things: they can be heavy (actual weight) which is not good, road bikes should be light weight and easy to maneuver. Less expensive road bikes can wear a little easier and require a lot of maintenance, but buying an entry-level bike is a smart choice for a fairly new rider. GMC Denali makes basic road bikes that are under $200, have aluminum frames and multi speed features.

 

Standard: Schwinn makes reasonably priced road bikes that start at $300. Dropped handlebars, aluminum frames and front alloy suspension forks are just a few of the features. The Schwinn Katana and Speedster models are good deals. If you don't mind spending a little bit more money, Cadillac makes a road series bike that has a stellar combination of features that include road, mountain and hybrid technologies.

 

Luxury/Professional: Bianchi makes luxury road bikes with luxury price tags. This isn't to say that they aren't worth the thousands of dollars they are priced at. They are just geared towards the serious riders that will be using the bike for competitive racing, and these riders want the highest quality and value. Bianchi's start anywhere from $1100 and higher. Van Dessel and Pinarello are two other high end brands whose models range in the thousands.

 

Type 3: BMX Bikes (back to top)

BMX Bikes are for Bicycle Motocross, a special form of cycling that involves racing on dirt tracks. BMX Bikes usually have 20 inch wheels that are meant to withstand tricks and racing on a rough terrain. BMX bikes are smaller, and more compacted than regular bikes, this allows for quick flipping, turning and for other tricky maneuvers. These bikes have a rear disc brake and are rubber free, these work better for riding on a wet surface. BMX bikes can start as low as $70 and go up to $700.

 

Cheap/Basic: Mongoose makes lower priced BMX models, and has a good variety of styles to choose from. 2008 models like Mischief, Menace and Pit Crew, all of which are in the $200 range. It's important to decide whether you're going to be using your bike for serious racing, or just jumping dirt trails and the like in your backyard. If you're choice is the latter, be sure to choose a lightweight model that has good brakes.

 

Standard: A standard BMX bike is going to be something that is used more for freestyle riding, or any riding that involves stunts and tricks. A freestyle BMX bike should have a strong frame, strong tires and axle pegs. Mongoose has a 20 inch freestyle Brawler bike for about $200. 20 inch wheel diameter is pretty standard on any BMX bike. Also, freestyle bikes are going to be about two times heavier than a basic BMX bike.

 

Luxury/Professional: Jump bikes are the third type of BMX bike, and these are a sort of combination between the other two types. Jump bikes have sturdy frames, but are most lightweight. Knobby tires and good breaks are also a must. Along with jump bikes, Specialized Fuse BMX Bikes definitely rank top of the line. These are lightweight, tough and are best for freestyle and street riding. Specialized Fuse bikes are going to start at around $700.

 

Type 4: Cruiser Bikes (back to top)

Cruiser bikes, a.k.a. 'beach cruisers' are definitely the liveliest of the bunch. Dating back to the 1950's, cruisers are known for their fat, balloon like tires, sturdy streamlined frames and wide set handlebars. Cruisers have great vintage style, and are comfortable and easy to ride. Many only come in one speed, so this is not the ideal bike for long distance riding, unless of course you feel like riding along a beach boardwalk for a while. Cruisers are perfect for the beach, hence the name, and are suited to ride over flat, sandy beaches. The price range goes anywhere from $100 to $900, since cruisers can be custom made for either men or women and designed to your liking.

 

Cheap/Basic: Cruisers come in either steel or aluminum, but steel cruisers are definitely the more common of the two. Basic models start at around $150 and go up to about $250. Greenline and Electra both make cruisers in a wide array of bright colors and features like frame colored alloy wheels, designer grips and colored duck tails fenders.

 

Standard: Standard cruisers would include the multi speed and stretch models which some bike manufacturers are making now. Multi gears will allow an easier ride when going up a hill, or riding more aggressively. Urban Deluxe makes a stretch cruiser for about $300 and is fantastic if you're up for a little bit of showing off. Standard Schwinn cruisers are going to start around $300 and go a little higher. Shimano cruisers also fall into this same category.

 

Luxury/Professional: Luxury cruisers can cost as much as $900 and go into the thousands. Labels such as Paul Frank and Hello Kitty have designed custom cruisers for those who are willing to pay the price. A Retro Schwinn Classic Cruiser mimics the 1955 classic and is priced a little over $900. Any limited or deluxe editions are going to cost more, some features on these types of models would include slick black, or white wall tires, stainless steel spokes, leather seats and an oversized aluminum frame.

 

Accessories:

Bike trailers can of course be used for bringing beach stuff, small camping gear, or whatever else you might need on your ride, but bike trailers are really for hauling children. Good bike trailers though won't make it feel like a heavy pull, and you'll strengthen your muscles while giving your kiddies a fun ride. InSTEP makes great bike trailers for around $100 with aluminum and lightweight steel models, quick release wheels and screened canopy's which make for great versatility. Burley, Baby Jogger and Chariot also make their versions of bike trailers, with prices going into the $500 range.

Bike racks are necessary if you plan on doing some road traveling with your bike. This makes sense for serious mountain bikers, or those who prefer to travel to a specific destination in their car, like a mountain area or trail, and then bike once up there. Bike racks can be strapped, or mounted on the roof of your car, or to the back of your car. Topline and Allen both make bike racks that can carry up to five bikes. These start at around $100 and go up to $300.

 

Last but certainly not least, always ride away properly outfitted in a bike helmet. Bike helmets should be worn at all times. You can find one to suit your style, needs and comfort level, but they shouldn't cost more than $100, unless of course you prefer something high tech. A good helmet should cost about $30. Giro and Bell are two brands that make a variety of helmets including helmets for cycling, kids and even BMX bike riding.

 

FAQ's

 

How do I figure out what size bike I need?

Standing over the bike should give you a pretty good idea as to what size you might need. You should be able to clear the top bar by an inch with shoes on. Being able to gauge the distance between you on the seat and how far you are reaching to the handlebars is important as well. You won't ride comfortably if you are reaching out too far.

 

Why do road bikes have such skinny tires?

Skinny tires allow the bike to go faster. The lighter the wheel, the less energy it's going to take to ride quickly with force. This comes with a price though, the thinner the tire, the more likely it is to get flat.

 

How do I figure out what pressure my bike tires need to be at?

Tire pressure can make a huge difference in your ride, using a good pressure gauge or pump and use it the entire time you are making adjustments. Start with a higher pressure and then decrease it, the point is to find the lowest pressure you can ride at without sacrificing pinch flat resistance. Learn what your tires feel like by squeezing with your hand.

 

What is bike suspension?

Suspension is important, especially when riding a mountain bike. It is incorporated into the frame and assures comfort when riding on and off the road.

 

What's the difference between a tandem bike and a regular bike?

A tandem bike has a longer, larger frame and is equipped to fit two people on it to ride.

 

Why do some bikes have nubby tires and others have smooth tires?

The nubby tires are necessary on more action-oriented bikes like mountain and BMX bikes. The turns, jumps, tricks and rugged terrain these bikes encounter requires some traction.

 

How do I know what type of bike is best for me?

It should depend on what your personality is like and what suits your needs. Someone who is looking to ride their bike to work everyday to save gas might be better off on a road bike as opposed to a mountain bike. Athletic types may opt for a mountain or BMX bike, they might even go for a road bike and cycle competitively.

 

Do I need to buy a bike lock?

Absolutely. After doing research, making decisions, and spending money, it would be such a shame to not lock up and risk it getting stolen. Bike locks aren't expensive, you should be able to get one for about $15-$20, and it will cost a lot less than the amount you've invested in your actual bike. Although it sounds like a hassle, you can even remove the seat or front/back wheel to take extra precautions.

 

How often should I clean my bike?

In the winter, it is best to clean your bike every time you have ridden through some place wet or muddy. In the summer, keeping the bike lubed up is important too. As far as bike maintenance, oiling the chain and moving parts is important, use a soft brush when cleaning, most importantly-do not leave your bike in the rain!

 

What is the difference between a mountain bike and a road bike?

Mountain bikes have fatter tires and give you better traction on dirt. Road bikes aren't really built for riding on dirt or rocks. Mountain bikes have lower gears for riding up hills, unlike fixed gear road bikes. Road bikes are more delicate, mountain bikes are sturdier. Mountain bike handlebars are horizontal unlike the road bikes dropped handlebars.

 

Is it dangerous to use my front brake while going down a steep hill?

Biking can be dangerous to a certain extent, but when going downhill on any bike, yes, brakes are important. But be careful how you use them, you obviously don't want to brake suddenly while mid-down hill, but you do want to use your front brakes to control your speed. Over applying the front brake can send you over the handlebars, so it's important to use the back brakes as well. It's important to shift you weight and use both brakes when braking anytime.