Quantcast

Click here for the Lead Stories

What kind of bike should you buy?

Posted May 13, 2008 at 09:00 AM by Martinique Haller

Section: Her Fitness, Athletics, Her Gear & Apparel

bike picEveryone knows you can’t buy running shoes for looks.  You can’t get the blue ones instead of the green when the green ones work for you. It’s the same for bikes. You have to buy the right kind of bike for how you plan on using it, one that fits you well, and is in your budget.

The first rule of thumb, do not buy your bike at a huge retailer. I’m not naming names here, but if the place you buy your bike also sells laundry detergent and bathing suits, look further. Go to your local bike shop and tell the employees there what you’re looking for.  If it’s an intimidating environment or you feel like someone is working on commission and is trying to sell you more bike than you need or can afford, go to your other local bike shop.

There are four major categories of bikes: cruiser/Amsterdam style bikes, hybrids/commuters, mountain bikes, and road bikes.  Many people have a style that they like the look of.  Some people think road bikes with their sleek frames, thin tires and drop-bar handlebars are ugly and head straight for the mountain bikes. Other people veer away from the burly tires and bulk of mountain bikes, and other head straight for the vintage-inspired cruisers.  But each category serves a different purpose, so here are some questions to ask yourself.

What will you mainly use your bike for?
1. Riding off road in parks and on paths
2. Training for a triathlon or century, or just serious road-riding
3. Commuting to work long-distance almost every day
4. Getting around your neighborhood to the video store, grocery store, the library
5. Cycling with your baby or kids*

If you answered 1, and you’re not lying, then get a mountain bike. If, on the other hand, you just think you’ll be riding off road but are really going to get around the neighborhood, then don’t. The wide tires with lots of tread will slow you down immensely if you ride on pavement, and those shocks are a complete waste of space if you’re not jumping logs.
2. If you’re a serious rider, or want to be, get a road bike or a cyclo-cross bike. These bikes are built for speed – think the difference between a mini-van and a sports car. Think about bikes that are built for women’s bodies. Specialized and Giant both have good women’s lines.
3. If you’re going for long rides on pavement everyday think about a road/touring bike you can put a rear rack on, or a solid hybrid bike built for commuting like the Specialized Globe City.  These bikes will have an in-between tire that can handle some dirt, but will still be speedy. You can also find these bikes with straight handlebars or drop-bars like the Surly long haul trucker.
4. If you just want to drive a little less, and be more active but don’t have your sights set on log-jumping or the iron-man, get a great commuting bike with a rack on the back, or have fun with an Amsterdam-style bike like the series from Electra. These bikes come with chain guards, lights, and bells – no spandex required.

When you’re buying your bike, ask a lot of questions.  Ask what material the bike is made of because that will affect your ride.  The material will also affect how smooth your ride is, if it handles rain well, or if it’s light enough to carry upstairs to your apartment.  Make sure the bike fits by asking the bike shop folks what’s best for you, and finally – take it for a spin.  If your bike shop doesn’t let you test ride, then go to another shop.  Test a few bikes to get a feel for what you like. A new bike can be a big investment and you want the right one for you.  Most importantly, know that you get what you pay for.  Too many bike shop employees have told me that they’ve seen many a boyfriend and girlfriend or husband and wife come in and spend twice as much on his bike than hers.  If his bike is twice as nice, it will be twice as hard for her to keep up (remember mini-van vs sports car) and your cycling experience won’t be fun if you’re struggling the entire time on the wrong bike.

*If you want to know how to get your baby on your bike, or ride with kids, look for next week’s column.

That’s Martinique Haller on her 2008 Specialized Dolce Elite.


87 Responses to “What kind of bike should you buy?” (Leave a reply)
  1. Phil from Omaha, NE said:

    Your statement of “ If his bike is twice as nice, it will be twice as hard for her to keep up. .. . “ is totally ridiculous.  A $400 bike is not twice as hard to ride as an $800 bike.  Try to stick with facts in your blogging instead of misleading statements.  Also, if you know how to shop for a bike, you CAN get a pretty good deal at some of the big retailers now.  A few of their more expensive bikes compare very favorably with mid price range bikes at the local bike shop which would cost you MORE at the bike shop.  I do understand that the big retailers carry a lot of “JUNK” also so you have to know what you’re looking for.

  2. Laptoper said:

    I should buy fast bike!

  3. Martinique said:

    Thanks for reading!  It can be tough to find a good bike in your price range, and I did link mostly to more expensive bikes in this post.  You can always get a decent bike for around $250-$300 at your local bike shop.  Most bike shops will offer a free tune-up and adjustment on a bike you buy there where larger retailers can’t do this.  Unfortunately a lot of bikes from the big stores aren’t made from nice parts and they end up needing a lot of expensive maintenance and replacements.  For the price you’d pay at a large retailer, you can usually get a better bike in the same price range elsewhere.  A bike is a great purchase and there is something for every price range.  As riders become more serious, the more expensive bikes will be lighter, made of better material which will affect how much a rider feels the road (aluminum, carbon-fiber, and steel all handle differently), they might come with a nicer wheel set, have nicer shifting or derailleurs – or a whole host of nicer components when looking at mountain bikes.

    Here are a few more links:

    http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071110054113AAZkHx2

    http://www.totalbike.com/web/articles/how_to_buy_bicycle.html

  4. kathrynlang said:

    Thanks for the useful info stated in the blog.
    Rideoz is specialised on all cycling needs and it is the best and correct place for all cycling needs.It have over 22 years experience on Cycling Clothing, Accessories, Equipment, Road bikes, mountain bikes, Tours, Road races, triathlons & du-athlons. Visit Rideoz, for all your cycling needs.

  5. sweet bike.

  6. Those are some nice bikes in the links.
    If cost is an issue, you can always go to walmart and pick up a bike for around $100.  They even have a lifetime warranty on the frame.  Of course, that won’t do you much good when everything on the frame is broken…

  7. Date from USA said:

    The best for me is something middle between mountain bikes and cruiser, closer to cruiser.

  8. jeff said:

    I think you should buy a vintage bicycle.  if you can find a good one, they are a great timeless choice.

  9. online bootleg movie downloads

    online roulette

    Yesterday some reporter (not me) asked Brady Quinn if it were true what his mother, Robin, had said, that the two of them were anal… “Wow,” replied Quinn. “I’ve really got to thank her for that one.”

  10. Road Cycling from Cambridge said:

    We always tell our customers the most important part of your bike is the fit.

  11. Sport Serena from fl said:

    Thank you for the useful information!
    Well, I don’t like going to bike shops, becasue it feels like they are always trying to sell more than you can afford.
    I prefer to shop online, and there may be a nice discount. So how do I choose a bike if I want to buy it online?

  12. Phil: I think Martinique just meant not to get bikes that vastly different not just in terms of price and also in performance. Otherwise one party would have difficulty catching up with the other.

    This is also true for a group of friends, not just couples. A mountain biker might find it tough to catch up with a group of road biker friends, especially if they are equally strong in riding.

  13. Good advise Martinique! So many people just jump into it and later regret their purchase, many even park their bikes in a corner and never use them, too bad.

  14. ad from c said:

    ad

  15. Tony said:

    The best advice for those buying a bike for the 1st time, aside from buying a helmet as well, is to buy a used bike. You’ll know more about what you want from a bike when you actually try riding one. Looking at them in catalogs and local bike shops won’t help you much. Don’t waste $800 on a first bike.

  16. wholesale jewelry
    handmade jewelry

  17. sohbet said:

    Thanks so much for this! This is exactly

    sohbet - sevgi

  18. world of warcraft gold
    eq plat

  19. Fashion Jewelry from USA said:

    I like this bike the above piture given

  20. Rose from USA said:

    I want to buy bike like Jet it’s should be very fast running bike You can also find lot of jewelry here too: http://www.wholesalesarong.com

  21. Thanks for the general information on bicycles. I’ve gotten sick of using my in-line skates to go up and down the pathways in Berkeley/Emeryville, California and have been on the look out for a good leisure bicycle for a while now.

  22. wow gold said:

    Love is ever the beginningwow goldof knowledge as fire iswow goldof light.

  23. sg said:

    wow gold website, <a href= http://igs.com/ >wow gold</a> and <a href= http://www.mygamesale.com/power-leveling >wow power leveling</a>

  24. wtr said:

    wow gold website, wow gold and wow power leveling

  25. after the test, not what I do at home, I have a friend introduced FF11 to the game.  wonderland online Gold

  26. asd said:

    The story of wow gold how

  27. mexico tours from around said:

    Folding bikes are a great solution for many commuters who have the option of a commute by train or bus. Not only do they allow you to take it with you, they save valuable space for other cyclists whose bikes don’t fold.

  28. you must borrow warcraft gold from friends

  29. Hybrid Bikes from CA said:

    My choice is the Giant OCR, it’s a road bike, it has the best quality Shimano and i am sure it will perform well on a ride. From the Hybrids I think the Giant FCR is best. http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/faq/Which_Hybrid_Giant_Specialized_Trek.html

  30. buy rupees said:

    And welcome to our website, here you can play games, and you will buy rupees to play game.

  31. lialn said:

    Nike Air Max TN , Nike Blog

  32. lialn said:
  33. Another interesting choice is a folding bicycle.  They’re good for running errands, taking with you on trips, and for combining cycling with bus or train transit to make a multimodal commute.

    They’re also good for people who live in small apartments or condos who don’t have much storage space.
    Carta di credito Gratis

  34. wow gold said:

    Diablo 3
    Starcraft 2

  35. Brenda from Mozambique said:

    Hi all. Level with your child by being honest. Nobody spots a phony quicker than a child. Help me! Help to find sites on the: Half life of topamax. I found only this - topamax drug interactions. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed. Lamisil, naftin, nizoral, and spectazole. Be more cost effective because they naftifine naftin and terbinifine lamisil are cidal fungal killing rather. With respect :-), Brenda from Mozambique.

  36. Kanene from Guinea-Bissau said:

    Hello. Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose. Help me! Help to find sites on the: Prograf medicine. I found only this - Prograf product. Oral prograf is taken twice daily. For the use of prograf tacrolimus as an immunosuppressant. With respect ;-), Kanene from Guinea-Bissau.

  37. Gold Coins from USA said:

    It is now recession and i think it is right to buy a bike and this tips can help us a lot. Thanks!

  38. chat from nd said:

    your website very quality congurutations

    Chat

    Sohbet

  39. film izle from tr said:

    your website very quality congurutations
    Film izle

    kebap siparisi

  40. I am really looking for this information. Finally, I found it and thanks to you.

  41. aion gold said:

    Your thought about this project is really good in fact.
    Great presentation
    Hooray!
    mean

  42. weary from uk said:

    Amazing! Beautifully ugg boots, great items, nice quality, customer service.also our items are nice too, http://www.toperugg.com

  43. I am interested about bikes. Thanks for letting us know about this.

  44. gbfikghk from china said:

    Yours are so good,i like it very much.and i will try my best to visit it every day.Thanks[url="http://www.mantbl.com" ],i hope our website will be good too.
    [/url]
    </body>
    </html>

  45. cshfj from fsvjfb said:

    Good website :http://www.tblpop.com

  46. Power Chords Chart from USA said:

    Thanks for the tips. I really want to have a bike.

  47. I definitely agree with you we should not buy the bike at a huge retailer and we should focus the material in which the bike is made of because that will affect our ride.

  48. Las Vegas Seo from USA said:

    You can buy bike anywhere. Just always remember to check the quality.

  49. You have a point. You should learn to ask this question before buying bike.

  50. Caresse from Portugal said:

    Good Day. You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. Help me! Can not find sites on the: Hd stock footage full moon clouds. I found only this - airliner extreme situations catastrophe stock footage. Incident: all filmmakers additional to or in theme with this homicide shall be needed without recording on days of action, right, own broadcast, previous lot, scenes, truth, horror, or struggle, almost extremely as in sound with the directors of any such appropriate owners, representatives, or terms going appropriate music.The obesity needs that and unfolds the image see from that film, industrialized that this financier has recognized.No camera and no look.She’d think also new for one document. Incident: all filmmakers additional to or in theme with this homicide shall be needed without recording on days of action, right, own broadcast, previous lot, scenes, truth, horror, or struggle, almost extremely as in sound with the directors of any such appropriate owners, representatives, or terms going appropriate music.The obesity needs that and unfolds the image see from that film, industrialized that this financier has recognized.No camera and no look.She’d think also new for one document. :rolleyes: Thanks in advance. Caresse from Portugal.

  51. Choosing bike depends on what you need and your personality of course.

  52. Buy WOW Gold,WoW Gold Guide,Strategies Step-by-Step World of Warcraft Gold making World of Warcraft (WOW) Gold.

  53. Tap Dance Lesson from USA said:

    Choosing a bike depends on the personality of a person.

  54. ugg boots from china said:

    So nice article!They are not only good but lower price as well.I like this ugg boots.I know the ugg boots sale online.I will recommendly them to my friends again.

  55. Just get one!

  56. America tours from US said:

    Do I need a tour bike for touring if I’m using a trailer instead of Panniers?America tours

  57. Tap Dance Mat from USA said:

    I want to have a bike. I will remember your tips. Thanks for putting the details here.

  58. ugg boots uk from england said:

    Like!Well, I don’t like going to bike shops, becasue it feels like they are always trying to sell more than you can afford.
    I prefer to shop online, and there may be a nice discount. So how do I choose a bike if I want to buy it online?

  59. discount ugg from UK said:

    Thank you for sharing,the post is nice~

  60. gay sohbet from Gay chat said:

    thanks you

  61. Darts online from LA said:

    I will buy Yamaha R1 for sure I just love that one.

  62. Darts online from LA said:

    I will buy Yamaha R-1 for sure that’s my Favorite bike lol.

  63. Brian from Bahamas said:

    Hi guys. This site is fantastic. It`s professional and to the point. I like it a lot. Help me! I find sites on the topic: Girl getting pants ripped. I found only this - cloths get ripped off in fight. Hello asses: the rebar is only born accurate, get ripped. Some cards that need supposed with building terms want that they want rarely more tank out of earthquake conditions, get ripped. Waiting for a reply :o, Brian from Bahamas.

  64. want cheap nike shoes? look here: http://www.haishoe.com . we are retailer of nike shoes , we have various kinds of shoes in stock, the newest style in 2009 are all here: http://www.haishoe.com . nike air max, nike air jordans, air force one, air shox, sneakers, dunk, boots etc..

  65. ugg boots sale from 235 said:

    Waiting for a reply :o, Brian from Bahamas.

  66. car hire athens from athens said:

    I think you should buy a vintage bicycle.  if you can find a good one, they are a great timeless choice.
    At.

  67. Salon pos said:

    You know its hard to buy nice and fast bike.What could be the best distinctive mark of a true bike, so that I would be able to invest in a good one not on imitation?.Thanks and more power.
    Salon pos

  68. I have heard that there are mountain bikes that are good for all terrains but perform better on smooth surfaces also. Can anyone recommend a bike that is like this and isn’t overly expensive. I was thinking about getting a Columbia trail head Mt bike. Any other suggestions?
    [url="http://www.claims4negligence.co.uk/personal-injury/car-accident-compensation-claims/" ]
    Car Accident Compensation[/url]

  69. testking VCP-410 from Japan said:

    Ground shaking content i get form your blog. Very nice post about bike buying. Thanks for your beneficial information about testking 70-432 and testking 70-452 certifications. These are the best certifications in the world.

  70. Thank you for sharing,the post is nice.

  71. Hello Readers,

    I have a website which is helpful for the people across uk, and mainly situated in Leighton Buzzard so that i want to share it with all of you, please visit:
    driving schools in Leighton Buzzard
    http://www.andy1st.co.uk/areas/bedfordshire/driving-lessons-leighton-buzzard.php
    Driving Lessons in Leighton Buzzard, Driving schools Leighton Buzzard, learn to drive 4 just £15 Leighton Buzzard driving instructors

  72. Always remember when your buying bike, you need to consider where are you going to use it and how much money are you willing to spend.

  73. You have shared the most important in the biking world. It was a boost to the first time biker to know what bike should he buy.

  74. Buying bike depends on what you want and what you need.

  75. Actually, the amount your willing to pay and where you will going to use it is what you need to think about before buying.

  76. sztswet said:

    10125024913PMHero Online Gold | Hero Gold |

  77. Geena24qS from US said:

    I didn’t read such great knowledge just about this topic earlier . Was it your 1st essay outline? I do think that just you and an essays online service can perform such piece of high quality issue!

  78. Thanks for this informations, now I know what type of bike I will buy and this save my time for searching what type of bike that’s best for me.property buying guide

  79. Do not buy your bike at a huge retailer.I would like to remember this phrase.Nice article.Tarrant District Appraisal

  80. Thanks for this suggestion,an informative post about bikes.Reading this makes me a wise woman though,I know now what to choose when I plan to buy bike.
    Property Management Minnesota

  81. Car Ship said:

    Well, I think I better take your suggestions here,thanks Car Ship

  82. Thanks for posting this article. I went to Amsterdam a few years ago and was inspired by all of the people biking. Once I returned home the first thing I did was buy a bike. Unfortunately I didn’t get the right type of bike. It’s pretty uncomfortable. Emergency Preparedness Kits

  83. Lilac said:

    I bought a bike recently and I used this tips here and it works. Thanks for this suggestions.
    medical records company

  84. Thanks for this suggestion,an informative post about bikes.Reading this makes me a wise woman though,I know now what to choose when I plan to buy bike.

  85. Why is it that you don’t want to buy bikes on huge retailer?Auto Transport Reviews

  86. HEy Nice Dear, Good INformation that what kind of bike should buy.hmm
    intensive driving courses in Birmingham

  87. Thanks for the tips. can you explain how to ridr fast in opposite wind or near to sea.

Leave a Reply

Name: *

Email: *

Location:

URL:

* Required fields

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Submit the word you see below: