How to Choose a Bike

Yes, I believe some of you may know how to ride a bike since you were a child. This two-wheel vehicle allows you to have happiness, freedom, and entertainment.

Yet when you grow up, this cycling thing becomes more complicated than before. For example, when you need to buy a bicycle, there are so many choices for you. The same is true with the equipment like helmets.

Take it easy! Things are not so difficult. Just like what you solve your math problems, choosing a right bike is easy when you take it step by step.

how to mater your bike

Choose the right bike

There is some basic information you need to know. Generally, cycling bikes are divided into four types.

Mountain Bikes
Mountain bicycles are designed to ride on the rough off-road trails. They have flat or upright handlebars and a quite low gear range for pedaling up steep trails. Most mountain bikes have shock absorbers or suspension. Those mountain bikes with front suspension only are called hardtails and mountain bikes with both front bikes and rear bikes are known as full-suspension bikes or dualies. Those bikes with no suspension are called rigid.

Road Bikes
Road bicycles are for riding fast on smooth pavement. They all have smooth, skinny tires and “drop” handlebars or suspension. Besides, they could be used for on-road racing. They are usually lighter than other kinds of bicycles. They can be ridden on flat roads and most people find it uncomfortable and unstableon unpaved roads. Moreover, most bikes are not allowed to carry heavy loads.

how to master your bike

Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bicycles are a cross between hybrid and road bikes. They are conceived to provide the merits of both road bikes and mountain bikes. Their large, paddled seats and upright handlebars provide an easy riding position and are the best choice for daily riding around the neighborhood, short-distance commuting, and errands around the town. They can be ridden on paved trails, but they are not as light or efficient as road bikes. They are ideal for the flat or rugged roads. Most hybrids have a front suspension to minimize the small bumps but some of them are also totally rigid.

Cruiser Bikes
Cruiser Bicycles are similar to hybrid bikes, as they are also designed for casual riding, and own a very cozy, upright riding position, and a large, comfortable seat. Cruisers usually have wide tires, and handlebars which are more upright, and in some cases, swept back when comparing to hybrid bikes. Most cruiser bikes are single speed or 3-speed, and still, have that kind of old-fashioned coaster brakes (where you pedal backward to stop). They can be used for short-distance commuting if only your route is fairly flat. Some cruiser bikes’ manufacturers make a wide range of colorful models available for people to select.

What is worth mentioning here is that once you know that what type of bike you are looking for, make sure that the frame size fits you properly. When you are going to buy, I suggest that you should take a test ride. That’s also why I think it’s more favorable for a novice to buy a bike on the department store rather than online stores even if they are much cheaper and save you effort. Most importantly, make sure that you are comfortable with how you are seated and how the ride feels. After all, cycling should be an enjoyable sport.



About the setup

Since you have a bike, then the next thing you need to do is the setup. Riding with components in optimum positions can give you most comfortable experience. Or it will cause you sore knees, arms, shoulders and back muscles. Then each time you come back home with a painful body, I believe you will finally give up this sport or you may also have some discrimination of cycling.

You'll get a much better riding experience if follow the simple following steps written in this article.

If you bought your bike from some quality bike shop, they should offer you 30 minutes of free setup time. It can bring you so much convenience and save effort. And if you have to do the setup job by yourself, I suppose the following video will help you a lot.



Always believe that cycling is a comfortable and interesting sport. So do not give up easily and I hope you can fall in love with cycling. If you have more questions about cycling, you can check our website at http://www.cycling4you.com/.