So Many Bikes So Little Time: How Do You Choose The Right One?

There are as many different styles of bicycles as there are riders for them. In order to choose one for yourself, you will first have to decide what kind of riding you are interested in doing. This will go a long way towards narrowing down the choices that you have. Here are some options that you may or may not have thought of already.

Are you interested in riding for recreational purposes? Perhaps just on the weekend? Then what you probably want is a comfort bicycle. The suburbs and countrysides are filled with them on holidays and other days off. They are built primarily for the comfort of the rider. They are normally equipped with wide pedals for easy foot placement, and a cushiony, shock absorbing saddle.

If you are a recreational biker who may, from time to time, be interested in a little more adventure than the average paved road can give you, then perhaps a trail bike is for you. It's little more on the rugged side than a simple, comfort bicycle and would be good for those who can see themselves going on an off-road trek.

For those of you who want to take this to the extreme, and like the challenge of a rough ride through unmarked territory, a real mountain bike is the best choice. Built for toughness, it's frame is stronger and its components able to handle more of a pounding than any other bike.

Basically, they were built to take a beating, even down to their tires, which are knobby to increase the traction and build wider to absorb shock more readily. It's also built in the way that allows a rider to lean over more when manipulating the bike through rocky terrain.

If your idea of a good time includes a little off-road excitement but not on high mountains, then a cruiser bike is the way you should go. They are a heavier sort of bike and do just fine on the road, but also excel when biking through sand.

Maybe you're strictly a paved road kind of person who just wants to use their bicycle for travel. Whether your intention is to ride around town, or even right into the next town, traversing long distances on a touring bike should be just your speed. These are built to be light, and faster than other bikes.

Finally, recumbent bikes are great for anyone with limited physical ability. This could be because of age or injury. The rider is comfortably reclined while he or she pedals, with their feet well in front of them. This is the most comfortable position for bike riding. So if all you want to do is sit back and feel the wind wiz by your hair then this could be for you.

If you know people who ride, it would be a good idea to ask them their opinions about their own bike. How they ride, what they do and don't like about it, and why that is.

Remember that you don't have to spend a lot of money to begin this fun and healthy hobby. Everyone needs to start somewhere and there's nothing wrong with changing your mind later. Hopefully, you now have enough information to begin your journey. As you ride, you will discover for yourself what your own style is.