There are different types of bicycles and different types of people with different needs regarding bicycles. Some people love stunts, others love races, while some like to control the pace. Your preferences will need to be taken into account when choosing the bike that's right for you.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to balance yourself if you don't already know how to do it
This is the first and most important step. You can do this on pretty much any bike that's the right size for you, but starting with a basic single-gear bike with coaster brakes is usually better, because you don't have to worry about shifting gears and front / rear braking sequences.
Step 2. Learn the essentials about the types of bikes
Here are some examples, with a brief description for each.
- Standard bikes. These are old-fashioned, single gear with coaster brake (pedal backwards to brake). They are good for leisurely strolls around the city, if there are no difficult slopes or other obstacles.
- BMX bikes. They are low profile cross bikes with 20-inch wheels, usually with knobby tires. They are used for "racing" on trails or circuits, and have cable-operated front and rear brake calipers. These bikes have only one gear.
- Road bike. This is a general term for traditional bicycles designed for good performance on a paved road. There is a wide range of choices within this category; they are often classified into two major sub-categories: for racing / performance or for tourism. The racing ones are designed for sheer speed with an emphasis on light weight and aggressive rider posture. Those for tourism are designed for extended comfort and to carry loads. They have firmer parts to last, mounts for accessories and storage and attachments for the fenders and have a more upright posture. Road bikes traditionally have a "down-curved" or "aero" handlebar, which allows the rider a range of hand positions for comfort or for an aerodynamic riding position.
- Mountain biking. Designed for off-road use, with a compact frame, stable handlebar grip, space for large, knobbly tires and a higher handlebar for a more upright position. For hilly routes these bikes generally have reduced gears. There are many types designed for specific purposes, such as downhill cross racing. They can be equipped with sophisticated suspension systems and disc brakes. Mountain bikes are very popular as universal bikes due to their versatility; with non-treaded tires they can be efficient on paved roads.
- Tandem. These bikes have an extra seat and a set of pedals for two to ride.
- Recumbent bicycles. These bicycles have the cyclist's seat in a "lying" position with the pedals forward, a more natural position that requires less adaptability than the vertical one. They can be equipped with windshields for good aerodynamic performance. However, they are generally heavier and cannot match the performance of upright racing bikes.
Step 3. Choose a mountain bike if you like to jump on paths full of bumps and puddles
Many mountain bikes have at least one front suspension, to improve comfort and steering control on rough surfaces. Mountain bikes can also be suitable for urban routes, due to stability and for going on curbs of sidewalks and the like. Beginners may find the handlebars and controls on mountain bikes easier to use.
Step 4. Think about the use you intend to make of it
If you don't think about riding on dirt tracks, a road bike will be more efficient. However, the racing models are not very comfortable or practical for amateur cyclists or those who use the bike for utility. It can be difficult to find convenience-oriented road bikes in stores; these tend to push the racing bike or mountain bike more. A common middle ground is the "hybrid" bike.
Step 5. If you intend to mount a basket, bags or a child seat, you will need to make sure that the frame is compatible with these devices
Many bike shops have solutions assembled with these accessories already mounted, so there will be no doubt about the adaptability of the bike.
Step 6. Road bikes and mountain bikes usually have gears and shifters, typically operated by some type of lever
These are very useful for most cyclists, especially on hilly routes, or for high performance. In fact, they allow you to adjust the pedaling taking into account slopes, wind or your fatigue. However, these systems greatly increase cost and complexity (and weight). For this reason, or simply for the pleasure of the challenge, some cyclists choose a single gear bike ("singlespeed" bike). Any bike can be converted to a singlespeed, but unless the frame has been specially designed for this, a chain tensioner will be required.
Step 7. The size of the bike is an essential element to consider
Different bikes have different sizes to fit the rider's stature. Make sure the fork height isn't too high for you so getting on or off will be comfortable and easy. The bikes are equipped with 12-inch tires for children's bikes, up to a standard 26 or 28-inch for adults, and even higher for racing bikes.
Step 8. Try riding the bike before buying it
If the bike shop doesn't let you try it, go to another shop, or borrow the same model from a friend. Better to have a bike that fits, rather than having to adapt and adjusting one that doesn't fit.
Step 9. Purchase a professionally assembled bike
This is particularly important for bikes equipped with gears: the intervention of a professional ensures that all nuts and bolts are installed and tightened in a workmanlike manner, and that all accessories are installed and adjusted correctly.
Advice
- Buying a bike will be much easier if you choose a specialty shop rather than a department store "stand" because the shop should employ knowledgeable people who can help you.
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Mountain bikes are often bought to be used as general purpose road bikes. While they are comfortable and easy to ride on the road, there are two things to check if you're only going to use it as a regular road bike:
- Having fenders: One problem with mountain bikes is that they are really intended for off-road cycling where mud, leaves and sticks can get caught in the fenders, so they tend not to have them. For your daily ride on the road, mudguards are essential (otherwise you will get mud up to your back, and other cyclists and road users will be covered in your spray when they are behind you). Unless you really want serious off-road cycling mountain bike, insist on good quality fenders, which cover the whole wheel (not just one of those so-called plastic "dirt collectors" that fit under the saddle - save them for off-road cycling).
- Avoid thick tires: Mountain bikes tend to have very thick tires, with deep treads. This type of tire is essential for grip in muddy conditions, but on a road (even wet) it only serves to make pedaling difficult. The extra energy needed to pedal with big tires is considerable. You can hear the low hum they generate! So, unless you really need the bike for off-road riding, you should get tires with a shallow tread. Smooth tires are good for road rides, but especially for racing, however they can be slippery in the wet - and they are expensive. In any case, there is a good supply of general purpose road tires with shallow treads - they are great for a mountain bike to use on the road.
- The handlebar of the mountain bike can become uncomfortable after a while, when the hands have been in the same position for too long. There are a couple of things you can try to avoid this. One is the handlebar ends - these are extra "horns" attached to the handlebar ends that provide an alternative grip. They also help hold the body forward for climbing or cycling into the wind. Another is the same holds; some companies like Ergon have a more anatomical and shaped bulge that you may find more comfortable than just the round tube.
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Recognize different types of bikes such as Mountain / FreeRide, Road Bike, Trail Bike, Dirt Jumping Bike, BMX Bike and Dirt Bike.
- If you want to ride on grass, dirt and dirt and want to do some stunts and jumps you will want a FreeRide / Mountain bike, or a Dirt Jumping. These bikes are best for dirt jumping and for doing stunts and jumps like with Cat Walking.
- If you want to ride like the Tour De France pros or are planning to commute with the bike, you probably have a road bike in mind. The road bike has very thin tires, so you can go really fast, but it's not good for stunts or dirt jumping.
- Also, if you want to make huge jumps, a dirt jumping bike is best for jumping and doing that kind of stunt.
- For the time you want to go to a bike park and do stunts, a BMX bike is preferable; these bikes are suitable because they are small and easy to handle.
- If you want to go fast and are willing to pay big bucks, you might want a dirt bike - it has an engine and you can outrun all normal bikes!
