Let the Wind Blow Through Your Hair

If you ask me, there are few things better than biking down a tree covered path on a warm summer day. The thing is, no one asked me and I’m just looking for a filler sentence to introduce today’s topic. Buying a bicycle. At first, it’ll feel a bit intimidating, but after this newsletter you’ll be ready to call your local bike shop and negotiate a great deal. Enjoy!

Determining the Right Style of Bike

Out of the dozens of bike types in existence, there are three main categories: mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes.

• Mountain Bikes: These bikes are perfect for uneven and unpaved surfaces. Their tires and components are meant to be ridden on dirt, gravel, or other organic paths.

• Road Bikes: These bikes are built for speed on smooth surfaces. Typically, their tires are thinner, and the body of the bike has a reduced weight. If you plan to bike paved paths only, this bike may be for you.

• Hybrid Bikes: If you’re feeling adventurous hoping to ride both on the road and unpaved trails, this is the bike type for you. Their off-road capabilities are not nearly as effective as a true mountain bike so don’t expect to climb root-lined pathways on this style.

For new riders, the most important question you need to answer is “what type of surfaces am I going to be riding on most frequently?”. If your answer is 100% roads or 100% trails, then a road or mountain bike is for you. If you want to commute to work or need to experience the best of both worlds, a hybrid bike is likely your style.

Choosing the Right Components

Most bikes have the same components. Brakes, wheels, gears, seats, and a body to name a few. What you should determine is the quality and material you want for these components.

Suspension type

• Full Suspension: shocks will be found on the front and back of the bike creating a smoother ride. $$$

• Hardtail: Shocks only on the front of the bike. Still some absorption of bumps but definitely less smooth than full suspension. $$

Frame Material

• Carbon; Significantly lighter and smoother bike riding experience. $$$

• Aluminum: Found at any price point and better for beginner riders. $-$$$

Gearing

Bikes have a wide range of gearing. Beach cruisers have just one gear while road bikes have multiple gears/gear ratios. If you have elevation changes while riding, you’ll want a bike with multiple gears.

Brake Type:

• Rim Brakes: These brakes are common among beginner bikes. They squeeze brake pads against the wheel to stop the bike from moving.

• Disc Brakes: Originally these brakes were uncommon due to their high cost. Now that prices have come down, they are more popular because of their superior performance. These brakes work by having a brake pad grip onto a rotor mounted to a bike wheel.

How Much Should You Spend?

Depending on how much you plan to use the bike and how competitive you are going to be, your price range is an important aspect of the bike buying process.

Once a Week Cruisers: Spending ~$300 is a great starting point for a bike that will last with minor maintenance and minor usage. Simple aluminum frames will work for you.

1-2 Times per week Training: ~$500 will get you a solid hybrid bike for both paved and unpaved roads. If you plan to get a mountain bike, try to find one with a disc brakes that this price point.

Heavy Training: $1000-$2000 will get you a solid bike with strong components. A fantastic aluminum bike will be a little heavier having top quality components while a carbon bike will be lighter having solid but not perfect components at this price range. Disc brakes at this level are the standard.

Choosing the Right Bike Size

Bike sizing is the most important part of choosing the right bike. All the components could be top of the line, but if the bike is the wrong size for you, the performance will dramatically decrease.

For a full guide on sizing, here is a lengthy but amazing article explaining everything you need to know. Bike Size Charts (For Men, Women & Kids) (bicycle-guider.com) For a shorter version, here is a chart that gives a rough sizing estimate for your body type.

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