How to Choose a Bike
Taking the time to select the right bike ensures that your investment yields the rewards you desire.
Up next in Bike Repair & Equipment (32 videos)
Every avid cyclist should know how to fix his bike; learn the basics in this video series.
You Will Need
- A biking purpose
- A landscape
- Goals
- A measuring tape
- A retailer
- Test rides
- A tandem bike (optional)
Steps
-
Step 1
Define your purpose
Define whether your purpose in biking is for fitness, commuting, or recreation.
-
Step 2
Define your landscape
Define where you want to ride -- city streets, paved or gravel roads, trails, or a combination of surfaces.
-
Step 3
Match goals to your bike type
Match your goals to a bike type. Mountain bikes are for rough roads and trails, touring bikes for the open road, cruisers for city streets, and hybrids go anywhere.
-
Check out a tandem bike -- a bicycle built for two -- to ride with a companion.
-
Step 4
Measure for frame size
Using a measuring tape, measure your inseam to your shoe soles. Bike frames are sized to this measurement.
-
Mountain bike frames are sized in inches and road bikes are sized in centimeters.
-
Step 5
Conduct a test drive
Ask your dealer to allow you to test drive the models you like. Make sure your selection is comfortable and that you can operate it correctly.
-
Step 6
Break it in
Break in your bike by riding a few miles to ensure all the equipment is operating properly. Wheel your way to health, happiness, and freedom.
-
2,500 journalists, photographers, cameramen and consultants cover the Tour de France.
