How to Choose a Bike
Taking the time to select the right bike ensures that your investment yields the rewards you desire.
Instructions
- 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.
- TIP: 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.
- TIP: 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.
- FACT: 2,500 journalists, photographers, cameramen and consultants cover the Tour de France.
You Will Need
- A biking purpose
- A landscape
- Goals
- A measuring tape
- A retailer
- Test rides
- A tandem bike (optional)