What Kind of Bike Should I Buy?
22 July, 2008
Since BikeUV.org launched, I have had terrific opportunities to tell others about the site and its mission. What’s more, some of my friends and family have begun to express interest in buying a bike and cycling more often. All of them have the same question: what kind of bike should I buy? This inevitably leads to a new question: How much should I spend (or, Can I afford one)? I’ll make this a two-part post. In this post, I’ll try to give some helpful advice about what kind of bike to look for. Next time, I’ll address the financial side.
The Giant Suede Coasting DX. The Suede is from Giant's 'Metro' line. Note the fenders and chain guard, to keep you clean, panniers over the back wheel, and an automatic Shimano shifting system. Tres chic.
Before I get to the answer, I want to stress that this is only my opinion. If any of you experienced cyclists think I have misrepresented something or failed to consider important factors, please weigh in with a comment. Collectively, we should be able to offer more help for new bike buyers. Also, this is just the beginning. Once you have read this post, visit your local bike shop, look around, and ask questions. Shops are selling so many bikes to so many people nowadays that they can easily find the right bike for you. My objective is to prepare you for your first look around. So let’s get started!
The first thing to consider is where you will typically ride. Is it to the gym, work, the store? Just for fun?
Next, how far will you be riding? Two miles, or eight?
Finally, what kind of surface (or conditions) will you be riding on (or in)? Bike trails or road? Is the road well maintained?
Once you have the answers to these questions, use the following to help you narrow down your choice.
- If you must pack clothes and/or other large items like books or a laptop, a bike with a rack or basket is highly preferable. Cycling with a backpack or messenger bag (guilty!) is definitely possible. However, the heavier the bag, the more strain you place on your back and neck. Another issue to think about is “sweaty back syndrome.” If you carry a bag on your back, bring along an extra shirt or plan to give yourself enough time to air out.
- Wide Tires = Comfort ≠ Speed
- Skinny Tires ≠ Comfort = Speed
- As an explanation of the previous two points, skinny tires usually come on road bikes. Road bikes earn low marks in the comfort category, but they are much faster and perform better on roads than the alternatives. The alternatives include mountain bikes, hybrids, and even recumbents. All of these bikes can be considered more comfortable than road bikes, but you sacrifice speed.
- Certain bikes will help you sit more upright. Others will stretch your arms way out in front of you, causing you to bend more. You may need to try a few bikes out at the store before you know what’s right for you.
I should also mention that I am brand agnostic. Just about any brand out there will suit you fine.
Please, if you have any other specific questions about choosing a bike, feel free to leave a question in the comments. Both Brad and I will be happy to help you out. You can also email me, travisATbikeuvDOTorg
Be Local
22 July, 2008
Eat Local, Live Local, Work Local, Shop Local. Many of us live, work, and shop, at a distance. The personal automobile has made that possible. The cost of fueling the personal automobile is making it a financial burden. The cost of repairing our country’s aging infrastructure makes it a burden on us all. As I talked about in my earlier post, A Heavy Load, living close to where you work and shop and play may be a more expensive initial investment, but it will more than pay for itself in transportation costs in the long run. In case you have missed it, there is a strong movement out there to eat local. Why else do you think there are so many Farmers Markets popping up all over the place? Salt Lake City has a great one. I went to the one in Provo last Saturday. I didn’t buy anything, but I’m glad it is there. I hope that someday it fills Pioneer Park. I rode my bike to it. I work a mile away from home, and in the seven months I’ve had my current job, I’ve never driven to work. I’ve ridden every day. Rain, snow, heat, cold, I ride. I live local. I save a great deal of money by doing so. I also benefit my community and my neighbors by doing so. By walking or riding a bike for my transportation, I can stop and say hello to a neighbor, or chat with fellow cyclists or the increasing number of motorcycle and scooter riders at stop lights. By riding or walking, I do my part to allow my neighbors to enjoy the tranquility they deserve and allow them the benefit of no pollution coming from my vehicle, air or noise. I realize that there are some who have to drive for work, and I don’t begrudge them that opportunity. There are however many who could be local, and choose not to be. I won’t speculate on reasons. Perhaps the events of the future will change their perspective and they will choose to be local. I would guess that those who do so before it becomes imperative, will be better off for it. Eat Local, Live Local, Work Local, Shop Local. Ride Local. Be Local.
