Bike Utah Valley

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