There are many different types of bicycles and many different types of people with different bicycle needs. Some people like tricks, others like races, and others like speed control. You will need to take your own preferences into account when choosing the right bike for you.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to ride a bike, if you still don't know how
That is the first and most important of the steps. You can do this on just about any bike that's the right size for you, but starting on a basic, simple gear bike with foot brakes is usually better, as you don't have to worry about changing gears and front / rear brake sequences.
Step 2. Learn about the basic types of bicycles
These are some examples, with a brief description of each one.
- Standard bikes. These old bikes, with single speed and pedal brakes (pedal back to brake). Good for leisurely strolls around the city, if there are no steep hills or other obstacles.
- BMX bikes. Low-profile bikes with 50-centimeter knobby rims. They are used for ‘competitions’. And they have front and rear cable caliper brakes. These bicycles are of simple equipment.
- Urban bikes. This is a general term for traditional bikes designed to perform well on pavement. There is a wide range of options in this category; they can usually be classified within the broad group of racing or cycling. Racing bikes are designed for speed, with an emphasis on light weight and putting the rider in an aggressive stance. Touring bikes are designed to be comfortable and carry loads. They have heavier components for durability, frame to add a grille and fender, and have a more upright position for the driver. City bikes traditionally have aerodynamic handlebars that allow the rider a range of hand positions for greater comfort or to acquire an aerodynamic position when riding.
- Mountain bikes. They are bikes designed for off-road use, with a compact frame, stable handling, wide knobby tires and tall handlebars for a more upright position. For steep terrain, these bikes come with low-end equipment. There are many types designed for specific purposes, such as for hills or for cross-country racing. They can be equipped with sophisticated suspension and disc brake systems. Racing bikes are also very popular as all-situation bikes because of their versatility; with multipurpose tires they can be efficient on the streets.
- Tandem bikes. These bikes have a seat and extra pedals for two people to ride at the same time.
- Recumbent bikes. These bikes put the rider in a reclined position with the pedals in front, which is a more natural position that requires less flexibility than upright bikes. They can be equipped with windshields to make them more aerodynamic. They are generally heavier and cannot reach the speed of a racing bike.
Step 3. Choose a mountain bike if you have to go over roads and dirt
Many mountain bikes have at least one front suspension, to improve ride comfort and control on bumpy surfaces. Mountain bikes can also be good for city riding, thanks to their stability, to ride over potholes and the like. Beginners might find the handlebars and controls on these bikes easier to handle.
Step 4. Think about how you want to use it
If you're not going to ride unpaved roads, a city bike will be more efficient. But the style of racing bikes will not be very comfortable or practical for those who want to give it a casual or practical use. It can be difficult to find comfort-oriented city bikes in stores; there they tend to promote racing or mountain bikes. A popular medium style is the hybrid style.
Step 5. If you want to put a basket, saddlebags, or a baby seat, make sure the frame is compatible with these accessories
Many bike shops have these accessories pre-assembled, so there is no question of compatibility.
Step 6. Mountain and city bikes usually have gear and speeds, usually operated by a certain type of trigger
They are very useful for most drivers, especially in mountainous terrain, or for high performance. They let you adjust your pedaling with the extra effort that mountains, slopes, wind and your own fatigue imply. These systems add significant cost as well as complexity (and weight). For this reason, or just because of the challenge, some riders choose a single speed bike. Any bike can be converted to single speed, but unless the frame is designed for that, you will need a chain tensioner.
Step 7. It is essential to consider a bike that fits you well
Different bikes have different dimensions for different body types. Make sure the seat height is not too high for you, so that you can get on and off easily and comfortably. The bikes come equipped with 20 wheel rims for kids to much larger adult rims or for specialty racing bikes.
Step 8. Take a test drive before purchasing
If you can't get the store to let you test drive their bike, go to another store or borrow one from a friend. It's easier to get a bike that fits you well than to adjust and acclimatize to one that doesn't fit.
Step 9. Buy or have your bike professionally assembled
This is especially true with gearshift-equipped bikes, but doing it professionally ensures that all nuts and bolts are installed and tightened correctly, and that all accessories fit and are properly adjusted, too.
Advice
- Buying a bike will be much easier if you choose a bike shop over a more general store, since the bike shop hires people who know and can help you make a good choice.
- Learn about the different types of bikes: mountain / freeride bikes, city bikes, stunt and jump bikes, BMX bikes and dirt bikes (for stunts).
- If you want to ride on mud, dirt and grass and want to do some tricks and jumps, a mountain / freeride bike or one for jumps and stunts will suit you. These bikes are best for mud jumps and tricks like riding over a rail.
- If you want to ride like the best in the Tour de France or are planning to make your way to work by bike, you probably should have a city bike in mind. City bikes have very thin tires so you can go really fast. These bikes are not used for tricks or jumps.
- If you want to do big jumps, choose a dirt jumping bike, because they are the best to jump and do all those tricks.
- If you want to go to the bike / skate park and do some tricks on the ramps or handrails, a BMX bike will suit you. These bikes are made to do tricks because they are so small and light.
- If you want to go fast and you can pay a lot for a bike, you will want a DIRT bike. These bikes have a motor in them and will make your speed surpass all regular riders.
- Mountain bikes are usually bought for general purposes like city bikes. While they are comfortable and easy to ride, there are a couple of things to watch out for if you just want it as a general-purpose city bike:
- Get fenders: One problem with mountain bikes is that they are really designed to ride off the road, where mud, leaves and sticks can get caught in the fenders and therefore tend not to have fenders. For your day-to-day, fenders are essential (otherwise you'll have a muddy road behind you, and other riders will be covered in your spray when they go after you). Unless you really want your mountain bike to seriously get it off the road, insist on getting it good fenders that cover the entire wheel (not just one that has plastic fenders that go under the seat - save those for riding high in the mountains.).
- Avoid thick tires: Mountain bikes tend to have very thick tires, with deep tires. This type of tire is essential for grip in muddy areas, but on a trail (even a wet one), the deep tire only serves to make the bike difficult to handle. The extra energy it takes to pedal on thick tires is considerable. You can hear the sound they make when they walk! So unless you really need the bike to really ride off the road, get it tires that have shallow tires. Slick tires are good for riding on streets and roads, but mainly in racing, as they can be slippery in the wet, as well as being expensive. There is a good range of general purpose tires that have smooth casings. They are an excellent type of tire for a mountain bike used on streets and roads.
- Mountain bike handlebars can become uncomfortable after a while when your hands are in the same position for a long time. There are a couple of things you can try to solve this. One is to add ends to the handlebars. These are extra 'horns' that are attached to the end of the handlebars and provide an alternate grip. They can also make it easier to push your body forward to climb a hill or pedal in the wind. Another option is the grip itself. Some companies like Ergon make grips with a more anatomically shaped bulge that you may find more comfortable than simple tubular grips.