Bicycle Buying Guide

s can be used for a number of purposes, includingat one time.
recreation, fitness, transportation and sports. If you areWhat are other factors to consider when purchasing a
planning on purchasing a new bike, consider the terrainbike and getting into the rewarding sport of cycling?
you will be riding on as well as your body weight. AreFrame Materials:
you finding it difficult to choose a new cycle? GoFrames are made of different materials depending on
through this buying guide for exhaustive information onthe type of bicycle.
bicycles and make the right choice.Steel
What types of bicycles are available?The most commonly used frame material is steel.
Different types of bicycles, such as BMX, road, racing,Chromoly (chromium-molybdenum steel) is lighter than
touring, comfort, kids, womens, tandem and more, arecarbon steel, but both are strong and durable.
available for sale. Here is an in-depth look at someCarbon Fiber
popular models.These strong and lightweight frames offer a good ride.
Road Bikes:Titanium
Road bikes are built for paved roads. They have thinTitanium is one of the most rugged, durable and
tires, dropped handlebars and lightweight frames madecostliest frame materials you can get.
of aluminum or carbon. The majority of these cyclesAluminum
have 21 speeds. Sport bikes, touring bikes, racing bikes,Aluminum is a stiff and strong material. Aluminum
triathlon bikes, cruisers and choppers also fall under thisframes are good for riders looking for lightweight bikes.
category.Suspension:
Mountain Bikes:Hybrid, comfort and mountain bikes feature suspension
Mountain bikes are durable enough to withstandforks. Forks assist you in riding over rough tracks more
serious off-road racing. Sturdy frames, strong brakes,easily and comfortably.
flat handlebars and 26-inch wheels make these bikesWheels:
highly popular. Their low gears assist you in off-roadWheels play a vital role in bikes. Single-alloy hubs with
racing, especially when going uphill and riding throughrubber axle seals, few spokes and sealed bearings
mud. These cycles are heavy and can withstandare recommended. Stainless steel spokes and
rough handling. In a few models, the front suspensionaluminum rims are lightweight and rust free.
and rear suspension offer comfort, even while ridingGears:
over uneven ground.Gears are crucial to ride on uneven surfaces. On flat
Comfort Bikes:surfaces, only 3 or 4 gears are needed. When it
These bikes are good for beginners. Comfort bikescomes to hills and challenging terrain, a bike with a 21,
come with adjustable vertical handlebars, comfy seats,24 or 27 speed drivetrain is necessary. Go for bikes
26" wide and low pressure tires and suspension forks.with gears that are easy to shift.
They are made for short rides on well-maintained bikeBrakes:
paths.Most bikes are equipped with either rim brakes
Hybrid/Cross Bikes:(V-brakes), linear brakes or hub brakes. Disc brakes,
These all-purpose bicycles combine the features ofthe latest brake type, provide brilliant braking and low
road and mountain bikes. They have a wide gear ratio,maintenance, but are expensive.
upright handlebars and narrow tires. Their frames areSeats:
lightweight, making these perfect for pavement ridingLook for anatomical shapes, flexible frames, gel
and minor off-road racing. Hybrid/cross bikes usuallypadding and cushioning springs in your seats.
come with mudguards.What accessories are available for bicycles?
Recumbent Bikes:If you are getting a new bicycle, you should check out
If you cannot handle the physical strain associated withthe following accessories. Some accessories are
traditional bicycles, consider recumbent cycles. Theseabsolutely necessary, while others are strictly for your
bikes can go fast and provide comfortable seating.own convenience.
However, they do have some pitfalls. They areHelmets:
expensive compared to most standard bikes and theirHelmets are vital accessories to avoid head injuries.
transportation by car may prove to be more difficultThey come in kid and adult sizes as well as many
as well, especially long wheelbase models.colors.
BMX Bikes:Locks:
BMX (Bicycle Motocross) bikes owe their invention toProtect your bicycle from theft with a bike lock. Locks
the popularity of motocross dirt bike racing. Theseare highly recommended if you plan on leaving your
bikes can be ridden through woods or aroundbicycle in any public area unattended.
dirt-tracks. Though BMX cycles resemble mountainFlat Kits:
bikes, their wheels and frames are comparativelyFor long rides, it is wise to carry a flat kit and a small
smaller. These bikes are suitable for kids and youngframe-mounted pump to fill your tires with air. The kit
riders. BMX racing bikes are built for racing on dirtshould include a new tube, basic patch kit, tire iron,
tracks. BMX freestyle bikes are designed for doingwrench, rag and small seat bag.
tricks whereas BMX dirt jumping bikes are made forPumps:
getting airborne on dirt tracks.To fill your tires with air whenever you need, buy
Chopper Bikes:bicycle pumps.
These bikes are based on chopper motorcycles.Computers and Monitors:
Chopper bikes feature wide rear tires, large cushionedA cyclocomputer is a digital speedometer that shows
seats and extended handlebars. These bikes are notspeed, distance and time traveled during your bicycle
recommended for off-road racing.ride. High-end models come with GPS functions and
Womens Bikes:can measure your heart rate and power output.
Womens bicycles are smaller, designed to suit the buildMudguards:
of the average woman. They have narrowKeep yourself and your bike clean with mudguards.
handlebars, short top tubes and wide saddles.Baskets and Panniers:
Kids Bikes:Attach baskets and panniers to your bike to carry
Is your child pining for a bicycle? Compact bikes withheavier loads.
small frames are ideal for children. These bikes areCovers/Storage:
easy to ride and durable. Many kids bicycles comeProtect your bicycles with cycle covers and storage
with training wheels attached. Other cycles give yousolutions, such as lightweight aluminum storage stands.
the option to attach separately sold training wheels. GoCarriers:
for kids bikes with spoke guards and coaster brakesFor small cars, carriers (also referred to as bike racks)
that allow children to stop when pedaling backwards.that attach to the roof are ideal. For big cars, like vans
Tandem Bikes:an SUVs, use carriers that attach to the rear of your
Do you want to make cycling more fun? Get avehicle.
tandem bike that accommodates two or more people