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