It is sadly true that most people do not get enough exercise. They sit behind the computer too long and drive everywhere they go.
This is a big problem and it is going to reduce your lifespan and your quality of life in the future. With that being said, you should find ways to get more exercise. One of the best ways to do that is by purchasing a new bike. People sitting for more than 11 hours each day are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, obesity, and excess belly fat.
Buying one of the hybrid bikes can help you solve this problem. Of course, you need to find the right bike for you and that can be more difficult than you might imagine. Buying a bike can be tough. So, you’ll want to read this guide in full. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a much better idea of what you need to be looking for.
Different Types
First and foremost, you should know that there are many different types of bicycle. They’re not all equal. Before finding out which one is right for you, it is pertinent to know how you’re going to be using the bike. Will you use the bike to travel back and forth to work? Or, do you intend to take it out on trails? Once you’ve found out, you’ll want to refer to the types below.
Mountain Bikes
If you’re a fan of Mother Nature, you’ll want to consider investing in mountain bike. Mountain bikes are bikes that are designed for rough terrain. They’re not going to perform well on the pavement. However, they’ll work great on rougher surfaces. If you want a bike that is going to do exceptionally well on dirt, this is what you’re looking for.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are the exact opposite of mountain bikes. If you’re interested in riding through the city, you’ll be better off with a road bike. This will give you the ability to cruise through the city without any issues. The only problem is that these bikes are not going to perform well on dirt.
Hybrid
Finally, you have the hybrid. This is a versatile bike that will be suitable for various surfaces. For instance, a hybrid bike can cruise through the city without any issues. Or, you can take it on the trails. It likely won’t excel in any area. However, it will deliver great performance on any surface. If you’re the type of individual who wants to hit the trails and the pavement, you’ll want to take a look at the best hybrid bike.
Things To Consider
To ensure you get the best bike, you need to take your time and consider a handful of factors. Otherwise, you’re going to be wasting your money. Now that you’ve learned about the three different types, you’ll want to break down the individual components that make a bike good. Below, you will discover tips for determining which bike is going to be best for you.
Your Intentions
You need to know what your intentions are before buying a bike. After all, one of the best road bikes might not be suitable for all purposes. Are you going to be using the bike for transportation? If so, you will likely be riding it on paved surfaces only. You’ll be cruising around town and getting from one destination to the next. In this type of situation, you would want a hybrid bike or a road bike. Both are great for paved surfaces. If you’re interested in an adrenaline-filled experience, you’ll want to hit the trails.
That would require a mountain bike or a hybrid bike. Again, the hybrid bike is versatile and can be used on all surfaces. Either way, you have to figure out what you want first and go from there.
Budget
Ultimately, bikes can be expensive. However, there are some that are cheaper. With this in mind, you need to find out how much you’re going to spend in advance. This will make a big difference in the long run. If you have a lot of money, you’ll want to consider buying one of the premium hybrid bikes. The only problem here is that a lot of people cannot afford this much. Well, you need to find out how much you’re going to be willing to spend. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to narrow down your options very quickly.
How Big Are You?
Another thing to note is that many bikes have weight and size restrictions. If you’re on the bigger size, you might have a harder time finding a good bike. After all, a lot of bikes are designed for smaller people. You have to be careful about this. When looking for a bike, you need to choose one that fits you well. Otherwise, the bike is going to be uncomfortable and difficult to ride. Put some effort into it to ensure that you get a bike that is comfortable and fun.
Consider The Manufacturer
Whether you’re looking for a road bike or one of the mountain bike, you need to consider the manufacturer. After all, some companies are better than others. There is a good chance that you’ve heard of Mongoose, Scott and Schwinn. These three companies are very reputable and reliable. When you work with then, you can guarantee that you’re going to get a bike that serves you well. The bike will likely last many years and it should be covered by a good warranty.
This may or may not be true with another company. That is something you have to be cautious about. You need to make sure that you choose a good manufacturer. This will ensure that you’re able to get help when you need it and that your bike will last.
Rack And Mount
Bicycles can be used for an abundance of purposes. They’re an alternative and cheaper form of transportation. Unless you’re willing to wear a backpack, you’re going to have a tough time carrying items with you. How will you transport your books? You have to keep both hands on the grips to ensure that you remain on the street. With that being said, you should buy a bike that features a back rack. This will prove to be very beneficial. You can use the rack to mount a box, crate, or basket. Then, you will be able to take many items with you.
You should also think about buying a bike with a water bottle mount. Some bikes will have two of these mounts. Either way, you need to realize that you’re going to get hot while you’re riding. You’ll break a sweat and you need to remain hydrated. Therefore, it is best to buy a bike with a mount or two. This will make it convenient for you to bring water with you.
Check The Weight
There is a good chance that you’re going to be required to transport the bike. This is usually the case if you’re going to be taking the bike to the trails. Mountain bikes aren’t good on pavement. Therefore, you’ll want to toss the bike into your vehicle and head out to your local greenway or state park. Then, you can grab your bike and hit the trail. If your bike is too heavy, you’re going to have problems lifting it. In return, taking it out with you might feel like a big hassle and you may stop using the bike.
This is why it is best to choose a lightweight bike. Make sure that the frame is going to be durable though. Don’t skimp on quality or it will come back to bite you in the backside. Either way, a lighter bike will be a more convenient bike.
Suspension
All bikes have some sort of suspension system. However, the suspension tends to be more important when you’re dealing with mountain bikes. After all, you’re going to be hitting a lot of rough patches. You’ll encounter rocks, branches, dips, and so much more. If you’re riding on the road or a paved surface, it will be flat and you won’t have to worry about it too much. When out on the trails, you rely on the suspension system to keep you comfortable from start to finish.
You need front and rear shocks. Hydraulic shocks are best. This will ensure that you’re able to hit the bumps without being shocked too bad. The suspension system will absorb the force so your body doesn’t. Better suspensions will be more flexible and lighter. However, they’re going to cost more too.
Consider The Bakes
Ultimately, the brakes are one of the most important components of the bike. To be safe, you need a braking system that is going to be able to stop you in a hurry. If not, you are going to be more likely to experience an accident. With that being said, you should know that there are three main types. You have the coast hub, rim brakes, and the disc brakes. The disc brakes tend to be heavier but they’re going to stop better. And, they’ll stop with less force.
With this in mind, it is best to choose a bike that features disc brakes. This will give you the best stopping power with minimum force.
Hardtail
The suspension is extremely important for off-terrain and mountain biking. The suspension will help reduce the shock sustained when riding on rough terrain. There are basically two types of suspension systems utilized in bikes. These include the hardtail and full suspension. Depending on the plans for your new bike, you may determine that the hardtail design will suit your biking lifestyle better.
The hardtail design is lighter in weight compared to the full suspension. It is also more affordable but still very durable. This type of suspension is more suitable for riding on trails and pavement. The downside to the hardtail design is it does not offer both front and rear shock absorbers. So, it will not offer the same level of shock absorbency as the full suspension.
Wheel Size
The size of the wheel is generally determined with the rider’s size and what the bike will be utilized for. People with a short stature will require a wheel with a smaller diameter and vice versa for tall-statured riders. The most popular wheel sizes for dirt bikes is the 20- and 24-inch. Experts believe that the larger the diameter, the smoother the wheel will ride over rough terrain.
Warranty
Finally, you should think about the warranty provided. Every bicycle manufacturer out there is going to provide you with some type of warranty. However, some companies are stingy and they won’t protect you to the fullest. To get your money’s worth, you should choose a bike that has a lifetime warranty. The company should at least protect the frame for the life of the bike. Either way, you should not buy a bike that doesn’t have a good warranty. Doing so would be too risky.
Knowing Where To Buy
There are many places to buy a bicycle. However, you should know that not all vendors are equal. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of some of the best places to buy a bike.
eBay
Buying a bike from eBay is a good option if you’re trying to save money. You’ll find the cheapest deals and you’ll be able to buy new or used. Sadly, this isn’t the perfect solution. You might not get a warranty and you should know that eBay is loaded with scams. Therefore, you may want to avoid this website.
Local Stores
Buying a bike from a local shop is a good idea. You’ll likely end up spending more but you’ll get professional assistance. The clerk will show you their selection and tell you about them too. If you are a newbie and need help choosing, this is the best option for you.
Directly From The Dealer
By using the Internet, you can buy a bike directly from the manufacturer. This is a good option but you won’t be able to test ride the bike in advance. However, you will have a better selection and you’ll get lower prices on the newest models.
Online Retailers
Finally, you have online retailers like Amazon. This is a good place to look for cheaper deals. Again, you won’t be able to test ride the bike and returning it will be a hassle. On top of that, you’ll need to assemble the bike on your own. Otherwise, this is a good option. It’ll save you money and your options will be plentiful.