How to Choose the Right Bike for Your Needs and Body-Type
Every person has a unique body and when it comes to choosing the best bike for you, it’s essential to pick the one that is right and perfectly suited to your body type and needs.
At present, there are many bikes you can consider in today’s market. If you don’t have much knowledge about it, let a professional help you determine what kind of bike suits your riding plans and needs. Bike sizes differ by manufacturer and the prices may be based on the components and some features included in bikes. So, it’s essential to shop around first and find more information about bikes on websites like bikesmarts.com.
Here are the other things you should know to choose the right bike for your unique needs and body type:
- Know How Much You’re Willing to Spend
Some bikes can be expensive. The prices may range from a hundred dollars to several thousands depending on what you want to purchase. For beginners, you may find a good bike at a few hundred dollars.
Low range bikes typically have metal frames, which are functional but stylish. Mid-range bikes are lighter metal or aluminum bikes, which can be your best option for daily rides since they have high quality wheels, pedals, and chains. On the other hand, high-end bikes may come at higher prices because they’re usually made of the lightest metals like titanium and carbon. They’re also made for light competition or rigorous daily use.
Depending on your budget, you may also find secondhand affordable and decent bikes.
- Choose the Right Type of Bike
From mountain bikes to a cruiser bike, there are various types of bikes you can choose from. It’s just a matter of performance and preference, especially if you’re a beginner who hasn’t purchased one before. However, whether you’re looking for a sports bike or an ordinary one, it’s crucial to know that not all kinds of bikes are best for adventure trails or general commuting.
Below are the different types of bikes to choose from:
- Mountain Bikes – These bikes come in versatile versions from free-ride riding to cross country riding. Such are more accurate and rugged than the standard road bikes. They’re also made for off-road riding. If you’re interested in pavement riding, a mountain bike is also a good choice because of its ergonomic and stable control.
- Touring Bikes – They vary from the traditional road bikes for the reason that they’re built for riding with gear for long distances. A touring bike also has a sturdy frame to support heavy loads and comes with attachment points, which can let you add water bottles, lights, pumps, fenders, and racks.
- Hybrid Bikes – These are ideal for commuting since they’re designed like road and mountain bikes. With hybrid bikes, you may get the best of both worlds as they have the sturdiness of mountain bikes and comfort of road bikes. A hybrid bike has also a taller frame and gearing.
- Cruiser Bikes – These are made for leisurely rides around your vacation home or neighborhood. A cruiser bike features some wider tires for better traction, a comfortable seat, and cushioning.
- Pay Attention to Suspension, Brake Type, and Gears
When choosing the right bike for your body type and needs, the most essential things to consider are the terrain you prefer and your fitness level. If you want to ride lots of hills and climbing can be a challenge, you would want to opt for a lot of gears. If you’re a good cyclist and you prefer riding on flat terrain, you won’t require as many gears, which can also keep your bike light.
Suspension and brakes are also an important consideration. Suspension keeps you well-suspended when you’re in a rugged and rough area. In terms of brakes, you might not have much choice, but it’s best to know the types of brakes that a bike comes with. These may include rim brakes, drum brakes, coaster brakes, and disc brakes.
- Choose the Right Size
If you end up with the wrong size of bike, you’ll feel uncomfortable and you might have a hard time adapting to it. Other than that, it could cause back pain, neck pain, and some stress injuries. Some may even experience slow riding speed, loss of balance, and frequent falls.
The right bike size can prevent stiffness and foot problems. For this reason, you should take every component of the bike into consideration before choosing any bike. Such components may include saddle, frame size, handlebar height, and pedal position.
When choosing the best size, know your body measurements first and start with an inseam measurement. You want your legs to be extended with a bit bend in the knees for a much comfortable riding position. So, it’s essential to measure the pedal and saddle height to make a downward stroke without hurting your knees or foot.
You may also refer to the frame sizing charts to know your ideal bike size. If you’re still unsure, never hesitate to ask for help from a bike expert for you to choose the right one, most particularly if cycling is your mode of transportation these days.
Conclusion
You might want to test ride several bikes first before you should finalize your decision to get a feel for various styles. Since there are options you may choose from, the process is a bit complicated if you’re clueless about bikes. By taking note of those mentioned tips above, you’ll be able to choose a bike that’s ideal for your needs and comfort level you desire.
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