| Purchasing a bike is a fairly large commitment, if you | | | | Mountain Bike |
| are looking at something other than a bike from | | | | The mountain bike is generally designed for off-road |
| Wal-mart. As you shop, consider the type of riding you | | | | riding and comes with 26 inch tires that are 2 inches |
| will be doing. Are you looking for a daily commuter, | | | | wide. It allows the rider to sit more upright, and is |
| something to ride on paved trails and streets only, or | | | | designed to take a little more abuse in the form of a |
| are you planning on going off-road some or all of the | | | | heavier frame and wheel set. This type generally has |
| time? Are you riding for recreation or training for a | | | | 21 or more gears to accommodate steep and rough |
| cross-state tour? We'll cover 3 main types of bikes in | | | | grades. |
| this article. | | | | The Hybrid |
| Road Bike | | | | The hybrid is somewhat of a cross between the |
| The road bike comes in several basic forms, but | | | | mountain and road bikes. The wheels are generally a |
| generally has tires that are 27 inches or 700c and | | | | 27 inch wheel that is 1 inch to 1.5 inches wide with a |
| fairly narrow to reduce friction as you ride. They are | | | | medium tread. The bike has straight handlebars and |
| generally designed to be very light and fast, and can | | | | allows the rider to sit more upright than a road bike. |
| have 14 or more gears. You can use them for daily | | | | This style is good for recreational riding and daily |
| commuting, or a cross country ride. They make the | | | | commuting. It provides the casual rider with a little more |
| position of your body more aerodynamic as you ride, | | | | comfort than a road bike, but isn't built to be as |
| which can often be uncomfortable to some people. | | | | aggressive off-road. |