How To Pick The Best Bike For You

When trying to decide on the best type of bike, think about these questions:

- Where do you want to ride?
- Who do you ride with?
- What do they ride?
- What have you had in the past that you liked?
- What have you had in the past that you disliked?
- What would you like to do with your new bike?
- How much money are you comfortable spending?

If you are buying a bike to ride with a group of friends—buy something similar to what they ride. You will not be able to keep up with road bikes if you are on a mountain bike or cruiser. And a road bike cannot go on the dirt or the sand.

If you enjoyed a three speed as a child, you may find this a fun bike again. If you disliked the road bike you bought a few years ago—perhaps a mountain bike would be better.

No matter how you answer the questions, the folks at Basically Bicycles will work with you to find the bike or trike that will best meet your needs now, and for years to come.

Recumbents are quite comfortable, and can be very fast. They are available with either three wheels (trikes) or two (bike), and come in a range of styles for a variety of riding conditions. Some recumbent trikes and bikes offer all the ease of the best lawn chair and the relaxed ride that goes with it. Others are sleek and closer to the ground for fast road riding.

Road bikes are built for speed and smaller lighter tires make them are designed for pedaling on pavement. They are not as well suited for operating off the road. Some people find the "dropped" riding position difficult to maintain, comfortably, for a long time.

Mountain bikes have a cushy ride, an upright riding position, and can travel easily on a wide variety of surfaces. The wider, heavier tires make them harder to pedal and slower on pavement.

Hybrid or cross bikes are almost as fast and easy to pedal as a road bike, while being almost as comfortable and versatile as a mountain bike.

Comfort bikes are just that—comfortable. They are less efficient, but sitting on one is much more comfortable.

Cruisers are fun to look at and, when ridden at a relaxed pace, they are ideal for admiring the scenery, exploring the neighborhood or beach.