Best Bicycles

What Are The Best Bicycles?

LOOKING FOR THE BEST BICYCLES?

Are you looking for the best bicycles? The good news is there are plenty to choose from. The popularity of bicycling has seen a significant increase in recent years for a variety of reasons including rising fuel prices, environmental consciousness, and fitness. The result has been a dramatic increase in brands, models, and styles of exercise bicycles available. While the increased selection is great, it can be confusing – especially if you haven’t shopped for bicycles recently. There is a staggering variety of features available. So, what should you look for in the best bicycles?

First, decide what type of bike you want. The three most common are road, mountain or hybrid. The choice depends on the terrain you will be traveling. Road bikes are well suited to paved streets, and are capable of traveling a higher speeds. They are a good option for city dwellers, seeking the best bicycle for transportation . Mountain bikes have larger, heavier frames and wide tires with excellent tread. They are the best choice for steep hills, poorly maintained streets, or off-road riding. The third category, hybrids, are designed to incorporate the best features of both. They are the best choice if you will be riding on mixed terrain.

There are many other types of bicycles well suited to specialized uses. If you are primarily interested in fitness, bicycles designed for that purpose can provide a more effective and ergonomic cardio. However, they lack the speed of road bikes and the stability of mountain bikes. If your interest is recreational, models sold as comfort bikes provide the most smooth and comfortable ride on flat surfaces. However, they can be more difficult to ride on rough terrain or long trips.
Once you have decided on what type of bicycle you want, determine what size you need. Frames come in a variety of sizes, the correct choice depends on your height and the length of your legs. Most models will specify what range of height/weight rider they are best suited for. Don’t try to use a bike that is too large or small for you. It will be harder to handle, less comfortable to ride, and possibly strain your back or joints.

The next thing most shoppers look for is the weight of the bicycles you are considering. Lighter models are easier to ride and achieve higher speeds. However, unless you will be racing the difference of a few pounds will be minimal compared to the comfort, convenience, and safety features you might sacrifice for a streamlined model. Full-featured light weight models typically rely on advanced technology and light-weight metals, significantly increasing the cost.

The next step is sorting out the plethora of features available. Every model may sound like the best bicycle on the market today by the time you read the description. What features should you look for?

THE BEST BICYCLE FEATURES EXPLAINED

• Frame – There are a variety of materials commonly used in frames. The best bicycle frames, as well as the most expensive, are made of titanium for ultimate strength, and the lightest possible weight. Much more common are aluminum frames with nearly equal weight and strength advantages at a much lower price. Steel is even less expensive, often used for economy models though it is heavy and will rust. Carbon fiber frames fall between aluminum and titanium in both cost and weight, though they can break.

• Handlebars – The best bicycles have ergonomic grips. Drop handlebars are lower, curving toward the road. These are typically used or street bikes, and allow a more aerodynamic hunched riding position for greater speed. Upright handlebars, commonly used for mountain, hybrid, and comfort bikes allow a more comfortable, ergonomic straightened riding position. Bullhorn style handlebars allow for multiple riding positions.

• Pedals – The best bicycle pedals for an inexperienced rider are a plain, flat design. There is nothing restricting the foot in case the rider needs to reach the ground quickly. However, most seasoned riders prefer toe clip-able pedals which include a stirrup for constant contact between the foot and the pedal.

• Saddle – This is what you sit on, often called the seat though that is technically incorrect. There are many styles, varying mainly in comfort. Look for an adequately padded, ergonomically shaped saddle. The best bicycles usually come with very comfortable saddles.

• Seatpost – The best bicycles are equipped with a saddle clamp micro adjustment. These allow for fine-tuning the angle of the seat, and can provide a much more customized fit.

• Brakes – Disc brakes are becoming increasingly common, allowing better stopping power and better performance than rim brakes. However, front disc brakes can pose a flipping hazard with sudden stops at high speeds. Duel pivot brakes are considered the best bicycle brakes, providing greater safety with reliable stopping.

• Suspension – Dual suspension provides a smoother ride for exceedingly rough terrain. This is not necessary for most on-road riding.

• Shocks – Often found in pricier models of mountain bikes, shocks minimize the impact of bumps in the road. This may be merely a comfort feature for the average rider of average roads, but can be essential for off-road riding and people with back problems.

• Tires – Much like automobile tires, bicycle tires come in all grades. The best bicycle tires for off road and poor weather conditions being the best suited for smooth city streets. Extra width and traction are essential for difficult trails, but will slow your speed on city streets.

• Speeds – Mountain bikes commonly have anywhere from three to thirty gears. While more gears allows for more fine tuning, most riders don’t need more than ten.

• Shifters – Twist shifters, found on most models, are located on the handle bars, often with two or three rings which must be adjusted. Trigger shifters utilize a lever which clicks into place, allowing smoother, easier shifting.

• Forks – Aluminum forks are typically less expensive, and carbon forks are lighter. Carbon/alu forks are a blend which are have less accident resistance than pure carbon.

• Hubs – Many single gear models are equipped with flip-flop hubs, for easy gear recalibration when needed.

• Convenience features – Many of the best bicycles offer additional features such as a water bottle holder, or integrated headset which may be nice if included but are typically not worth paying extra for.