These days walking into a bike shop might even leave you more confused than you were initially. There are some many options and a wide variety to choose from when it comes to biking. As a user you have to consider your personal needs, the surfaces on which you will be riding, your budget as well for what reason you are biking. Some people practice biking as a sport, and others ride to as a past time to take in the beautiful surroundings around them.
Biking is becoming more and more popular, not only because it is practical, but also because it is a form of exercise and is environmentally friendly. It gives you the chance to take in the environment around you, while getting in some exercise. It is also a free form of transport, and even though it might take longer to get to your destination, you will be saving a lot of money.
So how do you know if you should choose a hybrid bike, road bike, mountain bike, comfort bike or beach cruiser. If you aren’t going to do a lot of off-road biking, you can cancel out the mountain and trail bikes. The cruiser bike is associated with a certain lifestyle and you will make the choice according to your needs as well as the paths and roadways available in your city.
Comfort Bikes
Comfort bikes enable you to sit in an upright position, the bicycle has a wide tire and a smaller wheel than hybrid bikes. The comfort bike can also be categorized in the ‘lifestyle’ section but it has about 21 gears and a wide seat also found on mountain bikes. They are basically mountain bikes designed for the comfort of the rider. Comfort bikes are lighter than cruiser bikes and also come with multiple speeds and basic standard accessories. These bikes are similar to the cruiser but more rider-friendly- enabling you to take on basic trails and run errands in town. You will find a loft of comfort bikes equipped with a basket or rack to place items.
Who will ride this bike
-Commuters
-Street riders with light bumps along the way
-People running errands around a small town
-Riders looking for light exercise
-People using their bike on a daily basis
-People after the practicality of cycling
-People that need to cycle the occasional hill and bumpy road
Cruiser Bikes
The cruiser bike is all about the attitude. These bicycles are not made for rushing to work, or competing in a race, they are purely for the image. These bikes are making a comeback in the form of vintage colored cycles with swooping handlebars. With leisure biking being the most popular form, the beach cruiser is the ideal ride.
Beach cruiser bikes were associated with the rich in the past, and seen as a luxury vehicle. These bikes can be used by anyone, whether you are 8 or 80. This bike is quiet and gentle and meant to cruise. Cruiser are a single fix geared bike that is not suitable for long-distances because the vehicle depends on the power of the rider only.
Who will ride this bike
– Tourists and travelers
– People near a beach or living in a small village
– Hipsters that are all about the image
– Point A-B bike, not for a workout
– People after the ‘image’ of cycling
– People in areas with no hills and trails
At the end of the day you are choosing a bike that reflects your daily needs and preferences. If you are only going to ride your bike along the beach side on weekends, the beach cruiser is ideal. If you are using your bicycle as daily transport for all your errands and meetings, then you would need more comfort and adjustable. If you need nothing more than the basics of an old retro bike with wide handlebars and a vintage shape and feel, you have found your match in the cruiser. Both these bikes are in the ‘lifestyle’ category of biking, the one is just a bit more advanced than the other. If you are buying a bike, remember to ask a lot of questions to the seller, and feel free to take the bike for a test ride around the block. The last thing you want to do is spend too much money on a bike that will just gather dust in a garage. Cycling is one of the best forms of exercise, and by investing in a bicycle you will reap a lot of benefits and save money as well!
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By author Sonia Meehan on behalf of Cruiserbikes. Cruiserbikes is the best source for the best cruiser bikes!