What is the right bike for you?

Find The Right Bike For You

10/20/2024 | Archer’s Bikes | Bike Riding Tips

There is a huge variety of bike types available today—one for just about any purpose. Consider where you will be riding first, to help narrow down your search. travel on Dirt trails, graded unimproved roads, snow, sand, or paved – all go into bike design. Second, decide on how much you want to spend. Set your budget based on how often you plan to ride. Third, figure out how often and for how long you will ride. Each caption includes: Where (most common use)—Budget (entry-level price)—Time (the average time most riders spend on the bike)—Distance (the most common distance ridden). The basic types of bikes are compiled below. Standard averages are listed to help you understand the typical rider. You may ride much more or a lot less. All these bike types come as analog pedal, pedal-assist e-bikes, and conversion kits.

Look over this short list of bike types to help focus your buying decision:

Road Bike: This style is characterized by aerodynamics, drop-bar handlebars, and skinny tires and is engineered for efficient road speed. It may be called a tri-bike, criterium, fixie, road race, time trial, trekking, or other names. Road bikes come in an extensive range of prices, suitable for the casual new rider to expert pro racers (like the Specialized Tarmac).

Improved roads / $500 – $1,000 / 2-3 days a week / 10-20 miles

Gravel Bike: These bikes are very similar to road bikes but have a sturdier frame and slightly larger tires. They are best for paved, graded dirt, and gravel roads. For cyclocross racing or general purposes, this style of bike is ready to get dirty. Gravel bikes are the best choice for dirt roads and rough terrain. They usually come equipped with drop-bar handlebars and a single chain ring up front for simplicity.

Unimproved roads / $800 – $1,200 / 1-3 days a week / 8-15 miles

Mountain Bike: This style features suspension, big tires, a seat post that offers a quick adjustment lower for challenging sections, and an attack riding position (low flat-bar handlebar). It may be called a hardtail, fully suspended, rigid, all-mountain, MTB, downhill, cross country, or other names. They are heavier than other bikes and are built to take a beating. Usually, mountain bikes have at least a front suspension fork to maintain control in rough conditions. A rear shock improves control even more.

Rugged Offroad / $500 – $2,000 / 2-5 days a week / 6-12 miles

Beach/Comfort Cruiser: This bike’s hallmarks are a relaxed riding position, bigger tires, and an upright riding position. It can be called a beach cruiser, hybrid, comfort bike, urban cruiser, pedal forward, stretch, beach bike, casual, fat-tire (big 4-inch tires – great in loose terrain), or others. These bikes are best for casual rides in the neighborhood, local parks, urban pathways, or a trip to the store. They may have spring seat posts or front suspension forks for comfort.

Improved roads or parks / $250 – $800 / 1-2 days a week / 2-5 miles

BMX Bike: These bikes are for nimble riding and quick acceleration. Adults and children enjoy this style. Although the most common wheel size is 20 inches, they come as small as 12 inches or as large as 29 inches. BMX bikes come with one gear for simplicity and durability. The frame is purposely made short to facilitate handling and tricks. Commonly, their size is measured in length, not height. They go by names such as BMX (bicycle motocross – a 1970s origin), park bike, freestyle, stunt, pro race, or dirt jumper (a specialized type of BMX for jumping).

Bike parks & roads / $300 – $800 / 51-2 days a week, 1-5 miles

Recumbent: Comfort is the key. This bike style lets you ride sitting back and is lower to the ground, making mount/dismount easier. It takes all the pressure off your back and hands. They come in two- and three-wheel versions and myriad combinations of tire sizes. Many have suspension for off-road and extra comfort.

Roads / $1,200 – $2,000 / 1-3 days a week / 5-10 miles

Adult Trike: Comfort is the key. This bike style lets you ride sitting upright, making mount/dismount easy. It takes all the pressure off your hands. The upright position gives you a great view (visibility to traffic) and balance. They come in different tire sizes to accommodate short and tall riders. Many have suspension or bigger tires for off-road and extra comfort.