Each Biker's Guide
When a newbie visits a sports store, bikes are lined up for show, with tags saying, "Buy me, buy me!" So, newbie approaches and the next thing he knew, he’s riding the coolest-looking bicycle that caught his eye. Then he heads for the counter, buys it, tries it out on a rough terrain only to bring it home on his back. So his newly purchased bike rests in his garage, it no longer strikes his fancy and is now eating dust. Sad story, but it happens. People who are buying a bike for the first time often commit the same mistake. Don’t let it happen to you. Learn the basics of buying bicycles and the next thing you know, you'll be cycling with the best bike you’ll ever have. So how do you get the right bike? Ask yourself what kind of bike you want. In the bicycle kingdom, there are four kinds of bikes to choose from. The bike you choose depends on what type of riding you want to do. If you see yourself riding bikes like those you see in Tour de France, a Road Bike is what you are looking for. Road bikes have lighter frame and skinny tires, which is ideal for city riding. The position of the rider is lower and bent over the handlebars compared to mountain bikes, which position the rider higher. Road bikes, also has two kinds: Race bikes and Touring Bikes. Touring bikes , compared to Race bikes are often equipped with low gears to cope with carrying extra weight, while race bikes are equipped with more gears for smoother and faster acceleration. The position of the rider on a race bike is slightly more stretched. The frame of the bike is stiffer and lighter so the maximum amount of power is transferred to the wheels. Generally, road bikes come with either a double or a triple chain ring. Race bikes usually have double chain rings for faster, lighter cycling, but if you are looking at a harder, more challenging cycling program, then you can opt for a triple chain. This allows you a wider range of gears enough for high climbs. Mountain Bikes are designed to rule towpaths, bridle ways, muddy terrain and even big rock descents because of their superb ability to absorb shocks when riding. Thanks to their tough suspension, mountain bikes can take on almost kind of off-road surfaces they roll on with their wide tires and stout frame. Suspension has two kinds: front suspension and full suspension. These semi-looking forks help aid traction and gives you control on the bike. Mountain bikes can't go as fast as road bikes, but they are far tougher and offer a more comfortable riding position when compared to than road bikes. Mountain bikes lets you sit higher and more upright, making it a good choice for people who have back problems and doesn't like being hunched over when on a road bike. Hybrid Bikes is a road bike and a mountain bikes rolled into one. Offering the best features of both bikes, it is often the best choice for city bikers opting for a more durable and comfortable bike. To start, like a mountain bike, it offers an upright seat and handlebar position that most riders favor and suspension designed to absorb shock and vibration. But like a road bike, it can go faster and has skinny and smooth tires. This makes the hybrid bike more ideal for city riding with the occasional off-road trip. For a Folding Bike, less is more. A folding bike enables you to literally fold the bike after using it. This makes it easier to stow away in limited space, or to transport it to your favorite biking trail. Even though a folding bike doesn't have enough suspension for rough terrains or it can’t go as fast as racing bikes, it is still considered a good buy, especially for people who tend to travel a lot or have limited storage space. Furthermore, among all the bikes, the folding bike is specifically designed for comfort. It offers cycling position and experience, minus the hassle of keeping it as it can be stored behind the door or even perhaps under your desk at work. Buying your bike The best way to get a decent bike without forking out a huge amount of money is to determine the type of bike you want and try it. Asking bike enthusiasts can also help you but remember that it could be biased as they already have a favored brand and what they are using may not suit you. So it is still better to know the type of riding that you want to do, test drive it and get the one that you can afford to buy. At Toby’s, we can help you find the bike that you want. From hip yet affordable hybrid bikes to stylish folding bikes, expect to leave Toby’s riding the bike that will probably give you the ride of your life.
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