SiamWEB Sports Corner: Bike Primer Guide Chapter#1
Chapter 1: Which bike should I ride?
"Like anyone who wants to do things right, a cyclist needs good gear. This start with choosing a bike that suits the riding conditions you'll experience most often. Just as important, the bike must fit you like your favorite pair of jeans. When this happens, cycling becomes more comfortable, efficient, and fun."
Jim Langley "New Cyclist"
If you interest in biking enough to click on this page, problably you will interest to get a bike but don't know which bike you should bye. Last few years ago, mountain bikes became poppular all around the world. Should you become a moutain bike rider or stick on to a classical aerodynamic position in road racing frame? The following considerations might be able to help you out.
Ask yourself why you want to bike. Are you gonna go get dirt in back country trail, commute to work, win some races, weekend touring or daily exercise riding?? Once you know, let's give it a try. It could be your friend's bike, or local bike shop if they offer test rides. All 3 main types-road, hybrid and mountain, should be experienced.
Get a life. Think about reality if there is any trials out there waiting for your discovery, safe bike lane for commuting, well paved road ready to blass. You will enjoy more if you can take advantage of your area's best opportunities.
Looking back to yourself and tendencies. Do you imagine yourself winning a race? You love the lastest technology. You will forever thinking about upgrade anything you buy. If yes, you'd better get a high-end model, top-of-the-line model whatsoever. Or if you don't even know what it call on your bike until you need to replace it since it doesn't work anymore. I'd reccommend you safe you budget and get the basic one.
If you can answer all these considerations RIDER'S CHOICE will help you to pin point the right model just for you.
Something in between mountain and road bike.
PRO: Fine commuting bike; can handle unpaved roads and smooth trails; good flat resistant tires; roll easier on pavement than most mountain bikes; good load-carrying capacity.
CON: Usually heavier than comparably priced road bike; less suited for off-road rigors than mountain bike; slower on pavement than road bike.
These are the fastest among the other types. Their drop handlebar set the rider in a low, aerodynamic position. The narrow wheels and tires are lighter and more effient than those found on hybrids or mountain bikes.
PRO: Lightweight, ideal for one who like the speed. A must for racing typed of people.
CON: Skinny tires more susceptible to punctures, new cyclist may need time to adapt to the riding position. High gear which is may cost problem in hill climbing.
Same with road racer but has a stronger frame and lower gear. A little bit wider tires which are relatively light. Normaly have lower gear, achieved with 3 chainring found in mountain bikes and hybrids. Contain eyelets to assist installation of fenders and racks for touring or commuting needed.
PRO: Good load-carrying capacity; wide gear range; longer wheel base for softer riding; light enough for performance riding.
CON: Some medel come with flat handlebar which is not reccommend for this purpose.
Easily found all around the world. It provides comfortable upright riding position. No such a complicate equipment, easy to maintenance. Chainguard, fenders, light, racks and quickstand are usually equiped with the bike. Design mainly to help tranportation in neighborhood.
PRO: Medium-wide tires less likely to get punctures. All the needed equipments equiped, no need to spend even more money. Fenders, chainguard keep you clean in wet condition. Some models have internal gear drive.
CON: Heavy wight, climbing is more difficult. Upright position and wide tires reduce speed.
Tandems come in road, mountain or even city version. Great for 2 riders have different ability to go together like husband and wife or parent and child.
PRO: Generally faster than one person ride; helping the riding experience more enjoyable; person in back can read the map, making lunch.
CON: Need practice to become coordinated; big and difficult to transport; slower on climbs.
