| When I was a kid, my first bicycle was the typical | | | | came across another version of a comfort bike |
| banana seat with training wheels. My next bicycle | | | | which is called a hybrid. The hybrid is a mix between |
| was a 10-speed which I rode around the | | | | mountain bike and comfort bike. This was just my |
| neighborhood not knowing how to actually use the | | | | style as I like having the option of being able to ride |
| gears. When I became an adult I stopped riding all | | | | on other surfaces other than flat concrete. I picked |
| together until a good friend of mine decided we | | | | out my bike and took it for a test ride. It was a |
| should start bike riding to help shed some extra | | | | perfect sized frame and the handles were tall enough |
| weight. I thought it was a great idea as there are | | | | (and adjustable) to where I was not leaning forward |
| bike trails in my neighborhood. | | | | the way I was on a mountain bike. |
| Since I had not rode in years, I didn't realize just how | | | | The only other adjustment I made was to put on a |
| many types of bikes are available. You have | | | | comfort seat as the stock seat was extremely |
| everything from racing bikes to mountain bikes. I | | | | uncomfortable even for short rides. I also like the |
| wanted something that could handle some rough | | | | tires on my hybrid bicycle because they did not have |
| terrain here and there while still allowing me to be | | | | chunky tread the way my previous mountain bike did. |
| comfortable on a long ride. Before I purchased my | | | | You really don't need that type of tread unless you |
| current bike, I was given one by my parents. It was | | | | are doing actual mountain biking. Another great thing |
| a mountain bike that they were given and I figured I | | | | about hybrid bicycles is that you can customize them |
| would be fine using it on the local bike trails. After a | | | | to lean more towards being a mountain bike or being |
| few rides, I realized that a mountain bike was not | | | | a comfort bike. While my hybrid is more about |
| going to cut it. I was constantly leaning forward | | | | comfort, I can still take it out on a mountain bike trail |
| placing all of my weight on my wrists causing pain | | | | and feel fine. I have rode for a couple hours at the |
| after only 20 minutes of riding. It was meant for | | | | most on my hybrid bicycle and had no pain or |
| maneuvering rocky areas and hills, not flat concrete | | | | discomfort after. Now bike riding is a fun part of my |
| bike trails. I quickly realized I would need to invest in | | | | exercise regimen and helps me to maintain a healthy |
| a more comfortable bicycle. | | | | weight. If you want the best of both worlds when it |
| My friend suggested I purchase a comfort bike. She | | | | comes to bike riding, I suggest checking out a hybrid |
| had one and was extremely happy riding it for long | | | | bicycle and customizing it to your taste. |
| periods of time. I went to my local bike shop and | | | | |