| There is something about buying a new bike that | | | | Others have more business-like economy seats. The |
| makes you feel like a kid again. On a shiny brand new | | | | former will provide you with more comfort while |
| bike, the wind feels a little wilder in your hair and you | | | | riding, and may even protect you from saddle sores. |
| feel like your five years old. There's no question that | | | | The latter will make your bike look more streamlined |
| buying a new bike is a rush. The question is, what | | | | and professional, but can be a pain. |
| kind of bike to buy? | | | | Another consideration is to buy a sports bike with a |
| Bicycles come in styles and prices to suit every need | | | | road racing frame and provision for triple cranks. If |
| and virtually every budget. Choosing from the many | | | | you are heavy-set or suffer from knee problems, |
| types of bikes on the market is a personal decision | | | | cranks can be very beneficial in preventing pressure |
| that's basically determined by the type of riding you | | | | from falling on the knees when you are cycling on a |
| want to do. | | | | stiff slope. |
| If you are a serious off-road cyclist, you'll need a | | | | Buying a tandem bike is another possibility, particularly |
| sturdy mountain bike. Distance riders will want a | | | | if you tend to ride with a companion. They are made |
| lightweight model that offers speed and comfort. | | | | for two riders and are more expensive than other |
| Cross-country travelers should opt for touring bikes. | | | | bikes. There are a number of pros, and cons, that |
| Even companion bikes have their place with urban | | | | should be carefully considered before making the |
| riders needing to share the ride with children or | | | | investment in tandem. If you do decide to purchase |
| spouses. | | | | a bicycle built for two, make sure you get a model |
| The choice of types of bikes is yours and yours | | | | that has 700c wheels. |
| alone. Specialized bikes are available to suit those with | | | | Hybrid bikes are great choices for those traveling |
| very particular needs. If you have a bumpy | | | | short distances, going along well-laid cycle paths, or |
| commute, for example, you'll probably want a | | | | who just enjoy a relaxing cruise. Hybrids feature |
| mountain bike. Although usually heavy with a higher | | | | upright seats and handlebars, so they offer optimal |
| rolling resistance, mountain bikes run smoothly along | | | | comfort and really are a pleasure to ride. |
| single tracks, over rocks and along steep mountain | | | | Finally, if you want to really stand out, invest in a |
| trails. | | | | groovy cruiser bike. These can be fitted with a |
| If you shop at the market, run an urban delivery | | | | number of fancy accessories and components, and |
| service or just have a heavy load to bear, you | | | | make for a relaxing ride if you tend to take short |
| should consider choosing a touring bike. These are | | | | journeys. As the name suggests, these bikes are built |
| generally sturdy, comfortable and stable. An added | | | | for 'cruising'. |
| feature of the touring bike is the many forks and | | | | Buying a new bike is a personal decision that needs |
| eyelets that can be used to attach racks and cranks | | | | some careful thought. When you take the time to |
| as storage for all of your non-cycling gear. | | | | choose the right type of bike for your needs, you'll |
| Whatever kind of riding you do, never overlook the | | | | soon have a new set of wheels that will make you |
| importance of a really comfortable seat. Some types | | | | feel carefree and unstoppable. You'll feel just like a |
| of bikes feature ultra-comfortable recumbent seats. | | | | kid again. |