What bicycle to choose?
Even a first glance at the bicycle market can leave us perplexed. This is because we have a problem of abundance – types, brands, models, accessories, and thus information that is difficult to figure out. That’s why we will start with four basic categories of bicycles and their uses.
Road bikes
As the name suggests, they are used for riding on roads. Their design aims to achieve the highest possible speeds with the least amount of effort from the user.
What are their characteristics?
- aggressive frame geometry – the cyclist’s position inclined towards the handlebars for reduced air resistance,
- lightweight, rigid frame and low-weight components,
- drop handlebars that allow you to change the position of your hands,
- narrow and smooth tires – minimising rolling resistance.
Where will they perform best?
- road training and racing,
- long-distance tourism,
- everyday rides – including around town.
Limitations
Road bikes are not suitable for riding off paved roads. The narrow handlebars do not provide an adequate level of control over the machine, the rigid frame does not cushion bumps, and the narrow, hard-pumped tires do not have enough grip and can get stuck in the sand. If you want the speed of a road bike, but want to be able to get off the asphalt, you should look at cyclocross bicycles or the recently extremely popular gravel bikes. These bikes offer a more comfortable frame geometry and are equipped with wider tires, so they can handle less demanding terrain, although they are slightly slower than typical road bikes.
Mountain bikes
This type of bike was developed primarily for dynamic off-road riding, away from beaten paths. In fact, XC or MTB bikes are versatile and have robust designs that can handle any conditions.
What are their characteristics?
- wide tires with aggressive tread designed for loose surfaces,
- front fork suspension (hardtail) or full suspension,
- flat, wide handlebars for better bike control on bumps,
- powerful disc brakes.
Where will they perform best?
- off-road riding – marathons, enduro, single track,
- off-road tourism,
- in all conditions – if you remember about their limitations.
Limitations
The road or city street is no challenge for a mountain bike, but it is not its natural environment. Wide, off-road tires increase rolling resistance. The suspension system – while it improves comfort and control of the bike – increases the weight of the equipment and devours some of the energy we devote to propelling it. In short, on the asphalt, you ride harder and slower on the mountain bike.
Hybrid bicycles
Some manufacturers use this term with reference to bicycles equipped with an electric assist drive system. In fact, the term denotes a broad category of all-purpose bikes, combining the advantages of mountain and road bikes. Hybrids are also known as cross or trekking bikes.
What are their characteristics?
- smooth tires – wider than road tires, but narrower than in mountain bikes,
- flat, sometimes with rounded handlebars – for greater user comfort,
- a frame with a more relaxed geometry – a more upright cyclist position,
- gear range between mountain and road bikes,
- some models have a front shock absorber or disc brakes.
Where will they perform best?
- everyday rides – especially around town,
- short- and long-distance tourism,
- family rides on asphalt and lighter terrain,
- in (almost) all conditions – if you remember about their limitations.
Limitations
The possibilities of hybrids end where the specific conditions for which mountain and road bikes were designed begin. The hybrid will not be able to cope with rougher terrain, and on long routes on asphalt, it will not only prove slower than a road bike, but will also tire its user more.
See also Top 8 Cycling Routes in Poland – True Cyclist’s Delights.
City bikes
Any bike can be an efficient city bike – it all depends on the user. But we more often associate the two-wheeled trend in the big city with the timeless style of Dutch bikes rather than with the more contemporary design and technology.
What are their characteristics?
- characteristic, lowered frame with rounded lines – a typical city bike is a “girl’s bike”, although there are also “men’s” versions, with a classically routed top tube of the frame,
- almost fully upright position of the cyclist sitting on the wide saddle,
- wide handlebars curved towards the user’s shoulders,
- single gear or derailleur inside the rear hub,
- a lot of additional equipment as standard – mudguards, carrier, lights, chain guard, etc.
Where will they perform best?
- everyday rides – especially around town,
- short-distance tourism,
- calm rides in the parks.
Limitations
The comfort offered by city bikes is limited only to short distances. On a long route, the upright position on the saddle not only tires the back, but also does not allow you to propel the bike too efficiently. The considerable weight of city bikes, combined with a limited range of gearing, makes them not very fast – especially on climbs. They also don’t do well on loose surfaces.
If you still can’t decide what type of bike to choose, think about where you will actually ride it most of the time. Consider, too, whether you want the bicycle to be a means of occasional active recreation or a machine for regular training or more demanding excursions. This will allow you to narrow down your search to the most appropriate category of equipment.
A good bicycle has to fit
Buying bicycles is like buying shoes (you can read more about it HERE). Even the best models will be of no use if they are too big or too small for us. Therefore, the key issue is to choose the correct size of the bicycle frame. You can do it in several ways.
Leg inseam
The simplest and most commonly recommended way to choose the right frame size is to measure the so-called leg inseam, that is the inner length of the leg from groin to heel. You take the measurement in an upright position, leaning against a wall. You multiply the result by the following ratios:
- mountain bikes on 26 / 27.5'' wheels – x 0.57
- mountain bikes on 29'' wheels – x 0.6
- road and gravel bikes – x 0.66
- hybrids and city bikes – x 0.63.
This will give you an approximate size of the bicycle frame in centimetres. If you need the result in inches, you divide it by 2.54.
Frame size calculator
If you expect more accurate results, it’s worth taking detailed body measurements and using a more sophisticated frame size calculator. At www.wrenchscience.com/ you will find an advanced tool that will calculate the right bicycle frame size for you, as well as the dimensions of the various components on which the optimal position on a particular type of bicycle depends.
Bikefitting
If you want to make sure that your bike is perfectly matched to the dimensions and biomechanical characteristics of your body, you can also take advantage of the professional bikefitting service offered by a growing number of stores and showrooms. As a result, you will get data on the ideal frame size, component selection and alignment, as well as optimal riding position. Unfortunately, bikefitting is still expensive – that’s why it’s most often chosen by professional riders.
Remember: no method of selecting the size of a bicycle frame can replace the fitting of a specific piece and several minutes of test rides. The same is true for the selection and settings of components – seatpost, saddle, handlebar stem. The approximate frame sizes you will get from more or less accurate calculations may vary slightly between bike manufacturers, and the comfort and efficiency of the ride is always related to the individual preferences of the user. It can be said that selecting a frame size always comes down to trial and error.
A good and cheap bicycle – is it possible?
You can spend any amount of money on a bicycle, just like on any other hobby. The basic model of a well-known and liked brand is an expense of about 2.5 thousand zlotys. A high-end machine can cost up to tens of thousands. No matter how much you want to spend on a bicycle, there are some good ideas for a more favourable purchase of that dream model.
Wait a few months
That time may prove to be the difference between a beloved piece of equipment and a bike whose only advantage turns out to be the lower price from a few months ago. If you are able to consistently set aside some money, wait to buy until you have saved enough. Patience may be further rewarded with a price reduction during the post-season sale.
One group lower
If you want to buy a bike based on a particular frame model, but it seems too expensive for the moment – check if the manufacturer has a configuration of the same frame with a lower equipment group. A good quality frame will last a long time, and cheaper components can be gradually replaced with better ones.
A used bike from a reliable source
Buying a second-hand bicycle can be a good choice for the thrifty – provided you are sure of its technical condition and legal origin. Companies that specialise in used and ex-display bicycles, which provide a warranty for the equipment offered, may be of help here. This is a much safer choice than searching on your own – especially online.
Look for bargains
Collection changes, seasonal and post-season sales, ex-display bicycles with zero mileage, discounts on service and accessories offered upon purchase in a brick and mortar store... Bike retailers compete for customers. Take advantage of this to find the best deal for you.
Is it possible to buy a good and cheap bicycle? The answer is yes. Remember, however, that “cheap” is a relative term. On the other hand, you should absolutely avoid bikes that are too cheap to be good. We’re talking primarily about “supermarket” bikes, appearing most often during the Holy Communion season in popular supermarkets, as well as products from completely unknown brands that can be purchased online. Too low a price always means terrible quality of components and assembly, and sometimes even a risk to the user’s health and life. If you want to get any pleasure from cycling, and your budget does not allow you to purchase even a basic model of a reputable brand – it is better to look for used equipment.
And once you’ve found your dream model, learn how to cycle to quickly see the results of your training.
Have a great shopping experience and enjoy the ride!
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References:
1. centrumrowerowe.pl
2. bikeradar.com
3. yellowjersey.co.uk
4. bikeboard.pl
5. antymateria.com