Choosing a Bike

The first step in becoming a bicycle commuter is picking the right bike for you. There are several factors that will be important for your decision.

 

Should you buy a bike or keep your current bike?

 

Can you keep your current bike?

 

• Does your bike fit you or can you adjust it easily?

• Will the cost be reasonable to fix it if you need to?

• Does it fit all your commuting and biking needs?

• If yes to those you should keep your bike! It's perfect!

 

Should you buy a new bike?

 

• Your current bike is uncomfortable and hard to adjust?

• Fixing your current bike will cost more than $100?

• You have the money to spend on a good bike, but you just don't have one.

• If yes, buy a new bike!

 

Should you buy a used bike?

 

• You don't own a usable bike?

• You haven't ridden in a while and you won't ride too often?

• You want to spend less than $100?

• If yes, you should buy a used bike. However, keep in mind that if you want to use your bike to commute it may be better to spend a little more on a bike that will last you longer.

 

What type of bike is best for you?

There are several bike types, and you should choose the type that fits your biking style. Your bicycle commuting route will also be important for your choice.

 

Mountain bike

 

• Advantages

  • Strong, easy to control, can be taken off-road.

• Disadvantages

  • Are designed for off-road biking, don't have accessories to help with city riding such as mud guards or a wide saddle.

 

Road-racing bike

 

• Advantages

  • Very fast!

• Disadvantages

  • They have thin wheels that are susceptible to punctures or buckling if ridden over a pothole.

 

Hybrid

 

• Advantages

  • Fully equipped hybrids are perfect for the average rider

• Disadvantages

  • Not as fast as road racing bikes or as tough as a mountain bike.

 

Roadster or city bike

 

• Advantages

  • The upright posture is comfortable and makes it easy to see. They are fully equipped with many of the accessories you will need. They are often very light. The gears these bikes are equipped with are good for most cities and easy to maintain.

• Disadvantages

  • Can be heavy and slower than other bike designs

 

Folding and Compact Bikes

 

• Advantages

  • They fit easily on public transportation. This can be very helpful if you bike for part of your commute and use a bus or train for a portion.

• Disadvantages

  • They are less comfortable and slower than other bikes. They also cost more than standard bikes with the same equipment.

 

Cruiser

 

• Advantages

  • Look stylish and feel comfortable over short distances

• Disadvantages

  • The wide handlebars can cause problems in heavy traffic. They are often heavy and slow.

 

Comfort Bike

 

• Advantages

  • Very comfortable and easy to ride. Can be used for a commute and for leisure riding.

• Disadvantages

  • Slower than a hybrid bicycle and don't come equipped with mudguards or a luggage rack.