These days, we all generally linger on all the available options whenever we go to buy anything because of the influx of variety and more advancement of technology. If you wish to purchase the best suited bicycle for yourself then below is a guide on how to choose the perfect bike:

Size Of The Bicycle As Per The Height

Different sizes of the bicycles are available as per the height of the individual rider. For example if the height is between 5’3″ and 5’6″, the bicycle frame size of 51 to 53 cm would be a perfect size for you. However, if your height is between 5’6″ and 5’9″, then the frame size of 54 to 55 cm of a bicycle would be suitable for you.

How To Calculate The Right Height Of The Bicycle

As per the bicycle height, the right size of the bike could be calculated in easier way. Stand straight on your feet and then open your legs between 6 to 8 inches wide. Then calculate the height, which will give you the right size of the bicycle that we should require.

Availability Of Various Kinds Of Bicycles

There are many bicycles available on the market as per the choice and requirement of the rider:

1. Choose a mountain bicycle if you like to ride in bumps and dirt.
2. Choose a road or touring bicycle if you like to go for long rides on flat roads.
3. Choose hybrid bicycle if you like to go for smooth rides.

How To Choose The Best Bike

There are so many varieties and choices available on the market so it becomes normal to feel confused when you try to decide on the best bicycle. If you are trying to buy a bicycle with a group of friends then you might end up buying the same bike type that your friend has chosen instead of the suitable one for yourself. If they are on the mountain bicycles then you may not fall along the road bike even if that’s what you need. So go alone and choose wisely without giving in to any pressures.

Types Of Bikes

There are many kinds of bicycles available these days

Road Bicycles

Road bicycles are made to ride fast on the pavements and roads. They have thin tires and dropped gears to keep the grip on the road. These bicycles can be used for road racing. These bicycles are lighter and are not capable of lifting heavy loads. They can be ridden on pavements but some may feel uncomfortable or consumed by the fear to get slipped.

Cyclo-Cross Bicycles

These bikes are designed to be ridden on mix surfaces like roads, pavements, grass trails etc. They are also known as cross bicycles or cx bikes. They have dropped handles like regular bicycles but have wider tires in order to give you more grip even on mud surfaces and also contain different kinds of breaks.

Touring Bicycles

These are another kind of road bicycles which can also be ridden on roads but are more durable to ride on long distances. They have mounted racks for cargo. Their seats are designed to make you feel comfortable on longer distances. They have longer gear range as compared to regular bicycles. These gears are also designed in such a way that the rider can carry heavy loads on steeps and slops during long rides. They can be used as commuter bicycles since they can easily carry heavy loads for long distances.

Adventure Road Bicycles

These bicycles are the newest type of bikes. They are the advanced category of road bicycles. They are quite similar to the cross bicycles but have wider tires and have dropped handles. The frame geometry of these is longer and upright as compared to cross bicycles. However, these bikes are more suitable for long distance drives, for carrying load, light touring and commuting.

Triathlone/Time Trial Bicycles

These are the road bicycles with special kind of design that maximizes their simple and smooth characteristics. The breaks are dropped as compared to other bicycles which allow slouching of the body against heavy wind. These bicycles usually have a staggered start therefore, are not good for the races.

Fitness Bicycles

These are also like road bikes but have light weight frames and narrow tires with upright handle bar. These bicycles can be ridden efficiently on pavements. These are the bicycles designed for high performance with light weight of bikes.

Endurance Bicycles

These bicycles have many of the performance features like racing bikes, but with frame geometry, these ones offer more comfortable riding position. They usually have taller head tubes, slacker (lower) angles and sloping top tubes meant to reduce stress on your back and neck. They also often feature clearance for larger width of tires for adaptability and a softer one for more of a comfortable ride. Some endurance bikes have flat handlebars for those who desire a more heads-up riding style.

Fat Bicycles

These bicycles have oversized tires, 3.7’ to 5+ wide, which are ideal to ride in sand and snow. These bikes are even good at riding on rough surfaces without any uneasiness.

Cruiser Bicycles

These bicycles have distinct features build for leisurely ride around town. They are slightly wider than the pavement bikes and have comfortable seats and relaxed backs.

Electric Bicycles

These bicycles have the electric battery motor that helps to climb hills and mountains. In-built sensors can monitor how much pressure we are putting on paddles and then it automatically applies battery power to handle extra pressure.

Folding Bicycles

These bikes can be folded and put into bags, meaning they are extremely handy for commuters with limited storage space at home and work. These are light weight but strong and can be folded easily.

Kids Bicycles

From training wheels till teen size versions, children bicycles are measured by wheel size and not by the frame size. The most common wheel types are 16, 20 and 24 inches. The right size of the bicycle for children is where they can sit comfortably on the bike and can stand with feet on the ground.

Women Bicycles

These bicycles have frame, handlebars and saddles that are tailored to better fit the typical female body proportion. For instance, the top frame lengths on women’s bikes are generally about 1 to 3 cm shorter than men’s bikes.

Basic Features Of The Bicycles

Gears

Today’s bicycles commonly come with 18, 21, 24 or even 27 gears. To keep it simple, the most important thing to consider is your fitness level and the surface you will be riding on. If you will be riding on lot of hills and you find climbing tough, then you will opt to adjust in more gears. If you are a strong cyclist or you only ride flat surfaces then you won’t need as many low gears to power up a hill and can easily get away with fewer gears, which will keep your bicycle light. Some hybrid bikes have only one speed, and are named as single-speed bicycles. These bicycles have a freewheel apparatus in the rear hub that allows you to ride freely just like you would on a standard bike with multiple gears.

Wheel Size

• 700c: This is a standard size wheel found in almost every road and hybrid bicycle. It is not a matter to worry about wheel sizes on a road bicycle unless you are smaller in stature and have had trouble finding the right fit of a bicycle for yourself.
• 650c: A handful of road bikes are designed for smaller 650c wheels. If you are shorter than about 5 ft. 4 inches and have had trouble finding the right fit on a road bicycle with 700c wheels then you must try this bicycle with 650c wheels.
• 29ers: These bicycles feature 29 inches wheels that are a little slower to accelerate, but once you start moving then you can overcome considerably more terrain far easier than on a bike with 26 inches wheels. They are more efficient for longer rides and have wheel rolls that can grip the road even on uneven surfaces.
• 24 inch: Many kids’ bicycles have 24 inches wheels to accommodate the shorter legs of children. Generally speaking, these are more appropriate fit for the kids with the ages of 10 to 13 years old. This may also depend more on the size and build of the child than his age.
• 20 inch: This wheel size is found in some BMX and folding bicycles and is also common on kids’ bicycles.
• 16 and 12 inches: These wheel sizes are found on bicycles for young kids. 16 inches wheels are often accompanied by training wheels and 12 inches are for young built of the children.

Conclusion

No matter what kind of bicycle you choose, make sure it fits you and you are comfortable while riding on it. Bikes are available in a vast variety and this influx comprise of various features and styles. It is also advisable to have a test ride before selecting any bicycle. The makers and the sellers of these bicycles can also be a good help and may advise you on the perfect size for you.