Choosing a bike for most is not an easy task, despite the fact that we mastered this type of transport in childhood. How to choose a bike that is right for you? 
Today, an incredible number of all kinds of bike models are on the market. They come in extended and standard functionality, are created from different materials, differ in price, quality, convenience, etc. In this article we will try to tell you how to choose the right bike, so as not to miscalculate.
Where to begin?
So, before choosing a bike, you should decide when and in what conditions you will use it. Remember: you need to choose a bike based on the conditions of its use, and also taking into account the height, gender and age of the motorist.
All models are grouped according to their purpose.
- Road (city) bicycles - for walking on paved roads for short distances.
- Mountain - models for off-road driving.
- Road bikes - for lovers of rides on a straight road and at high speed.
- BMX bikes for fans of extreme stunts.
- Bicycles for tourism, combining the advantages of highway and mountain, due to which they are also called hybrid.
In addition, bicycles are subdivided according to the age criterion:
- teenage;
- adults (female and male);
- children’s.
Beginners, extreme sportsmen and advanced amateurs also choose different models, due to the difference in the intensity of use of this vehicle.
The next criterion on how to choose a bicycle is the growth of the cyclist, since the dimensions of the frame and wheels of the model must correspond to these parameters of the owner.
Bike brand
Now we find out what brand of bike to choose. It’s better not to dwell on all brands - their incredible choice. It will be more competent to compare the most bought brands and choose the appropriate model from them. Now the most popular bike manufacturers are Author, Trek and Stels. We will give them brief characteristics in order to find out how to choose a bike and what is best for you.
Bicycles Author
These Czech models are represented by a wide range. Among them there are hybrid, road and mountain bikes, but choosing a bike is a matter of your personal preferences. Author appeared in 1993. Since then, it has only taken a leading position in the sale of bicycles worldwide.
Each bike is assembled and designed in the Czech Republic, it has the best quality and excellent design. The cost of these bikes is acceptable. They have been participating in various cycling competitions for several years, while winning awards.
Trek Bicycles
Not everyone knows which company bike to choose. It is worth paying special attention to this manufacturer. With this brand, bikes began to be produced since 1976. Trek has a rather interesting history of development, with ups and downs. At the moment, the company is one of the leaders in mountain bike manufacturing. The company makes a reference to manufacturability and environmental friendliness of production, improving its designs and introducing modern technologies.
Bicycle models are presented in several categories and ranges - there are mountain, city bikes, universal models, road racers, SUVs and bicycles for women.
Bicycles Stels
These models of the Russian manufacturer are of good quality and moderate cost.The company appeared 20 years ago, while it has already managed to earn the priority of the consumer for excellent quality. Moreover, if you do not know which bike is better to choose, then you need to consider that the new Stels bikes have a modern design and enhanced functionality.
The lineup is represented by different lines, among which there are sports, classic, folding, women's and children's bicycles. The company relies on the ratio of quality, value and functionality of bicycles, which makes this brand one of the most popular in our country.
Country of manufacture
Everyone knows that the largest manufacturers of consumer electronics collect their goods in Asia. It should be noted that bicycle companies are not far behind them. Most European and American manufacturers, including Scott USA, Specialized, Shwinn, Marin, Trek, GT, etc., make their bikes in foreign factories, namely Chinese and Taiwanese. Therefore, if the price of the bike is less than $ 1200, consider whether it makes sense to pay that kind of money for the sticker located on the frame, since they were created in Asia. This is especially true for mountain budget bikes for up to $ 300.
SUVs
If you want to ride over rough terrain, then most likely you will be interested in which bike is better to choose. You can easily overcome narrow paths in the forest, mountain routes, urban broken roads with high curbs and cracks in the asphalt.
Models of this type are suitable for driving on highways for short distances, while being inferior on a flat surface in speed to hybrid, highway and mountain bikes. We will talk about how to choose a mountain bike below.
The small diameter of the wheel is a characteristic feature of these models. Most of them have a wheel diameter of 26 inches, and this greatly facilitates cross-country driving. Do not purchase a mountain bike with a wheel diameter of less than 26 inches, as this will reduce bike cross-country ability. At the same time, the width of its wheel should be at least two inches.
Take a closer look at the rigid model if you need a vehicle for riding in a park, on a picnic, as well as on poor quality asphalt city roads, and you don’t know which bike to choose. These bikes do not have shock absorbers, so they are able to maintain low weight.
But Hardtail mountain bikes have a front wheel shock absorber, which allows you to ride with great comfort on rough terrain. This model is also suitable for you if you often have to overcome routes with a huge number of ascents and descents. Although you can ride them quite comfortably also over long distances on a flat highway, since these bikes develop a high speed.
If you want to make trips with steep ascents and descents, as well as jumping over various obstacles, then a mountain double-suspension bike will help you master any route. Models of this type on two wheels have shock absorbers, which provides the traveler with convenience when traveling on rough roads.
On a bike ride
Want to go camping or bike ride, but don’t know how to choose the right bike? Get travel or highway models. Road racers make it possible to develop maximum speed on a flat road due to the huge wheel diameter, light weight and narrow tires. These bicycles are classified as rigid, therefore, they are not suitable for trips in difficult terrain.
On road bikes, the weight depends on the material of manufacture. The frames of light models are made of carbon fiber, which has high strength with a small weight. At the same time, you need to know how to choose the size of the bicycle frame - it depends on the purpose of its acquisition, which we will discuss below. The high price of this material remains its only significant drawback.
Going on a journey through difficult terrain for riding, pay attention to hybrid (tourist) bicycles, combining the advantages of road and mountain models. They usually have a larger wheel diameter.
These bikes are well suited for walking and sports riding in the city. The main number of fans who do not plan to use the bike in extreme conditions, will appreciate the versatility of these models. We hope we have helped you learn how to choose a road bike.
Bmx
Street racing, bike dancing, stunts and other areas of cycling are all BMX, which stands for Bicycle Moto eXtreme. If you consider yourself extreme bike extremals and want to purchase a model for performing tricks, then you will need a special bike design. You need to know that the BMX skiing discipline includes different styles. Flatland, freestyle (dert and vert) are the main ones.
- Flatland riding involves performing complex tricks on a completely flat surface. This style is also called cycling.
- BMX-racing or racing is a competition in the passage of a track that has obstacles in the form of uneven sections and jumps.
- Dert and Vert are the most popular freestyle destinations. Werth suggests that the stunts will be performed in a ramp, while the dert assumes air tricks and jumps on a dirt platform.
Double-hinged mountain bikes are suitable for some BMX competitions. These models are used in derth, as well as in jumps with stunts in the air. Shock absorbers located on two wheels significantly mitigate impacts when driving on rough roads and landing after a jump.
Get a BMX bike with small wheels and a low frame if you want to learn bike dances and all kinds of freestyle trends. Models of this type have a limited scope, therefore, they are not suitable for traveling long distances and for everyday driving.
Flatland bicycles should have a small frame, which provides excellent maneuverability. They have a high strength design, while being made of the lightest materials.
Tricycle for adults
This is an ideal alternative for anyone who does not dare to ride a two-wheeled bicycle. Perhaps you want to ride, but after various unsuccessful attempts by children (bruises, frequent falls), you still do not dare to ride an iron horse. In this case, it will be useful for you to find out that a series of three-wheeled bicycle models has been specially created for you. This bike has already gained recognition in different countries of the world.
He was able to fall in love with many due to ease of use and its unique design. Tricycle for adults is ideal for trips on city roads, parks and flat terrain. At the back, he has the opportunity to arrange a large trunk for comfortable transportation of goods.
A tricycle is more reliable and practical than its two-wheeled counterpart. Do not forget that walking on it is better than useless rolling on the couch from side to side. The bike has huge benefits - it strengthens the musculoskeletal system, develops calf muscles, and also has beneficial effects on blood vessels.
All the best for women!
Such a thing as a “women's bicycle” appeared at a time when true ladies were supposed to wear only a dress or skirt. Models of this type have a special frame design - it is lower in them than in the "male" ones, while their chain is protected from clothing by a special mesh and a special casing. A distinguishing feature of women's bikes is their sophisticated design. Now let's talk about how to choose a bike for an adult a man of the weaker sex.
It should be noted that female models are not as durable as male models due to changes in their usual frame design.Of course, if a lady plans to just ride on a flat terrain, it does not really matter. But this moment needs to be taken into account if a woman prefers high speed and extreme riding, then the question of how to choose a bicycle for a girl becomes more extensive.
At the moment, bicycles for women of 3 designs are being created:
- two pipes that are parallel to each other;
- instead of a frame, one pipe;
- beveled triangle (here the frame is below normal).
In this case, the last option is the most durable and modern.
At the moment, women are happy to wear sportswear that is comfortable for riding extreme and versatile bicycles. Consequently, manufacturers give purely "ladies" features only hybrid touring bikes.
This is a great option if you want to use it for quiet city walks and short-distance trips.
... or children?
So how to choose a bike for a child?
- A tricycle will become a favorite means of transportation for a 2-3 year old baby. How to choose its height? Make sure that the baby easily got to the ground with his feet, while not getting up from his seat.
- A child of 1-2 years old will be happy to ride a 3-wheeled bicycle with a special handle. It will allow you to easily control any movement of the baby on the bike, in addition, it will make it possible to continue moving in the necessary direction if the young cyclist gets tired of pedaling independently. Pay attention also to the seat - it should be with a backrest, on which the baby can lean during riding.
- A bicycle with two wheels and supporting small wheels (also called a 4-wheel) will teach a child aged 4-6 years while riding to maintain balance. The wheel diameter of such models is mainly 12-16 inches, which is very convenient for those who do not know how to choose the size of the bike. This makes it possible to choose a model of the required dimensions, which is convenient for different height of the baby.
- Pay close attention to the characteristics and weight of teenage bicycles. They are needed for trips on a flat city road, in addition, if there is a shock absorber on the front wheel, they can comfortably move over rough terrain. The diameter of the wheel is 24-26 inches, the increased strength of the frame and the front shock absorber are the main characteristics of bicycles for this age group. The purchase of two-hanging heavy models is inappropriate for adolescents - it is expensive, unsafe and uncomfortable. Double-suspension bikes are ideal for experienced cyclists to travel on high difficulty roads, but is your teenager ready for such trips? In addition, bicycles of this type lose the road in speed on a straight surface due to the high mass.
- A child of 7-12 years old can already ride a bicycle for a long time and travel long distances with his parents, so you should pay special attention to how to choose a bicycle for a child of this age group. Such models have the characteristics of a real road - up to 20 inches, increased wheel diameter, lightweight and durable construction. Children's bicycles should have a foot brake, as a child under 8-9 years old cannot use the hand brake effectively yet. Models for babies 9-12 years old should also have a hand brake. Thus, you will provide the little lover with comfort if you purchase a children's bike with the possibility of changing the height of the steering wheel and saddle. Regulation of the level of the steering wheel is considered another serious property of children's models, which ensures the maintenance of the child's necessary posture.
How to choose a bike by height
Here the choice comes down to identifying its frame size (size) for its own parameters. It is important to understand what size is right for you.We will now determine how to choose a bike by height.
The size is the size of the bike frame. Here the classification is by size, category, as well as legend. This is the main parameter for the main number of bicycles, while its size is directly related to growth. The bike’s geometry changes in all directions in direct proportion, so everything is characterized by size alone. It should be borne in mind that while sitting on the seat, keeping your foot on the lower pedal should be straightened, but confidently standing. This indicates the ideal size for you.
We select attachments
Evaluation of the operational properties of the transmission, as well as the brake system, will help you choose a bike that fully meets your needs. For example, a transmission converts the efforts of a bike enthusiast into the energy of rotation of each wheel.
At the same time, Shimano is considered the most famous transmission manufacturer, and SRAM is considered its closest competitor. These organizations combine their products into groups according to their consumer qualities.
If you only start traveling on your iron horse, but do not plan to use it in extreme mode yet, select Shimano transmission equipment from Altus, Acera and Torney groups (corresponds to X-3 SRAM and X-1 groups). And with the active use of the bicycle, equipment from the Deore and Alivio groups (X-5 and X-4) will be useful to you. Pay attention to the Deore LX, Deore XT, Saint and XTR transmissions (X-9, X-7, XX) in case you want to use your bike to participate in extreme travel and professional competitions.
The majority of modern models allow the motorist to switch speeds, which depends on the conditions that exist on the road. In this case, switching is carried out with the help of shifters (shifters), which, through a special drive, transfer the chain to the required star.
Gears are shifted by pedaling while moving up, which allows you to choose the optimal mode of movement over rough terrain and on a flat road to develop maximum speed. Mountain, tourist and road bikes basically have 2 shifters - rear and front. Walking city bikes are often equipped with only one switch.
At the same time, shifters are grouped into 3 main groups, which depends on the control method — a gripshift (re-shift), “dual-control” and trigger switches. Choose the revos shift switches in case you consider yourself to be just a beginner amateur. When turning the steering wheel around their own axis, they shift gears. Due to the simplicity of control, you can quickly learn how to switch the speed switch with a revoswitch switch.
Trigger shifters have 2 levers, with one of them necessary to reduce transmission, and the other to increase. Choose a trigger shifter if you often ride on rough terrain, while using a bicycle in various extreme conditions, since this type of shifter makes it possible to switch speed with the touch of a finger. Young travelers may experience various difficulties when using trigger shifters, since they must always think which lever to press to turn on the necessary speed.
The combination of a speed switch with a brake handle is the main property of dual-control shifters. You need to know that this type of shifter was created specifically for road bikes with the shape of a “ram’s horn” steering wheel. At the moment, this type of switch is used in mountain models, but in usability it is inferior to trigger shifters. The dual-control handle performs braking when it is shifted to the steering wheel. But if you move the handle down or up, you can shift the gear.
What you need to know to adequately assess the performance of the brake system of the bike? The rim brake will suit you most of the time if you are not using the bike in extreme environments. Pick up a rim system of the vector type of braking, acquiring a model for traveling on rough routes. For teenage and children's bikes, drum-type brakes are well suited, as braking is provided by turning the pedals in the opposite direction. Get a model with brakes of the so-called disk type in case you want to use it in difficult conditions.
In general, when buying a bike, you first need to determine for what purpose you are buying it (for city driving, country walks, for performing various extreme stunts, etc.). Remember that the bike that you liked should be fully consistent with your physique, height, weight. You need a bike that is not too heavy for you. Find attachments that fit your bike model.
Accessories when buying a bike
The following accessories should be purchased:
- Wings. Useful accessory for trips in rainy weather.
- A set of hexagons, which is needed to tighten the screws, install horns / wings / trunk, adjust brakes, etc.
- Pump, patch kit and spare chamber. Pumps come with a pressure gauge, which is very useful, as beginners quite often get out of the habit of a tire.
- Bicycle computer - speedometer or odometer. The presence of this device has a positive effect on riding activity.
- A small bag for folding small things. You can select triangles that are hung on the frame. But seatposts are not very convenient.
- Bottle and holder for her.
- A special bicycle backpack or trunk for folding clothes and food when riding long distances. The trunk is desirable to take with thick rods, of the sold - the most durable. If you ride without a trunk, you will have to buy a backpack. Better - with a “bent” special back. They are made by Salewa, Deuter, Tatonka.
- Front and rear lights for evening travel. It is advisable to buy a taillight combined with a reflector. The front light can be either halogen or LED.
We hope that the article will help you to choose the model you need that will fully meet your needs and provide you with the joy of playing sports or cycling.