The Right Bike For You

Posted May 6, 2001
1,607

Here's how to find it amid all the types of models - Reader's Choice

MOUNTAIN BIKES

They're being used for everything -- trail riding, off-road racing, commuting, touring, recreational cruising. Though in existence only since the early '80s, mountain bikes are the biggest seller of all 2-wheelers.

Pro: Comfortable upright riding position; shock-absorbent and flat-resistent fat tires; convenient shift and brake levers; strong frame, fork and wheels; low gears; plenty of load-carrying capacity; some have shock-absorbing suspension and low-maintenance, sealed-bearing components.

Con: Upright rider position and wide knobby tires make for slower and tougher pedaling on pavement; usually several pounds heavier than a comparably priced road bike; limited hand positions make long rides tougher.

HYBRIDS

Here's what you get when you combine a road and mountain bike, using the latter's riding position and low gearing, and the former's lighter wheels with narrow tires. Hybrids are also known as "cross" bikes.

Pro: Fine commuting bikes; can handle unpaved roads and smooth trails; good flat resistence thans to thicker, dual-purpose tires; rolls easier on pavement than most mountain bikes; good load-carrying capacity.

Con: Upright riding position catches wind; susually heavier than comparably priced road bike; flat handlebar limits hand positions; less suited for off-road rigors than a mountain bike; slower on pavement than a road bike.

ROAD RACERS

These are cycling's lean thoroughbreds. Their drop handlebar promotes a low, aerodynamic posture for greater speed with less effort, while offering the widest range of hand positions for comfort. The narrower wheels and tires are lighter and more efficient than those found on mountain bikes or hybrids. The gear range, with 2 chainrings instead of 3, is both narrower and higher.

Pro: Lightweight, which aids climbing and handling; thriling ride; ideal bike for fast recreational cycling as well as racing.

Con: Relatively delicate frame and components; skinny tires more susceptible to punctures; fewer hill-leveling low gears; new cyclists may need time to adapt to the riding position.

TOURING/SPORT

These bikes resemble a road racer except for a slightly longer frame and lower gears, achieved with a triple crankset like those on hybrids and mountain bikes. Wheels are relatively light with medium-width tires so the bike rolls efficiently, heped by the advantages of a drp bar. The frame has threaded fittings called eyelets to assist installation of fenders and racks for touring or commuting.

Pro: Good load-carrying capacity; wide gear range; longer wheelbase for softer ride and autopilot steering; light enough for performance riding; some accessories may be included.

Con: Some models come with a flat handlebar not conducive to long rides; handling not as snappy as that of a road racer.

CITY/CRUISERS

More common in Europe than here, this bike is designed to make urban or neighborhood transportation convenient. It provides a comfortable upright riding position like a hybrid, often using a wide, upswept handlebar. It may have low-maintenance features such as a drivetrain with gears built into the rear huyb, a chainguard, and fenders. Lights, racks, and a kickstand may be included. Pedals are usually rubber without clips and straps.

Pro: Medium-wide tires are flate resistance; good load-carrying capacity; fenders and chainguard keep you cleaner in wet weather; long wheelbase provides soft ride; internal gears can be shifted while you're stopped.

Con: The many helpful features add weight, making climbing more difficult; upright riding position and wide tires reduce speed.

RECUMBENTS

Names for their reclined rider position, recumbents are more popular than ever thanks to lower prices and greater publicity about their benefits.

Pro: No strain on hands, butt, neck or shoulders because you're pedaling in laid-back, chair-like comfort; full back support; fun, go-cart feel; convenient controls' the fastest type bike on descents and in flat terrain (even faster when enclosed in a fairing, an option on some models).

Con: Takes practice to master; most are heavier and slower on climbs than conventional bikes; some are tricky to transport.

TANDEMS

Like mountain bikes, this category is growing, thanks to lower prices and more companies producing models. Tandems are the great equializer--the perfect way to keep 2 riders of different abilities together, such as a husband and wife or parent and child. They also let 2 equally matched cyclists see what their combined horsepower can do. Tandems come in road, mountain, or recumbent versions.

Pro: Generally faster than a single bike; great stability at speed; promotes conversation, helping long distances pass quickly; the rider in back (stoker) can read maps, listen to a personal stereo, make lunch, etc.

Con: Takes practice for the riders to become coordinated; stoker is susceptible to unexpected impacts transmitted through the rear wheel; difficult to transport; hard on equipment, particularly wheels; slower on climbs; mountain tandems work great on fire trails but are limited to singletrack.

Jim Langley