Well, the question you should ask yourself is, "What kind of riding do I want to do?" or “What do I want to accomplish with this bike?” We see a lot of people who tell us “I just want to pedal around the neighborhood.”  The bicycle industry just completed a study of 161 million American who don’t currently ride.  While most of them admitted that they really enjoyed riding as a child, they haven’t ridden since.

The prospect of riding is appealing but, they are worried about the quality of a “big box store” bicycle and intimidated by the prospect of going into a “real” bicycle store.  Many people picture a bicycle shop being filled with people who look and dress like Lance Armstrong.  At our store, “that is far from the case”.

Ask yourself these questions:

Will I ride my bicycle on paved roads, or on unpaved trails?
If you plan on doing off-road riding, get a mountain bike! A mountain bike will let you maneuver your bike along that back road, through sand and mud, or over rocks.  On the paved road they can be heavy, noisy, and slow.

Do I have a dream of touring cross country?
If the answer is yes, get a touring bike.  If you intend to own only one good bike a touring bicycle might be an excellent choice.  They are strong, comfortable and easy to ride around the block or across the country. Touring bikes come with a wider range of gears to accommodate varying riding conditions.

Would I rather sit in a comfy chair or on a skinny bicycle seat?
If you opted for the comfy chair, a recumbent might be in your future.  I’m sure you’ve seen one, and they are as comfortable as they look.  Recumbent riders don't get sore butts or backs like the rest of us. Recumbents are just as fast as road bikes, they just don’t climb hills as well.  You will be amazed when you sit on one.

Do I want to join a bicycle club and fit in?
You might want to consider a relaxed road bike -- a road frame with a more comfortable seat, and relaxed riding position. These enhancements make the ride less physically demanding.  The wide range of gears let you customize the pedaling effort to your comfort zone, are good for those cyclists with bad knees and the relaxed position makes your ride more comfortable as you stretch the distance you ride.

Do I want to ride with a partner?
Try a tandem.  A tandem will let any couple stay together on a ride.   Best of all, nothing goes faster than a good road tandem! There are tandems built in road, recumbent, or cruiser styles so you have choices even here.

Will I primarily take leisurely rides on paved streets or bicycle paths?
If you just want to relax on short rides at a comfortable pace, you might want a hybrid. They compromise between the road bike and the mountain bike.  They offer a comfortable upright riding position, with faster, easier rolling tires, springs on the front and in the seat post iron out many of the shocks on bumpy street. 

Do I just want to ride in my neighborhood for a little exercise?
There is a new style bike on the market.  It’s called a coasting, pedal forward or a flat foot bike.  Coasting comes from that great feeling you get after you have pedaled for a while; then you get to coast!  You won’t find these in the “big box stores” so plan to visit your neighborhood Bicycle Store.  Ask for a “flat foot” or a “coaster bike”. These bikes allow you to stay on the seat and still putting your feet on the ground.  You will get to sit up-right, with your hands at a comfortable position.  This style bike comes with either single speed, “simple to use” gears, or even automatic shifting.

No matter where or how you ride!

Bicycle riding is a safe activity, actually safer than most sports.  To increase your safety on the road: “Ride your bicycle like driving a car.”  Obey all traffic laws and wear a helmet.   

Bicycling is a fun and safe activity to be enjoyed by the child in you.

 

Thank a Bicyclist for Saving Gas for You!  Burn Calories, not Carbon

Earl Lang  Acme Bicycle Shop Llc 
Punta Gorda, FL 33950        941-639-ACME          

and Port Charlotte, Fl 33948
941-258-3400
 www.acmebicycleshop.com