Are you looking for a new bicycle? We sell bicycles for the entire family. We will help you choose the proper size and type of bicycle to meet your cycling needs. And after you roll your new bike out the door, we will be here to provide great after purchase support.
Today's bicycles have come a long way from their humble beginnings as novelty vehicles which were pushed along with one's feet. Time and technology have produced a dizzying array of bicycle models. Some meet very specific needs, while others are more suited to general riding. Whereas the first bicycles were made from wood, today's bikes and their components may be made from any number of materials. Steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber are all used to create bicycle frames and components.
The major types of bicycles today are comfort, hybrid, mountain, and road. All of today's quality bicycles have advanced shifting and
braking systems. Most are made from lighter weight materials than their older counterparts. You get more bike for your money today
than ever before. Below you will find a brief desription of each type of bicycle. Within most of these types you will find a variety of
models for more specific types of cycling.
Comfort bikes feature 26 inch wheels and usually have on/off road tires, an upright riding position with easy to reach handlebars, and wide range gearing. Some have front suspension forks to absorb bumps. All this adds up to stable, comfortable ride over a variety of terrain. Comfort bikes are good all around bikes which are best suited for casual riding.
Hybrid bikes feature 700C (about 27") wheels with narrower on/off road tires, an upright riding position, and wide range gearing. Like comfort bikes some have front suspension forks to absorb bumps. Because 700C wheels are taller and the tires are narrower these bikes are more efficient over longer distances than a comfort bike. Most companies now offer high performance hybrids which weigh less, have somewhat narrower tires, and higher gears than a standard hybrid. This style is also called a flat bar road bike.Hybrid bikes are great all around bikes that can be found in a model to suit the very casual or the preformance minded cyclist.
Mountain bikes have 26 inch wheels with wide all terrain tires. The riding position is usually not quite as upright as a comfort bike and the gearing is generally lower too. Most have front and/or rear suspension systems which help to control the bicycle over very rough terrain. These bikes are designed specifically for unpaved trails. An inexpensive mountain bike, with appropriate tires, may be serviceable as an all around bicycle but wont stand up well to the stresses of real off road riding.
Road bikes usually have 700C wheels with narrow tires, an areodynamic riding position, somewhat higher gearing, and drop or curved handlebars. Many models today come with a relaxed riding position and wide range gearing than traditionally was available. Most road bikes are designed for riding on pavement but can handle the occasional dirt road. An exception, the cyclocross bike , is designed for off road riding. The road bike's aerodynamic riding position and narrow tires make it the most efficient choice over long distances. Road bikes come in models suitable for commuting, touring, or racing.
Cruiser or beach bikes have 26 inch wheels, street tires, fenders, large seats, and swept back handlebars. They come in single and multi-speed models and are definitely built for comfort rather than speed. Cruisers are best suited to very casual rides around town or to your favorite swimming hole.
Juvenile bikes are available in
varying wheel sizes. Most are equipped with coaster brakes and sometimes a hand brake. The largest juvenile bikes are patterned after
mountain bikes and have 24 inch wheels, hand brakes, and multispeed drivetrains.
BMX,
freestyle,
and jumping bikes
are also popular with the kids. These bikes are usually single speed models with 20 inch wheels and hand brakes. They are designed
for racing and stunt riding.
As you can see there are many bicycle models to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you? You can start by asking yourself a few questions. Where do I plan on riding the majority of the time? How long, how far, and how often do I think I will ride ? What type of bike do the other cyclists I may ride with have? After you have answered these basic questions, its time to visit us. WE will ask you these same questions and probably some others. WE will show you some bicycle models in the appropriate size for you to test ride and then explain how to operate the bicycle. We may make some minor fit adjustments to it before you test ride it. Its a good idea to bring your helmet and to wear clothes and shoes similar to those you will cycle in. If you dont have a helmet yet, or forgot yours, we have helmets to lend you.
Take your time when test riding and make sure you like the way the bicycle feels and operates. Let us know of any objections
you may have. Minor adjustments to the saddle, handlebar, or components can make a big difference in how the bicycle feels and operates.
Its also a good idea to have a budget in mind when you visit the store. Bicycle companies make a number of models at different price
points. Higher priced bicycles in general have higher quality components installed and may also be made from a lighter frame material
which will perform better. Honest answers to the questions above will help you determine what you need to spend for your new bicycle.
Unless you have accessories from a previous bike, you will need to purchase new ones. You may need a new helmet, a bag, or a pump so
figure some extra money into your budget for these items.