It is estimated that the bicycle market in the USA will grow to a whopping $130 billion by 2033. That is a lot of people buying bicycles. People are finding reasons to buy bicycles, whether for commuting to work, racing, riding the trails, or many other reasons. With so many options on the market, choosing a bicycle is very challenging. There are many factors to consider when buying a new bicycle, which can impact not only your wallet but also your riding enjoyment and safety.
In this blog post, we will simplify the process so you can choose the right bicycle for your needs. As mentioned, there is a considerable number of bike types on the market today. So the first step is to determine why you want a bike. What are you going to use the bicycle for? And in what conditions or terrain are you going to ride the bicycle? Determining your need will narrow down your bicycle choice to the appropriate type.
Types
Bicycles have come a long way. They have become specialized for specific needs and cycling niches, making choosing a bicycle challenging. Let’s look at the major types of bicycles on the market.
1. Mountain (MTB): This bicycle is rugged-looking and tough. It’s intended for off-road and adventure riding. They are designed to handle unpaved or bumpy roads. Because they are designed for rugged terrain, they have a bigger, stronger frame, shocks and tires to withstand bumps on rough surfaces.
2. Road: Road bicycles are more or less the opposite of mountain bicycles. They are lighter and faster, intended for smooth surfaces.
3. Electric: These bicycles have a motor, which helps to propel the bike forward. While the rider can still pedal, most of the power comes from the motor.
4. Hybride: These bicycles are a combination of mountain and road features. They can handle both road and rough terrain.
Note, these are the major categories of bicycles. The bicycle market is evolving, and as such, new bicycle types are emerging. These bicycles fulfill specific needs, such as Cargo bicycles for carrying things, foldable bicycles for portability, touring bicycles for long-distance riding, and gravel bicycles for unpaved trails. Within the categories, subcategories are also emerging. For example, electric mountain bicycles are becoming a popular subcategory of traditional mechanical mountain bicycles. But no matter which type of bicycle you choose, there are key factors to consider.
Factors to consider when choosing a bicycle
As mentioned above, there are many different categories of bicycles. And to make matters even more conflicted, there are just as many differences within each subcategory. Once you have narrowed down the kind of bicycle you need, consider the following factors within your category/subcategory.
1. Material: the material the bicycle is made of has an impact on the rideability of the bike. Broadly speaking, there are two main materials bicycles are made of: carbon fibre and steel. Both materials have advantages and disadvantages. Because carbon fibre has a lower atomic mass than steel, carbon fibre bicycles are significantly lighter and therefore faster than steel bicycles.
On the other hand, steel bicycles are budget-friendly. Steel is made from a readily available iron core rather than the complex carbon fibre. Hence, steel bicycles are cheaper to produce, making them significantly cheaper than carbon fibre bicycles. Steel is also stronger and more durable. Hence, in the long run, a steel-frame bicycle will save you more on maintenance costs. Therefore, if your budget is limited and weight and speed are not your primary concerns, a steel-frame bicycle is an ideal choice.
2. Gears: This is the part of the bicycle you should pay more attention to. The bike’s gears will determine how fast you can go and what terrain you can handle. The first consideration is whether to go with a single-speed or a multi-speed bicycle. As the names imply, a single-speed bicycle has only one gear, while a multi-speed bicycle has several gears to choose from. If you choose a multi-speed bicycle, you need to decide how many gears you will need.
You can find out the number of gears by counting the rear chainring (cog) called the cassette. The number of rings is the number of gears you have at your disposal. Note that the bigger the cassette, the easier it is to pedal the bicycle and vice versa. Therefore, if your riding terrain is hilly, you are better off with the so-called “dinner plate” cassette because of the easier gear ratio. A small, compact cassette with its lower gear ratio is challenging on this terrain. But it’s easier to pedal and hence faster on flat terrain.
3. Size: This is one of the most important considerations, yet it is the most ignored when choosing a bicycle. An appropriately sized bicycle is not only comfortable but also efficient. It will enable you to maintain fluid joint movement, preventing stress on joints such as the knee.
There are various ways to size your bicycle, from DIY methods to more sophisticated computerized sizing. Obviously, computerized methods are better, but home methods, if done correctly, are just as accurate and at a lower price point. Whichever method you choose, depending on your budget, the goal is to size your bicycle properly to avoid injury.
4. Brakes: There are two types of brakes to consider: rim brakes or disc brakes. Rim brakes are an older braking system which is slowly being phased out. They work by applying pressure on the brake pads, which directly pinch the tire rim on both sides. The newer disc brakes work in the same way, but instead of applying pressure on the rim, the two brake pads squeeze a disc attached to the tire hub. The two braking systems can be either mechanical (pulled by a cable) or hydraulic (fluid-pressure). Hydraulic is more powerful, hence dependable in emergencies.
Overall, disk brakes are considered a better option than rim brakes. They offer smooth braking and are reliable in all weather conditions. They also spare the rim from wear and tear from constant friction. The downside is that they are expensive to buy and maintain. Nevertheless, disk brakes, particularly hydraulic disk brakes, are the ultimate braking system.
5. Tires: Tires are vital to the operation of the bicycle. They are the contact point between the bike and the road; hence, the tires you choose will affect how you ride, both in comfort and speed. The most important factor to consider is the kind of riding you intend to do. For example, are you going to ride on a paved or unpaved surface, are you going to race and so on? Determining these factors will make your tire selection easier.
Now that you have determined the type of cycling you’ll be doing, it’s time to select a suitable tire for your needs. There are several factors to consider when selecting tires: tire size, tread pattern, and tire type. Tire size will mainly be determined by the bicycle’s dimensions. Before you purchase the tire, make sure the tire fits your bicycle’s frame and rims.
The tread pattern is how smooth the tire is. They range from very smooth, slick, virtually treadless tires to heavy-treaded, knobby tires. The difference between the two is in grip and speed. The less tread on the tire, the less grip it has and vice versa. For speed, more tread means more resistance, hence less speed.
Another factor to consider is whether to use tubed or tubeless tires. As the name implies, the first type of tire needs an inner tube. The tire works by inflating the inner tube with air. Tubeless tires, on the other hand, have no inner tube. Instead, the tire forms a seal with the rim, which is reinforced with a liquid sealant.
Budget
This is the defining factor when choosing a bicycle. The money you have or what you are willing to spend will determine which bicycle you can buy. The good thing is that there are bicycles at different price points. As such, you are likely to find a bike fitting your budget. There is also the option of purchasing a used bicycle instead of a new one. If you take your time, you can find a reasonably priced used bicycle in good working condition. Garage sales, second-hand stores and social media marketplaces are some of the places you can look for bargains. There is also the option to buy a cheap bicycle and make upgrades. If you go this route, be aware that some of the newer parts won’t fit an older bike frame.
Gear and accessories
The bicycle industry is full of gear and accessories, with new products regularly launching on the market. It is almost impossible to keep up, and some of the gear is just a money grab. Having said that, there is essential gear that you should have. Most of the essentials are for your safety and the safety of other cyclists and pedestrians. The first piece of gear and the most basic is a helmet.
1- A helmet is the fundamental and yet most critical piece of cycling gear. It shields your head, protecting against head injury in the event of a fall or a collision with an object, a vehicle, or another cyclist. The importance of wearing a helmet cannot be emphasized enough. Undoubtedly, many studies point to head injuries as the cause of severe head trauma and the leading cause of death among cyclists. Indeed, in some jurisdictions, it is illegal to ride a bicycle without one. The second piece of essential equipment concerns visibility and communication: light and bell.
2-Light: Both front and tail lights are essential for you to see and be seen. The front light, particularly, fulfills these two functions. When visibility is low, whether due to weather or time of day, it helps illuminate the cyclist’s path. At the same time, the front light also serves as a warning to other road users of your approach. This is the reason why bicycle headlights have a flashing option.
For the tail light, the primary function is to caution approaching traffic of your presence. Since illuminating your path is not the primary function of a taillight, a reflector (usually red) that comes standard on new bicycles can alert other road users to your presence. Though the reflector can suffice, having a taillight is a much better option. It is brighter and can be set to flash, offering better visibility to other road users (Note that there are taillights which can warn you of approaching traffic. Very useful.)
Overall, both headlight and taillight are a must when riding in the dark or in low visibility. But using them in all conditions is ideal.
3-Bell: While light is a visual communication tool, the bell is an audible communication tool. When approaching other road users, particularly at an angle where they cannot see you, dinging the bell is a better way to alert them to your approach. A bell is a convenient and effective way to warn, particularly pedestrians, of your presence, instead of shouting, which can be drowned out by ambient noise. Because a bell is loud and therefore can startle, it is good practice to keep a safe distance before dinging the bell in case the pedestrian moves into your path.
4-Repair kit: Includes tire patches, levers, a pump, and a multi-tool. These items form the basis of your emergency kit and should be carried at all times. Issues are bound to happen – actually, it’s just a matter of time before issues arise when you are riding your bicycle. Tires can puncture, chains can break, and bolts can get loose, rendering your bicycle unridable. When these problems arise, you need your emergency repair kit to resolve the issue. Whether temporarily, a repair kit will help you get home or to a mechanic for a permanent solution.
5- Water Bottle: We should also include a water bottle as an essential part of our safety kit. Cycling is an intense, taxing workout which runs the body hot. As part of the body’s cooling mechanism, we perspire, losing bodily fluids. To avoid dehydration, it is imperative to replenish lost fluid by drinking lots of water. A water bottle offers a handy way to carry fluids. It offers a convenient way to replenish lost fluids on demand and also eliminates the hassle of searching for water. So before you go out for a ride, make sure you have a bottle or several bottles filled with water to rehydrate as you sweat.
Just as you need to replenish your fluids, you also need to restore lost energy. Cycling is a high-intensity exercise which demands a lot of energy. To avoid the infamous bonk, when you use up all your energy, eating to replace energy is imperative. A quick way to replenish your energy is to consume food high in carbohydrates.
Don’t think of packing rice or pasta, there are less bulky carbohydrates you can bring. If your budget allows, you can purchase gels and bars, which can easily be tucked into your back jersey pocket. You can also find homemade, energy-dense snacks online.
These are the basics that you will require. There are other tools and accessories, such as saddle bags, power meters, and bicycle computers on the market, but for your essentials, what we have listed above is a good starting point.
A well-maintained bicycle not only makes for an enjoyable ride but also a safe, trouble-free outing. A word of caution. For more complicated jobs or if you are not sure what you are doing, take your bicycle to a bike shop and let a professional handle it. Having a professional service your bike will save you costly repairs down the line.
Maintenance
1-Tire pressure. Tires are the contact point between your bicycle and the road. It is therefore the deciding factor of how comfortable and fast your ride will be. So, the best way to keep your bicycle at peak performance is to use appropriate tires inflated to the tire’s specifications. Each tire is designed to operate within the set range. It is therefore imperative to inflate the tire within the specified range; failing to do so can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Under-inflating can cause the inner tube to pinch if you hit a bump, leading to a flat. Also, constant riding on underinflated tires will lead to premature tire wear and the risk of blowouts. On the other hand, over-inflation affects the overall comfort of your ride, including your bicycle’s speed. It also increases the risk of a blowout if you hit a bump. But the most significant risk is reduced traction.
As mentioned above, the tire is your contact point with the ground; hence, the bicycle’s stability depends on the tire’s grip on the riding surface. Over-inflating the tire reduces its contact area with the ground, resulting in reduced traction and increased braking distance.
So, to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride, it’s imperative to inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range. A habit worth developing is to check and set the recommended tire pressure before you go out for a ride.
2. Bicycle wash. A clean bicycle is an efficient bicycle. It should be the mantra. As you ride your bicycle, it will collect dirt, mud and debris. It is easy to see and remove larger objects like branches and mud, but small microscopic objects can just as easily scratch the bike’s paint. Dust and sand can stick to the chain, affecting the smooth operation of the drivetrain. That’s why it is essential not only to clean, but also to properly wash the bicycle to remove dust and tiny foreign particles.
When cleaning your bicycle, make sure to use approved cleaning products for the frame, drive train and brakes. Start by prewashing with water to remove all the unwanted particles before using any cleaning products. After you have cleaned the bicycle and washed off all the cleaning products, make sure to dry it thoroughly. Leaving the bicycle damp will trigger lust on exposed mental parts. For the moving parts, particularly the drive train, make sure to regrease and lubricate them.
3. Chain lubrication (drivetrain). As mentioned above, washing and relubricating moving parts is essential, if not critical, to the bicycle’s operation. The chain, including the cassette and front chain ring, is one of those vital moving parts. It is what moves the back tire to propel the bike forward. For the chain to operate smoothly and efficiently and to ease your effort, it needs to be clean and properly lubricated. Lubrication not only prevents chain squeaks and rust but also reduces friction and strain on the chain, making it more efficient and hence prolonging its service life.
As with bicycle washing, there are steps to follow to properly lubricate the chain. First, clean the chain and remove all gunk and debris stuck to it. It’s recommended to use a chain cleaner and, if necessary, a chain degreaser to remove all the old lubricant and accumulated dirt. After cleaning and removing all the gunk, thoroughly dry the chain. You can use either compressed air (ideally to remove water from tiny crevices) or, in its absence, a lint-free cloth. After thoroughly cleaning the chain with the recommended chain cleaner and/or degreaser and properly drying it, it’s time to apply lubricant. Take your time lubricating the entire chain, making sure each link is lubricated.
You have two types of lubricants to choose from: dry or wet. Choosing which one to use depends on the kind of weather you will be riding in. As the names imply, dry chain lube is for dry riding conditions, while wet lube is for rainy or humid riding conditions.
A word of caution. If you are not sure or not confident following these maintenance tips, please seek help from a professional. It is better to pay someone to clean and maintain your bicycle than to try to do it yourself when you are not too sure of what you are doing. It may end up costing you more in repairs or, even worse, lead to injury.
Final word
Choosing a bicycle can seem daunting, as there are so many types and subtypes to choose from. But this shouldn’t be the case. The key is to first figure out your riding needs, style, and your budget. This will simplify the type of bicycle you can or should buy. Once you have your bicycle, take care of it and perform regular maintenance so your rides are enjoyable and your bicycle lasts a long time. Happy riding.