Bicycle Buying Guide
Colorado Bicycling Adventures
184 E. Elkhorn Ave.
PO Box 1301
Estes Park, CO 80517
Phone: 970.586.4241
Fax: 970.586.9363
www.coloradobicycling.com
Email:
info@coloradobicycling.com
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JOGGERS, TRAILERS & TAG-A-LONGS
This is a basic buyer's guide, intended to help you find the right bicycle for your particular needs. The first thing you need to do is ask yourself what you type of riding do you intend to do.
If you have questions, feel free to call us at Colorado Bicycling Adventures (970-586-4241) or e-mail us at info@coloradobicycling.com. We will be glad to answer your questions & explain basic bicycle design.
If you would like to take a test ride, please come to our store at 184 East Elkhorn Ave. in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado (those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).
Road Bikes
In the 1970s all bikes were road bikes. They are distinguished by narrow tires (approximately 1 inch), usually 700 millimeter (approximately 27 inch) wheels, and drop handlebars. They are intended for use on paved roads or trails. The narrow tires reduce rolling friction, and the drop handlebars put the rider in a position that minimizes air resistance. The frames are strong but lightweight. Most have at least 21 speeds (3 sprockets front, 7 rear). There are several sub-groups within the road bike category:
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Racing: This is the largest group in the road category, aimed at those who like to go fast, whether its in a race or just in a paceline with friends. Please check out our Road Bike Page to find out your options. Prices start at $499.
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Triathlon Bikes: Very similar to road racing bikes, but with a little more emphasis on reducing aerodynamic drag, slightly less on weight.
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Touring Bikes: Designed to carry your camping or other gear as you travel around Colorado or across the North American continent. If you plan on riding only on roads but aren't terribly concerned about going fast.
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Sport Bikes: These are a compromise between racing & touring bicycles.
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Cyclo-cross Bikes: In cyclo-cross racing you have to do some off-road riding. Therefore the tires are a little wider (32 centimeters or 1.25 inches).
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Track Bikes: These are very specialized bikes and are only suitable for riding on a velodrome. They are direct drive (no gears) and have no brakes.
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Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent Bikes look like lawn chairs on wheels. This puts the rider in a much different position, which many people find more comfortable. If riding a traditional bicycle causes pain in your wrists, neck, or rear end, perhaps you should consider a recumbent bicycle. For more information, check out our Recumbent page.
Mountain Bikes
In the 1980s mountain bikes revolutionized the bicycling industry. No longer were cyclists restricted to riding on roads. Mountain bikes have to be rugged to stand up to off-road riding. They have wider (approximately 2 inch), knobby tires. Wheels are slightly smaller (26 inch) than on road bikes. Mountain bikes have at least 21 gears, and they include lower gears than would be found on a road bike, due to the increased resistance from off-road riding. Many models have shocks on the front and/or rear to reduce the shocks that riders will feel when going over obstacles on off-road trails. The handlebars on mountain bikes allow the rider to remain in a more upright position than the drop handlebars of road bikes, making it easier to see obstacles (like tree roots) on the trail.
Entry-level price for mountain bikes is about $200. Front shock models begin at about $250 and dual shock models start at about $700. To see what you can for a little more (okay - in some cases it's a lot more) money, please visit our Mountain Bike page.
Police Bikes
Many police departments are now placing officers on bicycles, which have a couple of advantages over squad cars. Bikes allow officers to interact more with the law-abiding public, and stealthily approach those who violate the law. Trek Bicycles has a nice selection of Police Bikes, which are slightly modified mountain bikes.
Cross-Bikes
Cross-bikes are a compromise between road and mountain bikes. Many people who do not have any plans to ride off-road, like the upright handlebars and low gears of mountain bikes. Cross-bikes have 700 centimeter wheels (same size as road bikes) and tires which are about 1.5 inches wide (midway between road and mountain bikes) and smooth. They have the upright handlebars and low gears of mountain bikes. Cross-bikes are not as fast on roads as road bikes, nor as rugged as mountain bikes. They are good for riding on rough roads or for occassional off-road riding.
Entry-level price for cross-bikes is about $270. To find out about your options in this type of bike, please visit our Cross Bikes page.
Leisure Bikes
Leisure bikes are designed for those who take relatively short rides around the neighborhood on roads or paved trails. They have 26-inch wheels and wide (1.5-2 inches), smooth tires. For comfort, they also have upright handlebars and wide seats. Most have a shock on the seat post. Leisure bikes usually come with 7 or 21 gears.
Entry-level price for leisure-bikes is about $260. Please visit our Leisure Bikes page for information on higher-end models.
Beach Cruisers
Beach cruisers are designed for those who like the classic bicycle styles of the 1950s. They have 26-inch wheels and wide (2 inches) whitewall tires. For comfort, they have wide seats and upright handlebars. In the 1950s, bikes like these came with 1 or 3 gears. Today they come with 1 or 7 speeds.
Beach Cruiser bikes retail for about $200. Please visit our Beach Cruiser page for their complete line-up.
BMX Bikes
BMX bikes are very popular with young riders. They come in three types:
BMX Racing:
These bikes are the type you would find kids racing on the BMX track. They are built to be rugged, but also have to be lightweight for racing. They have 36-spoke wheels for strength, knobby tires for traction on dirt, and a single hand-brake for the rear wheel.
Entry-level price for BMX racing bikes is about $180.
BMX Freestyle:
These bikes are used for performing a variety of tricks. They are built to be extra rugged, and have 48-spoke wheels for extreme strength. The tires are smooth, since they are used only on pavement. The handlebars can spin completely around, and the frame has 2 or 4 pegs which the rider can stand on while performing tricks. Freestyle bikes have hand-brakes for both wheels.
Entry-level price for BMX freestyle bikes is about $200.
BMX Jumping:
These bikes have to be even more rugged to withstand repeated impact with the ground. They have 48-spoke wheels, plus heavier-duty frames and axles. The tires are knobby, since they are used on dirt, and have a single hand-brake for the rear wheel.
Entry-level price for BMX jumping bikes is about $200.
Why You Should Not Buy a Bicycle at a Department Store
Many bicycles are sold each year at department stores. To the untrained eye, they look no different than than those sold at bicycle shops, and sell for much less. There are several reasons you should not buy your bicycle from a department store:
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The frame must be the right size for the rider. Most department stores do not have an assortment of frame sizes for adult bikes, and they don't have experienced salespeople to make sure you get the proper size bike.
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Department store bikes either come un-assembled or are assembled by contract employees who are paid by the bike. If you put it together yourself, you will need special tools like cone wrenches to assemble & adjust it.
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The components are low-quality, especially the bearings. They wear out quickly, and when the bearings go bad they can also damage the hubs.
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They are usually not worth repairing. New bearings & a new wheel will cost about $50-60, and if the bike only cost about $80 when it was new, why bother.
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Their resale value is almost nil, while used quality bikes are generally worth about half of their original selling price.
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A good bike just makes cycling more fun. It's not so enjoyable when you have to pedal down hills to keep up with your friends who are coasting on good bikes. After your initial purchase of a bicycle, helmet and a few other accessories, cycling is a very inexpensive hobby that one can enjoy between the ages of 6 and 80. You don't have to pay extra each time you go out for a ride. Compare this to green fees each time you go golfing. Don't skimp when buying your first bike. You might become frustrated with cycling and give it up, and that would truly be a loss.
If you are still not convinced, please take a look at this site:
Colorado Bicycling Adventures
184 E. Elkhorn Ave. PO
Box 1301
Estes Park, CO 80517
Phone: 888.586.4129
Fax: 970.586.9363
www.coloradobicycling.com
Email: info@coloradobicycling.com
Also
available baby rental equipment. For more info visit
www.travelingbabies.com
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