So you decided you wanted to buy a bike, but you’re not sure what to do next! There are so many different sizes, shapes, and prices out there.
Don’t worry there are three key questions you can ask yourself that will help you determine which bike is right for you.
1. Where do you plan on riding your bike?
Generally, bikes are designed to ride on specific terrain and will perform best when riding on the appropriate terrain for the bike. For example, a mountain bike is less efficient on a paved road and road bike would not get you very far on a dirt trail. The good news is, because of all variations in terrain there are many different styles of bikes to match.
For most bicycle purposes there are three categories of terrain to consider when it comes to purchasing a bike:
- Paved Surfaces: including streets, sidewalks, and bike paths.
- Mixed Surfaces: including gravel or packed dirt trails.
- Off-road surfaces: including loose dirt or rocky forest trails.
Each of these terrains correlates to several styles of bikes that are ideally suited for that environment.
- Paved Surfaces: Road, Urban, or Folding bicycles.
- Mixed Surfaces: Hybrids, Cruisers, Bike Path bicycles.
- Off-road Surfaces: Mountain bicycles.
The fact is there are a lot of bike styles and types to choose from. If you aren’t sure what style you are looking for that’s okay. You can learn more about the different types of bike styles that are available by checking out our blog post “Choosing the Right Bike”.
2. How much should you spend?
There are a wide range of prices in the bicycle category, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great bike. At the same time, as price goes up, the components of the bike also change. Simply put, higher cost equals lighter weight and a higher grade of components. are additional benefits that can come with higher-priced bikes, but there are also a lot of good bikes that don’t cost as much.
The weight of a bike is most often linked to the materials of the frame, although components also contribute to the overall bike weight. Bike frames generally come in three basic forms:
- Steel – A steel frame is sturdy and absorbs some vibrations when riding, but is the heaviest of the three.
- Aluminum – Aluminum frames are the most popular, they are both light and stiff, and are widely used across many bike styles. The trade-off is that you feel a bit more vibration from the terrain.
- Carbon Fiber – A carbon frame is the lightest of the three materials, but it is also the most expensive.
As mentioned, as the price goes up on your bike the level of components that are on your bike also tend to increase incrementally.
- Components – Are any mechanism or accessories that are attached to your frame and fork. That means anything from the seat, to the shifters and brakes, to the pedals and rims of your tires are all components.
Components are specified for the style of bike that you choose. This might mean a different style saddle, a certain type of brakes, specific wheels and tires, and even a drivetrain specific for your bike.
If you plan on riding often or increasing your fitness on the bike, it would be a good idea for you to invest a little more up front on your bike, so that it will be able to grow with your experience level. Another option is to buy a bicycle with a frame that you enjoy now, and if you need to, upgrade the components individually later.
3. What kind of rider are you hoping to become?
The last and arguably most important questions involves some self-reflection. What kind of rider are you hoping to become? Maybe you just want to ride recreationally, or perhaps you plan on taking your cycling to another level by commuting regularly, training actively or even competing. By answering this, you will be able to better determine what your goal is in your bicycle journey and what sort of bike will help get you to that goal!
Time to check out the bikes!
Once you have a good idea about where you want to ride your bike, how much you want to spend, and what level you plan on riding at now and in the future, you will be better able to make your way through the bikes at your local bike shop or other store.
To learn more about the categories of bikes, check out our blog post: Choosing the Right Bike.
Remember if you still have questions, just ask your local bike dealer or ask in the comments below!
Samantha C.
How do I determine what size to buy? I am 5 ‘ 4″. Thanks.
Barcy, You would be looking at a small in bike sizing. The best way to get a great fit would be to actually stand over the bike and get a feel for it.
I want to know the sizs of the wheel for replacement.;y bike is a 564 aluminium Is 25 or 26 inch?
I am getting back into riding around the city and paved bike trails. I am interested in a simple bike so probably no more than 7 gears. Not sure which hybrid bike, size???
Want a good, light bike that will last a LONG time as this is probably my last bike!
Linda
Hi Linda,
We would love to help you find the right bike for you! Send us an email at schwinnsocial@pacific-cycle.com!
Have a kids tiger bike that the whole pedal mechanism was removed. Want to replace it. Do you have? My grandson is 3 years old
Do you have any of the lightweight Schwinn Le Tours…small frame for woman?
I’m 7ft tall do you make bikes big enough???
How do you raise the handle bars on the trailway bike Model # s4984tgd?
Do you make any woman’s bikes that support a someone up to 450lbs? If so what do you suggest?
Hi Sheila,
A bike frame can hold a lot more weight then you may guess, but the best way to tell if the bike is right for you is by giving it a test riding and making sure you feel comfortable on it no matter what your size!
I AM 5’2’AND I JUST RECENTLY RETIRED. I LIKE THE LOOKS AND THE SOFT SEAT OF THE 26″ FAIRHAVEN CREAM CRUSER BIKE, BUT I DO NOT WANT THE GEARS OR HAND BRAKES. IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN GET THIS BIKE THE WAY I LIKE?????
Hi Linda,
You can always have your bike frame modified, by your local bike dealer!
I found the one for me but I’m being mislead by the pictures verses the specs. On your website you don’t have the model listed. Please help !!!!
I’m wanting to purchase the Schwinn Women’s Majestic 26″ cruiser
Hi Heather,
We would love to help you with any questions you have about the Majestic. What were you wondering?
Thanks!
what is the best bike for commuting. I am 5” tall will a small size frame with 700c tire be a good size for me. thanks
I have been looking at many different styles of Schwinn bikes. The problem I have found is many of the bikes don’t have rear fenders. I don’t want a wet backside or water sprayed over the bike trailer. Why are there no fenders. The cost to add fenders is going to add another $50 to the cost of the bike. Not good for someone who wants quality on a budget.
What is your opinion about schwinn onus 27.5″?
I am 6 ft tall and would like to buy a cruiser bike. Are any of the women’s bikes big enough?
I have always loved to bike with my family, but my bike has been really suffering these past few months. I had no idea that aluminum frames are the most popular. My bike had a steel frame, and it was so hard to transport to the different trails. I will have to look into some bikes for the future.
It would be helpful if you site was useful I can’t change the country I’m in or find a retailer who sells your bikes just the big box stores in the altered states of america . I’m looking for folding bikes like the LOOP or HINGE or similar bikes .
I’m 6′ 1″ 260 Lbs inseam is 31″ Want bikes would you saggest ?
I’m in Edmonton AB
Thanks Dale