How to Select the Best Bicycle for You

Choosing the right bicycle can be a daunting task, given the wide variety of options available. Whether you're commuting, cycling for fitness, or taking on rugged trails, the right bike makes all the difference. This guide will help you determine the best bicycle for your needs.

1. Determine Your Riding Style

The first step in choosing a bicycle is to determine how and where you’ll be riding. There are several categories of bicycles to consider:

Road Bikes – Designed for speed and efficiency on paved roads, road bikes feature lightweight frames and thin tires. Ideal for long-distance riding, racing, and fitness.
Tri Bikes - A specialized type of road bike designed specifically for triathlons and time trials. Unlike standard road bikes, tri bikes are optimized for aerodynamics, speed, and efficiency over long distances.
Mountain Bikes – Built for off-road adventures, mountain bikes have rugged frames, suspension systems, and wider tires to handle rough terrain.
Gravel Bikes – Similar to road bikes but with slightly wider tires, gravel bikes are perfect for mixed terrain, including dirt and gravel paths.

2. Choose the Right Size

A properly fitted bicycle enhances comfort, control, and efficiency. To find the right size, consider the following:

Frame Size – Most manufacturers provide sizing charts based on height and inseam length. A particular size (S/M/L/etc.) or (50cm, 54cm, 58cm, etc.) can cater to a range of heights, typically 4-6 inches of height range per size. So, while it’s important to select an appropriate size frame, there’s plenty more adjustment to be done to dial in a bike fit.
Standover Height – When standing over the bike, ensure at 1-2 inches of clearance between you and the top tube. Don’t be concerned if you can only touch your toes to the ground when sitting in the saddle. That’s typical and appropriate for a performance bicycle. What you want is to be able to stand flat footed and comfortably directly over the top tube in front of the saddle for safe dismounting.
Reach and Handlebar Position – A good reach allows for comfortable handling, with a slight elbow bend and without excessive stretching or forward leaning/pressure on the low back. A few exceptions to this would be for triathlon bikes which utilize aero handlebars that allow for forearm resting and a more forward cockpit position, and race oriented road bikes, which have a lower, more aggressive bar setup to maximize posterior chain biomechanical power and aerodynamic efficiency.

You can check online sizing charts from brands like Trek or Specialized for a reference in determining fit.

3. Consider Your Budget

Bicycles range widely in price. Entry-level, reputable used models start around $400, while high-end options can exceed $10,000. Consider these price ranges:

Budget ($400-$900) – Basic commuter, hybrid, and entry-level road or mountain bikes.
Mid-Range ($900-$2,000) – Higher-quality materials, lighter frames, and better components.
High-End ($2,000+) – Professional-grade bikes with premium features.

4. Test Ride Before Buying

Whenever possible, visit a local bike shop to test ride different models. Testing allows you to assess comfort, handling, and fit. Some shops also offer bike fitting services to customize your ride.

5. Additional Considerations

Gearing – More gears provide versatility for hilly terrain, while single-speed or 1x bikes require less maintenance.
Brakes – Disc brakes offer better stopping power, especially in wet conditions, but are sometimes heavier, more complex, and require more maintenance than rim brakes.
Accessories – Consider racks, fenders, and lights if commuting, in addition to bags, tools, and hydration for longer adventures.

Conclusion

Finding the right bicycle involves understanding your needs, budget, and fit. With the right bike, you can enjoy a more comfortable and efficient ride. For more in-depth guidance, visit reputable cycling resources like REI’s bike buying guide.

Pro Tip

Here at Evolve Cycle, we carry a variety of bike types and a wide range of sizes. Likely, if you try one bike but need to compare sizes, we’ll have several options for you to test ride and select from. We can also assist with type recommendations, positioning and fit. So, don’t feel pressured to known exactly the best size for you. We’ll help you figure that out!

Happy cycling!

-Joey

Choose The Right Bike