The cruiser is built for fun. Also called the comfort bike, or beach cruiser. This bike seemed to disappear for awhile in favor of the ten speed and later the mountain bike, but as with all things vintage, is making a comeback due to its simple design and its easy to ride.
What kind of rider will fit the cruiser? Most likely someone that is pretty easy going. If you are not in too much of a hurry and like to take in the scenery, then this will be the bicycle for you. Do you want to ride for exercise? It will be easy to get out on this bike because it won't feel so much like "work" or that you have to get into a professional mindset. If you have back problems this could also be a solution because the hunched over riding position is gone, relieving tension on the lower back.
The cruiser styling is very retro, with large tires with sidewalls. The frame is also large tube and features curved lines, instead of the stiff straight tubes of other frames like mountain or road bikes. Remember fenders? Either full or partial fenders are standard on many models, as well as chain guards. One of the most noticeable features is the handlebars, which curve toward the rider, rather than a flat bar or drops.
You'll find the cruiser to be useful for your trips around town, such as running errands. This is a bike that you will want to ride everyday, so it's good for some moderate exercise. This is not a bike for off-road trails, but can is best to be used on paved paths or at least a smooth surface. You'll find that if you want to do a longer ride make sure that you have time for it because this is not the fastest bike, but easy to pedal.
One of the first things you will notice when you sit on this bike is that you will probably be able to put your feet on the ground as you sit. The handlebars seem to come up to you, so you ride in more of a upright position. The seat is also large with padding, or with springs.
How does it feel to ride a cruiser bicycle? It's kind of like a Cadillac, big and comfortable. If you want to get more exercise without it feeling like a chore, then this bike will have looking for excuses to ride.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
How to Buy a Child's Bike
If you have a kid, you probably want him (or her) to be able to ride a bike. This is really one of the basic skills, is universal, and almost everyone is able to do it. Learning to ride a bike is also a great confidence booster and gives a kid a feeling of accomplishment. What is the best child's bike to buy?
As with every other kind of bike, there is no one right choice for everyone. Some factors that apply to every bike can help you to make a good choice, size, safety, and price.
Getting the right size is very important and can be tricky. When a child is growing quite fast they can easily outgrow a bike quickly. It may seem like a smart thing to do to choose a bike that he can grow into, but this can compromise safety. A bike that is too big can mean that it is hard to control and reach the pedals for acceleration and braking. A bike that is too small can also be hard to steer and be uncomfortable to pedal, which is likely to be discouraging. So one bike may only get a few years of use before it is too small.
A child's bike size goes by the tire size. Basic tire sizes with ages are: 12 inch for ages 3-5, 16 inch for ages 4-6, 20 inch for ages 5-8, 24 inch for 7 and up. Make sure that your child is able to get on and sit on the seat comfortably. When the bike slows down will they be able to put their feet on the ground easily?
Safety of course is the number one concern. Does the bike have chain guards? If the bike is used, does it have modifications or are parts worn? Be sure that if there is a crach (they do happen), there is nothing can stab or cut, such as the handlebars, exposed bolts, or levers. Coaster brakes are best for new riders until they have better coordination and have the hand strength to operate hand brakes.
How much are you going to have to spend? Used bikes are often just as good as new if they have been taken care of. Children's bikes also tend to be heavier and should take the abuse that they will get. New bikes are nice because they need less maintenance and you can pretty much be assured that everything is going to hang together.
As with every other kind of bike, there is no one right choice for everyone. Some factors that apply to every bike can help you to make a good choice, size, safety, and price.
Getting the right size is very important and can be tricky. When a child is growing quite fast they can easily outgrow a bike quickly. It may seem like a smart thing to do to choose a bike that he can grow into, but this can compromise safety. A bike that is too big can mean that it is hard to control and reach the pedals for acceleration and braking. A bike that is too small can also be hard to steer and be uncomfortable to pedal, which is likely to be discouraging. So one bike may only get a few years of use before it is too small.
A child's bike size goes by the tire size. Basic tire sizes with ages are: 12 inch for ages 3-5, 16 inch for ages 4-6, 20 inch for ages 5-8, 24 inch for 7 and up. Make sure that your child is able to get on and sit on the seat comfortably. When the bike slows down will they be able to put their feet on the ground easily?
Safety of course is the number one concern. Does the bike have chain guards? If the bike is used, does it have modifications or are parts worn? Be sure that if there is a crach (they do happen), there is nothing can stab or cut, such as the handlebars, exposed bolts, or levers. Coaster brakes are best for new riders until they have better coordination and have the hand strength to operate hand brakes.
How much are you going to have to spend? Used bikes are often just as good as new if they have been taken care of. Children's bikes also tend to be heavier and should take the abuse that they will get. New bikes are nice because they need less maintenance and you can pretty much be assured that everything is going to hang together.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Mountain Bike
If you are in the market to buy a new bike, chances are that you are at least considering a mountain bike. This has consistently been one of the most popular bikes over the years. However, this isn't for everyone.
A mountain bike has the advantages of having a heavy duty construction. Its for this reason that many people want one because they think they will be able to go everywhere. Kind of like a SUV. They do offer a very good ride over rough terrain. Most have at least a front shock, and the large tires also soak up some of the shock and offer stability. They are also made to be manueverable, so a little practice can mean that you can get over obstacles such as rocks and small logs. It's pretty amazing what some riders are able to do on them.
There are two types of instances where this would be a good bike for you. One is obviously if you plan on going to trails that are not paved, or have a lot of obstacles on them. Another is if you live in an area that perhaps doesn't offer very good road conditions, for instance some very rural areas have a lot of gravel roads or the roads that are paved aren't in very good condition. The mountain bike in this kind of area is can be good because the tires will hold up better and the conditions may change from day to day, such as after a rainstorm where there could be more junk like sand on the road.
It's also important to know what the drawbacks of mountain bik are. It was designed for a specific purpose, just like the other types of bikes, so when it is used outside of the offroad world, it won't perform as well. When I bought mine I thought it would be good for everything, but the disadvantages quickly became obvious.
One is that it can be just plain uncomfortable to ride. The straight handlebars tend to be far away from the body so you're stretched out. Thhis is okay in real off terrain riding because you'll change your position often, but on a paved surface you stay in the same position for hours. You'll most likely notice it in your lower back and shoulder muscles if you ride a long way. There are some things that you can do with it such as swap for different handlebars and an extension that will bring them closer to you, but then you don't really have a mountain bike anymore, it's more of a hybrid.
Another disadvantage is that mountain bikes are slow. Those big knobby tires that are great in the dirt don't work so well on a paved surface. They require a lot of energy to keep them moving because there is so much road contact. Just listen to that hum when you ride. That's the sound of wasted energy. This may not seem like much of a disadvantage, but if you plan on riding for an hour or more, believe me, it really adds up. The solution is to have something with thinner tires, either a road bike or hybrid.
Weight can also be a factor, although a high quality mountain bike may weigh less than a low quality hybrid. The weight comes from the fact that everything is heavy duty. The frame is made out of big tubes, the rims are wider, and everything is made to take a beating. Again, great if your flying down a mountain and off drops, but kind of a waste in the energy department if you are riding anywhere else.
You may want to buy a mountain bike though just because they look cool. I bought a Giant Iguana six years ago and have been very happy with it, but now am looking for a road bike because I love to get into speed mode and use it more for transportation. There is no comparison if you look at it from that standpoint. But if you ride leisurely, buying a mountain can be a good option for that too.
A mountain bike has the advantages of having a heavy duty construction. Its for this reason that many people want one because they think they will be able to go everywhere. Kind of like a SUV. They do offer a very good ride over rough terrain. Most have at least a front shock, and the large tires also soak up some of the shock and offer stability. They are also made to be manueverable, so a little practice can mean that you can get over obstacles such as rocks and small logs. It's pretty amazing what some riders are able to do on them.
There are two types of instances where this would be a good bike for you. One is obviously if you plan on going to trails that are not paved, or have a lot of obstacles on them. Another is if you live in an area that perhaps doesn't offer very good road conditions, for instance some very rural areas have a lot of gravel roads or the roads that are paved aren't in very good condition. The mountain bike in this kind of area is can be good because the tires will hold up better and the conditions may change from day to day, such as after a rainstorm where there could be more junk like sand on the road.
It's also important to know what the drawbacks of mountain bik are. It was designed for a specific purpose, just like the other types of bikes, so when it is used outside of the offroad world, it won't perform as well. When I bought mine I thought it would be good for everything, but the disadvantages quickly became obvious.
One is that it can be just plain uncomfortable to ride. The straight handlebars tend to be far away from the body so you're stretched out. Thhis is okay in real off terrain riding because you'll change your position often, but on a paved surface you stay in the same position for hours. You'll most likely notice it in your lower back and shoulder muscles if you ride a long way. There are some things that you can do with it such as swap for different handlebars and an extension that will bring them closer to you, but then you don't really have a mountain bike anymore, it's more of a hybrid.
Another disadvantage is that mountain bikes are slow. Those big knobby tires that are great in the dirt don't work so well on a paved surface. They require a lot of energy to keep them moving because there is so much road contact. Just listen to that hum when you ride. That's the sound of wasted energy. This may not seem like much of a disadvantage, but if you plan on riding for an hour or more, believe me, it really adds up. The solution is to have something with thinner tires, either a road bike or hybrid.
Weight can also be a factor, although a high quality mountain bike may weigh less than a low quality hybrid. The weight comes from the fact that everything is heavy duty. The frame is made out of big tubes, the rims are wider, and everything is made to take a beating. Again, great if your flying down a mountain and off drops, but kind of a waste in the energy department if you are riding anywhere else.
You may want to buy a mountain bike though just because they look cool. I bought a Giant Iguana six years ago and have been very happy with it, but now am looking for a road bike because I love to get into speed mode and use it more for transportation. There is no comparison if you look at it from that standpoint. But if you ride leisurely, buying a mountain can be a good option for that too.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Bicycle Size and Prices
If you are looking to find the right bike to buy, you want to make sure that it is the right size. Having the right size bike means that you will have a more comfortable ride, better control, and will be safer.
When you first size a bike you want to look at the frame size. The most popular frame sizes for men is 19 inches and 17 inches for women. These sizes are a starting point and are based on height, so for instance if you are taller than 5'11" then you may need a 20 or 21 inch frame. The size of the bike is directly linked to the kind of riding that you plan on doing. Check out my previous post for more factors on that. If you are interested in doing road biking, then you want about two inches of clearance over the bar when you stand with your feet flat on the ground. For a hybrid you want three inches and four inches for a mountain bike. Make sure that you are comfortable with the saddle height and handlebar height. That can be a matter of preference and comfort and both are adjustable.
Probably the most important factor to consider is price. As stated previously, if you are a pro or amateur rider, you already know the model you want and are willing to pay whatever that price is. For the rest of us, the price means that we want the best bike for how much we can afford. It's not necessary to pay a huge sum to get a decent bike though.
Of course the first thing is to know exactly how much you're willing to spend. The next step is do you want a new bike or used bike. A used bike has an advantage if it is for a kid in that getting a new size as they grow is less of a big deal. Garage sales, Craigslist, ebay, are all fair game to find something in that range. A disadvantage is that you may need to be a little bit of a handyman, but none of the tasks are really difficult and there are good books to help out. It's not like working on a car.
If you want to buy new, you can go to a real bike store or to a chain store like Walmart or Target. Chain stores offer no service or expertise in helping you choose and it may also be a hassle if you need to do a return for some reason. A bike store probably has people in it that like to ride, can offer helpful advice, and do repairs. Try to find a store that you are comfortable with and that you want to give your business to. Keep in mind that it doesn't matter if your spend $100 or $2000 the shop should still try to be helpful to you. Be sure to say exactly what you want to do as this will tend to prevent the salesperson from trying to up sell to you. They probably will make recommendations though as they want you to get a quality product. Advantages would be its nice to have something new, and the level of service, but a disadvantage could be the price that you end up paying.
The final factor in buying a bike is "Do you like it?" If you don't like the color, the style, or it feels weird it's probably better to pass and keep looking. A bike that you don't like probably won't get ridden very often, and after all isn't that the purpose in the first place.
When you first size a bike you want to look at the frame size. The most popular frame sizes for men is 19 inches and 17 inches for women. These sizes are a starting point and are based on height, so for instance if you are taller than 5'11" then you may need a 20 or 21 inch frame. The size of the bike is directly linked to the kind of riding that you plan on doing. Check out my previous post for more factors on that. If you are interested in doing road biking, then you want about two inches of clearance over the bar when you stand with your feet flat on the ground. For a hybrid you want three inches and four inches for a mountain bike. Make sure that you are comfortable with the saddle height and handlebar height. That can be a matter of preference and comfort and both are adjustable.
Probably the most important factor to consider is price. As stated previously, if you are a pro or amateur rider, you already know the model you want and are willing to pay whatever that price is. For the rest of us, the price means that we want the best bike for how much we can afford. It's not necessary to pay a huge sum to get a decent bike though.
Of course the first thing is to know exactly how much you're willing to spend. The next step is do you want a new bike or used bike. A used bike has an advantage if it is for a kid in that getting a new size as they grow is less of a big deal. Garage sales, Craigslist, ebay, are all fair game to find something in that range. A disadvantage is that you may need to be a little bit of a handyman, but none of the tasks are really difficult and there are good books to help out. It's not like working on a car.
If you want to buy new, you can go to a real bike store or to a chain store like Walmart or Target. Chain stores offer no service or expertise in helping you choose and it may also be a hassle if you need to do a return for some reason. A bike store probably has people in it that like to ride, can offer helpful advice, and do repairs. Try to find a store that you are comfortable with and that you want to give your business to. Keep in mind that it doesn't matter if your spend $100 or $2000 the shop should still try to be helpful to you. Be sure to say exactly what you want to do as this will tend to prevent the salesperson from trying to up sell to you. They probably will make recommendations though as they want you to get a quality product. Advantages would be its nice to have something new, and the level of service, but a disadvantage could be the price that you end up paying.
The final factor in buying a bike is "Do you like it?" If you don't like the color, the style, or it feels weird it's probably better to pass and keep looking. A bike that you don't like probably won't get ridden very often, and after all isn't that the purpose in the first place.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
How To Buy a Bike Online - What Type of Rider are You?
The first question for you to answer is what type of riding are you interested in doing. If you are pro or even an amateur you won't need this information as you are probably already know what you want to accomplish and are familiar with different names and models.
There are many different types of rider. One is the casual rider, or weekend rider, which means you ride a couple of times a month, usually on bike paths or other smooth surfaces. Another type is the person who rides to work or school, they ride most days it isn't raining, perhaps on city streets. A third type of rider is someone who would like to bike for errands, but doesn't want to spend all day doing it. Terrain covered could be varied. Finally, you could be the mountain biker, whatever the weather or terrain, you'll be out in it. Keep in mind that you may be a combination of these types.
Next we'll take a look at some different types of bikes. There is the cruiser, mountain bike, hybrid, and road bike. You're going to choose one that fits the majority of your riding.
The cruiser - This is good for the casual rider or for doing errands if you don't have real far to go. These are very comfortable to ride because the seats are usually a little lower than the handlebars and you are able to sit fairly upright. These may be a single speed but they may also be something like a three speed with the gears in the hub. Put a basket on the back fender and your ready to ride to the grocery store.
The mountain bike - One of the most popular bikes out there for some reason, they seemed to really take of in the 90's. The ironic thing is that this is one of the most uncomfortable bikes out there. But it's also the best suited for what it's built for. This type of bike is also usually s-l-o-w. I bought a mountain bike in 1999 because I "thought" that I was going to go hardcore and do the whole off-road thing. The type of riding I actually did was on bike paths and mostly paved surfaces and it was a workout to constantly keep it moving because of the very wide tires. Also the placement of the handlebars can really put a crimp in your back at the end of a long ride. On the upside it seemed like I was flying if I got on a road bike.
The hybrid - This is kind of halfway between a mountain bike and road bike, although is often confused with a mountain bike. The handlebars are mountain bikish, but are probably higher and perhaps closer to the rider so you don't have to reach so far. Also the tires are thinner and less knobby than a mountain bike, which means that you get more speed.
The road bike - If you like to go fast or have a long way to go this is the machine. Has the classic "ten-speed" look but now has more gears. The skinnier the tires the more speed, but less stable if you have to do some stretches over less than perfect roads.
We'll take a look at some more factors for buying a bike in the next post.
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