Today, people of all ages enjoy riding. Because of this, there are many types of bikes now on the market, suited to various kinds of riding. Before buying a bike, you should therefore consider carefully the type of riding you are likely to enjoy. Buying a racing bike with ultra thin wheels to relive your youth may seem like a great idea at the time but as you sit at the side of a rough trail 3 minutes into a family ride having buckled both wheels, the attraction may pale!

Types of Bikes and their Uses
Mountain bikes are rugged bikes for off-road use, but they can be ridden on the road as well. Mountain bikes have big, knobby tyres for comfort and traction, flat handlebars, and low gears for hill climbing. Some mountain bikes have special suspension for shock absorption.

Road bikes are, as the name suggests, built for road riding and speed. They have a lightweight construction, narrow tyres and drop handlebars for a more aerodynamic body position.

Hybrid bikes are a cross between mountain bikes and road bikes, in case you can�t decide which is right for you. Hybrids have treaded tyres which are narrower than mountain bike tires, flat handlebars, and higher gearing than mountain bikes. They're not as fast as road bikes and not as rugged as mountain bikes but they are good as an all-round option.

Childrens� bikes can be one-speed, performance BMX bikes, or multi-speed mountain or road bikes.

Comfort bikes can be mountain or hybrid bikes and have upright riding positions, softer saddles, and lower gearing. They�re built for comfort rather than performance.

Recumbents/tandems/electric assisted bikes are "niche" bicycles. Recumbents allow riding in a "recliner-chair" position with feet forward. Tandems allow two riders on one bike. Some manufacturers also offer bikes with electric-assisted motors.

What to Consider When Buying a Bike
What kind of riding will you be doing? What is your level of cycling experience? Will you ride for pleasure, fitness, on the road, on trails, or seriously off-road? How frequently will you ride? Will you use your bike for errands or to commute to work? Will you ride with your children?

Consider the size of your bicycle. Some come in eight or more sizes! Your inside leg measurement will determine the size of the frame. The reach to the handlebars is also very important. Try out some bikes to determine what makes you comfortable when riding.

When you choose your bike, choose one that has a look you like. If all possible, test ride it before buying. Although second hand bike purchase is far less fraught with risk than buying a used car, some mechanical issues can be surprisingly expensive to fix. Choose a bike that is comfortable even if it costs a bit more. Ask questions regarding anything you don�t understand, such as how to change gears or maintain the bike. If possible, try to get an owner�s manual for your bike.

Always purchase a new helmet and always use it when you ride: even if you are only cycling to the local corner shop. It only takes one accident.

Whether you buy new or used, it is worth investing the time in finding a reputable bicycle dealer who will service your bicycle as well. If you use your bike reasonably regularly, it is worth having it checked and adjusted once a year to reduce wear and tear, improve riding comfort and ensure safely.

In summary, today�s bicycles come in many shapes and sizes and are used for various kinds of riding. Determine how you will use your bike before you purchase it. Get a bike that is comfortable and fits you properly. Be sure to buy safety equipment and use it and make sure that your bike is regularly serviced.
UK Home / Sports & Leisure / Cycling
To Get Help About This Section, Click Here
free classified ads
Cycling & Bicycles  
Looking for new and second-hand Cycling equipment - from bikes and accessories to protective gear? Find them here at Classifieds Sports & Leisure - the home of FREE classified ads.
Either browse through our Cycling Ads (below) or use the Search & Sort box on the right to filter your results.  Or, alternatively, Post your own Ad for FREE.
    
 
  
      
Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 10 of 13 ads found )
30 July 2010
Electric quad with charger, in excellant working order, comes with a new charger. offers around £45, selby. tel 07960 068558.
£45
YO8
28 July 2010
Superb hardrock 21" (large mens) front suspension, was £350 new. upgraded grips and pedals. excellent condition, only used on road. can deliver within 20 miles of bromsgrove. £200 ono. .
£200
26 July 2010
Bike specs shimano dura-ace 7800 group cassette: shimano dura-ace 11-23t handlebars: zipp sl 42 c-c (upgrade) stem: ritchey wcs 4axis 120 size (upgrade) saddle: selle italia flite titanium (upgrade) clinchers/wheels: easton circuit velomax hubs crankset: zip. .
LE8
23 July 2010
Claud butler 400g alloy 24spd colour met blue framesize 700c x 22" weight 20kg brand new still in its box, not been used. some assemmbling required, pedals and seat. full instructions included. .
£190
WV13
19 July 2010
At mountain bike limited company we sell all brand of new of road bike, triathon bike, mountain bike, trek bike both complete bike and frameset also available. please contact us below for more details. email:mountainbikelimited@live. co. uk mountainbikelimited@gmail. com r. .
£1,000
TS23
12 July 2010
Pinarello carbon f4;13 over sized frame with onda front forks & onda rear stays frame size is 55cm most carbon seat post can be raised 31cm full shimano ultegra brakes & gears + flight deck 20 speed gears with most chainwheel & look sprint pedals most wheels if your height . .
£1,800
KY9
06 July 2010
Trek 3900 mountain bike in very good condition, front suspension, disc brakes, double padded saddle for extra comfort, tyres almost brand new, will deliver, call me to arrange a viewing on 09830930040.
£30
BD13
04 July 2010
Marijuana herbs for sale contact drsosanpetos@gmail. com.
22 June 2010
Mens 24 speed, disc breaks, front and back suspension,rst front forks,shimano alivio quick change gears,quando quick release wheels,nice handle grips and seat. just needs new back inner tube and tyre. brought for £400 very nice all round mountian bike. .
£170
DE21
12 June 2010
Age 3-5 years. disney princess - pink/purple. with stabilisers. inc matching helmet. good condition .
£25
B90
FirstLast...
1/2/
...
Information & Advice on Cycling & Bicycles
Category Ad Tags

"
Ad Tags are keywords Users have added to their Ad to quickly indicate what they’re advertising.
"
There aren’t any Tags associated with this Classification.
Post a FREE Ad
Log In / Register
Help!
About
Share
RSS
Related Classifications
Sports & Leisure (154)
Football Fishing Cricket Cycling Tennis, Badminton & Squash