Bicycles/Buying a Bicycle

Deciding what model of bicycle to purchase can be easy for experienced users but slightly difficult for newcomers. Basically. you need to understand what you want to get out of your bike. Mountain bikes (MTBs) are good for what's in the name—mountains, along with climbing or going uphill—because their gear ratios make pedaling easier.

Mountain Bicycles

If you tend to stay urban, you may want to opt for a road bike, which are made for simple rides: good for speed but tend to put more pressure on your legs. Road bikes are designed to help cyclists get the most out of the road through the frame shape of the bike, the width of the tires, and the components' weight.

In Europe, bike shops are very common due to the prevalence of cycling; however, in the United States, bike shops are less commonly found. In America, while it is common to see children riding bikes, you will hardly find adults biking, because they are more prone to using motorized vehicles. Large retail stores, such as Wal-Mart, commonly have a selection of bikes, but they are often poorly engineered and therefore cheap. If you want a durable bike you would need to go to a bike shop and get a bike from a reputable company.