Q&A for How to Choose a Bicycle

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  • Question
    I am 40 years old and planning to go back to cycling. I would be cycling to work daily about 5 miles one way on city roads. What should I get?
    Community Answer
    A hybrid should suit you well.
  • Question
    What would you suggest for a first bike for an elderly person who is cycling for the first time on a road?
    Karen Anderson
    Community Answer
    Go to a bike shop in your area and discuss your biking preferences and ask for suggestions. Then you should comparison shop at various other bike shops and stores that may carry the bike you're looking for.
  • Question
    I am over 60 years old and 6 feet tall. How do I choose a bicycle?
    Community Answer
    Age does not affect bicycle choice, except that older people are more likely to do better with a slightly more upright riding position to reduce strain on their wrists, back, and neck.
  • Question
    I am 13 years old; which kind of bicycle is best for me?
    Community Answer
    Age has little to do with picking out a bike. It depends more on your height and weight, as well as the type of bike you want. There are bigger bikes for larger people and smaller ones for smaller people, as well as ones meant for different terrain, like mountain and road bikes.
  • Question
    Are there any adult bikes for a shorter person?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Many models come in "small" frame sizes, along with medium and large.
  • Question
    Are there bikes made for larger people, say 300 lbs?
    Community Answer
    You should check with a bike shop. My dad replaced standard wheels with 30-spoke wheels because of his weight. These wheels are generally for tandem bikes to support the weight of two adults. The main issue with weight on the bicycle is breaking spokes.
  • Question
    What is the best frame size for someone who is around 60 inches tall?
    Community Answer
    56-58 cm, though that is only the length of the top pipe, there are other measurements as well, so you might want to try a few out and see what feels best.
  • Question
    What bike should I buy if I am 16 and 6 feet tall?
    Community Answer
    Buy from a bike shop that has good expertise in fitting. Get a bike that fits you properly but is toward the large end in case you keep growing.
  • Question
    How do I choose a bicycle that won't be criticized for how it looks if I am a teen?
    Heartsy
    Community Answer
    Buy a bicycle that looks simple but good. Don’t always look at the appearance of the bicycle, also make sure that it has proper quality (as given in the article).
  • Question
    Which bicycle is the best for a 14-year-old?
    Community Answer
    Try a road bike with slightly thick tires. Install a bottle holder so you can drink water whenever you want.
  • Question
    Whenever I ride my bike, I always feel the left side of my shoulders is numb and painful. Why?
    Community Answer
    Your bike setup may be wrong; you could be leaning too far forward, which puts pressure on your arms and connective joints. Take your bike to your local bike shop for a fitting.
  • Question
    Is there a bike that is capable of mountain riding as well as high speed on flat roads?
    Community Answer
    Go for a hybrid bike. You won't race with it, but it should give you a good speed and resist moderately rough terrain.
  • Question
    What is the best bicycle for a daily 20 kilometer commute?
    Community Answer
    20K is long enough that efficiency will be important. If the commute is on pavement, consider a drop bar road bike that has a somewhat more upright position and can accept accessories in case a rack is needed.
  • Question
    Will a heavier frame make riding more comfortable?
    Jayden Watford
    Community Answer
    This will depend on the type of ride you take from: mountain biking (which are heavy for stability reasons), road biking (lighter frames for hills and maneuverability), hybrid biking (between heavy and light for both terrains) and finally BMX (light for tricks and maneuverability). Each bike is designed for the purpose and comfort is always part of the design in modern day bikes.
  • Question
    So what are the differences between road bikes ,touring bikes, and hybrid bikes?
    Community Answer
    Road bikes are lightweight and they could be chosen if you want to catch good speeds in your rides. Touring bikes are also meant for roads but they are known for their structure and you can attach many accessories on them. Hybrid bikes can be chosen if you want to switch between both terrain and road.
  • Question
    What kind of bike should I use on a dirt or gravel trail? What frame should I be looking for?
    Community Answer
    A mountain bike might be better for you. You may also check hybrid bike which may be used on roads also. As for the frame it depends on your height/weight. So try a few bicycles at a shop near you to find the right frame.
  • Question
    How do I pick a bike if I'm middle aged, have health issues, and I'm out of shape?
    Community Answer
    Choose a bike which is good for your height/weight and can support your weight easily. Pay attention to saddle height/frame and handlebars. You might choose the one which allows you to ride it in an upright position as it will be less stressful for your back, wrists and elbows.
  • Question
    What are fat bikes?
    Jfire007
    Community Answer
    Fat bikes are generally speaking for loose sand, mud and heavy trails but not for long distances. For long distances, go with a mountain bike with a front or full suspension. Also, mountain bikes are cheaper and lighter.
  • Question
    I am 86 and have not ridden a bike since teen years. I just totaled my car and am thinking to purchase a bicycle to ride on flat paved surface to the post office, light grocery shops and other trips of 2 miles or less. Suggestions?
    Jfire007
    Community Answer
    Trikes are a good choice. They are stable, have large storage capacity and safe to use. But you would want to add large road tires and possible see the derailer options.
  • Question
    What kind of bike should I get if I need to go long distances?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the surface. If road or asphalt, a road bike with cleats is good. If riding on trails, then a mountain bike with cleats is good. If it going to be a combination of roads and trails, then a hybrid bike with cleats is the best choice.
  • Question
    I am 32 years old, got a busy job and wish to have exercise during Sundays. I live in a city, with slightly challenging slopes of pavement. What's best for me?
    Rudy Toth
    Community Answer
    Get yourself a 26" mountain bike, like a 21 speed or greater. You want to ride up that hill without getting off, so the bigger the ring on the rear wheel closest to the spokes, the better. You need good leg muscles too, unless you put a motor on the frame and cheat on the incline. Put the front derailleur on the lowest gear ring going up that small hill. Keep your new bike inside the house, you'll make it last you longer in age and keep it healthy. Also, buy your bike a good cable word lock. If you like distance reading and speed? Get your bike a digital odometer. (Button battery being a 2032 type.)
  • Question
    I'm 4 feet and 11 inches in height. What's the right bicycle size that fits me?
    Da genius
    Community Answer
    For women, that would be a size XXS (44-46 cm). For men, it would be an XS (33-37 cm).
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