Q&A for How to Choose a Bicycle

A hybrid should suit you well.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. Many models come in "small" frame sizes, along with medium and large.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Try a road bike with slightly thick tires. Install a bottle holder so you can drink water whenever you want.

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.

Go for a hybrid bike. You won't race with it, but it should give you a good speed and resist moderately rough terrain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

For women, that would be a size XXS (44-46 cm). For men, it would be an XS (33-37 cm).