The Addictive Guide to Choosing a Bike

If you are already a bike addict you will probably have your own ideas for your next bike. However if you buying for the first time or planning a return to cheap, healthy and enjoyable transport, you may need some help choosing:

Today every bike manufacturer offers a huge range of cycles; this can be bewildering. Of course if you pop into Addictive Bikes we will be more than happy to explain the differences in person over a cup of coffee and a biscuit (provided Henry hasn't eaten them all). But if you prefer to ponder at your leisure, here is our guide, with examples of entry level bikes of each type:

Size Matters

Selecting the right size bike is essential if your ride is going to be comfortable. Come and visit us and we will demonstate how to choose the correct size for you.

A Ladies bike

A well designed Ladies bike will have relatively short reach (distance between saddle and bars) compared to a Gent's bike. Except for road (racing) bikes, a ladies bike will usually have a lower cross bar. (Easier to get your leg through).

The Mountain Bike:


Robust frames with flat handlebars giving a moderately upright position; sturdy 26 inch wheels ususally fitted with knobbly tyres which are good for shedding mud; a wide range of gears featuring some very low ratios for climbing hills. The mountain bike can be used on any journey, but is slower on the road than a hybrid or road bike.

The Road (racing) bike:

Lightweight frames with drop (curly) handlebars which give a variety of cycling positions; narrow 28" wheels with low rolling resistance; higher gear ratios for high speeds. A road bikes wheels may not be strong enough for off road surfaces such as bridleways. These lightweight bikes are are ideal for covering long distances on road or for sunday club runs with the Thanet Road Club.

The Hybrid

A cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. Usually the strong frame and low, wide gears of a mountain bike coupled with the larger diameter, narrower wheels of a road bike. This combination results in a very easy to ride and comfortable bike which is at home on most surfaces. A hybrid can easily be adapted into any of the following roles: Commuter; Shopper; Tourer; Leisure bike; Town bike.

Touring Bike

A road bike with modified geometry and lower gears to enhance comfort and enable load carrying. A touring bike is usually equipped with mudgaurds and a rack. Tourers also make excellent commuting bikes. A variation on the tourer is the Audax or Sportif bike which is essentially a racing bike but a bit more comfortable for us mortals.

The Single Speed

In theory this could mean any bike with only one gear ratio (eg track racer or BMX)). Today the term usually refers to the fashionable and very simple bikes favoured by commuters and couriers in London and oher busy citys.

BMX

Motocross bikes are lightwieght and designed for racing over dirt track obstacles. Freestyle bikes are more robust for performing arial stunts and tricks. Both types feature 20" wheels, single speed, and very strong frames.

Trials Bikes

Trials riding is a test of bike handling skills. The bikes themselves are characterised by powerful brakes, wide handlebars, lightweight parts, single-speed low gearing, low tyre pressures with a thick rear tyre and often, no seat.