Buying a bike - but which bike?
Hybrid? Roadie? MTB?
The choices can seem overwhelming. Here's what some women have to say...
"My first bike was one of those little pink ones with the training wheels at the back. Now I ride a hybrid with 21 gears. It's got suspension at the front, but it has thin wheels. I love it."
- Michaela, 17
"I ride a mountain bike with slick tyres. I actually enjoy riding more on roads and trails. I'm not really a mountain bike rider... I don't like riding through bushes."
- Michelle, Tour for a Cure
"I've just bought a new cross-country dual suspension mountain bike which I'm very excited about - disk brakes, lots of nice soggy suspension."
- Pip, off-road enthusiast
"I was really impressed at how fast you can go on a road bike. It made me feel more confident."
- Pyrou, endurance road rider
"I started off on a really old hybrid bike."
- Kate, triathlete
Your first bike
Thinking about giving cycling a try? Chances are you'll need to get yourself a bike. But which bike? Before you commit, think about what sort of riding you are likely to be doing - a quiet Sunday spin on the local bike path, riding to work, something a bit more rugged out in the bush or taking part in an epic organised event?
Below is a list of some of the bikes you might consider trying out, depending on your needs.
Whatever you do, try before you buy
Being inexpensive and comfortable, a hybrid, mountain bike or comfort bike might be a good place to start. Do take the time to talk with your friendly bike shop. They will be happy to let you try out a few different models to find the bike that suits you. Beware of cheap supermarket bikes. You'll get no service, no advice and you won't be able to try before you buy.
As you get into it, you will be able to better decide what style of bike is best for you and upgrade to something more glamorous.
Do I need a road bike?
If you're thinking about doing a longer ride, but can't afford a road bike, don't despair. A mountain bike or hybrid bike can be converted with slick tyres, bar ends and adjusting your setup to be more aerodynamic.
The most popular bikes
Road bikes are built for speed, with drop handlebars, thin tyres, a light frame and no extras bits (like mudguards) to weigh them down. The stretched-out, aerodynamic riding position on a road bike may not be the most comfortable, but it helps you to go fast. An entry-level road bike will set you back $1000, but if you want to get fancy, the sky is the limit.
Mountain bikes are built to withstand off-road adventures in the dirt, but they are also very adaptable for the city. They look chunkier, with wider knobbly wheels for traction and front, rear and seat suspension. They also have more low gears for steep climbs. These bikes have a much more upright riding position than roadies. An entry-level mountain bike might cost you $500 to $1000. Fancier bikes with disc brakes will set you back a lot more.
Hybrid bikes are a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. They have the comfortable upright riding position and suspension of mountain bikes, but the frame is not as chunky. You can choose knobbly tyres for extra traction on gravel trails, or use slick tyres for less traction and more speed in city traffic. They also have more low gear options like a mountain bike. A good quality hybrid might set you back around $600 or more.
Don't feel you have to be limited to a road bike, MTB or hybrid...
Comfort bikes are built for leisurely cruising. With elegant design, floaty suspension and wide, squishy seats, you feel like you're on the bicycle equivalent of the QE2. They can be inexpensive, but with few gears and a heavy frame they have their limitations.
Recumbents look like an easy chair on three wheels. Recumbents give you back support and use different sets of muscles to conventional bikes. They have more gears, less wind resistance and are completely stable, making them popular with serious cycle tourists.
Touring bikes are built to withstand the rigours of long-distance travel with the capacity to carry luggage, mudguards and multiple water bottles.The riding position is higher, with more weight placed on the rear of the bike. These bikes can set you back up to several thousand dollars.
Flatbar road bikes are a relatively recent evolution which are gaining popularity with more experienced city cyclists. Somewhere between a hybrid and a road bike, they have the light frame and aggressive riding position of a road bike, without the drop handlebars. They have as many gears as a mountain bike, but their skinny tyres do not make them suitable for riding on loose surfaces. At around $1000, they cost more than hybrids, but not as much as road bikes.
Folding bikes have smaller wheels and are small and light when folded up. Their gearing makes them as easy to ride as a conventional bike. They are easy to carry when you want to combine cycling with other forms of transport such as car, bus or plane, and they are easy to store if your space is limited, or if parking security is an issue.
Power-assisted bikes are ideal for people who need help when things get a bit strenuous (e.g. people with knee problems who are unable to cope with uphill climbs). An electric bike travels very quietly at about the same speed as an ordinary bike. They cost around $1500.