Question by Jp: What Type Of Bicycle Would Best Fit My Situation?
With rising gas prices, greenhouse gases, and the fact that the older I get the less I tend to workout. I would like to start biking to work and other random places. I know very little about bicycles owning only one when I was 8 years old. I need some well informed information.
Ideally I will be traveling a distance between 10-35 miles in a round trip. The majority of my commute will be on flatland or on a somewhat inclined distance. I will be traveling next to a heavily traveled highway that has a sidewalk about 25-35% of the way since it is in somewhat of a dense commericial/residential area.
What would best suit my situation a Hybrid, Moutain Bike, or a Moutain Bike with “aftermarket tires”? Price is somewhat a factor since I dont know if I will keep up with this hobby. I would like to stay under 500.
Also what does the average beginner to intermediate person bike with the above conditions (mph)?
Best answer:
Answer by M R
Either Hybrid or MTB would work with 1.5″ road tires.
I always recommend the MTB option because it allows you the flexibility of trail riding if you ever want to. I have road and MTB bikes. I use my MTB with the road tire set up for tooling around town, riding with my kids to the store etc. works great. Use my knobbies for the trail only.
I’m open minded enough not to insist you do this but explained why that would be MY choice.
A reason in favor of a hybrid: You likely will like to sit more upright than a high mileage performance cyclist. A nicer MTB will have a fairly low, long reach. A hybrid will more likely have a more upright, short reach, what most non riders find comfortable. Lots of hybrids have adjustable stems to raise and lower the bars to suit you too. You could do this for a MTB too if you like but you’d have to buy it as an extra like the tires.
Please go out to a couple bike shops to try both out. You likely will opted for the hybrid. Buy there or look on-line after you know what you want. Make sure you get the right size, so many people end up riding too large a bike. $ 500 will get you a good solid bike.
Don’t forget a helmet, gloves, and a bike rack. If you’re riding up to 35 miles think about toe clips or clipless pedals. Your bike will likely have toe clips give ‘em a try. There’s very good reasons why people use ‘em. I always wear lightly tinted glasses for eye protection.
Hope this helped.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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