Ok, I do have a love affair with bikes. The townies are so stylish yet so nonfunctional from my standpoint. Good for a few miles on a bike path or a cruise to the coffee shop, but other than that, they are designed for style. The following are what I consider “the keys” when purchasing a bike. The benefits of riding for me have included amazing opportunities to ride in beautiful places (Italy), freedom, fitness, and achievement. The cycling world is 95% male. Racing bikes as a woman means less competition- therefor more opportunities to WIN MONEY. (Disclaimer: I’m what my hubby calls a “bike snob” so please take what’s here with a grain of salt).

Decide on a budget: You are going to spend a minimum $500+ for any decent bike. I do not recommend bikes made at Costco, Kmart or Target. In addition to the bike, you will need money for pedals, a woman’s saddle, shoes, cycling shorts and a helmet. Quality is primary. It’s better to invest in the components that the frame. Components such as Campagnolo, Shimano or Ultegra are good trust worthy brands. There are also many high quality used bikes that would be perfect starter bikes, however, a used bike should cost significantly less than a new bike. Components are what make the bike, really. So, if you decide to purchase a used bike; be sure that the parts can be replaced or upgraded. Road bike review is a good source to check.

What is your primary goal for riding? Is it going to be for fitness or simply talking your kids to the park? You can buy all kinds of bikes so have a clear picture of your needs before you walk in the bike shop. If you buy a “Townie” it will be no better than getting you to the coffee shop in style. Don’t expect to run multiple errands or saving gas money with this one. The “townie” is strictly STYLE. Townies are seriously heavy with fat tires, wide handlebars, and banana boat seats- comfortable for a mile or two, that’s it. You can buy a mountain bike for trail rides. You can buy a hybrid bike that offers options for riding on the street as well as the trail. A hybrid bike will have you sit up straighter and the handlebars will be straight. Finally, a road bike will offer the ability to ride longer distances. A road bike will offer you many opportunities for different types of riding such as triathlon, criterium, centuries or group riding.

FIT, FIT, FIT!! If the 18 year old young teenager tells you to straddle the bike, lift the front wheel and tells you it fits–walk out the door. You need to be measured as far as your in seem, leg length, torso and so forth. Before you take any bike home, I highly recommend that you check your position on the bike at your local bike shop. Wrong position can lead to pain, discomfort and possibly an injury. A reputable bike shop with the most experienced person in the shop should be able to offer proper positioning! In all my years of riding, I never met two guys who said the same thing about seat position or seat height. Your best bet would be to let them adjust your position, ride it at the shop, ride for at least an hour, before you make any more adjustments. John Howard Sports is one of the best sources for bike fit!

Bottom line: it’s going to be about the FIT, MONEY, and YOUR GOALS. I could write volumnes on saddles, helmets, clothing, cornering, so, consider this the “bare bones” when considering a bike purchase. If I were to offer an opinion, I would stick to either a road bike or a mountain bike- depending on your goals. I use my Mountain Bike everyday with the double trailer to run errands around town as well as to ride off road. I have two road bikes and each have their responsibilities, specifically, training in the garage or racing and riding out on the road. To me, when you love something, you can never have enough. Same thing as a skiier having only one pair of skiis.

Readers, please feel free to offer comments, suggestions or thoughts regarding purchasing a bike or why you love to ride! It’s hard to condense years of cycling experience in one blog post. I may be prejudiced against townies but I love they way they look!!

Originally written for BOOKIEBOO.