What Bike is Right for Me?

So without a doubt the most commonly asked question here at the shop is “how do I know which bike is right for me?”  For many people the last time they were on a bike was the day before they got their driver’s license and their experience with bikes at that time was pretty simple.  They owned whatever bike their parents had purchased for them, so it may have been a BMX bike, or most likely some type of mountain bike.  Now after X number of years you want to get back into riding because it is a good way to get some exercise or just take advantage of the MCT trails and ride with the family.  So, you say to yourself no problem I will pop into the bike shop and be out in about ten minutes.  But as soon as you walk in, wham, you see a seemingly endless variety of bikes, with prices ranging from around $270 for a single speed cruiser to upwards of $6,000 for a 15 pound road bike.  So now you start thinking did I come to the right place and is there a bike here for me and my budget?

  Well, don’t worry.  Yes, the bike industry now pumps out more styles of bikes than ever before but, with the help of a good salesperson, and some open ended questions from that individual, we can help get you on the bike that is going to fit your needs and budget.  So what is that big question you need to answer to get you going?  How about, what kind of riding are you going to do? 

  If you want to head on over to SIUE’s trails and then check out the trails in Missouri, then a mountain bike will best suit you.   If you really want to get into racing and maybe dabble in triathlons, then a standard road bike is your best bet.  But if you are a dedicated triathlete then a time trial bike with aerobars is your ticket to stepping up your game.  Most people however just want a bike that is comfortable; they can use for exercise, and go on fun rides with the family.  In those cases then a hybrid bikes will work best. 

  For example, the bike below is the Cypress DX by Giant.  It comes in a men’s and women’s version and is considered a comfort bike, meaning the bike has been manufactured to be as comfortable as possible.  It features an upright riding position, a suspension seat post and front fork, a well-padded seat, and an adjustable stem.

  Another example of a hybrid bike that is a bit different is the Giant Escape which, again comes in a men’s and women’s version.  The Escape is a bit more fitness oriented and lighter than the Cypress.  The riding position is not as upright, the bike has a standard seat post, and aluminum front fork.   

  So, as you can see, bikes have come a long way from the ones we know and loved as kids.  But don’t let that discourage you or scare you away.  We encourage you to check out our website at www.thecyclerys.com, there you will find links to various bike manufacturers websites, where they do an amazing job of describing their products.  Then come on into the shop and speak with one of our salespeople, to help get you on the bike that matches the type of riding you want to do.