Bikes

Bicycles

Bicycles are available in many designs for different styles of riding. Mountain bikes and road bicycles, for instance, are two of the most common varieties. Understanding bike features and saddle heights will help you make an educated decision about your bicycle purchase.

BMX bikes, cruisers, Cyclocross bikes, hybrid and comfort bikes, kids’ bikes, mountain cycles, racing road bikes, and touring road bikes are some common styles. Each has distinctive features that help to adapt it to the particular ground, pace, and agility level.

These bicycles may look like any other sort of bike, but they are adapted to ride on difficult ground conditions with ease, including rocks, mud, and tree roots. Usually, mountain bikes have front or full suspension that allows for more bounce than other frames. Their tires are large and include lots of traction and knobs on the treads. The wheels are also more durable so that they are not disturbed by rocks and natural debris. The brakes are appropriately more powerful to stop the rider short of a cliff or body of water when necessary. Lower gear ratios are also included for climbing very steep terrain.

Usually, road bikes are made of lightweight material with a composite or carbon fiber front fork. Often, the handlebars are curved under like the horns of a ram. Narrow wheels and tires keep the bike aerodynamic, and there is rarely front or rear suspension. These bikes are designed to be ridden on pavement, like roads and bike paths, rather than on tough terrain. Due to their design, riders can go farther and faster on road bikes than with other bike types although these are not designed to carry a lot of supplies.

Ensuring proper saddle height decreases the risk of knee injuries. To measure the correct seat height for you, stand barefoot with your feet about shoulder width apart. Place a yardstick between your legs and pull up slightly to mimic a bicycle, then make a mark on the wall at the height of the yardstick. Measure from the mark to the floor, subtracting 10 centimeters from the measurement. Measure your final calculation height from the middle of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle, and adjust your bicycle accordingly.