DPL Teens

Remember when you were a little kid and there was nothing better than jumping on your bike and racing through the neighborhood.  The wind at your back, racing full speed into whatever the future will bring? No siblings, no parents, no teachers – just you and the breeze.  Oh, yeah.   Complete freedom.  So why’d you stop?   Now that spring is finally here why not pick it back up?  No insurance,  no worry about gas prices, just get where you’re going and have a blast going there.

So, you’ve decided to go for a ride.  Now you just need a bike.  So they’re all about the same, right?  Hmm.  Well — I guess if you are one of those people that figure a Saturn Aura is the same as a Toyota Pruis is the same as a Ford Ranger is the same as a Jaguar XK since technically they all have 4 wheels and go  — then I suppose all bikes are the same.  But if you recognize that different vehicles have different uses, then you know that just any old bike might not fit your needs.  All bikes have a few elements that are basically the same — the frame, the wheels, drivetrain, seat, handlebars and brakes.   It’s the specialization of each of these that make the difference in the the bikes use — and cost!!

OK — let’s get a basic look at the differences in the basic elements.   The frame is the first obvious component of the bike.  And the most expensive to replace.  So what to look for?  Well – usually weight is a big factor – the lighter the better – for speed, respnsiveness and just moving it around.  Mountain bikes may have a slightly smaller triangle and higher bottom bracket to provide extra clearance than a road bike. It may also have a suspension system to provide a smoother ride over the rough terrain.  Wheels on a street bike will be thin and smooth for flat surfaces, mountain bikes and beach cruisers will have fat (and fatter) tires with deep treads.  The drivetrain includes the pedals, gears and everything attached.  So — how many gears do you need?  How many terrains are you going to ride on?  You can get anything from a single gear on a cruiser to a 27 gear mountain bike.  Generally speaking -  more gears = more options – and  more to think about!  The seat is a very personal choice.  About any bike you buy will have a good enough seat.  But there are alot of choices on the market if you are looking for comfort.  Again, think about where you are riding and for how long.  The shape of your bike will be a factor as well.  Are you sitting upright on a cruiser or leaning forward on a racing bike.  Handlebars are self explanatory enough.  Rounded and under (drop bars) for speed, straight and flat for control, upright for comfort.  The most important factor in brakes is that they work.  When you’re looking at a bike check out the brake shoes.  They should be about 1/16 to 1/8 inch from the rim.  Make sure they don’t rub on the tires.  Then squeeze the brakes as hard as you can and let them go.  Check it again. If they aren’t the same distance from the tire as they were to start with have the bike person readjust the clearances.

So — ready to hit the road?   Check out these books to get a little more info before you go:

Bicycling by Peter Oliver

Sloane’s Complete Book of Bicycling by Eugene A. Sloane

Now — go ride!

—angie