Cycling is making a comeback–a sport that has been around for centuries is finding new fans. Some get back on a bike for fitness reasons–and it’s no wonder. Biking is a sport that can be enjoyed by people in varying stages of fitness, and can help them enjoy getting outdoors.
Others are cycling for commuting needs, to save money on gas and time. With the dense traffic in many areas, cycling can actually get you where you need to go faster, with the added benefits of exercise and fresh air! Along with being better for you than driving, it’s also much better for the environment–a win-win!
If you’ve considered getting into cycling, but aren’t sure where to start, here’s a quick guide by Storage in Junction City KS into a few of the types of bikes out there, so you can decide which one is the right one for you!
Road Bike
A road bike is made for speed and momentum, and its geometry will reflect that. The frame is going to have a more spread out geometry than other bikes, with the rider’s chest closer to the frame to improve aerodynamics. This can be a bit exhausting for a newbie–but there are additional benefits to the road bike style!
Road bikes are incredibly light, with most made out of aluminum in the beginner price range. Road bike tires are very thin, making them easy to roll and keep momentum going. These tires would not be great on terrain other than pavement.
Another essential part of road bikes will be your shifters and gear. There are many affordable beginner road bikes that features high quality drivetrains like Shimano, which will be a vital part of a successful road bike–higher quality parts means less money spent on repairs and replacements.
Overall, if you’re interested in racing or long road rides, speed, and distance, a road bike could be a great choice for you!
Mountain Bike
A mountain bike is almost the opposite of a road bike. The mountain bike’s geometry will be more upright and relaxed, with flat handlebars as opposed to the curved handlebars associated with a road bike. They will share a high-quality drivetrain with gears and shifters, unless you have a “fixie” which is a single-speed bike that can be operated completely with your feet, and needs no wires or gears.
A mountain bike’s tires will be thick to be able to handle rough terrain, and the frame can be steel to stand up to all that the trail will throw under its path. A mountain bike is a great choice for off-roading and exploring, but not for long distances where speed and aerodynamics are important.
Hybrid Bike
A hybrid bike combines the best of the mountain and road bike into one fun package. These bikes feature the relaxed geometry that is easy on the back and beginners, are usually fairly lightweight to allow for great momentum on the open road, but also feature wide tires that can handle varying terrains. These bikes are a great pick for beginners who want to try a little bit of everything. They are also a great choice for commuters!
Cruiser
A cruiser is typically associated with the beach, but they are great for any type of atmosphere where you want a comfortable, leisurely ride around town. The have wide handlebars that allow for an upright seating position, a very comfortable saddle, a low stepover height, which makes these an excellent choice even for those with decreased mobility, and large, wide tires for sand or streets.
These bikes are heavier, and they are not going to allow stamina for extremely long or fast rides. However, they are excellent for short, slower rides and the low stepover height, as mentioned before, makes them accessible to folks of all ages!
Bikes and cycling has been around for generations, and it’s never too late to get back into it! At Self Assured Storage, we are here to help when the cycling bug bites, and you need extra room in your garage or apartment for your gear. We have storage units and helpful staff waiting to help clear out some belongings to make space for your hobbies and keep your other things safe. Give us a call today to get started on clearing out space and organizing your home!
