Eight Key Points to Finding the Right Bike for You

What is one of your most thrilling memories of your childhood? If you’re like most kids, that thrill was getting on a bike and starting to ride, all by yourself! And now you are an adult, and there is still a world of freedom and fun out there in the world of cycling. One key factor in cycling is comfort. Here are eight key points to finding the right bike for you, from the various types of bikes to how to find the right frame.

1. Mountain Bikes

You can use a mountain bike on pavement, but they are built mainly for off-road use.

2. Hybrid Bikes

These bikes are good for commuting. They are cross between a mountain bike and a road bike, usually. They are sturdy, but not extremely rugged.

3. Road Bikes

Road bikes are built for speed. They do very well on pavement. Road bikes are excellent for city use.

4. Cruisers

These bikes are very casual, made for an enjoyable ride. They are not built for speed, competition, or rugged terrain. If you are looking for a pleasure cruise type of bike ride, this is the bicycle for you! Your local bicycle shop will have a great selection for you to look at.

5. Take Your Measurements

Now, to find the right bike frame. Measure your arms, legs, and torso. You may also want to consider having a professional bike fitter in one of your nearby bike shops assess your physique and match it to an appropriate frame.

6. Consult a Basic Formula

The most common formula is called stand-over height. This is your inseam plus one or two inches. (The additional one or two inches are called ‘clearance’.) Different bike styles have different requirements, so be sure to note that.

7. Refer to Size Charts

These are available free all over the Internet, or at your local bicycle shop. Basically they take your height and inseam length, and then they recommend a bike frame size. Again be sure to consult the chart that matches the type of bike you will be riding. Hybrid, mountain, and road bike sizes are all different. Be sure to ask about toe clips and toe clip pedals.


8. Remember the Saddle
A good seat, or saddle, is imperative as it will help relieve pain and pressure in the perineal area. Be sure to choose a comfortable bike seat among the many types of bike saddles that are available. Also, take the saddle height into consideration when you are selecting a frame.


Now that you have the factors to consider when selecting a bike and a bike frame, you’re on your way! Besides the health benefits and exhilaration of cycling, it is also eco-friendly, too. There are twice as many bicycles as there are cars in the world, totaling one billion bicycles. So, experienced cyclist or novice, you’re ready to visit your local bicycle shop, get some professional advice, and then recapture that fantastic feeling of your first, independent ride...in comfort, on a bike that fits you just right.