Vintage Monkey on Bicycle, Photo via Google Images
I am thinking of buying a new bike.
My current bike is a hand-me-down bike from my mother-in-law. There’s nothing wrong with it, except it looks like it was born the same year as me and it is currently under construction. Funny story about that.
See, my bike has had a punctured tire for a year. But right around the time I busted the tire, we joined a new gym and I started taking a cross-fit class. I was working out every morning or evening and didn’t really have much time to do bike rides or outdoor runs. Essentially, I didn’t care the bike was busted until recently, when I needed it. Isn’t that how it always goes?
Now that we are no longer members of our gym, we purchased an elliptical (which I will proudly post about.. WHEN WE GET IT!), we already have a home weight set and machine. Fixing my bike was creating a new form of cardio, so I could alternate between running days and biking days, and use the elliptical on the really low-impact work out days. I asked my husband to fix it and he was putting it at the bottom of his to-do list, so I fixed it myself. (This is where we insert the “yada, yada, yada”) And now the bike’s chain is off, parts may or may not be missing, and it definitely could be unrepairable. Oops. That definitely wasn’t my intention! But nonetheless, I’ve been hankering to get my hands and butt on my bike so I could get some exercise! This knee injury has got me bummed and since walking is even out of the question, I’m left to elliptical or ride a bike. Now if I could do one of those!
Anyway, I have been told to start looking at bikes. Since I’ve ridden the same bike the last couple of years, I don’t know much about what to expect from the “bike market” out there. Let me start with the things I know I want from a bike:
- Multi-terrain capabilities. Meaning, I want to be able to take it to the trails if I can, but mostly I will do street riding. Still, I want it to be capable of both settings.
- Comfortable OR Removable seat. My current bike has a comfortable seat so I could part it out if my “new” bike doesn’t; however, it would be nice to get a comfortable seat, as I plan on doing long rides.
- Adjustable seat height. I am a tall girl, so having a seat that can easily (that’s key) change height is a plus. Actually it’s a must.
- Front and Back linear pull breaks. Yes, I use brakes and I’m scared/not pro enough to not have them. I have them on my rollerblades, too, because I’m kind of clutzy.
- Sweet looks. My current bike is greenish gray and she isn’t much to look at. I’m looking for a looker. I mean, hey, why not?
Because I do not know that much about bikes, I can only read a lot of reviews and tell more knowledgeable people what I want and what I will use it for. Now that I’ve told you guys what I want and what I’ll use it for (long bike rides on paved streets, very occasional off-road rides), let me tell you what I’d like to learn more about.
- Gears. Most of the bikes I’ve looked at are 18-speed or 21-speed bikes. If I am going to be doing mostly street-riding, how many speeds would be ideal/enough for my riding needs? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Since I was a bit in the dark about the gears on a bike, I did some quick research:
Think of gears as nearly the same thing as speed. The more common speeds found on newer bikes are 1, 3, 18, 21, 24, or 27 speeds.
Lower numbers equal low gears, and higher numbers equal high gears. Seems obvious, right
Shifting means going from one gear to another gear. You shift gears by sliding the shifter on the handlebars, which shifts the chain onto a different sized ring.
Downshifting means going to a lower gear, and upshifting means going to a higher gear. Still simple, right?
The basic jist about shifting gears is as follows:
- If you’re going uphill and it’s too difficult, shift down.
- If your legs are spinning the pedals way too quickly, then shift up.
The lower the gear, shorter distance for each spin of the pedals, which makes it easier to pedal. The higher the gear, the longer distance for each spin of the pedals, thus creating more difficulty and resistance in pedaling.
I always wondered why it felt tougher to upshift but never put enough thought into it. Glad I finally did
With all of that said, here are a few bikes I am considering. Keep in mind, my price range is probably capped at $200 to $250, as I just spent a pretty penny on a shinin’ new elliptical
26" Titania Women's Aluminum Mountain Bike
Specs on this bike:
- 21-speed Shimano gearing system
- Aluminum frame and suspension front fork
- Alloy handle, crank, hubs, and rims
- Plush two-tone MTB style seat with alloy seat post and quick release
26" Women's Schwinn Aluminum Comp All Terrain Bike
Specs on this bike:
- Lightweight hydro-formed aluminum frame with SR Suntour suspension fork
- 21 speeds with Shimano EZ Fire trigger shifters for easy gear changes
- Alloy linear pull brakes stop precisely
- Alloy rims are strong and lightweight
- Schwinn mountain saddle
Huffy Ladies' Savannah Road Bike
Specs on this bike:
- Deep Red Hybrid frame
- Black suspension fork for a smooth, comfortable ride
- Alloy front and rear linear pull brakes for good control
- Suspension seat post provide comfort even on long rides
- 700C wheels and alloy rims for strength without extra weight
- Adjustable top load 2-bolt handlebar stem for riding support
- 18-speed Shimano Revo twist shifters provide easy shifting
- Convenient rear rack for carrying needs
- Padded comfort saddle feels great even on long rides
- Alloy quick-release seat post for easy adjustment
Ahh, so those are my choices so far! It’s sort of stressful but as important to me as buying a car Except, I guess you can take a bike back but not a car!
If anyone has any suggestions on what I should look for or brands that you prefer, please let me know!
Oh and P.S., I just want to look cooler than this lady on my new bike. Is that too much to ask?
Woman with Bicycle in 1890s, Photo from Wikipedia
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