Find Your Ideal Bike

Finding the bike that's right for you is not difficult if you consider these factors. 

Quality & Durability

A good bike will bring you faithfully to your destination no matter how far it is. It will outlive you. While proper maintenance and upkeep is important, bike makers that are passionate about cycling just make better and more lasting products. There's something sentimental about the next generation rolling down paths you've travelled and exploring the places only you have seen.

    

What kind of terrain will you be on?

Typically rocky and rough terrain requires a sturdy bike with wider bars like mountain bikes. Maybe even some sort of suspension. Moreover, thicker knobbly tyres provide increased cushioning and grip on rough terrain such as trails and grass. 

  

  How far do you intend to travel?

 

The science is relatively simple, the  crank to wheel ratio shows the leverage to push to traverse the distance you want. While crank arms are pretty standard length, wheel size varies greatly on  adult bikes - starting from 16", 20", 26", 27.5" to 29" (or 700c). The bigger the wheel, the faster and farther you go with the same effort... it's just physics.

 

Is form factor a consideration?

Pushing a large bike onto a crowded train is not only inconsiderate, it may get you arrested. If you need a bike that can travel with you on public transport, a folding bike is the only way to go. Check out Downtube bikes in our catalog. 

 

How to decide between fitness and cargo?

The rule of thumb is the longer and faster you need to go, the more aerodynamic you need to be and the less you can afford to carry. Carrying heavy cargo or passengers (like a child) will mean you need to be more upright, racks, fenders, baskets, panniers, rear seat, maybe even a cheeky friend.. 

 

How often will you be cycling?

The longer you spend on the bicycle, the more you will appreciate pliability and the tensile nature of the material your bike is made of. Fans of steel will tell you long rides are made more tolerable compared to very stiff alloy or carbon. For short rides to the market, your backside won't know the difference.

  

Who will you be cycling with?

Buying a lightweight carbon racing bike to cycle with a partner on a foldable with tiny 16" wheels will end in a social  disaster. Getting the right bike to cycle with a loved one is important. This may mean having two bikes if you need one for fitness or livelihood...

 

 

You should now have a fair idea on what kind of bike will give you the most satisfaction. 

Go to our Product page, or head down to The Shack and chat with David..