Choosing the right bike for commuting depends on factors such as daily commute length, cargo needs, and comfort vs. speed preference. Touring bikes offer comfort, while road bikes are faster. Look for a bike with rack mounts for storage.
If you’re thinking about saving fuel and improving your health by cycling, start by selecting the bike that’s right for your needs. There are several different brands and varieties to choose from, so investing in a commuter bike can seem daunting at first. But depending on your specific needs, choosing a good bike can be simple and fun.
The first step in deciding which bike is right for you is to decide what kind of bike you are going to make. How long is your daily commute? Will you be carrying cargo? How much? Do you value comfort over speed or vice versa? These and other questions can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, most bicycle models available today are built with these very questions in mind.
If comfort is your priority, look for a touring bike with a more upright position that keeps pressure off your wrists and arms. This will keep your back straight, putting less stress on that part of your body. Many bikes in this category come with adjustable stems to raise or lower the handlebar height, and several other models come with ergonomic seats to keep pressure off sensitive parts of your body.
For the traveler looking for a faster commute to work, a road bike might be a better choice. A road bike isn’t technically a commuter bike, but it’s built to be light and fast. So a road bike will be more difficult than a commuter bike, which will have lower gears and be easier to tackle the uphill sections of the ride. But if fitness and speed are the goal, a more aggressive riding position and lighter bike could be the answer. Look into a road bike, but be careful: road bikes can get pretty expensive.
Most commuter bike models today come standard with rack mounts, and some even come with racks pre-installed. When choosing your bike, make sure the frame has tabs to accommodate a storage rack so you can strap down your briefcase or bag. Don’t overdo it: make sure the rack is solid and has an appropriate weight capacity for what you’ll be carrying.
The storage rack on a commuter bike has another unintended benefit: Since it’s positioned over the rear wheel, it acts as a bumper that keeps dirt and rain from splashing onto the back of your pants and shirt. However, if you choose not to install a rack on your bike, be sure to invest in a bumper. They are generally inexpensive and easy to install.
Asset Smart.
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