From Bicycling.com
BY KEVIN CORTEZ
FROM CARGOS TO COMMUTERS TO E-BIKES, THESE ARE THE MOST IMPRESSIVE RIDES ON THE MARKET.
Mountain bikes, roadies, cargo haulers, gravel bikes, cyclocross rides, e-bikes—it doesn’t matter the style—we’ve likely tested it. Hunting for the best bicycle for you can be challenging, especially if you’re a beginner. We’ve spent countless hours riding and testing the greatest bikes out there, so whether you want to hit the trails or you’re looking for a reliable commuter to haul groceries, you can find the right ride for you. Check out some of the best bikes that money can buy, according to our experts.
What to Consider
Style and Use
Are you looking for a daily commuter or something to take with you on RV vacations a few times per year? Do you need to haul groceries each week, or are you just looking for a weekend workout? The bike you purchase should be one that best suits your lifestyle.
The right bike for you doesn’t always correlate directly with wheel size or tire tread—consider the foldable bike, for example, for those living in small spaces—but knowing your needs will help you find the bike best for you.
Take into account the type of trail (or lack of) you’d use your bike on, as well as how much or little you’ll haul, the maintenance you can handle, your fitness level, and if you’ll ever need to toss this thing in a bus, car, or train.
As a general rule of thumb: The fatter the tire, the better it is on rough terrain. City-dwellers may do best with a road bike with skinnier tires for speed on pavement and smooth surfaces, but if you plan on taking weekend trail trips, lean toward gravel and hybrid bikes. These can better rip through rocks and dirt roads.
As for frames, steel is the heaviest material you can buy, though it can take a harsher beating than lighter materials like aluminum and carbon. Opt for an aluminum or carbon bike if you need something that you can easily load into your car or the train. Lean toward steel if you plan on riding rugged terrain more often than paved roads.
Image courtesy of Aventon
