Choosing the Right Bike

When a customer comes into our store looking for a new bike, one of the first questions we always ask is: “What kind of riding are you (or the person you’re buying the bike for) planning on doing?” What follows are some of the more common answers to that question, followed by a couple of suggested bicycles that might meet that person’s needs. Note: this is in no way a complete list of all the bikes we have in stock but merely a sample of the many models and styles we have available in the store. Plus, we carry a number of specialty items that do not fit into easily-defined categories, such as trailers and jogging strollers, unicycles, recumbants, and juvenile and adult tricycles – please contact us if you have any questions!

Click pictures to enlarge for detail.

I’m looking for a basic, sturdy bike for my son/daughter that will hold up to some abuse and still be in one piece to pass down to a younger brother or sister.

My son loves to jump and do tricks with his bike and needs something that can handle this kind of punishment.

My child needs more than just a single-speed for where we ride but isn’t big enough for an adult bike.

I’ll be riding on a combination of pavement and dirt-and-gravel roads- I’m looking for a good, basic mountain bike that won’t cost a fortune.

I’ll be riding off-road in more rugged terrain and need something a little more durable.

I’m looking for a mountain bike that will grow with me as I become a better rider – maybe even handle entry-level competition.

I’m an experienced off-road rider looking for the advantages of a dual suspension mountain bike.

I’ll just be riding for fun and exercise – a comfortable, easy-to-use bike is what I’m looking for.

I might want to eventually do some longer rides, but comfort is still important – I prefer a more upright riding position.

All my riding is on the pavement, and I’d like something that would be more suitable for longer rides, such as an MS150.

I’m an experienced road rider looking to do longer club and charity rides, possibly an occasional race or triathalon.