Best Bicycles to Fit Your Life
Commuting to work by bicycle is up 36 percent over the last five years, according to government data, commuting. And "The Early Show"'s co-anchor Harry Smith is among the many who are happily spinning their wheels to work now that it's spring.
But what kind of bike should you buy if you'd like to join the bicycling masses? Loren Mooney, editor in chief of Bicycling magazine, shared four of the latest and greatest bikes now on the market.
THE CITY BIKE
Globe Live $580
This bike is a great example of how city bikes are blending utility with style. It's city functional in almost every way. It's got a kick stand for easy loading, an all weather brake system, a chain guard that's protected so you never get grease on your clothes and an integrated basket in the front that can carry a 25k load. It has fenders in the back and a bike rack in the front. It's super convenient when you need to carry something. This bike works well both as transportation, whether going to work or running errands, and it works well as a nice at home family ride weekend.
THE ROAD BIKE
Jamis Ventura Race (women's) $1,350
This bike delivers a lot of bang for your buck. At this price range, you are paying for lighter weight, higher performance and better durability. It has great parts that make it up, Shimano 105. The frame is a blend of lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber. This is an excellent bike for fitness, and could also help you gear up for your first triathlon. Racing on a privateer's budget can be rough; luckily, Jamis offers the Ventura Race Femme. Its lightweight 7005-aluminum frame and vibration-damping carbon seat stays, fork and seat post make this sweet machine rocket up climbs and sprint like a demon while still leaving money for entry fees. The Race also sports an aerodynamic Alex wheel set for free speed and great looks. Turning those hoops is a 20-speed Shimano 105 drive train powered by FSA cranks. Topping off this cool ride is a San Marco saddle plus Ritchey bars and stem which deliver comfort, low weight, and reliability at critical contact points. Buy it, ride it, race it; you'll love it.
THE MOUNTAIN BIKE
Cannondale F8 $549
This is a hard tail mountain bike; it has a cushy shock on the front wheel for going downhill. It also features disc brakes that offer incredible stopping power, even in the mud. Mountain bikes are like SUV's, you can ride them anywhere, but when it really shows you why it's worth the money is on the trails. This hard tail rocks an aluminum frame for snappy acceleration with long-term durability. When the going gets tough, the F8 is ready with an 80mm RST suspension fork and beefy wheels. And, you'll get a drive train from the biggest names in the industry: SRAM and Shimano. Plus, powerful mechanical disc brakes can slow you in a flash, no matter the speed or the weather.
THE KID'S BIKE
Specialized Hotrock 24 (girl's version) $330
The most important thing about about kid's bikes, BUY IT from your local bike shop. DO NOT buy it at a big box store. There are two reasons for this: First, they're not bike experts at big box stores, they will be tough to talk to you about your concerns and your child's individual cycling needs. Second, a local bike shop can make a great recommendation on a kid's bike, and you know it's going to be assembled well. With kids, safety should be a top priority, so buying a bike with quality parts is worth it, even if it costs a bit more. The model we have is a Specialized Hot Rock 24 in the girl's version. From training wheels to the trail-ready, every Hotrock comes in a range of sizes and colors, fit for the smallest tykes on up. All with durability, fun, safety and quality handed down from the same crew that builds our big-kid bikes. This bike is the lightest bikes available from 12"-24", and it's outfitted with the same quality components as Hotrock big bikes, including stainless steel spokes, alloy rims and durable bearings, seals and fasteners. For years and years of low maintenance and all-out fun.