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The Athlete
What’s your
Bike Type by Morgan Cole
Illustrations by Katie Hallbauer
Looking for a new ride? Sometimes the jargon can be a little intimidating. The good news is that you don’t have to become fluent in bike speak to decide which bike is best for your two-wheeled adventures. Whether you’re a new cyclist or looking to get back into riding, there’s a bike out there with your name on it. We just need to help you find it. Before starting to shop, think about the terrain and type of riding that you plan to do. A good bike shop can help you find the perfect fit, but here are some bike options to help you get started.
ROAD/RACING BIKE Designed for racers (and wanna-be racers) or those looking to get their cardio in with a daily ride. DESIGN: Skinny tires, light frame, forward-leaning riding position allowing for serious speed IDEAL FOR: Cyclists looking to ride fast over lengthy distances for long periods of time
TERRAIN: Paved roads & bike paths
The Beach-Goer CRUISER
You just want something simple and fun to cruise to the beach. DESIGN: Retro-looking, wide balloon tires, wide seats, simple mechanical design, durable, easy maintenance IDEAL FOR: Casual and stylish cyclists looking for a comfortable & leisurely ride TERRAIN: Paved roads, bike paths & dirt roads
The Adventurer MOUNTAIN BIKE
You spend weekends hitting the trails and exploring the great outdoors.
The Commuter URBAN/CITY BIKE
You want to avoid traffic and go green by riding to work.
DESIGN: Durable stout frame, knobby tires, shockabsorbers for any terrain
DESIGN: Durable with riser handlebars, ballooned tires, strong frame to handle road hazards
IDEAL FOR: Cyclists who are looking to ride off-road, steep inclines & rough terrain
IDEAL FOR: Versatility and comfort, practical city dwellers quick travel to run errands or commute to work
TERRAIN: Paved roads, dirt roads, gravel & rocky trails
TERRAIN: Paved roads
The Motorhead ELECTRIC BIKE
You enjoy cruising around on your bike but aren’t necessarily up for breaking a sweat. DESIGN: Hefty frame, swept-back handlebars, on-board rechargeable battery, silent motor, climate friendly IDEAL FOR: Uphill riding, cyclists wanting to go twice the distance for half the effort TERRAIN: Pavement, bike paths, trails & dirt roads
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