How to Choose the Best Bike for Your Fitness Needs

Depending on where, how often, and how comfortable you feel on a bike, you may not think biking for exercise is a good choice for you. However, there are many different types of bikes and there is one out there that will fit your needs. There are bikes for people who prefer biking on flat roads, rocky inclines, sand, or even snow with additional options for beginners through advanced. This allows you to choose the best option not only for where you want to bike, but also for what level of biker you are. In total, there are five different categories of bikes, each with their own benefits and downsides. However, no matter which bike is best for you, all bikes will let you exercise and improve your fitness.

Road Bikes

One of the most common forms of bikes is the road bike. These include racing, cycling, and touring bikes. Typically these bikes are built very small and lightweight. They have smaller tires with relatively little grip. Since these bikes are meant to be on paved roadways, they do not need to be able to handle bumps and therefore have less of a need for suspension. A road bike is what you should buy if you are looking to increase your fitness by biking to work (via a paved roadway) or if you are just looking to go fast. Road bikes are built more aerodynamically than other bike styles, so they are best for speed.

Mountain Bikes

The next most common bike type would be the mountain bike. These include trail bikes, cross country bikes, and all-mountain bikes. Mountain bikes have thick tires that help absorb the bumps from rocks, roots, and uneven terrain. Mountain bike frames are also built much thicker than any other type of bike to help with shock absorption. Some bikes, called fat bikes, are even able to be ridden on sand or snow due to the large size of their tires. Most mountain bikes will also have lower gear shift options than other bikes. This helps when you need to bike up or down steep trails. If your main purpose in riding a bike is to get out into nature and have a bumpy, dirt packed adventure, then a mountain bike might be the best fit for your needs.

Hybrid Bikes

A hybrid bike is a combination of road bike and a mountain bike. However, all hybrid bikes are slightly different because they are built to best suit your needs. If you think a hybrid bike will work best for you, you need to consider exactly what terrain you will be riding on, what kind of shock absorption you will need, and what braking or steering needs you will require. If you are a beginner, a hybrid bike might be the best way for you to get into biking. This kind of bike will allow you to exercise and explore different terrain.

Specialty Bikes

Specialty bikes vary greatly on function and use. These include bikes such as cruisers, folding bikes, and electric bikes. Cruisers are great for leisure and light exercising, however they are not made for rough terrain. Folding bikes are lightweight and great for people who need to commute to office buildings. Electric bikes are best for people who need an extra push to get up or down large hills regularly.

Gym Bikes

If none of the bikes above suit your needs or if you don't like being outside, it may be best for you to use a stationary bike. This is a good option if your primary goal is to lose weight. Using a stationary bike is good for working leg and back muscles without having to travel or think about a bike to lock up. If you are having a hard time losing weight, you may want to try using fat burners alongside your daily gym routine to help get rid of any stubborn fat.

Whether you want to go fast, get dirty, or stay inside, there is a type of bike out there for everyone. Exercising with bikes is something that everyone can do, it is just a matter of finding the right bike type for you.