Your friends have taken up biking and now you want in.  You’ve seen the benefits of cycling in your friends’ increased energy from cycling and have noticed slimming and toning of their physique.

After a buddy lets you take a few spins on their bike, feeling the breeze of speed, the tightening of your legs, and quick change of scenery, you’re sold!  You’re convinced that cycling definitely has its advantages over your typical routine of jogging and walking.

Come payday, you head down to your local bike shop but find yourself faced with a dilemma.  There are so many bikes types choose from.  What type bike should you buy?

Your predicament is common.  One of the most important yet confusing factors to consider when taking up biking is what type of bike to ride.  In deciding what type to ride you should first determine the kind of riding you plan to pursue.

• Are you riding to increase endurance? 
• Are you riding to tone up?
• Do you plan on riding on paved roads? 
• Do you plan on tackling dirt trails or rough terrain?  Or will you ride a mixture of both trail and road? 

For as many varying types of terrains that exist there are as many types of bikes to suit the terrain.  Answering these simple questions will help narrow down the type of bike most suitable for your needs.  

Yet, there are basically three categories of bicycles: 

• the Road bike
• the Hybrid
• the Mountain bike. 

Each has their own benefits and limitations.  To help you in your decision we offer this chart on how bike types differ.