Getting A Bike That Works For You

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: January 10, 2009

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Looking for a new bike? Ask a few questions first to avoid making a bad investment:

Bike use: Will you be riding to work? Sticking to trails or going off-road? Participating in competitive racing? There are types of bikes for all kinds of uses.

Size of bike: Getting a bike that's the right size is important. A bad fit can be uncomfortable and lead to injuries.

Type of bike: Did you take a test ride? If you end up not liking your bike, you won't ride it. Before you buy, make sure it's comfortable, the brakes work well and it's easy to shift. There can be huge differences between bicycles in the same category.

Accessories: Many people swap out the seat on their bike for a more comfortable one. You'll also need a helmet, and consider a water bottle.

Maintenance: You'll need at least one tune-up a year.

The Baltimore Sun