When we are older and we think of taking up bike riding, issues of bike comfort come to mind. If you have not been on a bike on a regular basis since you were fourteen; finding a comfortable bike can seem like a difficult task to accomplish.
A comfortable bike is a bike that fits you properly. Bikes come in all different sizes and the right fit puts you in your ideal riding position. Many of the discount store bikes will not properly fit most adults If you are making a long term commitment to ride your bike for transportation, exercise or both you will want to invest in a quality properly fitted bike.
First it is helpful to understand some basic physic of bicycle design. The further forward and lower your hands on the handle bars in relation to the bike seat the more efficiently you will be able to ride the bike. While this is the ideal position for you on any bike most people find this position to not be the most comfortable. This is an issue that time solves as you get use to the position as you ride over time.
The most common complaint adults have when they take up riding bicycles is the comfort of the seat. Many people give up the idea of riding because they can not find a seat that does not make their rear end sore. The mistake most people make is having a seat that is too narrow and sits too low to properly support their weight. Trying several different seat designs and having your bike seat properly adjusted at a bicycle specialty shop can eliminate the uncomfortable seat issue.
Tire and wheel size are also important factors in a properly fitting bike. Tires determine the amount of roll resistance you will have when riding your bike. Wider tires provide better over all suspension to your bike and more control by providing rolling resistance.
Weight of the bike frame is important as well to the amount of resistance you have when riding. Light frames obviously can provide a potentially faster ride. Yet, for most riders’ wheel and tire weight are most important. If you decrease you tire pressure by a pound you can notice improved pick up on almost any bike.
You need to know where you plan to ride most of the time when determining what type of bike will be most comfortable. Normal pavement and dirt roads require different types of bikes for maximum comfort. Sport riding on mountain trails will also call for special issues to be considered when getting your bike properly fitted.
You will be happiest and more likely to ride more often if you minimize comfort issues by visiting your local professional bicycle shop. They can help you pick the right bike for you riding level and riding environment. They will also be able to properly adjust your seat and handle bars. Most shops will be happy to help you make readjustments to a bike you purchased from them as your riding habits or weight change.
Here are some bikes that new adult riders are most likely to end up purchasing:
Utility bicycles are bikes that a built for causal pleasure riding and running errands. They are generally built for comfort but not for speed. They are traditionally what we think of as an adult bike. They are fine for urban or flat country terrain and many time are equipped with baskets.
Mountain bicycles are bikes that tend to have heavy frames and wide tires and they are built to endure rough terrain. They are very durable bikes that can be used off the beaten path.
Touring bicycles are designed to go long distances and are designed for comfort for a rider who will be on the bike for a very long time. They may come equipped with accessories to handle extra gear that one would use on an overnight bike trip.
There are also recumbent and racing bike for the very serious cyclist. They are designed for speed and comfort, consulting a bicycle sales specialist will assure that you get the most comfortable bike for your cycling needs.
Sources:
http://www.smartcycles.com/fitting_explained.htm : information on properly fitting a bike.
http://www.caree.org/bike101biketypes.htm : information on different types of bikes.
