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Find a bicycle that suits your needs for spring
There's more to bikes than just 10-speeds and banana seats
By Mark Perkins/Contributing Writer
Can't find a place to park? Ride your bike! No more waking up your roommates to give you a ride to class. No more gasping for breath as the arctic wind whistles past your face. The hassle of finding a parking spot can also be avoided if you ride your bike to class.
Those who already own bikes are aware of the benefits biking brings, besides eliminating the hassle of finding a parking spot. Biking provides an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the weather, exercise and travel efficiently.
While many people are aware of the numerous advantages of biking, with all the different models and styles of bikes available, beginning the search for the perfect bike may seem an arduous and intimidating task.
The employees at Granite City Schwinn and Out-N-About Gear offered some helpful information about purchasing a new bike that will make this experience as easy and beneficial as possible.
Noah Jensen, manager at Granite City Schwinn, said that the first piece of advice he can give is buy a "bike shop quality bike." That means purchase a bike from an actual bike dealership, as opposed to Target or a warehouse store. According to Jensen, there are two main reasons for buying a bike from a bike shop: the quality service and life time warranty on parts.
Granite City Schwinn sells brands such as Schwinn, Giant and Bianchi bikes. According to Jensen, Giant is the best quality for the money.
"Giant is the largest quality bike factory in the world," Jensen said. "Because they are so big, we can buy bikes in volume for less money."
This means cheaper prices for consumers.
Jensen mentioned that the most popular style of bikes out right now is what he called the "Comfort Mountain Bike." The Comfort Mountain Bike is good for both road and trails and is more comfortable than a regular mountain bike because riders sit more upright on the bike. Many of the Comfort Mountain Bikes are equipped with adjustable parts and suspension-seat posts.
As far as necessary accessories, Jensen recommends that every biker buy a helmet and a "U-lock." According to Jensen, the risk of bike theft is especially high for college students. The "U-lock" is a steel "U" shaped bar that is much more difficult to cut than the traditional cable locks.
Dan Rick, the floor manager at Out-N-About Gear, also had some advice for the college student in search of a bicycle.
"For about $299, you can get a pretty decent mountain bike," Rick said.
Rick recommended "Sport Comfort Bikes."
Sport Comfort Bikes feature tires that are more flat in the middle with less resistance for road riding, and more tread on the outside for grip while trail riding.
Out-N-About Gear sells brands such as Gary Fisher, Specialized and Raleigh. Rick recommended Raleigh as the best bike for your dollar. As far as styles go, Rick suggested that students who will be doing more road biking than trail riding go with a Sport Comfort Bike than a full blown mountain bike.
"Mountain bikes are cool, but not practical. For many college students, mountain bikes are not needed," Rick said.
When it comes to accessories Rick recommends locks for on-campus students, helmets and gloves.
Today there are many more bike options available than your typical 10-speed road or mountain bike so when bike shopping there are certain things to consider: the type of terrain the bike will ride on, the skill level of the rider, and the extra individual features the rider is looking for. The additional help of specialists like Jensen and Rick increase the chances of cyclists, new and old, connecting with the right bike.
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