I had always been a bicycle purist. Until recently, I had been riding the same one I had for my tenth birthday. Of course, it still took me where I had to go, but it was time for an update. As a total beginner, I discovered that choosing the right bike is not as simple as I thought. From the size of the frame to the additional functions, below we show you how to find your perfect partner.

Choose the right type of bike according to your needs

When I entered my local bike shop and they asked me what I was looking for, I had no idea what to say beyond, “a cool bike.” I didn’t know where to start, so I told them that I just wanted something to walk around the neighborhood. Even so, I discovered that there were many options.

The National Association of Bicycle Dealers (NBDA) lists the general types of bicycles that you can find in most stores here. You probably know the difference between a mountain bike and a cruiser (or beach), but there are some intermediate types. Here is a quick breakdown:

• Mountain bikes: resistant and designed for off-road use, although you can also use them on the pavement.
• Road bicycles: intended for the use of pavement, such as in the city. Built for speed.
• Hybrid bicycles: a cross between mountain and road bikes. It’s not as fast as road bikes, and it’s not as tough as mountain bikes, but they’re fine for traveling.
• Cruiser: informal bike for, you know, to ride. The type of bicycles that you see that people ride on boardwalks near the beach.

Calculate how much you want to spend

Needless to say, bicycles can be expensive. However, these prices vary greatly, from one hundred dollars or euros to several thousand, depending on what you buy. sportsgearblog.com says that beginners can expect to spend at least a few hundred dollars, and CostHelper breaks down the price points.

• The low range is 80 to 300 dollars. Usually, these basic metal frames are simply functional, although they often remain elegant. Target sells low-end models of numerous brands, including Huffy and Forge.
• Mid-range bicycles cost between $ 300 and $ 1,000. These lighter aluminum or metal bicycles are the best bet for cyclists every day because their wheels, chains, and pedals of higher quality increase their durability.
• High-end bicycles cost 1,000 and more. These models are generally made of the lightest metals, including carbon and titanium, and are designed for more rigorous daily use. Users can build their own model in a store or online by choosing between different sizes of frames, colors, and types of wheels.

Make sure your bike fits you

I am not a tall woman, so my youth bike complied, but it was still too small. Not only did I look ridiculous, but it was also uncomfortable. However, it was difficult to find a bicycle for adults, because most of them were large and difficult to handle. Around the Cycle explained to me, the size of the bicycle frame has to be correct, otherwise, it can be uncomfortable and difficult to control.

Your ideal frame size is based on the type of bike you choose, your height and your crotch (the measure from the crotch to the ground). Here are some frame sizes that can help you choose the right one based on all these factors. Or, better yet, use this calculator to determine the size of your bike frame.

Most bike shops will tell you what the size of the frame is, but maybe you are buying one on Craigslist or eBay, and the owner has no idea. At least you can get a rough estimate when standing on the bike frame and measure approximately how many centimeters are between the bike and the crotch.

If you have a few centimeters or so between the frame of a race bike, or hybrid and your crotch, it should be the right thing to do. For a mountain bike, the distance to the frame must be greater. For children, the best way to ensure that the frame is the correct size is to make the child sit in the seat and can place the tips of his feet on the floor and reach the handlebar comfortably. You should also ensure that they have a 25-50 mm clearance between the bar and its crotch if they stand on the center bar.

Handlebars also matter. After all, you want to be able to reach them, so make sure the reach between your seat and the handlebar is comfortable. According to REI, the farther the seat is under the handlebars, generally, the more comfortable the trip will be. But higher handlebars allow you to apply more power to the pedals. The shape and position of your handlebars also depend on the bike you get.

Here are some common forms of handlebars and what they are used for:

• all handlebars: found on most road bikes. Lightweight and aerodynamic, ideal for fast driving. You are in a lower and hunched position, which can be uncomfortable for your back.
• Flat handlebar: common on hybrid bicycles, sometimes on the road or mountain bikes. They allow you to sit straight in a more comfortable position that reduces the strain on your hands, wrists, and shoulders.
• Vertical handlebar: common in mountain bikes. They extend slightly up and back and allow you to sit further back to look forward and maintain control of the direction.
• Mustache handlebar: found on some road and hybrid bicycles. Something like the fall, but the fall is not so deep. According to REI, “they give you a variety of hand positions and allow you to sit more upright than with the fall ones.”