Choosing the right bike
A Guide to Finding the Perfect Bike
It starts with an idea. Or a goal. Or a dream. Or a passion. Or a challenge.
You want to own and ride a bike. But where to start? It’s easy to get overwhelmed and intimidated when it comes to buying a bike. That’s where Castle Rock Bike & Ski comes in. It’s our job, goal, and passion to help you figure out and find the right bike for you.
The first question to ask yourself is what kind of riding you want to undertake.
Are you looking to commute to work? Do you love the idea of tackling all the gravel roads we have throughout Douglas County? Do you want to leisurely pedal your way around the neighborhood? Does the notion of singletrack mountain biking make you swoon?
The answers to these questions can help us help you find the perfect two-wheeled steed to take you wherever you want to go.
Road:
Road bikes are sleek, fast and designed to compete with cars on – yes, you guessed it, the road. They are lightweight with narrow tires and drop bars.
Gravel:
Gravel bikes are the rugged cousin to road bikes. They look similar but differ in some very specific areas. For one thing, the tires are wider for better grip on the dirt road. You can ride a gravel bike on the road, but it is a trickier to ride a road bike on gravel. (BMC URS 1: $3000)
Commuter/Hybrid:
Commuter bikes come in all shapes and sizes to fit the needs of the commute. Flat-bar road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and cargo bikes all work well to get to and from work. Flat-bar road bikes are fast. Hybrid bikes put you more upright to better see your surroundings. Mountain bikes may not be as fast as other options, but they can navigate any terrain your commute might hand you. Cargo bikes are perfect for replacing your car with plenty of storage for groceries, kids and anything else you might want to transport. (Cannondale Treadwell: $1000)
Mountain:
If you can have one bike, a mountain bike is your best option because they can do anything. Of course, if you are riding with friends who are all riding road bikes, it will be all but impossible to to keep up with them. But you can ride a mountain bike on roads, gravel, bike paths and singletrack. Mountain bikes come in two versions: those with a front suspension fork only (referred to as a hardtail bicycles) and those with a both front and rear shocks (referred to as a full suspension bikes). (Yeti SB120 T1: $8200).
E-Bikes:
E-bikes come in every cycling category – road, gravel, commuter, hybrid, mountain, cargo – and have become quite popular for several reasons. First, they are easier to pedal. That doesn’t mean you don’t have to put some energy into your ride. E-bikes aren’t motorcycles. Second, you’ll probably ride more. A 2018 survey by the National Institute for Transportation and Communities found that 55% of respondents said they rode their non-electric bike daily or weekly. But after buying an e-bike, the percentage skyrocketed to 91%. Third, they are just plain fun. (Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay A30: $5600)
We are here to help you determine which bike will best fit your needs and wants. Come in today and let us help you with your outdoor adventure.