I'm interested in getting into cycling, but I don't know what kind of bike to get?
There are a lot of options out there like mountain bikes, city bikes, road bikes. I'm afraid if I pick one, then I will have to by a second bike to do other activities. Any suggestions?
Answers ( 1 )
Jennifer, this is a great question. With so many different types of bicycles out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. I often recommend that people try an entry level gravel bike for their first purchase. Let me tell you why.
Comfort - Gravel bikes tend to have slightly more relaxed geometry than a traditional road bike. They also offer multiple hand positions compared to a mountain bike. This can be very important on a longer ride.
Versatility - Gravel bikes can of course be ridden on gravel. They can do much more than that. They are well suited for city riding where there may be uneven surfaces or rough roads. Gravel bikes can also be taken on dirt roads or paths, mulchy areas, grassed areas, and even some mountain-bike esque single track. For a first bike, it is a fantastic way to learn what kind of riding you like the best.
Flexibility - A gravel bike with disc brakes can be set up to do many different things. It can be set up with wider tires to do gravel or singletrack riding. it can be set up with wider slick tires for on-road bicycle touring or city riding. It can even be set up with narrow slick tires to ride with road cyclists. If I had to pick one bike that handle the greatest number of setups and riding styles, it would be a gravel bike.
At the end of the day, any bike is great as long as you get out there and ride! Good luck and have fun this year.