Well, it’s now March, daytime temperatures are rising, and Daylight Savings Time goes into effect this weekend, which means more daylight to ride after work. For those that are planning on riding on PALM, spring fever is close at hand.
Along with training, some of you are contemplating new bikes. Whether it’s because last year you realized your department store bike was not the best, your college ten-speed is worn out, or you’ve been planning on a new bike for a few years, the question always come up: “What kind of bike is best?”
I am asked this question every year both before and during PALM. This really boils down to personal opinion and discussions can become quite heated between proponents of any one bike design. While I do have my own personal opinion, I believe there is no clear-cut answer. The best I can some up with is: “The bike you feel most comfortable on.”
Every bike has its good and bad points. A hybrid or mountain bike may have a nice, comfortable, upright riding position and fat tires for a smooth ride. However, that same upright position causes a lot of wind resistance and the wider tires cause more rolling resistance.
A road bike is lighter and has a more aerodynamic riding position, but some people cannot take the bent-over position for hours at a time and its narrower tires make it more prone to road hazards.
Recumbents can overcome some of the problems with both types of upright bikes, but have issues of their own such as slow speed stability and costing significantly more than a standard bike.
Each bike type has its strengths, weaknesses and purpose. Personally, I own at least one of each.
Except for a trike, and I’ve got to fix that.
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