Weight loss: A complete cycle buying guide for the beginners

The coronavirus pandemic has been a daunting experience, but it has taught us many good lessons. One of them is that staying fit is not all about gymming. With the growing risk of infection in public places and the compulsion to maintain social distancing, several people took to cycling to stay fit.

The warm weather and the long cycling ride is a perfect way to explore your vicinity and get some great cardio, without risking your safety. Experts have always vouched for the benefits of cycling, touting it as an excellent form of physical activity that improves your cardiovascular health, mobility, flexibility, strengthens your bones and uplifts your mood.

If you too are planning to try cycling this season and are wondering which bike is the best for you then we are here to help. Here is a complete guide for you to buy the right kind of cycle.

Buying a new bike can be a daunting task, especially if you do not have much knowledge about it. Different kinds of bikes are available in the market, but which one is perfect for you depends on your fitness goal and the area you are willing to explore. The first question that you need to ask yourself is where you are going to ride: on streets, bike paths, unpaved roads or trails. There are different kinds of bike available for different surfaces.

For paved roads and bike paths, road bikes, hybrid bikes and electric bikes are some good choices.

If you want to ride on pavement and natural surfaces then hybrid bikes and electric bikes should be your pick.

Gravel and touring bikes are best for all kinds of natural plain roads.

If you’ll ride off-road and trails, a sturdy mountain bike is the best choice.

While buying a bike, you do not need to analyse all the technical components like you do while buying a car or motorcycle. However, some certain features and components can add to the price and also affect your performance.

Full-suspension bikes (front and rear shocks) can help to absorb the shock and give you a smoother ride experience as compared to half- suspension (only front suspension) and no suspension bike. But a full-suspension bike costs a little more than the others.

Buying the cycle made up of the right frame can improve your performance and help you ride longer. Usually, the body of a bicycle is made up of three kinds of material: steel, carbon and aluminium. Earlier bikes were only made up of steel frames as the material was durable and affordable. But they were heavy as well. Now we have bikes that are made of different light materials like carbon, aluminium, Chromoly, titanium and carbon fiber. The prince varies as per the material. Carbon and aluminium are more popular than others. Carbon frames are lightweight, which can be easier to control and are durable.

Many people in a rush to buy a bike online on discount often overlook this factor. But the frame size is important to make you feel comfortable and take a long ride. The size of your bike depends on your height. It is best to go for a test ride before making a choice so that you regret it later.

There are several kinds of brakes and all have their own pros and cons. A few years ago, rim brakes were more common, but now disc brakes dominate the market. There are other types of brakes as well, here are some common ones you can choose from.

Rim brakes: This squeezes the brake against the sides of the wheel rims. They are easy to maintain, but over time they can wear out the wheel rim. Besides, they might also be less effective if the rim is wet or muddy.

Disc brakes: In this, the disc blocks the grip onto a brake rotor mounted to the wheel hub. They are complicated to replace as compared to rim brakes. However, they work better under any weather condition.

Coaster brakes: These brakes work when you pedal backwards and require less maintenance. This is good for biking downhill and for kids.

Drum brakes: Drum brakes are integrated into the wheel hub and are low maintenance and weather-resistant.

First thing about handlebars is that they should be at a sufficient distance from the seat. Too much gap between the two can make it uncomfortable for you to ride the bike. Apart from this, the bar shape also matters when it comes to buying the right bike.

Drop bar: This is more common in a road bike. Being lightweight and aerodynamic it helps you ride faster. However, you have to hunch a little, which might cause discomfort.

Flat bar: The most hybrid bike has flat bars. These bars do not let you compromise with your sitting position and make you feel more comfortable.

Riser bar: These bars are extended slightly upward and back, allowing you to sit further back and maintain your balance. They are common in mountain bikes.

If you are riding more on hills then you should opt for more gears. This gives you more control on your bike and helps to maintain your balance. Bike, in general, have many gears, range of the gears (lower gears make it easier to pedal) and the available gear ratios. In road bikes, you will find less gear. However, the gears in specific kinds of bike are generally the same. You do not have many options to choose from.

Wheel size also remains the same in a specific category of bike. Most mountain bikes come with different wheel sizes. Wheels of a mountain bike are of two kinds 29" or 27.5”.