This is Your Last Chance to Win a Brand New Bicycle

If you haven’t heard already, thanks to the folks at Blount Clam Shack, we are giving away a brand new bike on our Facebook page this month. To enter, all you have to do is like us on Facebook and tell us your favorite thing about the bike path. One lucky commenter will win a $300 gift card to BikeWorks on July 1.

This got us thinking, what type of bike would our winner pick? There are so many options out there and the purchase can be a confusing one. We want the win to be exciting, not daunting, so we put together a guide on how to choose the right bike.

The First question you have to ask yourself is what kind of bike is right for you? Things have come a long way since your training wheel days. Today there are bikes that are specific to different terrains and activities and it is important to determine how you will use yours. Here is a very basic breakdown of bike types and purposes:

Road Bikes: These lightweight bikes feature skinny tires and curved handlebars. They are designed for speed and used on paved terrain. Road bike riders sit bent forward during their ride. These bikes are typically good for racers and commuters.

Mountain Bikes: This style of bike is typically used for rugged terrain. They are built with a heavier frame, straight handlebars and wide tires with treads for durability. If you like to bike off-trails and on dirt paths and hills this is your best option.

Hybrid Bikes: The hybrid model is a compromise between road and mountain bikes. They have thinner tires like road bikes for speed but a more upright position and straight handle bars like the mountain bike. If you bike for a variety of reasons on various terrains this may be your most practical option. These are great for folks who are mostly riding on streets and bike paths.

Cruisers: Cruisers are built for comfort. These bikes have wide tires, wide seats and riders sit in an upright position. They are best on flat terrain for leisurely biking –think pedaling by the beach to a picnic.

BMX Bikes: These bikes have similar tires to mountain bikes but tend to have a lighter frame. They are typically used for doing tricks, going on ramps and grinding. If you are into extreme sports this is your bike – but if you’re that type of rider, then you already knew that. Just don’t forget your helmet!

Keep in mind that these options are only the basics. There are many more models, from gender specific to body type specific to folding to two-seaters. Do your research people – your options are endless. (Or, if you win the prize, ask the helpful folks at BikeWorks for guidance.)

Now that you’ve chosen your style, what’s next? Once you have picked the right type, you need to determine the right fit. To find the right frame size, conduct a standing test by straddling the bike. You should have about 1” clearance for a road bike and 2” for a mountain bike. For proper seat placement you should have a slight bend in your leg when you’re at a full pedal stroke. For proper handlebar placement you should have a slight bend in your elbows. (Again, the staff at BikeWorks can help with all this.)

Once you’ve got style and sizing down, try it out. Give it a test drive before you buy to make sure it feels right. Most shops will let you take it for a spin to make sure you absolutely love it.

Now, you have all the tools you need now to find that perfect bike – all you need to do is get over to our Facebook page and win!