On the trail of a good recreational bike

Pro Shop

When spring arrives, many New Englanders hear the call of theopen bike lane. Cycling is great exercise and economical. With morebike paths and bike lanes opening, opportunities for safe, fun ridesabound.

But what bike should you get? There are road bikes, racing bikes,mountain bikes, hybrids, recumbent bikes, and even bikes that foldup. The price for a new bike starts around $100 and soars into thethousands. A used bike can cost as little as $20.

When choosing a bike, put some time and energy and as much moneyas you can afford into the purchase, experts advise. "The thing thatcan stop a person from being a really good recreational bike rideris getting the wrong equipment or wrong advice, and you end uphaving a disappointing time," says Bill Sykes of Plymouth, whoorganizes charity bike rides for the developmental disabilitiesorganization Best Buddies International. "You want to make sure youget something good."

Shane Jordan, director of education and outreach for theMassachusetts Bicycle Coalition, also advises making sure topurchase a bike that's right for you.

"You want to get a bike that is comfortable and that you enjoyusing," says Jordan.

The first consideration in buying a bike is how you will use it.If you like riding on trails, you'll want a mountain bike. If you'repreparing for a 100-mile charity ride, a road bike is best. Forshorter trips, a hybrid might be for you.

Mountain bikes are sturdy and heavy and have tires that grip.Road bikes are lightweight with a raised seat and curved handlebars.Hybrids are sturdier than a road bike, lighter than a mountain bike,and have straight handlebars and upright seating.

"Most people who use hybrids are going to do the bike-path thing,maybe ride to the store," says Sykes, who also organizes competitiveraces and occasionally races himself. "They're probably not going todo 50 miles on a hybrid."

Recumbent bikes, which allow the rider to lean back comfortably,are good for long rides on the open road but less handy in the city."They're low to the ground so you can't see very well," says Jordan.

And there are folding bikes, which are convenient if your tripsinclude public transportation.

Jordan recommends taking a bike for a spin before you buy, if youcan. Most bike shops let you ride around the parking lot, or atleast sit on it in the store. "You want to get a bike that fitsyou," Jordan says.

Approach your bike shopping with a plan, advises Sykes. "Do alittle bit of research prior to going in - maybe on the Internet orsome of the cycling magazines. Shop a little bit," he says.

Sykes says a good bike with all of the necessary equipment willrun about $700. Jordan, on the other hand, thinks you can get by fora bit less. "The entry level is from $300 to $600," he says.

The Boston area has lots of bike shops, staffed by knowledgeablepeople. Department and sporting-goods stores also sell bikes, buttheir staff may not be as well-versed in the ways of cycling,according to Jordan and Sykes.

Jordan also says that you should think about how you'll look onyour new bike. "If you like the way you feel on a bike, you're goingto use it more," he says.

Robert Preer can be reached at preer@globe.com.

The details

Don't forget your helmet. When you get a bike, get a good helmettoo, unless you already have one that's relatively new and hasn'tbeen in a crash. Make sure it fits comfortably. Reflectors on thefront and back are required in Massachusetts if you ride at night.

Bike clothing optional. A good pair of bike shorts and some bikeshoes will make your ride more comfortable, according to Sykes.Jordan says not to worry about fancy bike wear. "Just tuck one pantleg up and go," he says.

Money well spent. A good bike is expensive, but if you are usingit instead of a car, it will pay for itself in a short time. A goodbike will last decades. "There are some bikes from the 1800s stillbeing ridden," says Jordan.

Moving on up. Don't start with a $5,000 bike, but don't be afraidto trade up as you get into the sport. "When people get into it andthe more they're riding, the more they are going to spend on higherperforming bikes," Sykes says.

SOURCES: MassBike, Best Buddies International