Given the multitude of ways to enjoy the trails, this article is of the two-wheel variety. We pile on the knowledge as we touch upon the basics to know & consider for purchase and for your next adventure!
Starting a bike trail life can be daunting given the number of options, from BMX, Triathlon, Hybrid, Gravel, Road, Recumbent, Mountain, Electric, Fat tire, Cyclocross, Single speed, Beach cruiser, Commuter (and right about now is when you went cross eyed). From there we have components , equipment & Gear. Welcome to simplification or better said the Into the Yonder 101 of bicycles.....
Two grounded principles of buying a bicycle
Starting a bike trail life can be daunting given the number of options, from BMX, Triathlon, Hybrid, Gravel, Road, Recumbent, Mountain, Electric, Fat tire, Cyclocross, Single speed, Beach cruiser, Commuter (and right about now is when you went cross eyed). From there we have components , equipment & Gear. Welcome to simplification or better said the Into the Yonder 101 of bicycles.....
Two grounded principles of buying a bicycle
- Research your trail and route before you go. Always tell someone where you are headed.
- Test drive before you buy. Make sure to visit a local bike store, understand your frame measurement and what look and feel appeals to you.
Types of Bicycles
ROAD
What’s to Like? Speed and acceleration. words like Smooth and Flat become your lingo. (Smooth refers to road quality, Flat refers to elevation gain).
Why a Road Bike? Road bikes are made for distance. They are also lightweight, so this means the energy to pedal is mostly transferred to moving forward rather than overcoming the weight of the bike itself.
Best For: fitness riding, commuting, event rides, touring and racing
Why a Road Bike? Road bikes are made for distance. They are also lightweight, so this means the energy to pedal is mostly transferred to moving forward rather than overcoming the weight of the bike itself.
Best For: fitness riding, commuting, event rides, touring and racing
GRAVEL BIKE
What’s to Like? Smoother than a milkshake. Less shock from road routes helps avoid sore wrists and elbows. Able to transition to a section of dirt, gravel, or rough pavement. (NOT MEANT FOR SUSTAINED ROOTS, ROCKS, SAND, OR LOOSE GRAVEL TERRAIN.)
Why a Gravel Bike? This bike offers a little more versatility than the road bike. In addition to any of the paved roads or trails, it’s built for things like the C&O Canal towpath or the approximate 265 miles of gravel roads in Loudoun County, VA.
Best For:: gravel paths, bikepacking (bike camping), dirt roads & fire roads.
Why a Gravel Bike? This bike offers a little more versatility than the road bike. In addition to any of the paved roads or trails, it’s built for things like the C&O Canal towpath or the approximate 265 miles of gravel roads in Loudoun County, VA.
Best For:: gravel paths, bikepacking (bike camping), dirt roads & fire roads.
MOUNTAIN BIKE
What’s to Like? The question should really be what’s not to like? It’s like hiking on two wheels with increased capabilities and durability.
Why a Mountain Bike? The ability to get into nature, tackle difficult terrains from stream crossings to single-track to roots, sand and dried out creek beds and throw in this last benefit of a killer full body (legs, core, arms) workout.
Best For: Unpaved, uneven and technical terrain.
Why a Mountain Bike? The ability to get into nature, tackle difficult terrains from stream crossings to single-track to roots, sand and dried out creek beds and throw in this last benefit of a killer full body (legs, core, arms) workout.
Best For: Unpaved, uneven and technical terrain.
Frames & Components
Courtesy of StolenRide.co.uk
FRAME
Essential to the type of bike you wish to ride and has an impact on your overall cost. The difference in frame is also the difference in weight, sturdiness, density, and shock absorption. The more popular frame materials are Aluminum Alloy & Carbon however Steel and Titanium are also used.
What type of frame is best?
CHAIN & DERAILLEUR
The derailleur is a component found in two areas of the chain system. There is a front derailleur located just above the pedal connected to the chain rings. The chain guide helps move the chain up or down the front set of chain rings. These are controlled by shifters on the handlebars.
BRAKES
There are two main types: Rim or Disc.
Suspension fork
Softens the ride , absorbs uneven terrain and provides less stress on the arms making the ride more comfortable. This is especially key for Mountain bikes.
Essential to the type of bike you wish to ride and has an impact on your overall cost. The difference in frame is also the difference in weight, sturdiness, density, and shock absorption. The more popular frame materials are Aluminum Alloy & Carbon however Steel and Titanium are also used.
- Aluminum- is lightweight, durable and affordable however has low shock absorption.
- Steel – heavy, outdated, does not corrode
- Titanium – expensive to produce, lightweight, durable, excellent shock absorption.
- Carbon is lighter, absorbs road vibrations, is the most expensive and is the least durable.
What type of frame is best?
- Road Bike – Aluminum is most popular, long distance riders can look to carbon to lighten the weight of the bike and increase shock absorption.
- Gravel Bike - Hybrid that will include both Carbon and Aluminum via components.
- Mountain Bike – Aluminum is consistently preferred due to durability , although they weigh more than Road or Gravel.
CHAIN & DERAILLEUR
The derailleur is a component found in two areas of the chain system. There is a front derailleur located just above the pedal connected to the chain rings. The chain guide helps move the chain up or down the front set of chain rings. These are controlled by shifters on the handlebars.
- The second derailleur is found at the back wheel and its job is to move the chain out and up and shift to different cogs (known as the cassette).
BRAKES
There are two main types: Rim or Disc.
- Rim brakes are squeeze pads against the rim of the wheel. They are standard, less reactive in sloppy conditions but are easier to replace / maintain.
- Disc brakes squeeze pads against the rotor at the wheel hub. They provide better stopping power, especially in sloppy conditions however the downside to discs are cost and maintenance. It's more difficult to change pads yourself and harder to tell when replacement is needed.
Suspension fork
Softens the ride , absorbs uneven terrain and provides less stress on the arms making the ride more comfortable. This is especially key for Mountain bikes.
Must Have Equipment
1. HELMET: Number one by a mile, protect your brain because accidents can happen anywhere even on a "routine" ride.
2. TIRE REPAIR: Flat tires are by far the most common type of mechanical issue a bicyclist will encounter. Being able to fix a flat and having the means to do so can mean the difference between a 15 minute "break" on the trail or a long walk back carrying a bike.
Recommendation: Pump, 2 tire levers, and a patch kit.
3. EXTRA INNER TUBE. It's much easier to swap a tube than find and patch a hole, and some holes can't be patched! See also security blanket.
4. BIKE MULTI TOOL: Includes various sizes of Allen wrenches, a Spoke wrench, and a Chain break. While you might not know how to use them, someone stopping to help you might.
5. SMALL SADDLE POUCH: good for holding multi tool and personal items.
6. WATER BOTTLE CAGE – to provide ease of use while riding, some bike can house two separate cages.
7. GLOVES – provide comfort and prevent sweaty hands, a nice combo.
8. BIKE COMPUTER or MOBILE PHONE MOUNT – to track speed/distance, provide directions and or information.
9. (Road/Gravel) FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS - all about visibility and safety, rinse and repeat.
2. TIRE REPAIR: Flat tires are by far the most common type of mechanical issue a bicyclist will encounter. Being able to fix a flat and having the means to do so can mean the difference between a 15 minute "break" on the trail or a long walk back carrying a bike.
Recommendation: Pump, 2 tire levers, and a patch kit.
3. EXTRA INNER TUBE. It's much easier to swap a tube than find and patch a hole, and some holes can't be patched! See also security blanket.
4. BIKE MULTI TOOL: Includes various sizes of Allen wrenches, a Spoke wrench, and a Chain break. While you might not know how to use them, someone stopping to help you might.
5. SMALL SADDLE POUCH: good for holding multi tool and personal items.
6. WATER BOTTLE CAGE – to provide ease of use while riding, some bike can house two separate cages.
7. GLOVES – provide comfort and prevent sweaty hands, a nice combo.
8. BIKE COMPUTER or MOBILE PHONE MOUNT – to track speed/distance, provide directions and or information.
9. (Road/Gravel) FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS - all about visibility and safety, rinse and repeat.
