When it comes to exploring the outdoors, nothing beats the fun and excitement of bicycle rides. Cycling offers a thrill and a constant rush of adrenaline as you feel the wind blowing past your face. If you love cycling at full throttle, you need the perfect bike to keep the adventure alive.
Choosing a Bicycle for Long-Distance Rides
In your search for the best bicycle for long rides, you’ll come across many different types of bikes. Before you can decide on which one to go for, it would be best to know how each one differs from the other. And if you wish to learn everything bikes and bike-related, Mybikexl.com is the place to go.
1. Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes are a combination of road bikes with 700C wheels and the handling features of mountain bikes. But is it the best bike to take on a long ride?
If comfort had another name for a bike, it would be a hybrid bike. These bikes come with straight handlebars and great front suspensions for bikers. You can use them for fitness training, commuting, and exploring the town.
However, hybrid bikes don’t entirely focus on performance. Instead, they introduce bikers to leisure and comfort on a new level.
You will love the upright sitting position and keep your bottles in the well-mounted racks on the bike. The only thing to watch out for is rugged terrain, as these bikes don’t do too well in that area.
Traditional Hybrid Bikes
Traditional hybrid bikes have standard frames and come with a nice step-through top tube. You will also notice that the seating position is upright, making the bikes ideal for the urban commute. Still, they aren’t as swift as other categories of hybrid bikes.
Electric Hybrid Bikes
Here is an option that is suitable for long road rides. Not only that but these hybrid bikes are designed to cope with bridleways and canals too.
Some of these electric hybrid bikes come with suspensions to absorb bumps during a ride. On top of that, others also have pannier racks and mudguards, locks, and built-in lights. As such, there’s no denying that these bikes are versatile in a true sense.
2. Mountain Bikes
Here is one of the most adaptable options you have: a mountain bike. It can work on challenging trails and still keep you safe through the suspension and a thinner set of tires.
Moreover, you will fall in love with the comfort these bikes offer despite being on the heavier side. Sometimes, it will not be the best for smooth roads.
Bikers who enjoy the thrill of a rugged road always go for mountain bikes. After all, they are highly durable, classy, and have a locking front suspension.
Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
Such mountain bikes will offer you the best suspension, but they can be a tad too expensive for some. Good thing, these bikes can easily conquer steep downhill slopes, rocky trails, and rugged roads. So, if you are someone who enjoys cycling on rough roads, then go for these bikes.
Rigid Mountain Bikes
Rigid mountain bikes are ideal for terrains with different difficulty levels, regardless of the weather. Not only will you like how it performs during uphill climbs, but it also prevents shocks from uneven roads.
Even better, rigid mountain bikes do not cost as much as other MTBs. So, if you want peak performance but are running on a budget, then this bike is perfect for you.
Hardtail Mountain Bikes
Beginners who want to experience the thrill of long rides will fare well on a hardtail mountain bike. These bikes are not only stable but also very easy to maneuver. As such, you can expect to have total control of your bike, which also adds to your safety on the road.
3. Touring Bikes
If you want the ruggedness of a mountain bike but the speed and efficiency of a road bike, go for a touring bike. Suspensions are missing in these bikes, and they come with wider tires. As a result, riders will face serious consequences on rough off-road sections. You should go for these bikes if speed speaks more to you than comfort.
4. Cruiser Bikes
Adventure junkies love cruiser bikes because they will make you feel like you’re flying on the road as you cycle. The speed is impressive, and the level of comfort they offer has made them a significant favorite. In addition, they are a low-maintenance asset for all bike lovers.
Make Your Pick
Picking the ideal bike to meet your needs isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Here are some key factors you must keep in mind before you jump to conclusions:
- Durability
- Speed
- Comfort
- Riding style
- Cost
Hybrid and mountain bikes are great for comfort and rugged trails. That said, beating a cruiser bike is next to impossible when it comes to long rides and speeds. So, think about your budget and the features you want in a bike before you make a decision.