Buying a bicycle or replacing one with another can be a daunting task. The variety and quality of machines is much better than it was only, say, twenty years ago, never mind the stone age when I was a kid. But that also means that targeted marketing can make the process of buying a bicycle far more confusing than it need be.
To me, most bikes are general-purpose - that is, even though they may be advertised for use only in certain circumstances, they usually can meet a variety of needs. Thus many mountain bikes are also used on flat terrain for cruising; touring bikes are often used for daily shopping runs; and racing machines are employed for commuting.
Some bike are made from expensive, high-tech materials and cost thousands and thousands of dollars. Others are made out of aluminum or steel with basic components, and are priced under 500 dollars. There are three-wheelers, or recumbents. Some models are mass-manufactured in factories, and others are hand-built in runs of several dozen.
Faced with all this, I suggest is that you think about what role bicycling is going to play in your life. When you've made a decision, you might want to talk with other veloists about their choices.
Visit bicycle shops in your area, and search the internet, to see what meets your criteria. But most importantly, choose the type of riding that meets your needs, and do your best to ignore the attitude that one kind of cycling is better than another. If you have any questions, please contact me through this blog. Have fun, and safe riding!
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