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Though new forms of transport have continued to be developed over the decades, bikes have remained a popular vehicle amongst Australian communities. To the regular person who just wants a new bike for fitness or for commuting, they might all look somewhat similar. And this is true.

However, there are three main types of recreational bikes from which you can choose, with each having its own features that will affect the overall performance of your ride.

Let’s look at the three options to help you make a decision:

1. The Urban Bike

This is the quintessential “city bike”, designed and manufactured with the city in mind. Weighing in at 1.5kgs more than the flat bar bike, it is clear the city bike was designed to be robust. With this bike, you don’t necessarily have to be very careful with it since it doesn’t require much TLC. In saying that, we do encourage you to ride responsibly.

Its performance is therefore geared to durability.

1. The Flat Bar Bike

Think of this bike as the “sporty” one. Its lighter weight is designed with the purpose of providing speed over durability. This bike is perfect for fitness training, providing you with the speed and efficiency required for exercise. Since these are specifically designed for tarmac roads, there is no or little suspension — which ensures there’s no additional unnecessary weight.

Its performance is therefore geared to fitness and comfort.

1. The Hybrid Bike

Let’s call this one the “Jack of all trades”. This bike is built with a special focus in mind to enhance the overall ride, balancing the comfort and speed of the sporty bike while still boasting a good, sturdy frame. With suspension included in the hybrid bike, you can expect a great, speedy ride that will carry on giving beyond its years.

Its performance is therefore geared to versatility.

Now that you have a much better understanding of which bike will be best suited for your particular needs, purchasing one should be hassle-free. You can start on your journey now – wherever you ride takes you, enjoying the wind speeding past your face as you push on and experience freedom.

To find out more about the bike options available to you, check out our full range or call our bike experts on (03) 9529 3752.

Like most Australians, the winter took its toll and left you with little or no inspiration to go bike riding in the cold. If you’re just taking your bike out of storage now, you may have to follow these tips first before you go on your return ride.

These are the five essential things you must check on your bike before you ride:

1. Tyres

Air pressure will more than likely have deflated somewhat during the winter months. You will probably have to inflate them to a satisfactory pressure in order to ensure safe, comfortable riding.

1. Chain

If the chain is mangled or off its rotary, you will have to reset it. This could be a messy ordeal. The chain may need bike chain oil, especially if the bike has been sitting in the garage for these past few months. Apply some oil for lubrication.

1. Brake levers & pads

Brake pads must press tightly and firmly against the tyre rim when the lever is pushed. If it is loose, it needs to be replaced immediately. Both levers should engage when pressed. If they don’t, it could mean a problematic cable.

1. Spokes

If you lift your bike off the ground and spin each wheel you will see if it’s straight or not; if the wheel wobbles a bit, it means there is a problem with your spokes. Use a spoke wrench to tighten the spoke at the base.

1. Safety equipment

Check to see if the batteries of your bike’s lights and reflectors are still in working order. If you do not have rear reflectors, it may be a good and safe idea to purchase some immediately. Also, is your helmet in good order? Does it still fit you properly?

Once you have performed all the necessary safety checks, and you are happy with your bike, then by all means, go out and take it for a test ride. If it doesn’t ride as well as you remember, perhaps there’s something wrong with it that you cannot diagnose yourself. Or perhaps it’s merely just too old for the road, needs to be packed away and replaced with a newer model. Whatever the case is, contact one of Melbourne’s expert bike suppliers on (03) 9529 3752.