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How to Choose a Bike. Taking the time to select the right bike ensures that your investment
yields the rewards you desire. You will need A biking purpose A landscape Goals A measuring
tape A retailer Test rides and a tandem bike (optional). Step 1. Define whether your purpose
in biking is for fitness, commuting, or recreation. Step 2. Define where you want to ride -- city
streets, paved or gravel roads, trails, or a combination of surfaces. Step 3. Match your
goals to a bike type. Mountain bikes are for rough roads and trails, touring bikes for
the open road, cruisers for city streets, and hybrids go anywhere. Check out a tandem
bike -- a bicycle built for two -- to ride with a companion. Step 4. Using a measuring
tape, measure your inseam to your shoe soles. Bike frames are sized to this measurement.
Mountain bike frames are sized in inches and road bikes are sized in centimeters. Step
5. Ask your dealer to allow you to test drive the models you like. Make sure your selection
is comfortable and that you can operate it correctly. Step 6. Break in your bike by riding
a few miles to ensure all the equipment is operating properly. Wheel your way to health,
happiness, and freedom. Did you know 2,500 journalists, photographers, cameramen and
consultants cover the Tour de France.