Step into a large bike store, and the first thing you'll see are racks and racks of bicycles in all shapes and sizes. It's a bit intimidating if all you want is "a good bicycle" and aren't really sure what that means. Suddenly you have hundreds of choices, and some of them may look pretty exotic, as manufacturers seek ever-better refinements on one of the most efficient machines ever created.

What's the best
bike for you?

It may be reassuring to remember that bicycle design has always been evolving. First there were the high-wheelers, then the balloon-tired one-speeds. These were followed by the invention of coaster brakes and the three-speed hub in all its glorious mechanical complexity (you had to be brave even to consider trying to overhaul one of those). Most recently a more glorious invention — the derailleur — opened the door to today's multi-speed bicycles with 21, 24, and even 27 gearing combinations.

Design Plethora

The modern bicycle boom has produced a plethora of designs that can leave first-time buyers extremely confused. Mountain bikes and racing bikes are wildly in, but which do I need? Or would I do better with something else, even if it's not quite so trendy?

The answer, obviously, depends on what you want to do with your new bicycle. If you're fired up from watching Olympic racers, you may indeed want a racing bike. For trail riding, a mountain bike is obviously a necessity. But most people actually use their bicycles for activities more appropriately classified as"touring."

Touring is pleasure-riding where the aim is principally to explore the terrain near your home, or on vacation. Zipping along effortlessly is part of the fun, but there's no need to coax the last iota of speed out of your machine; that just distracts from watching the scenery or talking to friends. When touring, you also need to be able to sit comfortably on your machine for the duration of your outing, whether it's 10 miles or 100 miles.

How well do you know your bike?
See below for guide by number

There are five basic kinds of adult bicycles: racing, mountain, sport bikes, dedicated touring, and crossover or hybrid. We will discuss their strengths and weaknesses, particularly as they apply to touring. Some differences, such as the type of tires or handlebar styles, are immediately obvious; others are more subtle, showing up best if you compare bikes side by side.

This material is adapted from the second edition of The Essential Touring Cyclist, by Rick Lovett, published by the Ragged Mountain Press Division of McGraw-Hill. Reprinted by permission.