WHAT TYPE OF BIKE IS FOR YOU?

Bob's Bikes has bikes for all occasions in store.  
If you see something you like and we do not have your size, we will do our best to get it for you. 
This usually can be done overnight. 
Bob's Bikes also has a great selection of women's specific bikes just for the ladies.

How to pick the best bike for you
When trying to decide on the best type of bike, think about these questions:

• Who do you ride with? 
  
• What do they ride?
• What have you had in the past that you liked?
• What have you had in the past that you disliked?
• What would you like to do with your new bike?
  

If you are buying a bike to ride with a group of friends, buy something similar to what they ride. You will not be able to keep up with road bikes if you are on a mountain bike or cruiser. And a road bike cannot go on the dirt or the sand.
If you enjoyed a three speed as a child, you may find this a fun bike again. If you disliked the road bike you bought a few years ago, perhaps a mountain bike would be better.

Mountain Bikes

Off-road single track trails, dirt/gravel paths, downhill & extreme streets. 

• Pros
• Beefy frames & components are designed to get abused
• Frame geometry helps traction for steep, loose climbs
• Small, stable 26", 27.5" or 29" wheels takes the hits on rocks or potholes
• Suspension - more control because tires remain in contact
• Plush comfort - frame/fork take the hits, not your body
• Wide knobbies provide control/traction in loose dirt/mud

• Cons
• Heavier than hybrid or road bikes, meaning tougher climbing
• Smaller 26" wheels have more "rolling" resistance
• Knobbies have "snow tire" effect on road
• Suspension robs some efficiency from pedal stroke
• Slower and requires more effort on roads/paths

Track Bikes

Specifically designed for riding on the velodrome
A track frame is specific to its use. Rigidity is more important than lightness. Frames for sprinting are as rigid as possible, while those for general racing as aerodynamic as possible.  There are no gears or brakes on a track bike.

Cruisers

Bikes for cruising around town or riding at the beach
These are fun and funky bikes also known as beach cruisers.   A more retro style of bike in both men's and women's step thru styles, balloon tyres, a more upright sitting position and normally a single-speed drive train.  Cruisers are popular amongst casual cyclists and vacationers because they are very stable and easy to ride.  Sometimes these bikes come with front baskets, mud guards and chain guards fitted.

Road Bikes

Paved roads and streets, paved paths, smooth paths.

• Pros
• Light and agile, these bikes are designed for speed
• "Over the handlebar" posture transfers the most power
• Riding position allows most leg power & cuts through air
• Components have tight tolerances and high polish  
• Light, tall wheels & thin tires reduce friction

• Cons
  
• Can't take the punishment like mountain bikes
• Gear range is high so slow speed riding is hard
• Riding position can be uncomfortable on neck & wrists 

Kids Bikes

A full range of kids bikes from the "Learner" bike to a 24" bike.  There are girls and boys styles of bikes and bikes for every type of riding, made with safety in mind - classic style bikes, basic mountian bikes,  Kids BMXs  with options of back pedal brakes and training wheels. There are also bikes with gears and suspension for getting up and down the hills easier.

Recumbents

Comfort & Performance with a distinctive style.
We do not carry this unique type of bicycle that offers a cycling experience unlike any other, but if you are serious we can look are ordering one for you. They’re called “recumbents,” a word that means reclining, the perfect description for the comfortable La-Z-Boy riding position on these amazing two-wheelers.

BMX

Park, Dirt, Flatland or riding around the streets
A BMX bike or BMX is the name of a popular bicycle designed specifically for certain types of riding, used for both casual riding and sport, and designed mainly for dirt and motocross cycling. "BMX" is the usual abbreviation for bicycle motocross.

Hybrid & Comfort Bikes

Street riding, dirt/gravel paths, fire roads

• Pros
• Marriage of road bike lightness & Mountain bike’s ruggedness
• Low center of gravity for stable, easy handling
• Upright riding position comfy and the view is great
• Lower rolling resistance and lighter than Mountain bikes
• Wider tires and wheels take more hits than road bikes
• Hybrids are roadie, Comfort bikes are mountainy

• Cons
• The marriage has problems and compromises
• Not quite a road bike's speed or Mtn bike tough
• What makes for comfort can reduce performance
• Comfort bikes are slower/heavier w/ 26" wheel
• Compliant frames & riding position reduce power transfer
• Upright position adds aerodynamic drag at higher speeds

Commuters

Bikes for everyday and all weather
Cycling to work is fun and rewarding. It's a great way to start the day, a fine calorie burner and much less stressful than driving. Plus, it gets you energized for a productive day at the office.   Often come with 3 speed hubs, baskets and guards.  These bikes are very practical and low maintenance.

Tandems

Double Your Pleasure
Whether you enjoy cruising sweet singletrack, logging major road miles, simply coasting around the neighborhood, or all-out competition, doing it on a tandem is double the fun.