Comfort Bikes Buying Guide

If you're looking for a ride that's plush, lightweight and perfect for leisurely weekend rides, comfort bikes are the way to go.  Designed with ergonomics  in mind, everything about them--from the handlebars to the saddle  and wheels --promote back health and allow for a more comfortable ride over longer periods of time.  If you're looking for something to use for a short commute, comfort bikes labelled as "hybrids " can also provide a perfect blending of comfort and efficiency.  For more detailed information on comfort bike design and buying tips, roll through the rest of this guide.  You'll be pedalling the pavement in no time.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before hitting the bike shop, ask yourself these questions.  They'll help you decide which ride best suits your needs.

• What's more important, quality or budget?
• Choosing one over the other can affect your range of choices and accessories.
• Do you prefer simple designs over those littered with high tech gadgetry?
• Comfort bikes are often simpler, as they do not need to monitor speed and other factors that are important in competitive racing .
• What kind of riding do you plan to do most with your bike?
• Comfort bikes aren't suited for competitive racing, but more for weekend rides, short commutes to the store and riding around campus.

Hybrid Versus Comfort

What sets these equally comfy bikes apart?  Check out the chart.

Hybrid The frame is designed both for comfort and more efficient pedalling that's needed for commuting. The laid-back riding position promotes back health and comfortable posture. The plush suspension reduces pain caused by bumpy roads. The saddles are often constructed with springs, gel and foam to minimize pain during bumps and provide comfort for long rides. High air volume in the tires makes riding smoother.

Comfort The frame is designed specifically for comfort, with little else in mind. Like the hybrid, its laid-back riding position is super back-friendly. The suspension and saddle also reduces pain from riding over bumpy roads. The high air volume in the tires provides a plush ride. A little heavier than hybrids, comfort bikes cannot match their speed and/or efficiency.

Frame Materials

The frame is the backbone of your new ride, so make sure it's made from top-quality material.  Some of your options include:

• High-Tensile Steel : This is strong, inexpensive, and commonly found on entry-level bikes, Unfortunately, it is prone to rusting and weighs a lot more than the other options on the market.
• Chromoly Steel : This is lightweight for a more efficient ride, but it's more expensive than high-tensile and is still vulnerable to rust.
• Aluminium : Lightweight, strong, affordable and rust-resistant, this is one of the higher quality choices for a frame, and the price tag matches.
• Carbon Fibre and/or Aluminium-Carbon Composites : These are the strongest, lightest and most expensive.

Major Manufacturers

When looking for a quality comfort bike, try snagging a well-known brand.  They have to meet high manufacturer's standards to ensure durability as well as rideability.