W Network - Shopping

Road Bikes

Anna Walner, Kristina Matisic

Overall Rating

Thanks!

What to Look For

Frame size
Finding the right bike frame is all about the length of your legs. Stand against a wall and place a book between your legs (where a seat would be), then make a mark on the wall (at the top of the book) and measure the distance from that mark to the floor. Multiply the distance in centimeters by .65 and voila! You have your ideal frame size.

Seats
Look for a well-padded seat with small grooves down the middle for extra blood flow.

Wheels
Smooth, lightweight wheels will not only travel more easily over pavement, but they'll also result in less pedaling power.

Brakes
For more reliable braking, choose disc brakes over traditional rim brakes – that is if you don’t mind spending a little more. Disc brakes are better in wet weather and they won’t wear out the wheel the same way rim brakes will.

Buying used

Always a good way to save some money, but use the following checklist before you buy:

Look for any hairline cracks where the tubes of the frame join.
Check that the prongs that rotate the chain are still vertical and have a good point; if they’ve become rounded, they’re quite worn.
If the bike has rim brakes, look to see that the wheel hasn’t been worn out.

What's Out There Hybrid bikes are designed for comfort and efficient pedaling; they're usually made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, steel, or carbon-fiber composites. Frames, handlebars and seats will vary depending on your riding style. Some have more upright positioning while others put you further forward, which means you'll have a bit more pedal power. Our Tests

Along with a couple of other riders we took turns on all four hybrid/commuter bikes on a 40km ride to see which one went the distance.

Fuji
Cost: $450

Marin
Cost: $620

Trek
Cost: $870

Specialized
Cost: $950

Test Results

We were all big on a forward position compared to an upright one, as it gave us more control and power - especially on the grueling uphill climbs!
Kristina and one of our testers chose the Marin as a well-priced bike that would get you from A to B in good time.
Anna and our other tester gave top spot to the Specialized; it gave us a clean, smooth ride with enough power to get us there faster.

After You Buy Maintenance

After riding your new bike for about a month (depending how often you’re riding), take it back in to the bike shop to have any necessary adjustments made.
Keep the chain and gears clean.
Again, depending on how much you ride, a yearly tune-up isn’t a bad idea.

Ride safe

Don’t forget to use your head and wear a helmet!

Special Thanks

Reckless Bikes and Dizzy Cycles loaned us the bikes that whipped us into shape!

The Greener Way!

If you’re in the market for a middle-of-the-road bike without the high performance of a rugged mountain bike or a sleek racing bike, then a commuter or hybrid road bike might be right for you. They’re perfect for family outings or riding around your neighbourhood for a bit of exercise. And most hybrid bikes boast ergonomic designs that are easy to ride.