How to Choose a Bike
Before you purchase a bike, you should ask yourself two questions. How will I use this bike? And where will I use this bike? Once you determine how and where you will do most of your riding, you can better understand which type of bike best fits your lifestyle. Specific types of bikes suit different needs, so whether you're planning to leisurely ride through your neighborhood or tear it up on the backcountry trails, DICK'S Sporting Goods has just the bike for you.
Types of Bikes
Mountain Bikes
Best for: Rough terrain, off-road riding
Mountain bikes are designed to handle well in rough terrain and rugged conditions. With strong frames and durable wheels, these bikes have extra shock absorption and excellent brake systems.
- Sturdy frames, wider tires, upright handlebars and strong brakes
- Low gears make it easier to pedal uphill, through mud and over rough terrain
- Heavier than road and hybrid bikes, mountain bikes are built to withstand frequent use and rough riding
- Brakes have extra clearance to reduce mud and debris build-up
- Many have front suspension systems built into the fork, but rear suspension is becoming more common, too. Suspension increases comfort and improves control over rough ground
- Front suspension bikes work for intermediate riders who spend most of their time off-road, but may also venture onto bike paths or packed dirt roads and trails
- Full-suspension cross-country models are intended for serious off-road riding and experienced riders. Full-suspension mountain bikes provide agility and comfort even in rugged conditions
>> Shop now for Mountain Bikes
Road Bikes
Best for: Riding on pavement, commuters, fitness, long distance riders
Road bikes are designed for use on paved paths and roads by fitness enthusiasts, commuters and competitive cyclists. These bikes are built for speed and long distances.
- Narrow, high-pressure tires provide a smooth ride
- Lighter frames and construction promote agility
- Seating position enhances speed and aerodynamics
- Not designed to carry heavy loads over extended periods
- Do not perform as well on rough terrain
- Use competitively or casually, for racing, exercise or commuting
Cyclocross
- Used mainly for cyclocross racing
- Cyclocross bikes need to be able to handle rugged conditions, mud, debris and rough wear
- Lighter in weight with compact frames so riders can carry the bike at certain intervals during the race
- Top tube frequently flat for shouldering
- Slightly wider tires so debris and mud do not get stuck
- Cantilever or disc brakes
- Good for commuting and some styles have hidden rack mounts
Drop Bar
- Lightweight and fast, the drop-bar handlebars enhance speed and aerodynamics
- Narrow tires and high gears boost efficiency
>> Shop now for Road Bikes
Hybrid Bikes
Best for: Casual road riding, commuting, smooth dirt roads or trails
Hybrid bikes combine features from mountain and road bikes. These bikes perform well in rough conditions like mountain bikes, but are lightweight like road bikes. Best suited for shorter trips, hybrids are great utility bikes for riding around town or exercising in the park.
- Combines features from mountain bikes and road bikes
- Rugged like a mountain bike and light like a road bike
- Multiple speeds and gears for riders who plan to use their bikes in different environments
- Lightweight frame, upright riding position, wider wheels for stability
- Flat, straight handlebars give riders good position and control on the road
- 700c tires can be ridden on light trails and paved roads
Dual Sport
- Mountain bike frame with touring bike wheels
- Works well on light trails and paved roads
- Great balance, stability and durability
Recreational
- Light trail, paved roads and leisure riding
- Front suspension and wider diameter 700c tires
Performance
- Hybrids designed for exercise, training and commuting
- Rigid front fork
- More aggressive and faster than recreational hybrids, thinner times enhance speed
>> Shop now for Hybrid Bikes
Comfort Bikes
Best for: Paved trails, relaxed leisure riding
Comfort bikes are designed for recreational riders on paved trails and smooth surfaces. Their upright sitting position with padded seats give riders a supportive and comfortable riding experience.
- Comfortable construction for leisure riders
- Upright handlebars and wide padded seats
- Frame supports upright riding position that provides optimal comfort
- High shock absorption, smooth-riding tires, hand or coaster brakes
- Select styles feature adjustable stems and contoured grips
- Allow you to ride longer because there is less stress on your body
>> Shop now for Comfort Bikes
Cruiser Bikes
Best for: Leisure riding on paved trails
Cruiser bikes are designed for relaxed riding on paved trails. With an upright seating position and well-padded seats, these bikes are comfortable and easy to handle.
- Retro-looking throw back bikes with modern features
- Balloon tires and upright riding position
- Heavy construction
- Oversized and well-padded seats
- Smooth ride and comfortable feel
>> Shop now for Cruiser Bikes
BMX Bikes
Best for: Performing tricks and stunts, racing, obstacle courses, Motocross
BMX bikes are well suited for Motocross racing, street riding and park riding. These bikes have smaller wheels and frames great for Bicycle Motocross racing and performing tricks and stunts.
- Rugged bikes designed for rough riding on obstacles courses and racing
- Fast, agile, versatile
- Single-speed with reinforced frames
- Select styles feature brake rotors and pegs
- Ability to ride on any sort of surface
- Hold up to the stress of ramp riding, flat land and dirt jumping
Street & Park
- Slicker tires for a better grip on pavement
- Often come with two to four pegs
Jump
- Strong and durable due to constant strain of jumps
- Lighter frame and construction so riders can get higher in the air
Race
- Original BMX bikes designed for dirt tracks
- Upright handlebars for better control
- Rear brakes provide the best stopping power
>> Shop now for for BMX Bikes
Youth Bikes
Best for: Tweens
Youth bikes are for adolescents looking to upgrade from their first training bike. Youth bikes are good for in between ages.
- No training wheels
- Smaller in size than adult bikes to accommodate growing frames
- Similar to adult bikes in look
Kids' Bikes
Best for: Children, beginners learning how to ride
Kids' bikes are made with smaller frames and wheels to accommodate children's smaller size. These bikes are usually available in a wider range of colors and designs that appeal to kids' different tastes. Some come equipped with training wheels for novice riders that can later be removed.
- Built smaller for children
- Designed for beginner riders and sized based on wheel size and height
- Single and multi-speed options for different skill levels available
>> Shop now for Kid's Bikes
Gender
Women Specific
Women Specific bikes are designed especially for a woman's smaller size and frame. These specific bikes are made for the average woman's body and often have more narrow handlebars, wider seats and smaller components to accommodate women's bodies.
- Smaller handlebars and handbrakes for shorter reach
- Wider seats to accommodate women's fuller hips
- Lighter weight for easy mobility and movement
- Shorter top tube and frame designed for women's torsos and arms
Shop now for Women's Bikes
Adult
Adult bikes are the standard size bike available for purchase. These bikes are built for both men and women but cater more to a man's body in construction. Make your purchase decision based on what feels the best for you.
>> Shop now for Adult Bikes
Bike Size Charts
The following size charts are general guides for adult & road bikes, mountain bikes and kid's bikes. Take your measurements and compare to the charts below to find the correct frame size for you.
