Bicycles are not all created equally because they aren’t all created to do the same thing. This seems obvious to say, but a lot of people who are new to the lifestyle miss out on how much their choice of a bike can affect the experience they have while out on the road. Since everyone has a different set of goals for their bike experience, the perfect bike choice will be a lot different from person to person. Luckily, there are some design trends that can help you easily identify what a bike’s base build is meant to work best for, and from there you can fine-tune things with extra accessories, custom part upgrades, and other additions designed to make it the perfect fit for you. If you’re planning on doing a lot of long-distance riding, there are a few must-have features that will make it a lot easier for you to clock the mileage you expect.
Gearing and Resistance
If you’re looking for the best men’s bike for long-distance cycling, you need to pay attention to the gearing, as well as the level of resistance you encounter when you shift to the gears with the highest torque. Long-distance riders typically want to be able to shift into gears that allow them to increase their pedal speed without tiring out, but those lower, high-torque gears are vital to your ability to really chew up the ground when you need to tackle obstacles like cliffs. What does that mean for the beginner who is just learning the ins and outs of riding long distances?
- Bikes with more gearing options generally have more terrain versatility, but also take longer to learn to an intuitive level
- Less gears total does not necessarily mean less usefulness on long-distance rides, it depends on the terrain as well as rider skill and strength
- Having a wide range of gears is less important than whether you can go from low-effort speed maintenance to high-power pedaling
Keep these points in mind whether you’re looking for a women’s or mens bike, because it will help you figure out the right gearing for your needs no matter what style bike you need.
Bike Body Design
Another factor in your choice should be the shape of the bike. Some postures are more conducive to long-range cycling for a variety of reasons. Again, it’s not always one optimum design for everyone. The best women’s bike for long-distance racing will likely have a very different body shape from the best one for long commutes to work. That’s because racers need to be positioned to make the most efficient use of their muscles in a competitive setting, but commuters need to be able to arrive unruffled and ready to go to work, so the commuter model is built around a combination of speed and low-effort power.
Consider Hybrid Bikes
If you’re looking for the best all-around long-distance experience, mens hybrid bikes should be at the top of your list. They’re available in many different shapes and gearing setups, often with customization options available from the manufacturer. More importantly, their built-in electric assist makes traveling to work at speed incredibly easy, reducing fatigue and decreasing the odds you will wind up building up a sweat from the ride. They also provide you with an option if you get tired on a long exercise ride because they can be switched off until you need them. That way, you can get your workout without worrying about being overtired afterward if you stray too far from home.
