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GMC Denali Women’s Road Bike (20″/50cm Frame) The GMC Denali 700C Women’s 21-Speed Road Bike is built around a lightweight aluminum 19.5-inch road bike frame. This model has the traditional dropped top tube women’s configuration. You’ll stop on a dime with the alloy calipers and brake levers, and the high-profile alloy Vitesse racing rims look as good as they perform. The Shimano derailleur and Shimano Revo shifts make it easy to change gears quickly and smoothly, and the high-performance 700c tires are up to the challenge of rigorous street racing. Lastly, this road bike will help you stay hydrated with the included alloy water bottle cage.

Specifications:

• Frame: Aluminum 7005 straight gauge
• Fork: GMC Series 7000 steel
• Chain: KMC Z 51
• Crankset: Prowheel Alloy 335P6 28X38X48 170mm
• Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-TZ 31 Index
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano RD-TZ30GS 7SPD
• Shifters: Shimano Revo SIS L2/R7
• Brake levers: Promax BL-250AP Aluminum
• Brakes: Promax 501A Alloy Caliper Brake
• Rims: Vitesse Alloy black 700CX14GX36H
• Tires: Kenda Black With Grey Band 700X28C
• Stem: Aluminum black EXT:100mm 0D.
• Handlebar: Maesbend W: 430mm D:22.0mm
• Saddle: Cionlli Black
• Seat post: HL Aluminum Micro Adjust 27.2 X 300mm
• Pedals: VP-990S plastic body with steel cage
• Weight: 29.0 lbs

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it’s important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

• Road and Racing Bikes–As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
• Mountain Bikes–With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike–even one that you use regularly on trails–adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
• Comfort/Cruiser Bikes–For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike’s price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

• Entry-level–You’ll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
• Mid-range–Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you’re looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the “sweet spot.” Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
• High-end–Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

• Stand-over Height–To find out if a bike’s overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you’ll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you’ll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
• Top Tube Length–You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike’s posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
• Bikes for Women–Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women’s bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don’t forget these crucial add-ons:

• Helmet (this is a must!)
• Seat pack
• Lock
• Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
• Spare tubes
• Portable bike pump
• Gloves

Customer Review: Mediocre
This was my first road bike but I rode into the ground. I’ve easily put 600-700 miles on it in three months and it’s ready to be retired. The pedals make an clicking sound and the gears don’t change well. In fact, my chain tends to fall off from time to time.

GMC Denali Road Bike The GMC Denali 700C 21-Speed Road Bike is built around a lightweight aluminum road bike frame. You’ll stop on a dime with the alloy calipers and brake levers, and the high-profile alloy Vitesse racing rims look as good as they perform. The Shimano derailleur and Shimano Revo shifts make it easy to change gears quickly and smoothly, and the high-performance 700c tires are up to the challenge of rigorous street racing. Lastly, this road bike will help you stay hydrated with the included alloy water bottle cage.

Specifications:

• Frame: Aluminum 7005 straight gauge
• Fork: GMC Series 7000 steel
• Chain: KMC Z 51
• Crankset: Prowheel Alloy 335P6 28X38X48 170mm
• Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-TZ 31 Index
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano RD-TZ30GS 7SPD
• Shifters: Shimano Revo SIS L2/R7
• Brake levers: Promax BL-250AP Aluminum
• Brakes: Promax 501A Alloy Caliper Brake
• Rims: Vitesse Alloy black 700CX14GX36H
• Tires: Kenda Black With Grey Band 700X28C
• Stem: Aluminum black EXT:100mm 0D.
• Handlebar: Maesbend W: 430mm D:22.0mm
• Saddle: Cionlli Black
• Seat post: HL Aluminum Micro Adjust 27.2 X 300mm
• Pedals: VP-990S plastic body with steel cage
• Weight: 29.0 lbs

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it’s important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

• Road and Racing Bikes–As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
• Mountain Bikes–With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike–even one that you use regularly on trails–adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
• Comfort/Cruiser Bikes–For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike’s price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

• Entry-level–You’ll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
• Mid-range–Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you’re looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the “sweet spot.” Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
• High-end–Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

• Stand-over Height–To find out if a bike’s overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you’ll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you’ll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
• Top Tube Length–You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike’s posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
• Bikes for Women–Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women’s bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don’t forget these crucial add-ons:

• Helmet (this is a must!)
• Seat pack
• Lock
• Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
• Spare tubes
• Portable bike pump
• Gloves

Customer Review: GMC Denali Road Bike
This is a great entry level bicycle. I knew next to nothing about bicycles but was in a position where I needed a bicycle to take me to work every day (two miles) and school every other day (eight miles).

Kawasaki KX26 Men’s 26-Inch Mountain Bike The Kawasaki KX26 Men’s 26-inch Hard-tail Mountain Bike is for anyone who isn’t looking for a full suspension mountain bike. The KX26 is loaded with great mountain bike features like twist-grip Shimano index shifting, linear-pull MTB brakes, a shock absorber front fork, and comfy MTB saddle. This bike also boasts 18-speed Shimano gears and a handy kickstand.

Specifications:

Huffy Alpine Women’s 24-Inch Mountain Bike Enjoy an invigorating trail ride without breaking the bank with the Huffy Alpine women’s 24-inch mountain bike. Built around an oversized ATB steel frame and a DX-4200 ASR suspension fork, the bike is ultra-versatile, letting you cruise smoothly through the forest or on the pavement. The Enzo twist shifters, meanwhile, make it easy to change between the 18 gears, with steel linear pull brakes providing reliable braking power. Other details include a quick-release seat post, a padded saddle, rust-proof aluminum alloy rims, and bar ends. Huffy bikes carry a lifetime warranty on the frame and a six-month warranty on all components.

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide

Mongoose MGX Atlas Women’s Mountain Bike Nicely lightweight, the Mongoose MGX Atlas women’s 26-inch mountain bike will ably handle both backwoods trails and the tough terrain of city streets with its strong alloy frame. It features a precision 21-speed Shimano drive train, Shimano derailleur, and SRAM gear shifters for easy and accurate changes on the fly. The Element XC front suspension provides a smoother ride over rough terrain as well as improved control. Other features include a comfortable ATB anatomical saddle, lightweight alloy rims with MTB hubs, alloy linear pull brakes, chunky MTB wheels, three-piece crank, and an MTB riser handlebar and stem.

Specifications:

• Frame & Fork: Women’s Alloy Frame with Element Fork
• Handlebar / Stem: MTB Riser Handlebar and Stem
• Shifting System: 21-Speed Shifting with Shimano Rear Derailleur
• Brakes: Alloy Linear Pull Brakes
• Crankset: 3-piece Crank
• Wheels: Lightweight Alloy Rims with Steel MTB Hubs

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it’s important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

• Road and Racing Bikes–As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
• Mountain Bikes–With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike–even one that you use regularly on trails–adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
• Comfort/Cruiser Bikes–For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike’s price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

• Entry-level–You’ll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
• Mid-range–Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you’re looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the “sweet spot.” Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
• High-end–Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

• Stand-over Height–To find out if a bike’s overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you’ll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you’ll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
• Top Tube Length–You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike’s posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
• Bikes for Women–Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women’s bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don’t forget these crucial add-ons:

• Helmet (this is a must!)
• Seat pack
• Lock
• Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
• Spare tubes
• Portable bike pump
• Gloves

Customer Review: Avoid this bike!
Box arrived in reasonable condition, bike did not. Scratched in several areas, while other parts looked used. Missing endcaps for tires, but that is a minor annoyance. Cool decals and logos looked like stickers. Very cheap looking. I swallowed my disappointment and attempted to assemble the few remaining parts.

Kawasaki KDX1 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike The Kawasaki KDX126FS 26-inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike offers high tech off-road performance in a full size frame and wheel. It features a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, alloy linear-pull brakes, knobby all-terrain tires, and genuine front and rear suspension. Not only that, but this bike boasts an indexed twist-shift shifter, comfy MTB saddle, and a handy kickstand.

Specifications:

• Bike Type: Full suspension mountain bike
• Type of Shifter: Indexed twist-shift
• Brakes: Alloy linear-pull
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it’s important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

• Road and Racing Bikes–As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
• Mountain Bikes–With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike–even one that you use regularly on trails–adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
• Comfort/Cruiser Bikes–For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike’s price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

• Entry-level–You’ll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
• Mid-range–Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you’re looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the “sweet spot.” Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
• High-end–Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

• Stand-over Height–To find out if a bike’s overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you’ll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you’ll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
• Top Tube Length–You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike’s posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
• Bikes for Women–Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women’s bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don’t forget these crucial add-ons:

• Helmet (this is a must!)
• Seat pack
• Lock
• Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
• Spare tubes
• Portable bike pump
• Gloves

Customer Review: Flaws Restrict it to 2.5 Stars
I purchased the KDX2, the aluminum model, from Amazon. Delivery was quick and the box had all of the parts. With these Kawasaki bikes (the name is licensed; Kawasaki Motor Company has nothing to do with these bikes) you are getting what you pay for, if you paid less than $200 like me.

Kawasaki KX26 Men’s 26-Inch Mountain Bike The Kawasaki KX26 Men’s 26-inch Hard-tail Mountain Bike is for anyone who isn’t looking for a full suspension mountain bike. The KX26 is loaded with great mountain bike features like twist-grip Shimano index shifting, linear-pull MTB brakes, a shock absorber front fork, and comfy MTB saddle. This bike also boasts 18-speed Shimano gears and a handy kickstand.

Specifications:

Pacific Exploit Women’s Mountain Bike Sporty enough for spelunking through the city, the 18-speed Pacific Exploit women’s mountain bike also offers a hard edge to take on bumpy country trails. The Exploit is equipped with a lightweight, hand-built, high-tensile steel tube frame and a Vortex front cross-country suspension fork that delivers a smooth ride over rough terrain as well as improved control. The 18-speed twist shifters, meanwhile, let you efficiently change gears wherever you ride. Other details include linear pull brakes, a three-piece crank set, an MTB riser handlebar and stem, a sport saddle, and 36-spoke silver rims with MTB hubs.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide

Huffy Raven 26-Inch Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike Enjoy an invigorating trail ride without punching a whole in your pocketbook with the Huffy Raven 26-inch dual-suspension mountain bike. Built around a steel monocoque frame and front and rear suspension forks, the bike is perfect for rough trails, as it smoothes out your ride by absorbing harsh bumps. The Enzo twist shifters, meanwhile, make it easy to change between the 18 gears, with steel linear pull brakes providing reliable stopping power. Other details include a padded saddle that encourages longer rides, a quick-adjust seat post, 26-inch wheels, alloy rims with black spokes, and a three-piece crank set. Huffy bikes carry a lifetime warranty on the frame and a six-month warranty on all components.

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide

Kawasaki KDX2 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike The Kawasaki KDX226FS 26-inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike is a new member of the Kawasaki mountain bike line-up. This bike boasts an aluminum frame and front and rear suspension for a smooth, sturdy ride on and off-road. The Shimano TZ 21-speed drivetrain, front disc brake, alloy linear-pull brake in the rear, and aluminum wheels deliver added control and powerful braking. Plus, Kawasaki rounds out this bike with a handy kickstand and keen-looking graphics. Loaded with features for comfort, performance, and style, the KDX226FS is a great bike.

Specifications:

• Bike Type: Full suspension mountain bike
• Type of Shifter: Indexed twist-shift
• Brakes: Front disc brake, rear linear-pull brake
• Fork Type: Shock absorber
• Rims: Aluminum

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it’s important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

• Road and Racing Bikes–As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
• Mountain Bikes–With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike–even one that you use regularly on trails–adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
• Comfort/Cruiser Bikes–For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike’s price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

• Entry-level–You’ll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
• Mid-range–Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you’re looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the “sweet spot.” Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
• High-end–Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

• Stand-over Height–To find out if a bike’s overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you’ll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you’ll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
• Top Tube Length–You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike’s posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
• Bikes for Women–Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women’s bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don’t forget these crucial add-ons:

• Helmet (this is a must!)
• Seat pack
• Lock
• Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
• Spare tubes
• Portable bike pump
• Gloves

Customer Review: Great for what it is
I bought this bike as a Christmas present for my husband. He is not an avid mountain biker, he just rides every once in a while at the parks around town. He had a really cheap bike (we probably spent $50) from a discount store that he was riding, but it was always breaking. That’s why I decided to spend a little more on this one. I also invested $50 to have a professional bike mechanic assemble it for me. My husband has ridden it about 5 times in the past 3 weeks and loves it. He says it’s much better than the cheap bike he had. Plus, the colors are cool. Bottom line, it’s not for the mountain bike enthusiast. But, for someone that rides a few times a month (or sometimes a year) over fairly easy terrain, it’s perfect.
Customer Review: OK Bike
I bought this bike a few weeks ago. And the kick stand is broken… I called the manufacturer and they just ordered me a replacement kick stand… Overall, this is a good bike.

Kawasaki KDX1 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike The Kawasaki KDX126FS 26-inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike offers high tech off-road performance in a full size frame and wheel. It features a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, alloy linear-pull brakes, knobby all-terrain tires, and genuine front and rear suspension. Not only that, but this bike boasts an indexed twist-shift shifter, comfy MTB saddle, and a handy kickstand.

Specifications:

• Bike Type: Full suspension mountain bike
• Type of Shifter: Indexed twist-shift
• Brakes: Alloy linear-pull
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it’s important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

• Road and Racing Bikes–As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
• Mountain Bikes–With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike–even one that you use regularly on trails–adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
• Comfort/Cruiser Bikes–For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike’s price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

• Entry-level–You’ll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
• Mid-range–Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you’re looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the “sweet spot.” Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
• High-end–Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

• Stand-over Height–To find out if a bike’s overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you’ll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you’ll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
• Top Tube Length–You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike’s posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
• Bikes for Women–Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women’s bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don’t forget these crucial add-ons:

• Helmet (this is a must!)
• Seat pack
• Lock
• Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
• Spare tubes
• Portable bike pump
• Gloves

Customer Review: Flaws Restrict it to 2.5 Stars
I purchased the KDX2, the aluminum model, from Amazon. Delivery was quick and the box had all of the parts. With these Kawasaki bikes (the name is licensed; Kawasaki Motor Company has nothing to do with these bikes) you are getting what you pay for, if you paid less than $200 like me.

Pacific Exploit Men’s Mountain Bike Sporty enough for spelunking through the city, the 18-speed Pacific Exploit men’s mountain bike also offers a hard edge to take on bumpy country trails. The Exploit is equipped with a lightweight, hand-built, high-tensile steel tube frame and a Vortex front cross-country suspension fork that delivers a smooth ride over rough terrain as well as improved control. The 18-speed twist shifters, meanwhile, let you efficiently change gears wherever you ride. Other details include linear pull brakes, a three-piece crank set, an MTB riser handlebar and stem, a sport saddle, and 36-spoke silver rims with MTB hubs.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide

Kawasaki KDX2 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike The Kawasaki KDX226FS 26-inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike is a new member of the Kawasaki mountain bike line-up. This bike boasts an aluminum frame and front and rear suspension for a smooth, sturdy ride on and off-road. The Shimano TZ 21-speed drivetrain, front disc brake, alloy linear-pull brake in the rear, and aluminum wheels deliver added control and powerful braking. Plus, Kawasaki rounds out this bike with a handy kickstand and keen-looking graphics. Loaded with features for comfort, performance, and style, the KDX226FS is a great bike.

Specifications:

• Bike Type: Full suspension mountain bike
• Type of Shifter: Indexed twist-shift
• Brakes: Front disc brake, rear linear-pull brake
• Fork Type: Shock absorber
• Rims: Aluminum

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it’s important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

• Road and Racing Bikes–As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
• Mountain Bikes–With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike–even one that you use regularly on trails–adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
• Comfort/Cruiser Bikes–For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike’s price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

• Entry-level–You’ll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
• Mid-range–Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you’re looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the “sweet spot.” Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
• High-end–Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

• Stand-over Height–To find out if a bike’s overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you’ll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you’ll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
• Top Tube Length–You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike’s posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
• Bikes for Women–Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women’s bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don’t forget these crucial add-ons:

• Helmet (this is a must!)
• Seat pack
• Lock
• Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
• Spare tubes
• Portable bike pump
• Gloves

Customer Review: Great for what it is
I bought this bike as a Christmas present for my husband. He is not an avid mountain biker, he just rides every once in a while at the parks around town. He had a really cheap bike (we probably spent $50) from a discount store that he was riding, but it was always breaking. That’s why I decided to spend a little more on this one. I also invested $50 to have a professional bike mechanic assemble it for me. My husband has ridden it about 5 times in the past 3 weeks and loves it. He says it’s much better than the cheap bike he had. Plus, the colors are cool. Bottom line, it’s not for the mountain bike enthusiast. But, for someone that rides a few times a month (or sometimes a year) over fairly easy terrain, it’s perfect.
Customer Review: OK Bike
I bought this bike a few weeks ago. And the kick stand is broken… I called the manufacturer and they just ordered me a replacement kick stand… Overall, this is a good bike.