Where can I find information on different types of road bikes?

I have a cheap mountain bike now, but I'd really like to get more into the biking world. I am a student and use my bike to ride to campus, but I'd like to do some more recreational and long term riding. I was looking at road bikes, and I read about hybrid bikes (which seemed like a good choice because they could go on road and trail). But I have no idea where to start looking for information about different kinds of bikes, or what brand I should buy.Where can I find information on different types of road bikes?You want to get a shop quality bike that fits you. Stay far away from Walmart and other department store bikes. Fit is very important.



Google " bike shops + your zip " to find all of the local bike shops in your area.



Visit those shops and talk with them they will have road and hybrid bikes in a wide price range to fit you budget. It will give you an idea of what you want to look for.



Don't worry about brand they will all be very close at the same price range. Some shops cater to high end clients and some to the every day customer so visit them all.Where can I find information on different types of road bikes?Go to your local bike shop and get fitted for starters. Test ride several bikes to get a feel for what setup works best for you. Stay away from the retail store buy as they are heavy and have sub-par parts. Cannondale, Specialized, Trek, Giant, and Gary Fisher make great road and MTB bikes w/ price points from $400 to several thousand. These are big box brands opposed to custom jobs.

Good resources would be roadbikereview.com and bikeforums.com.

As to hybrids that would depend on how far off the trail youre going to venture.



Good luckWhere can I find information on different types of road bikes?Check out REI.com in the cycling section.Where can I find information on different types of road bikes?
I would agree with your hybrid bike if you plan on some minor off road riding. All of the bikes will work on the streets, but If you have friends that do pure off road riding then the mtn bike would be a better choice for you. We all dream of what we might do, and where we might ride, but you have a mtn bike now, Do you ever ride off road? If your riding friends all ride on the road then a road bike would be better for you. Let your riding place and ride partners determine your bike choice.



The type of bike decided, then the purchase process (the fun part) begins ....



Go to a bike shop, have them help to size your bike and familiarize you with their merchandise and test ride a bike (or two). Then go to another bike shop.... repeat the process. Repeat the process until you feel comfortable with the bike frames, size, and components your prefer. Bike frame materials make a tremendous difference in your riding experience. Aluminum, steel, and carbon all have different ride qualities; so give them all a try. Trek, Specialized and Giant are among my favorite large scale manufacturers.... but all quality bikes will have almost identical components in the same price range. Pick up a Road or Mountain bike magazine and check out all the quality choices!



Armed with the knowledge of type, quality, size and price you can make the choice of buying new or used. If price is no object, knock yourself out. If price and desire is an issue, then a used bike can be a perfect match.... but, it does slow the process to locate the right used bike at the right price. In your haste to ride, do not sacrifice the correct size! Good sources for used bikes are classifieds, Craig's List, and my favorite- Ebay. Test ride the used bike and even take it to a local bike shop for an inspection. I have bought several bikes on Ebay, looking at the sellers rating, I have never had a problem. But I knew exactly, the makes, models, and size of bike I wanted. High quality low milage bikes at 1/3 of the bikes original cost (or less).



I hope this helps... knowledge and research is key, do not buy on impulse.



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