Choosing the best bike on the market is impossible for Steve Kahn, owner of Danny’s Cycles in Scarsdale and Mohegan Lake. “It’s a loaded question, because it totally depends upon the type of riding you’re doing,” Kahn says. “After all, the best bike for me may not necessarily be the best bike for you. It’s just like a car—someone may consider the Corvette the best car, but it certainly isn’t great for a family of five.”
Thus, Kahn agreed to choose the best bikes in the various sub-categories of bike types (road, hybrid, and mountain) for various types of riders.
Road
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Racing. Racing bikes are the most popular style in the category of road bikes. Designed for the competitive rider, their lightweight design make them “ideal for long rides at a fast pace.” Best in Class: Trek Madone 5.1. “A true feat of engineering and the last of the bikes made here in the United States, this bike has the same DNA as the Trek Madone bikes that won the Tour De France for the past ten years.” COST: $3,200 |
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Touring. “Designed for long-distance riding with the ability to carry heavy gear such as tents and sleeping bags for multi-day adventures.” |
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Cyclo-Cross. “A heavy-duty version of a road bike, cyclo-cross bikes are designed for an off-road race called cross racing. They also make for great commuting bikes.” Best in Class: Specialized TriCross. “This bike redefined the category. With its incredible platform, it is as much at home in mud as it is on the way to the train station.” COST: Starting at $950 |
| Triathlon. “Triathlon bikes are specifically built for events like triathlons to maximize aerodynamics and efficiencies. They are most commonly used as a race day bike.” Best in Class: Specialized Transition. “Cutting-edge wind-tunnel testing created a bike that is as stunning to look at as its performance.” COST: $2,650. |
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Hybrid
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Comfort. Comfort bikes are a combination of road and mountain bikes. They are available with either 700c or 26-inch wheels. “Usually includes some form of suspension and upright seating, comfort bikes are good for those looking for a casual bike for short comfortable rides.” Best in Class: Raleigh Route 4.0. “A nationwide bestseller. Well thought-out ergonomics and top-name equipment, all at a very modest price.” COST: $465 |
Mountain
| Front Suspension. “Durable with knobby tires, a front-suspension mountain bike is great for getting you started on your off-road adventurers.” Best in Class: Gary Fisher Piranha. “Gary Fisher is the originator of the mountain bike. The Piranha has a super-light aluminum frame and Genesis 2 geometry. Forward thinking and superb components make this is a great bike for a wide range of riders.” COST: $890 |
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Dual Suspension. “These are mountain bikes designed with both front and rear suspension, allowing more aggressive off-road riding.” |
