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Transportation Department

Which bike is right for me?

There are several different kinds of bikes which are designed for different types of cycling. When purchasing a bike things you should take into account is where you plan on riding the bike, is the bike you are looking at a comfortable fit for you, what materials you might be carrying on the bike, and what conditions will you be riding in.

Touring Bike

The Touring Bike is a good choice bike for commuters. Unlike most other kinds of bikes, touring bikes have an eyelet for attaching racks. They also have gearing and stable handling required to transport heavy loads.These bikes are also good for people who do not need the carrying capacity, but need the low gears for hilly terrain.

• Pro: Smooth tires, low gearing, and stable handling make long road rides more comfortable.  Designed to accommodate touring bags for multi-day rides.
• Con: Slower ride and less agile handling than road racing bikes.

Hybrid Bike

The Hybrid bike is good for people who enjoy both mountain biking/ trail riding, but this can be used for road biking as well. The wheels are not as sturdy on trails as those of a mountain bike, nor are they as thin and fast as those of a road bike on paved surfaces. But hybrid wheels are versatile enough so that you can ride comfortable enough on either surface. Hybrids tend to have a high number of gears and upright handlebars.

• Pro: Good for riding on multiple surfaces. A little less expensive than a road bike.
• Con: Mountain bikes are a better choice for trails and road bikes for road riding.

Road Bike

A road bike is a bike designed primarily for use on paved roads, as opposed to off-road terain. These bikes are often refered to as "racing bikes" because their lighter frames and narrow, high-pressure tires makes for a faster and more responsive ride.

• Pro: The fastest and lightest type of bike available.
• Con: Riders used to wider tires and a more upright position may find this bike style uncomfortable and somewhat hard to handle. Time in the saddle usually eases these concerns.

Mountain Bike

A mountain bike is designed for riding on rougher terrain than paved streets. This bike is a good choice for people interested in mountain riding with dirt trail and unpaved environments. Mountain bikes have high-performing brakes, suspension, fat tires and comfortable seats.

• Pro: Extremely durable. Even street riders can enjoy the durability when faced with potholes, curbs, and buckled pavement.
• Con: Wide tires make mountain bikes less than ideal for traveling far on flat surfaces. They're also heavier than other bikes due to their sturdy frames.

Folding Bikes

Folding bikes are great for anyone who may not have a place to park their bike all of the time. When you arrive at your destination, you can just fold your bike up and carry it with you! For instance, employees who commute to work could fold up their bike and put it in their office or someone who might ride the Metro or the bus can fold the bike up and carry it with them to ride on campus.

Folding bikes can be customized for any type of use from road and mountain bikesto hybrid and touring bike.

Local retailers that sell bikes:

• bikes@ vienna is a business that stresses "All Ability Cycling" with speciality bikes and trikes.  Folding bikes are great for riding around the GMU campus and for using in intermodal commutes to classes.  bikes@vienna stocks folding bikes from Brompton, Birdy, Bike Friday, and Dahon for you to test and buy.
• The Bike Lane Ride Globally, Shop Locally.  Your Neighborhood Bike Shop!  The Bike Lane  carries mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids, and kids bikes and also specialize in custom fittings and women's specific bikes.  Don't fight over parking spaces anymore, ride yor bike!  The Bike Lane can help you with all of your bike communting needs.  Show your student ID and get 5% off bikes and 10% off accessories.  Five minutes from the Fairfax Campus.
• Oasis Bike Works-For new and used bikes or repairs go to Oasis Bike Works. Receive a 5% discount with your Mason ID! Oasis Bike Works is right down the street from the Fairfax Campus-literally.
• Conte’s Bike Stores