Does it matter what kind of bike you use?

Question

to get a "workout" i mean... like is a mountain bike better, or the ones that racers use where your sitting forward? i have a cruiser with ape hanger handle bars so im sitting str8 and it seems like im more of just chillin' but i do get tired... so i was wondering if there was a difference in what type of bike u use, to the kind of workout u can get....

Answer 1

Anything with round wheels (even a few flat spots) and pedals will give you a work out, even if you wind up just pushing it.

The reason I would recommend a decent bike is that you can then use it as a means of transport. Many of the short trips(and some of the long ones) you now do in your car can be done on the bike. Gives you exercise, saves a few bucks, Reduces pollution and is a lot of fun too boot.

A mountain bike, a roadie or one of the many things in between all will do this for you.

Answer 2

For a workout, any kind of bike will work fine. A road bike is a lot of more efficient...you might go 18 miles instead of 12 miles in the same time, but your body isn't going to know the difference...it's still a one-hour workout.

I own both, but I personally prefer the road bike because, not being a racer, I still like to go quick with a mimimal effort. When I'm on my mountain bike, I like the extra comfort it gives me, but you can feel the extra drag of the big tires and weight.

So what is a good bike for workouts? I'd say one you enjoy and will stay with. If you like speed and don't mind some discomfort, try a road bike; if you are uncomfortable with a road bike, go for a mountain bike.

Two secrets that you must ask for in the bike shop, though.

1) If you buy road, insist on them trading your stem for a higher one which will put the handlebars no lower than your seat. This will make the position much more comfortable!

2) If you buy mountain, insist on them trading the stock knobby tires for a set of 1.75" slicks. That alone will make the bike a lot faster and more fun to ride!

Answer 3

It depends on the type of riding you are doing. If you are riding primarily on roads, then get a road bike. You'll be a lot more efficient and be able to go longer and faster without getting so tired. The bike is lighter and the gearing will also be more suited to riding up and down hills. I first rode a mountain bike when I started riding a bike for exercise and realized I was getting tired way too fast.

If you will be riding on trails, then a mountian bike is the way to go. The frame and tires are designed for rough terrain and the gears are designed for hill work.

Answer 4

biking one hour an afternoon would be lots greater valuable than turning out to be a member of a well-being center. you may detect a bike that suits you, no longer for looks. A BMX is meant to debris around the park doing jumps and stunts and so. basically little ones made up of rubber bands can stay to tell the story that. i could recommend a highway bike, no longer inevitably a racing bike yet in a position to succeed in 13-sixteen mph. attempt turning out to be a member of a biking club and participate on organizes rides for concentration and stimulus. 3-4 miles is relatively little, like quarter-hour.

Answer 5

if you want to get a serious workout, then get a good mountain bike and go hit some aggressive trails at least 4 times a week, for 2 hours at a time. mountain biking uses more muscles than a roadie would cuz you have to shift your weight and throw you body around a lot. it will shape up your legs a lot also.

Answer 6

Nope, it doesn't really matter what you ride.

Personally, I ride a recumbent, probably much like your cruiser, and I can go all day. I get my heart rate up, I'm seated on a comfortable seat, and I'm looking around and having a great time.

If you are really interested in getting a workout, get a heart rate monitor. I got my Polar monitor for $100, pretty cheap! It doesn't matter what you ride, work out to your heart rate. It'll be the best purchase you've ever made!