Road Bikes are designed for riding on paved streets and going fast. Featuring skinny tires, a lightweight frame and a riding position that puts you bent over the handlebars, you might choose this type of bike if traveling longer distances at higher speeds is important to you.

The material used in road bike frames, like most other bikes will vary depending on their cost. In general terms, the more expensive a frame is, the lighter it will be. Having a lighter bike is most important in climbing, though it also factors into downhills and riding in the flats. A heavier bike usually translates into somewhat slower times for competitive riders, though that may not be important to you.

Most entry level bikes have either steel ("cro-moly") or aluminum frames these days, though aluminum is becoming the predominant material for basic road bike frames. There is certainly nothing wrong with either choice, but there are trade-offs. For instance, for aluminum to be strong enough to be durable over the long haul, the frame must be pretty stiff, which may translate into a slightly rougher ride. Steel may be heavier, but can flex more at the same weight, which can cushion the bumps a bit. The best way to find out which is right for you is to ride several different bikes and see if you can tell a difference.

As the price of the road bike goes up, you’ll start to see components (such as the front fork) switching from aluminum to carbon. Finally the whole frame on higher end bikes will be made of carbon fiber, which is very strong and yet light weight at the same time. The frames on the most sophisticated and high performance road bikes are made from space age materials like titanium or magnesium, which are both amazingly strong and light. Because of the expense of these materials, these bikes typically fall beyond the range of all but the most serious or competitive cyclists.

Mountain Bikes have exploded in popularity over the past twenty years. These bikes have wide tires, usually with knobby treads and a stout frame, and are designed to handle the rugged trails without disintegrating.

Mountain bikes do not go as fast as road bikes, which is a trade-off for their durability along with a more comfortable riding position. You sit higher on these bikes, more upright with the straight handlebars, which is often a happier choice for people with back problems than being hunched over as you are on a road bike.

If you are thinking about getting a mountain bike, do you need to get shocks on it? Depends. The most basic mountain bikes do not have shocks, but as the price level increases, you will quickly find that mountain bikes will have either front-only shocks (hard-tails) or else full suspension, both front and back shocks (softails).

Having shocks definitely affects the comfort of your ride as well as performance. It used to be that hardtails could accelerate faster and climb better than full suspension bikes, because they were lighter and you didn't lose any transfer of energy to the rear shocks, but today's full-suspension bikes are nearly equal to hardtails now in that respect. If you are riding any bumpy terrain, you'll notice (and lament) the lack of rear suspension in a hardtail bike pretty quick, especially feeling it in your back and backside.

Unless you absolutely cannot afford it or are only going to be riding very smooth trails, go ahead and get shocks, at least in front.

Hybrid Bikes are compromise between road and mountain bikes and offer the best features of both if most of your riding will be shorter trips on pavement. With skinnier, smooth tires, they typically can go faster than mountain bikes, yet feature the upright seat and handlebar position that many people favor.

Hybrids are a good choice for most city riding and commuting, and offer speed, durability and comfort.

Cyclocross Bikes are similar to road bikes, but feature stronger components and frames for off-road use. They are nearly as fast as a road bike and have quick handling. Cyclocross racing is very popular in Europe for road racers who need to train in the winter months. Cyclocross bikes feature tall, skinny tires with aggressive tread patterns and a bent-over riding position like a road bike.

“Cross bikes can be an excellent choice for year-round commutes or rides that include dirt or gravel roads.

Comfort Bikes are for riding around on the flat spaces of neighborhoods and parks. You can't beat the category of bike called Comfort or Urban. Generally less expensive than more advanced mountain, road and touring bikes, they're perfect for families who want to cycle together. Comfort bikes feature easy gearing and an upright riding position that is very comfortable, like sitting up in a chair. Many feature front shocks and suspension seatposts with wider saddles to further cushion the ride.

A tandem — a bicycle built for 2 — is also a good solution for couples or family outings.
Cruisers are bikes that have wide tires, wide seats, upright handlebars and sometimes even just a single gear. These are the bikes that you’ll often see at the beach. More simple mechanically, they are easy to maintain but work best with flat terrain and a rider whose main interest is more about being comfortable than with going fast.

BMX Bikes (Bicycle Moto-cross) are not just for kids anymore. BMX bikes are increasingly for the adventurous adult who hasn't forgotten the thrill of daredevil riding. As in mountain biking, there are several styles of BMX rides from which to choose. Many local BMX tracks sponsor races for adults, as well as kids.

At Ragged Edge Sports, we want you to be happy with your new bike. We want you to enjoy the sport as much as we do. When shopping for a new bicycle, wear clothing that you can ride in. We always suggest test-riding one or more bikes to determine what model and size fits you correctly. Proper fit and adjustment of the bike will prevent pain and injury to joints or muscles later on. Come in and let us find the perfect bike for you this year.