 Information
General information
To contact Stéphane
bikes@pistescyclables.ca
Phone 1-450-764-9226
Accessories
Accessories
Men's Road Bikes
Vintage Ladies' City Bikes
Vintage Men's City Bikes
Ladies' Road Bikes
Ladies' Hybrid Bikes
Men's Hybrid Bikes
Mountain Bikes
Folding Bikes
Raleigh
CCM
Peugeot
Velo Sport
Rapido
Iverson
GT
Skyline
Free Spirit
Supercycle
Leader
Norco
Baggio
Bianchi
Fiori
Miele
Garlatti
Mikado
Devinci
Opus
Pro Tour
Tour du Quebec
Triumph
Browning
Favorit
Nishiki
Niji
Auto-Mini
Dahon
Rog
Precision
Cadet
Thistle
Giant
Venture
Huffy
Suteki
Schwinn
Universal
Western
CAN-AM
Montreal Bike Paths
Quebec Bike Paths
La Route Verte
|
Fully
refurbished used bikes and stunning vintage bicycles for sale.
Each bicycle meticulously rebuilt by an expert and guaranteed to ride
like new or almost!
FREE DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN MONTREAL
BUY
- SELL - TRADE - RENT |
Bikes Currently
Available
Select a bike type below
or learn about the different bike types and which
is the right one for you.
INFORMATION
| Information |
General information |
Stephane Lapointe, bike specialist |
| |
|
DELIVERY AND TEST DRIVE
- Free Delivery:
- Since the shop is located about
1 hour from downtown Montreal, in Sainte-Justine-de-Newton, the
vast majority of customers have the bike delivered to their home,
school or workplace. You are welcome if you prefer visiting
the shop in person, to try multiple bikes before purchase
for example, see below for more information.
-
You can
(and you should) test drive the bike before deciding to purchase
it
- On delivery you should take the
bike for a spin around the block to give it a good try, shift
gears and test the brakes. If you don`t like it or it doesn't
fit, you don`t have to purchase it.
- I will adjust the seat, handlebar
and anything else required. If you have little cycling experience,
I will show you how to ride and change gears if required.
- To avoid spending time and fuel
for nothing, it is expected that you are seriously interested
and actively shopping for a bike before I go to your place. You
might find I ask many questions on the phone before fixing an
appointment, to make sure it`s the right kind of bike and the
right size for example. If you are not even sure you need a bike,
you just want to try a special bike to see if you can ride it,
you have to wait until your next paycheck, or you will try other
bikes from someone else before deciding and expect I will comeback
a second time, you are not a serious buyer.
-
Delivery
everywhere on the island of Montreal, west of PI-IX boulevard
- this covers all of downtown and
West Island, including McGill, Concordia, Mile-End, Plateau, Rosemont,
Hochelage, NDG, Verdun, Lachine, Dorval, West-Island, Pointe-Claire,
D.D.O., Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, etc..
- For people from Laval and Longueuil,
delivery can take place at a metro station like Henri-Bourassa
or Berri-UQUAM.
- For people Est of PI-IX boulevard,
like Pointe-aux-Trembles, delivery can be done at the PI-IX metro
station for example.
- You can carry your bike in the metro,
except during rush hours, after 19h.
-
Delivery
schedule:
- Monday evening, Wednesday evening
and Friday evening, between 7pm and 11pm. See below to
fix an appointment
- Payment:
- cash only.
- I can take your old bike in exchange
of a price reduction, more on trade-ins
- If you purchase extra
accessories, for example a basket or a bell, I will install them
for free.
- See below to fix an appointment
Bike delivery, road test, seat adjustment.
You are welcomed if you prefer visiting
the shop in person and try many different bikes on a rather quiet
rural road. It`s near the Ontario border, between Montreal and Ottawa.
The shop being about 1 hour out of town,
the vast majority of customers have the bike delivered
to their home, school or workplace.
| Stéphane
Lapointe
2598 2è rang (corner of
Montée Noire)
Sainte-Justine-de-Newton
Québec, J0P 1T0
Display with Google
Map...
Appointment
required
| SAT |
13h-18h |
| SUN |
13h-18h |
| MON |
13h-16h |
| TUE |
13h-16h |
| WED |
13h-16h |
| THU |
13h-16h |
| FRI |
13h-16h |
Phone: 450-764-9226
|
 |
-
Appointment
required
-
Phone 450-764-9226
before coming to fix an appointment and discuss the bikes you
are most interested in. A bike can be put aside and reserved
until you try it, to avoid coming here for nothing.
-
My shop/warehouse
is not a formal retail commerce. If you don't have an appointment
chances are great nobody will be present to serve you. So you
must phone in advance to let me know you are coming.
- Directions from Montreal
or Ottawa
- From downtown Montreal it's about
a 1 hour drive. From Ottawa it's about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Highway 40, exit 17 for St-Lazare/Hudson
- Route 201 South for about 10km,
go up the hill and down on the other side
- Turn right on Chemin Sainte-Marie
- Go straight for about 10 km in flat
fields. After a while the surrounding becomes forest, road not
so straight anymore.
- Chemin Sainte-Marie changes name
for "2è rang" so you are actually already on
my street
- My place is number 2598 at the corner
of "2è rang" and "Montée Noire"
FIX AN APPOINTMENT and RESERVE a bike until you can try it
-
Phone Stéphane
at 450-764-9226 any time. Leave a message if there
is no answer and I'll phone you back. I`m often in the shop or out
delivering bikes so I can`t always answer the phone. If I don`t
phone back, it could be because you didn`t leave a call back number
or I couldn`t understand it. Make sure you pronounce each number
slowly and clearly! To save long distance charges you can email
instead and I`ll phone you back.
-
You can also email bikes@pistescyclables.ca
for information but emails are taken care of after phone calls.
If you leave a call back number in your email I`ll phone you back.
-
Priority is given to
those who phone. It's just less complicated than exchanging emails
back and forth. It's also safer for you and me to make sure the
other person is for real, not some complete stranger from the internet.
I won`t go to an appointment unless we had a live conversation.
-
Once we scheduled an
appointment the bike is reserved for you until you can test drive
it.
-
I can't reserve a bike
unless we had a live conversation.
PAYMENT
-
Payment must be cash,
Canadian and US dollars accepted
-
No checks, no credit
cards, no debit cards accepted.
-
No credit, partial payment
or deposit.
-
There is no sales tax
added to the price of the bike because it`s a small operation. I
can legally avoid charging the sales tax.
- I can take your old bike in exchange
of a price reduction, more on trade-ins
ACCESSORIES
   
- Baskets, racks, bells, locks, lights
and other new and used accessories are available at a price much lower
than downtown`s bike shops. See
"Accessoires de vélo" section (French only for now)
if you wish to add anything to your bicycle.
- Most accessories installed free of charge
- No shipping or delivery of accessories
alone, only with the purchase of a complete bike. To purchase accessories
or parts please visit in person and fix
an appointment before coming.
WARRANTY
-
Even though I rebuild,
inspect and test drive every bike thoroughly, it`s predictable when
buying a used bike that problems might occur only after a few days
of usage.
-
If the bike has a problem
in the month (30 days) following your purchase I will come and fix
it for free. Don`t hesitate to
contact me whatever the problem. Typical problems are tire loosing
air (slow leak), brake adjustment required, saddle sliding down,
etc...
-
If the bike has a major
problem I'll take it back and REFUND it in full. In all other
cases the sale is final.
- Many customers are students on a tight
budget and without the tools and knowledge to fix a bike. If you
feel like you were ripped off don`t hesitate to contact me and I`ll
come to the rescue! I don`t want to let down honest people and
I wish to keep my good reputation.
- The warranty on new bikes purchased
at a bike store is 1 year, so obviously I can't guarantee a used bike
for more than 1 month after purchase. If you purchased a bike during
the winter or early spring, I understand that you might not use it
much, or not at all, during the first month after purchase. So for
bikes purchased between December 15 and March 15 the warranty is extended
until April 15 so you have a chance to actually use it a few times.
-
The warranty doesn't
cover cases where you "don't like the bike" for any reason
after purchase, only mechanical problems are covered. For example
you can't try the bike for a few days and come back complaining
about the bike being too heavy, too hard to pedal uphill, or other
qualitative or usage specific problems. I am open to discussing
an exchange in those cases, on a case by case basis. So you must
give it a good try before purchasing, at the time of delivery, and
ask questions to make sure the bike will fit your needs.
-
You can`t use a bike
for a few days and then invent some problems to get a refund. If
you need a bike for short term use, you should check the bike
rental service instead.
- This warranty doesn`t cover cases of
abuse or neglect. For example if the bike is left out in the rain
and it starts rusting rapidly.
BIKE SERVICE, REPAIR, PARTS
-
Service and
Repair If you purchased a bike here in the past and it now needs
repair or tune up, contact me
to fix an appointment. I can come to fix it on location
or, if required, I'll bring it to the shop and bring it back to
you once repaired. See also warranty.
- Bike restoration service: You
have a vintage bike needing major repair ? With the right tools, parts
and knowledge, I can make it ride like new or almost ! I don't repaint
bicycles but it's possible to make it look much better by replacing
parts and using special products, without repainting it. Typically
a full restoration, including parts and labor, costs between $150
and $300. I can pick up your bike in Montreal and bring it back once
the work is done. For an estimate visit the shop
or phone 450-764-9226.
- New and Used Bike Parts
You are looking for an hard to find part for your vintage or modern
bicycle ? I might have what you need in my inventory of new and used
parts. No shipping or delivery of parts and accessories, to purchase
parts please visit in person and fix
an appointment before coming.
BIKES
WANTED - SELL OR TRADE YOUR OLD BIKE
-
You have one or many
bikes for sale, trade or donate ? Whatever the condition I might
be interested in it ! Your bike will be refurbished and proudly
used by the next owner.
- Also purchasing rental and patrol bike
fleets, store close-out or bankrupcy, bicycle auctions, bundles of
new or used parts, tools, accessories. New old stock (NOS) sitting
on store shelfs for too long, warranty return bikes with minor damage
and more. If you own a bike store in Quebec or Ontario contact me
when cleaning up your business!
- I can go to your place to pickup the
bike, no need to come here, and you get cash payment right away. Note
that if you give your bike to a non-profit organisation for recycling,
they never pay for bikes and might even ask up to $25 to pick up and
ship the bike to a developping country !
- If you buy a bike here, you can trade-in
your old bike in exchange of a price reduction.
-
I usually offer between
$0 and $50 depending on the condition, age, make, model, quality
and other factors.I can offer more than $50 for high quality modern
road bikes in good condition.
-
-
Usually I don't pay
much for mountain bikes or kid's
bikes. I`m still interested in your mountain bike or kid`s bike,
it will be refurbished like the other ones. However given the low
resell value and the fact there are plenty around, I can`t offer
much more than $5 or $10 even if it`s in rather good condition.
-
Warning:
to protect myself from bike thieves,
the seller must show a valid ID with picture.
If your bike turns out to be stolen your ID will be transmitted
to police
- For information contact Stéphane
Lapointe by email at bikes@pistescyclables.ca
, or phone 450-764-9226 or visit
the shop. Give as much info as you can and include pictures if
you can.
 _
Left: men with road bike contemplating the Saint-Laurent
river, end of canal Lachine bike path, Montreal.
Right: lady pushing her city bike across St-Laurent Street, on Rachel
Street's bike path, downtown Montreal.
General information
Buying
a Used Bike is Smart 
- Save a lot of money on the bike itself,
plus save the sales tax
- A bicycle is the most environmentally
friendly transportation modee.
- By purchasing a used bike instead of
buying a new one made in China you reduce pollution even more. A lot
of rebuilt bikes would have gone to the scrapyard otherwise. It`s
better to re-use a bicycle instead of recycling the metal to manufacture
something else.
- Most older bikes were designed and made
in Canada. By recycling a vintage Canadian bike you help preserve
our industrial heritage and culture.
- Many vintage bikes will keep or gain
value with time. Chances are you will re-sell the bike for the same
price you paid or more if you take care of it.
- Bikes are low tech devices. Contrarily
to cars or electronics, bikes have changed very little in the last
75 years. One reason is that the bike industry is very standardized.
For example tires used in the 50's are still in use today, pedals
are interchangeable on almost every bike, etc.. So if you look at
a brand new bicycle, except for the trendy colours and fancy gear
shifters, it's just the same as a 40 year old bike! At the end, for
most people there are few technical advantages in buying a new bike,
unless you are in the market for an high end racing bike.
- Because bikes are low tech and parts
are standardized, they are rather easy to restore and make them truly
ride like new again. Bikes can be rebuilt for ever! It's not like
a car or other products which become completely obsolete and it would
not make economical sense to fix.
- Older bikes use no plastic parts, they
are all metal, so they are sturdier and more reliable. For example
new plastic shifters and brake levers are fragile and jam easily.
- Older bikes don't get stolen as much
as newer bikes.
- Older bikes have more style. Where can
you find a purple or orange bike nowadays with chrome fenders and
chain guards ? It seems like all new bicycles are grey or black and
without any accessory from the factory.
- You can find on the market reproductions
of older bikes, but they have very few chrome parts and they cost
a fortune. Why pay more when you can have the real thing for a fraction
of the cost!
- Bikes are proven to be the most efficient
way for the human body to travel. When studying the amount of energy
(calories) required to travel 1 kilometre, riding a bike was found
to be more efficient than a car (of course), but also much better
than walking, running or anything else !
- Cycling is a fun and useful exercise,
it doesn't have to be a serious sport, it keeps you healthy, happy,
young and good looking. You are free and outside breathing fresh air.
You don't need a membership at the gym anymore.
Why
Buy a Used Bike from Stéphane Lapointe
Why should you buy a used bike here
instead of buying any other bike advertised on classified web sites
or elsewhere ? Here are some reasons based on my own experience buying
used bikes from many different sources.
- Only fully tuned, rebuilt and
road tested bikes needing nothing are sold:
- Every bike goes through a meticulous
inspection.
- Anything broken, worn, loose or
rusty part is fixed or replaced. When required I replace stiff
cables with new ones, put new tires, align the wheels, lube the
bearings, replace torn seats, new brake pads, re-tighten every
nut and bolt and much more.
- Older bikes might need a complete
restoration and it's not rare to spend 6 hours or more on a single
bike.
- I'm not cheap and won't re-use old
brake cables or used tires for example. I spend the money it takes
to buy new parts and do the job right.
- Once the job is done I take it for
a good spin and usually the bike is put back on the work stand
for final tuning.
- Some bikes I love so much I will
use them for a few days or weeks before posting them for sale.
If I could I would keep them all!
- When starting to fix a bike my philosophy
is always "if nobody wants it, I'll keep it for me anyway,
so might as well do the job as if it's my own bike"
- The bikes are cosmetically in
good to perfect condition:
- Each bike is cleaned and detailed
in order to reveal it's true condition.
- Some bikes are like new, ladies'
and kid's bikes in particular, but also many men's bikes.
- Average bike will have minor scratches
here and there and might have minor surface rust spots.
- Rusty wrecks are not sold, they
are dismantled for parts.
- Bikes are guaranteed and I will
come back to fix it if a problem occurs,
more on warranty.
- The bike is
delivered for free
- About Stéphane Lapointe
- I have been cycling all my life
and I am the author of the web site PistesCyclables.ca
which is a complete Guide to Quebec's Bike Paths. For me cycling
is a way of life and bike touring is the ultimate way to travel.
Visit the web site guide (in French only) to review my exploration
of almost every bike path in the province of Quebec, including
the Route Verte network and Transcanada Trail. It's the right
place to go if you need a map
of Montreal's bike paths network for example.
- I am over 45 years old and have
over 30 years experience fixing cars and bikes. I rebuilt many
vintage cars and thousands of bikes.
- I own a collection of vintage bikes.
Learn more about them and view many pictures by visiting my
web site dedicated to my bike collection (in French)
 _
I have been cycling all my life and I am the author of the web site
PistesCyclables.ca which
is a complete Guide to Quebec's Bike Paths. It's the right place to
go if you need a map
of Montreal's bike paths network for example.
- What to expect when buying a
used bike elsewhere
- All used bikes sold by others are
sold "as is", without any warranty.
- Whatever the seller said, all used
bikes I purchased needed some work before they could be used efficiently.
Most of them were barely ridable! Sellers just want to get ride
of the bike and they won't invest any time and money fixing it
for you. Actually the main reason why they want to sell
the bicycle is because of a problem they can't fix, and it would
be too expensive to have a shop do the work! So they
decided to buy another one and get ride of the clunker.
- Sellers know nothing about bikes
themselves, so they think it has no problems. They don't realize
that a pedal is bent, the bottom bracket is loose, the wheels
are not straight, etc... they just think it's normal !
- Sellers pretend it works real well
but they haven't used it for years. It might have been working
well when parked, but after years of storage you can't simply
add air in the tires. The tires will have cracks and flat spots,
the cables, levers and shifters are stuck or stiff, and more work
is expected. The seller always says "I used it just last
week", but it`s obvious the bike has been parked for over
a year or more.
- Whatever the bike you purchase,
it must be adjusted for you, and tools
are required to lower/higher the seat and handlebar. When you
test drive a bike, the first thing you must verify is that the
seat post is not stuck in the frame, and the seat
can be adjusted to your height. When buying a bike from me
I do all the adjustments for you on delivery.
- Make sure you try the bike
before purchase, many hidden problems are reavealed only when
riding. For example bent wheels, bent crank and pedals,
pull to one side because of a bent fork, skipping chain, and the
list goes on. Comments like "it only needs a minor tune-up"
actually means the seller knows it's got a problem and it could
be major. If the seller hasn't even taken the time to put air
in the tires you should be very suspicious and deal the price
down below $25.
- You might plan on buying a cheap
bike needing work and fixing it yourself. If you have the time,
tools, space and qualifications it might be a good option. Just
make sure the bike really only needs work you can handle. If it
takes the whole summer to make it ride really good, you need to
buy special tools, you must convert one room in your apartment
into a bike shop (fixing a bike is an oily and messy affair) and
your whole place smells WD40, and then you spend hours on blogs
trying to figure out how to do the job from other amateur's advice,
it's not a good deal! As soon as you must bring the bike to a
repair shop, because you don't have the special tool to remove
the chain, the crank, the freewheel, or align the wheels, you
will end up spending the same amount of money as if you would
buy a fully rebuilt bike from me.
- Some sellers are shady people trying
to sell bikes of suspicious origin. When I post a "bike wanted"
ad I always get phone calls from guys with all kinds of bikes
for sale, but they obviously know nothing about them and nothing
about bikes in general.
- Other business like Eco Vélo
sell recycled bikes that have been stripped, repainted and fitted
with the lowest quality components from China. Those bikes loss
all of their original personality and are not vintage bikes anymore.
For example you take an old Peugeot from the 70`s, with it`s purple
colour, the older label design, the chrome components, the saddle
and handlebar from the time, etc... If you erase all those styling
cues and replace them with a light grey paint and plastic parts,
it`s not a valuable vintage Peugeot anymore, it`s just a worthless
repainted old bike. The vast majority of people would rather have
an original condition vintage bike with tons of style, riding
like a new one, and this is what I offer.
- A lot of bikes advertised on the
net are way out of town and you would need a car to go have a
look and bring it back. Think about the trouble and cost of getting
there, but even worst, if you do buy the bike and need to bring
it back to your place, what vehicle are you going to use? Will
it fit in the trunk? How much are you going to spend just in fuel
cost ?
- It might be surprising but when
I go to a bike shop and discuss with vendors and mechanics, it's
obvious that most of them are not serious cyclists themselves,
and some of them haven't ridden a bike in years ! So they know
a lot about new bicycles but very little about cycling. It's easy
to understand why. The bike season is short and they must take
care of their business 7 days a week during the summer to make
ends meet. So they have very little time to go cycling themselves.
Where
I find all those bikes
In the country area where I live,
and in the nearby suburbs south-west of Montreal, everybody owns a bike.
It`s part of the standard suburban fixture. In every home you see bikes
hanging in the garage, stored in sheds, barns and elsewhere. Some hoarders
have piles of bikes at the back of their barn! This fact being acknowledged,
it`s surprising how few people are really using their bike for transport
or leisure. You never see anyone riding a bike on suburbs and rural
roads! After a few years people get older, the bike haven`t been used
more than once or twice in the last 3 years. Sometimes it needs a minor
tune up or it`s got a flat. So it doesn`t take much for the bike to
be tossed in garbage, or put up for sale at a yard sale, to make room
for something else. The result is that I find many used bikes and some
of them are in like new condition under the layers of dust. Some bikes
were probably not used more than 5 times in their whole life.
So it's rather easy to find any used bike,
but nowadays we come across mostly cheap, low quality, heavy, kid's
size mountain bikes originally purchased in retail chain stores like
Canadian Tire and Wal-Mart. It's much harder to find good quality adult
size bikes ! Tall men's road bikes and vintage city cruisers for women
don't show at every yard sale. People who purchase a brand new adult
size bike, after age 18, usually are more serious bike users, they pay
from their own pocket, and intend to keep it for a long time. They won't
give it away at a yard sale after 5 years like they do for their kid's
bikes.
Here is a list of how I find used bikes:
- This web site is visited by many looking
to sell or donate a bike and searching the net for information. See
the Bikes Wanted section if you have a bike
for sale or donate !
- Yard sales and bazars, mostly on long
weekends in the Spring and Fall, for example Victoria Day and Labour
day weekends.
- Flea markets and other improvised business
on country roads.
- Trade-in from customers.
I take your old bike in exchange
of a price reduction depending on the condition.
- Also purchasing rental and patrol bike
fleets, store close-out or bankrupcy, bicycle auctions, bundles of
new or used parts, tools, accessories. New old stock (NOS) sitting
on store shelfs for too long, warranty return bikes with minor damage
and more. If you own a bike store in Quebec or Ontario contact me
when cleaning up your business!
- Metal recyclers making a living picking
scrap metal from garbage. There are many in the country area where
I live. I pay them more than what they get for the weight of metal,
so they bring all the bikes they find.
- Non-profit organization recycling bicycles
to employ handicap people and have them learn useful skills. They
often don't have the knowledge to fix and no local market for expensive
road bikes and vintage bikes, so they contact me.
- Thrift shops, Salvation Army stores
and other charity stores.
- Word of mouth from family, neighbours,
friends, customers. I live in a small village where everybody knows
everybody. Older folks go to church and they tell their friends someone
is looking for old bikes. They collect bikes for me knowing they can
make a profit.
- Bikes wanted ads in local newspapers,
at my local post office and other public places. Wanted ads on classifieds
web sites.
Since it`s rather easy to find low cost,
sometimes free, used bikes in my area, I don`t understand why anyone
would want to steal a bike. In a large city like Montreal the social
dynamic is different, but I still don`t understand how they can steal
a bike without being caught, re-sell it quickly and at a price that
justifies the risk. I would never buy and sell a bike knowing it`s been
stolen. It happened once that I checked a suspicious bike that turned
out to be stolen. I was able to contact the owner by contacting the
store where it was purchased new. The owner was astonished that someone
found her stolen bicycle and was going to bring it back !
This being said, when buying/selling a
used product like a bike, car , furniture, or just about anything else,
you always run the risk of ending up with previously stolen goods. I
honestly can't guarantee without a doubt that none of the many bikes
I deal in a year is a stolen bike. If your bike was stolen in the province
of Quebec, you should report it to the police. If the bike is found
by the police, which is rather frequent, it will be returned to you.
To reduce the risk of theft and increase the odds that the bike will
be returned if found by police elsewhere in the province, you should
register your bike at www.veloretour.ca.
A Velo Retour sticker is available from some retailers at a cost of
$5 for 3 years. If you see a bike I have for sale and you think it might
be yours, please contact me at bikes@pistescyclables.ca
. If you can prove ownership or facts are all pointing your way, I will
gladly give it back to you.
The
Different Bike Types and which is the right one for you
In North America
most people are buying a bike as if it's a toy instead of a transportation
device. As a result most people are not riding a bike suited to their
needs.For example in the 70's racing style road bikes, known back then
as "10 speed", where sold by the millions. A road bike is
for speed, performance, bike touring, but not very comfortable at low
speed city cruising. Then the road bike trend was replaced by the mountain
bikes, which are great for low speed off road use, if you are in great
shape. But because mountain bikes are too heavy and inefficient on paved
roads, most people don't have enough muscle to get them moving, so they
stayed parked most of their life. This trend still goes on today with
the recent "fixed gear" fad, which is more a gadget than a
useful transportation bicycle. I am surprised how easily people can
be convinced to buy a completely irrational product unsuited for their
needs. It's the main reason why too few people are using a bike to commute,
they just don't have a bike they can commute with! The bike shop they
purchased it from just wanted to pocket their money. Then the Montreal
Bixi's came out and many discovered what a useful comfortable bike could
be like, but this kind of bike existed all along. Ill-informed people
were just following the hoard. Forget about what others will think and
what's trendy. Ask yourself what you will use the bike for and follow
links in the list below.
You should read the whole list
below before deciding!
- I need to go to work or school everyday,
ride around town or suburb, go shopping ->city
bikes or hybrid or folding
bikes
- I need a bike I can carry up the stairs
and park in my apartment I will use it mainly to ride around town
-> folding bikes
- For leisure and to stay fit I want to
ride on bike paths on sunny days during the summer -> city
bikes or road bikes or hybrids
- I want to travel by bike, go for long
rides on bike paths and roads, explore the Route Verte -> road
bikes or hybrids
- I want a bike I can carry many grocery
bags with, a case of 24, and whatever else needs to be carried in
real life. I live in the suburb and want to make a real difference
by taking my car less often, whatever other people think -> adult
tricycles
- I want to be the fastest guy/girl on
the block. Don't care too much about comfort, I want the fastest bike
I can get for my money -> road bikes
- I am a sports person wanting to seriously
get in shape or stay fit. I want a bike for training, racing, bike
touring ->road bikes
- I am on a tight budget, any bike will
do as long as it's cheap and it works well ->low cost mountain
bikes
- I need a bike to ride off road, at low
speed, on gravel trails and mud (not stone dust bike paths) ->
mountain bikes
- I need a bike to ride during the winter
-> single speed with coaster brake city bike
or low cost mountain bike
- I need a very sturdy bike that can take
abuse because I will drive it hard, jump off sidewalks, I don't want
to worry about potholes. Not a wimpy bike that needs to be taken car
of -> mountain bikes with suspension
- I need a toy for my kid, to learn how
to ride a bike in the neighbourhood -> kid's bikes
and trikes or BMX's
- I want a bike to do tricks, jumps, aerobatics,
to use at a local park ->BMX's
- I am an older person needing a bike
easy to step in and out, and very stable because I'm afraid to fall
-> folding bikes or adult
tricycles
- I need a bike I can carry in the trunk
of my car, on a boat, RV, bus or plane -> folding
bikes
- I need a stationary bike to exercise
indoors -> Exercise bike
Vintage
and Modern City Bikes
_
Vintage city bikes on Montreal streets.
 
Left: CCM Esprit vintage ladies' city bike, purple.
Right: Raleigh Sports vintage men's city bike.
 
Left: CCM Caprice FF vintage ladies' bike, 10 speed,
with whicker basket. Right: Raleigh Transit men's city bike, 3speed
Up until the late 70's almost every bike
sold was what we now call a city bike, also known as a utility bike
on Wikipedia.
Intended use of city bikes:
- Perfect for cruising in an urban environment,
go to work or school everyday, go shopping and more.
- Good for cruising on bike paths during
the weekend, for leisure, picnics, ..
- The most comfortable and practical bike
you can get (see characteristics below)
- They are rather efficient, certainly
faster than mountain bikes.
- If the bike has 10 speeds or more it
can also be used for long distance rides, but most city bikes have
6 speeds or less so they don't venture more than 30 kilometres (20
miles) from home.
- Because of the limited number of gear
ratios, city bikes with less than 10 speed avoid steep hills. But
if you don't mind pushing your bike up steep hills, you can go around
the world on a city bike with 3, 5 or 6 speeds.
- Vintage bikes with single speed and
coaster brakes (back pedal to brake) are good for the winter because
nothing gets jammed by ice and snow. Those are very reliable because
of their simplicity. More on that below.
Main characteristics of city bikes
are:
- Loaded with accessories from the factory
- Comfortable spring mounted and padded
saddle
- Raised handlebar, curved toward
the rider, leading to comfortable upright driving position and
better visibility. Your not leaning forward and there is little
weight on your arms and hands. You can see all around you and
above cars.
- Flat rubber pedals (beach pedals)
so you can ride with any shoe wear, even barefoot if you like.
- Mudguards to protect your clothes
from the rain, dust, mud and other debris propelled by the tires.
- Chain guard to keep your pants
clean and prevent your pants from being stuck in and torn by the
chain.
- On vintage city bikes, mudguards
and chain guards are either chrome plated or painted the same
colour as the rest of bike. Most other components are also chrome
finished, so vintage bikes are stylish and stand out.
- Many city bikes owners fit them
with extra accessories like a front basket (metal or whicker),
rear rack, bell, light system and more. I offer
some of those extra accessories and install them for free.
Just ask what you need before delivery.
- Few speeds, simple to use
- Before the mid 50's all city bikes
were only 1 speed and those are still available new today (more
on 1 speed bikes below). See for example the CCM
Rambler.
- Starting in the mid 50's the 3 speed
city bike was introduced. Those are very easy use, the shift levers
are marked 1-2-3 and it makes clic-clic-clic when shifting, just
like a modern indexed system with fixed lever position. 3 speeds
are enough for most urban commuting. You have a lower gear to
get up to speed from a dead stop or going up hill. You can go
faster with the top speed when going downhill. The Montreal self
serve Bixi's have 3 speeds and they are very popular. See for
example the CCM (CYCO) 1956 and
the Universal 1977.
- From the 70's onward most city bikes
are 5 speeds, later ones 6 speeds. Still today most city bikes
produced have 6 speeds or 7 speeds. It's better to have 5 or 6
speeds because you can gradually build speed without forcing too
much. If you have an headwind or going up a moderate hill you
can cruise on a lower ratio without loosing the rhythm. See for
example the Raleigh Lenton and the
Velo Sport Express 5.
- Although they are not as common,
you can find 10 speed (or more) city bikes. For example the vintage
Raleigh Sprite 10 and the CCM
Esprit. Those bikes are more versatile, you can go up steep
hills, travel longer distances while carrying goods.
- 1
speed with coaster brakes:
- Older vintage city bikes are 1 speed
with coaster brakes (back pedal to brake). Recently new bikes
reproducing old styling cues were introduced, also with 1 speed
and coaster brakes. You see a lot of those heavy "beach cruiser
bikes" in sea resorts like Wildwood and Cape May N.J.
- Those bikes have the advantage of
simplicity and reliability. Without brake levers, cables, speed
shifters and other parts eventually needing maintenance and replacement,
1 speed bikes are good almost forever.
- They are perfect for traveling short
distances in a mostly flat neighbourhood. If you can walk to your
destination in under 30 minutes, it will take less than 6 minutes
by bike to get there. So it's perfect to go to the metro station
which seems too far to walk to, but it's annoying to wait for
the bus because it's not that far.
- If you are an inexperienced
rider thinking that a 1 speed bike is better you might be wrong.
- Of course a 1 speed is easier to
operate, you just sit on it and pedal, but because it's only 1
speed it's hard to get up to cruising speed, you can't go up any
hill, once you have a swing you pedal like crazy and can't go
faster, everybody is faster than you.
- Braking is tricky because you must
pedal in reverse and step on the pedal hard with all your weight.
Braking distance is long, not ideal for quick stops in city traffic.
- So 1 speed bikes with coaster brakes
are ok in town if you do have some cycling experience. Otherwise
1 speed bikes are better for cruising on flat rural roads and
long bike paths without any stop and go. You can take your time
to get up to cruising speed, and you keep your swing until destination.
- For inexperienced urban cyclist
my recommendation is to look for a 3 speed vintage city bike instead.
3 speeds are very easy to operate.
- Bikes with single speed and coaster
brakes (back pedal to brake) are good for the winter because nothing
gets jammed by ice and snow. They don't loose braking power when
wet and frozen up.
- Performance
- City bikes have narrow tires with
light thread, because they roll on asphalt all the time.
- City bikes are rather efficient
and you can easily cruise at 20 km/h on a flat road. They are
much lighter and faster than an heavy mountain
bike with wide and deep threaded tires.
- Typically older city bikes have
26x 1 3/8 tires and 55 PSI maximum pressure. Those tires are a
bit wider than those of a performance road bike.
From the 80's, tires of 27 x 1 1/4 or 1 3/8 were used with a pressure
of 85 PSI and they are the same tires used on performance road
bikes of the period.
- Most city bikes are not high tech
and have few light weight alloy components. They are sturdy, but
given the all steel parts and accessories like fenders, they are
also heavy. The older the bike, the heavier it is.
- There are few city bikes available on
the market today. Bike stores will instead sell you an hybrid
bike and install fenders and chain guard as extra accessories.
Pseudo vintage repro bikes are also available, but those bikes are
very heavy and have wide 26" tires. They are repro's of bikes
from the 40's, built with mountain bike parts, not great for commuting.
See for example the Schwinn Point Beach
- View a map and pictures of
Montreal's bike paths network and other city bike paths at PistesCyclables.ca
- See also hybrid bikes
and folding bikes.
- Bike sizing chart
View
city bikes currently available for sale
 Select
another type of bike
Road
Bikes
 
Left: Nishiki men's road bike. Right CCM
Corsa 10 ladies' road bike with easy to step in slanted frame. Modern
road bikes are not produced with a slanted frame for ladies' anymore.
 _
Left: hot babe bike touring on Quebec's Route Verte
network. Right: hot dude on modern high tech road bike, training on
Ile Notre-Dame's Formula 1 racing circuit in Montreal, accessible to
everyone.
My own touring bike loaded for a long trip
Road bikes are also known as racing bikes,
speed bikes, older folks call them "10 speeds" even though
most of them have more than 10 speeds. This category includes the touring
bike sub-genre, and the fix gear sub-genre. Today's
road bikes are high tech machines and very expensive. Carbon fiber,
titanium, aluminium have replaced traditional materials on almost every
part on the bicycle. There are almost no new bikes selling under $1000,
and prices can go as high as your budget allows.The good news is that
I rebuild many fine road bikes from the 70's, 80's and 90's and my road
bikes go for as low as $100, fully rebuilt and ready to go.
Road bikes were first used only by racers
but they became accessible and very popular in the 70's and early 80's.
Millions were sold in that period and everybody was buying a road bike
just because it was trendy. The road bike market plunged in the 80's
with the mountain bike trend, but it never completely faded away because
cycling as a sport will always be present, and road bikes are the most
efficient bikes to go from one point to another over medium to long
distances. Touring bikes equipped with fenders, racks and panniers have
always been the bike of choice for traveling.
Intended use of road bikes:
- You want to be the fastest guy/girl
on the block and you are ready to trade some comfort for speed.
- For sports person wanting to seriously
get or stay in shape, for training and racing. No need to go to the
gym anymore.
- Bike touring, go for long rides on bike
paths and roads, explore the Route Verte.
Their main characteristics are:
- Drop handlebar
and aerodynamic position
- The main characteristic of a road
bike is the drop handlebar. It gives the rider a lower leaned
forward driving position for better aerodynamic i.e. lower wind
resistance. Another advantage of the handlebar is that you can
grab it in many different places so you can change your riding
position. By grabbing the top tube your raise yourself a bit.
- To cut aerodynamic resistance even
more, racers like to ride in pleton, following very closely.
- Light Weight
- Light weight, the lightest as possible
so accelerations are faster, it's easier to climb hills (remember
Newton's law F=M*A). The reason why space age materials are used
to build modern road bikes is only to save weight, and the price
of the bike is directly related to it's weight.
- When experts shop for a road bike,
the first thing they do, before they even look at it, is to weight
it and ask for it's official specified weight.
- Older road bikes from the 70's,
and lower quality more recent ones, have mostly steel parts with
chrome finish. In the 70's most road bikes, even from top makes,
were still using steel parts but the frame was made of lighter
steel alloy. One exception is the Rapido Favorit made in Czechoslovakia,
which was a forerunner of bikes to come, with mostly alloy components.
- Brake levers and brake callipers
were among the first components to be made of lighter alloy metal.
In the 80's companies gradually started using alloy handlebars,
stems, pedals, rims, seat posts, cranks and slowly almost every
part of the bike was built out of alloy or aluminium. Nowadays
the same process is going on, metal alloys being gradually replaced
by carbon fiber and titanium on just about every components, so
it drives the prices up all the time.
- Because of their light weight alloy
frame and parts, road bikes are more fragile and won't tolerate
abuse like a mountain bike would. Thin wheels and tires don't
like Montreal potholes (more below). But other than having to
carefully watch the road ahead, if you are reasonable and use
the road bike as it should, on paved roads and bike paths, not
jumping off sidewalks for example, a road bike is actually good
forever.
- No Frills
- True racers, to save weight, will
cut accessories to the minimum, however a bottle and holder to
hydrate the thirsty cyclist and a trip computer to know the cruising
speed are almost essential.
- It's also a good safety precaution
to bring a spare inner tube and bike pump because any loss of
tire pressure might be catastrophic.
- Typical sporty types riding road
bikes for training will invest money on sexy lycra wears, helmet,
sunglasses, and more.
- Thin Wheels and Tires
- Razor thin wheels is the other
important feature of a road bike. Skinnier tires are better because
less contact surface with the ground equals lower rolling resistance.
So another way to judge the quality and price of a road bike is
to look at the tire size.
- But as the wheel and tire width
shrinks, the pressure most be increased to raise the bike off
the ground. Pressures of 90 PSI and over are typical, so tires
are hard like rock.
- The tires have little threads, almost
slick, but it doesn't matter even under rain. Thread on bike tires
are useless anyway, they just slow you down.
- Road bikes from the 70's and 80's
have 27 x 1 1/4" tires and they are ok for commuting on paved
roads and packed stone dust bike paths. True racers of that period
used slightly thinner 27 x 1 1/8" tires. More recent road
bikes use 700c wheels with 700c x 28c tires or thinner. A 28c
tires is ok for commuting and bike touring. True modern racers
use 700x23c or thinner tires not suitable for daily use.
- Anti-slip Pedals and Toe Clips
- All road bikes have pedals designed
to grab to shoe sole for more efficient pedaling and to prevent
slippage. On older bikes the pedals are regular looking but have
small teeth in the metal. You can use any pair of shoes, but it's
preferable to ride with hard sole shoes otherwise you feel the
pedal and it might hurt on long runs. Riding barefoot is very
uncomfortable.
- In the 70's and 80's toe clips with
adjustable leather straps were available to hold the shoe on the
pedal and prevent slippage. They take sometime to get used to,
not ideal for city commuting with many stops and go, so most people
took them off. Some of the road bikes I sell still have toe clips
but they can be easily removed and put back if required for long
rides out of town. See for example the Nishiki
Odyssey.
- Since the 90's pedals on road bikes
are special devices similar to ski bindings. Special shoes, with
a bracket bolted under the sole, clamp on the pedals. The binding
releases when twisted sideways, the release tension is adjustable.
So nowadays pedals are sold separately (no joke, modern road bikes
are sold without pedals!) and you must spend extra cash buying
a combination pedals/shoes of your choice. All road bikes I sell
have regular pedals on them but they can be fitted with modern
"clip" pedals.
- Minimal Comfort, but easy to
improve if required
- Comfort is minimal on road bikes
when new out of the factory, because road bikes are fitted with
light weight saddles that are hard like crazy, the skinny tires
are hard like rock so bumps are transferred directly to the rider,
there is a lot of weight on your hands and arms, you must raise
your head up to see up front.
- Note that you get used to it pretty
fast and you can minimize the discomfort by installing a padded
saddle (we do on most road bike we sell), wearing gloves or installing
foam handlebar grips, replace standard seat post with a suspension
type, etc... See for example the Norco
Avanti. My own road bike I use to travel is quite comfortable
after a few modifications.
- Commuting and Touring
- Since most users of road bikes are
not actually racing them but are using them for commuting and
long distance road trips, accessories like comfortable saddles,
fenders, rear and front racks, panniers, lights and many others
can easily be fitted to the bike to make them comfortable and
useful bikes in all conditions. Holes are pre-drilled in the frame
to fit most common accessories.
- I have been bike touring all my
life and I am the author of the web site PistesCyclables.ca
a complete Guide to Quebec's Bike Paths. For me cycling is a way
of life and bike touring is the ultimate way to travel. Visit
the web site guide (in French only) to review my exploration of
almost every bike path in the province of Quebec, including the
Route Verte network and Transcanada Trail. It's the right place
to go if you need a map
of Montreal's bike paths network.
- To determine what size road bike you
need view the Bike sizing charts . Because
of the lean forward position, it's very important to get the right
size road bike for your height, more than with other bike types.
Fix Gear
Bikes
Recently the fix gear bike fad emerged
within inner city neighborhoods. A fix gear bike is a road bike with
only 1 speed, the single rear gear can't rotate freely from the rear
wheel, thus you must pedal all the time, the rear gear and front crank/chainwheel
being linked by the chain. You can slow down by pushing with your
own weight on the rising pedal, and if you have toe-clips, you can
at the same time pull on the other pedal to reverse the usual motion.
On some fix gear bikes this is the only braking mechanism provided,
but most have at least one conventionnal brake on the front and/or
rear wheel. A variation is the single speed bike with a freewheel
from a BMX and conventionnal brakes. Another variation is the single
speed with coaster brakes, i.e. back-pedal to brake, just like the
old city bikes. Fix gear bikes originated
from close circuit oval track racing, circus shows and bike polo.
For those applications on a flat surface with other racers, you don't
need gears and brakes anyway. Their main advantages are very light
weight, simple, aerodynamic. Part of the fun of owning a fix gear
is to build your own custom bike. Check
out the current inventory of project bike frames and complete fix
gear bikes..
I don't have a very positive opinion
on fix gear bikes. The problem is that some people are now trying
to commute with them, in an environment with trafic lights, uneven
roads with uphill climbs and other road users, all situations requiring
good brakes and different gears. Fix gear bikes are confined to inner
city because you can't go anywhere with them! Just like a BMX and
other 1 speed toy bikes, either it is geared too high so you can't
climb any hills, or it's geared too low and you are overtaken by a
grandmother on a Bixi. Thus a fix gear bike is only good for short
trips around a flat neighborhood, just like a kid's bike. It seems
like their users think they will change the world and get noticed
by going backward. Most fix gear bikes are built starting from an
older 10 speed road bikes, useful and safe, that can carry you around
the world. After stripping the brakes and transmission components
and spending a ridiculous amount of money on fancy looking wheels,
you end up with a dangerous and useless poseur bike. If I have 10
fingers on my hands, it doesn't make sense and it isn't cool to cut
off 9 of them to keep only 1 ! I expect the fix gear fad will quickly
fade out once the young dudes will figure out why gears were invented
(even my girlfriend's sewing machine has more than 1 speed!). The
best advice I can give to would be fix gear users it to try first
a real road bike with 10 speeds or more, or try a 1 speed vintage
cruiser with coaster brakes if you want a simple, reliable and
useful bike.
View
road bikes currently available for sale
Select
another type of bike
Hybrid
Bikes
 
An hybrid bike is like a road
bike, but with slightly larger tires and mountain bike style handlebar.
Fiori Modena road bike converted to hybrid style
with a straight handlebar and slightly larger tires.
A good description of an hybrid bike would
be it's like a road bike, but with slightly larger
tires and mountain bike style handlebar. After mountain
bikes became very popular in the late 80's and 90's, people got
used to the straight handlebar with all the weight in the palm of the
hands, and wide tires you can roll over anything. But slowly people
riding on paved roads realized that there is no need for wide and deep
threaded tires, no need for suspension, and overall frame weight was
overkill for road use. So the term hybrid comes from the crossing of
light weight road bike components and mountain bike style driving position.
Hybrids are the latest trend and top selling bikes today. They were
first introduced in the 80's as simpler ladies' mountain bikes, but
hybrids really picked momentum recently. I don't get too many used hybrids
yet, but quite a few former road bikes were converted with a mountain
bike handlebar with similar result.
Intended usage
- Hybrid bikes are good for transportation,
short and long distances.
- Once equipped with mudguards (usually
not included on new bikes) they are equivalent to city
bikes, good for cruising in an urban environment, go to work or
school everyday, go shopping and more.
- For cruising on bikes paths during the
weekend, for leisure, picnics, ..
- They are efficient, certainly more efficient
than mountain bikes, not as efficient as a
road bike.
- If the bike has 10 speeds or more (most
of them do), it can also be used for long distance rides. Most modern
hybrids have 18 or 21 speeds so they are used more and more for bike
touring instead of road bikes. Equipped with accessories like rear
and front racks, panniers, water bottle and more, they can bring you
around the world!
- Many older road bikes were converted
to hybrid configuration by shedding the drop handlebar and installing
a mountain bike straight handlebar with similar result. See for example
this Friori Modena
- To know the size of bike you need see
the Bike sizing
chart
- See also city bikes,
road bikes, mountain bikes
View
hybrid bikes currently available for sale
Select
another type of bike
Mountain
Bikes
 
Left: for true off-road use mountain bikes need front
and rear suspension. Right: ladies' mountain bikes with slanted frames.
Typical low cost modern mountain bike
Mountain bikes are much like an adult BMX
and are intended mainly for off-road use.
- Because they are built sturdy, used
mountain bikes can be found in very good condition. Many were almost
never used, people finding them too hard to move forward.
- Mountain bikes were big sellers up until
recently but the trend is slowing down. They were sold by the millions
and you can find cheap new ones on the market. So I have no choice
but to sell used ones even cheaper. If you are on a tight budget,
any bike will do as long as it works well and looks good, I have low
cost mountain bikes for you!
- Mountain bikes are good winter bikes
because their threaded tires have traction in snow.
- Mountain bikes can take abuse and be
driven hard, you can jump off sidewalks, don't have to worry about
potholes. Not a wimpy bike that needs to be taken car of.
- Mountain bikes are perfect for dirt
trails with soft surface, mud, loose gravel, water holes and other
obstacles.
- The many low gear ratios and deep threaded
tires allows you to go up steep hills.
- The straight and wide handlebar is better
to absorb shocks and more stable at low speed.
- Mountain bikes are heavy and require
a lot of strength to get moving. Top speed is low even if you are
in great shape.
- Real mountain bikes have at least a
front suspension, with rear suspension even better. A mountain bike
without front suspension is useless off-road.
- Networks of mountain biking trails are
found in the province of Quebec. In the summer ski resorts like Bromont
and Mont Saint-Anne will take you and your bike up the mountain and
you go down a network of marked trails.
- For commuting a mountain bike is inefficient
because it's very heavy and the threaded tires induce an high rolling
resistance. Mountain biking is for those in good shape! If you need
to ride on paved road with a mountain bike, it's a good idea to mount
narrower high pressure slick tires, for example 26x1.75 in place of
26x1.95 This reduces the rolling resistance greatly and effort required.
Maybe you should be looking for an hybrid or
city bike instead.
- The mountain bike trend is slowing down
as people realise it's not an efficient bike for riding on paved roads.
More and more hybrid bikes are sold to people
who want a bike that rides like a mountain bike but with a light frame
and narrow tires.
- Bike sizing chart
to know the size of mountain bike you need.
View
mountain bikes currently available for sale
Select
another type of bike
Folding
Bikes
 _.jpg)
Left: folding bikes
are perfect for low speed city cruising, window shopping, crowded market
streets, discovering new neighbourhoods.
Right: vintage folding bikes were always sold fully loaded with fenders,
rear rack, spring saddle, chaingard, beach pedals, tool bag, bell and
more. They are head turning cute little bikes with tons of style.
.JPG) _.JPG)
Vintage Maino folding bike attracts many
"they don't make them like that anymore" comments from strangers.
 _
Dahon Gateway V folding bike can be carried
in a suit case
The fact that folding bikes can be folded
for transport and storage is just one of their many advantages. Many
folding bike users actually never fold them ! A more accurate name would
be "small-wheeled adult bike" and indeed some companies manufactured
bikes with the same characteristics but without an hinge to fold them.
Folding bikes are the unknown underdogs
among city bikes and much more people should use
them, urban dwellers in big cities like Montreal in particular. In other
parts of the world like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York, folding
bikes are very popular because it's so crowded that parking spaces for
bikes are scarce and people bring them up in their apartment
- Folding bikes are cleverly designed
for use as a practical and efficient transportation device, it's not
a toy. They are like city bikes but with smaller
wheels and lower frame easy to step in and out.
- Older folding bikes were always sold
fully loaded with fenders, chain guard, rear rack, comfortable spring
saddle, raised handlebar for upright riding position, rubber block
pedals. Some had a tool bag, a bell and more. So they can be used
to commute comfortably on a daily basis.
- It can be said that folding bikes are
the ancestor of the self serve Bixi's in Montreal. If you like Bixi's
you will like a vintage folding bike.
- Folding bikes are sold in one size fits
all, but they are equipped with extra long seat posts and handlebar
stems so the saddle and handlebar can be quickly adjusted with quick
release attachments. Most older folding bikes can be ridden by people
up to 5ft 9in. Modern folding bikes can accomodate taller cyclists.
- Because it can be adjusted quickly,
the same folding bike can be shared by every member of a family or
group.
- Because of the small size wheel, typically
20x1.75, they are easier to carry up stairs and take up less space
when parked inside, folded or not.
- Folding bikes have no horizontal bar
between the seat post and handlebar stem, the frame is very easy to
step in and out. Many have an extra low U shaped frame. Thus folding
bikes are very good for older folks with reduced stretching abilities.
- The smaller wheels and lower centre
of gravity make the bike more stable and agile at low speeds. They
are perfect for low speed city cruising, window shopping, crowded
market streets, discovering the neighbourhood around your hotel or
marina while on a trip.
- Wheel base (distance between the axis
of the wheels) of some folding bikes is almost the same as a full
size mountain bike or road bike. But the wheels being smaller it's
more stable and agile at low speeds.
- Folding bikes are not very efficient,
but certainly more efficient than a mountain bike. The main issue
is the top speed limited to 15km/h or less. So they are not ideal
for long rides.
- The typical tire size is 20x1.75 with
small threads. Those tires, combined with the 3 speed or more, make
the bike versatile, it can be ridden on paved roads but also off road,
in campgrounds gravel trails for example.
- Their smaller size makes them cute little
bikes. The proportions are not the same as regular bike and older
folding bikes have tons of chrome. They are stylish and attract positive
comments from stranger.
- When folded you can carry it on a bus,
subway, in the trunk of a car, on a boat or RV. Transport bags with
handles are available.
- I own a collection of vintage folding
bikes. Learn much more about them and view more pictures by visiting
The
Folding Bike Collection (in French)
View
folding bikes currently available for sale
Select
another type of bike
Kid's
Bikes and Tricycles
 
Because new kid`s bike
are very inexpensive, it's not worth my trouble fixing and delivering
low cost kid's bike, but I do have some available at my shop if you
come here in person.
 
I restore and deliver special interest
kid's bikes like vintage Mustang's (left) and kid's road bikes (right)
Junior bikes with 24 inch wheels, like this vintage city cruiser,
can be used by petite women 5'2" and shorter.
 Kid's
bike come in a wide variety of style and size.
- See the Kid's bike
sizing chart to know what size bike you need.
- It's hard to find a used bike with the
training wheels still on it. As soon as the kid is able to control
it's balance the training wheels are taken off and tossed away. But
universal training wheels can be purchased separately from any bike
store, including Canadian Tire.
- A 24in bike can also be used by adults
measuring less than 5ft 2in.
- Having kids myself I know they grow
out of their bikes quickly and you are shopping for bikes almost every
year if you have more than 1 kid. A brand new one is really inexpensive,
you can buy a new kid's bike for between $49 and $149 from chain stores
like Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart, Zellers, and others. So many busy parents
don't want to loose time finding a good used bike, and those who are
expect to pay $25.
- Used kid's bikes are usually quite beaten
up, particularly boy's bike. They are passed on to the younger one,
to relatives and neighbours. They are poor quality to start with,
left out in the elements, and neglected.
- Given the very low cost of new kid's
bike, I recommend you pay max $25 for a used one and you find it in
your neighberhood. Otherwise the price of fuel makes it not worth
going out of town to purchase one. Also don't buy a bike needing any
repairs.
- For me a beaten up kid's bike often
needs as much work, if not more, than an high end adult bike I can
sell for much more. Unfortunately it's not worth my trouble fixing
and delivering low cost kid's bike, but I do have some available at
my shop if you come here in person.
- However I do restore and deliver special
interest kid's bikes like vintage Mustang's, vintage 24in city bikes,
higher quality mountain bikes and BMX`s, kid's road bikes and the
like .View kid's bikes currently available
for sale
- See the Kid's bike
sizing chart to know what size bike you need.
- View
kid's bikes currently available for sale
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another type of bike
BMX
Bikes
 
Left: GT Dyno BMX. Right Skyline Free Style
3000 BMX
The term BMX is an abbreviation of Bicycle
Motocross and was initially introduced as an un-motorized motocross
for kids, to be used on closed circuit dirt tracks with natural and/or
artificial obstacles, including jumps, just like a motocross circuit
but on a smaller scale. With time kids living in suburbs and cities
who didn't have access to a dirt track, so they started using the urban
furniture to do tricks, jumps, and basically monkey around the neighbourhood
to show off. BMX's were modified for acrobatics with foot pegs sticking
out of wheel axles, and special braking system allowing the steering
wheel to rotate 360 degrees without brake cable interference. Nowadays
BMX dirt circuits and urban parks are found in some cities, many BMX
riders use skateboard parks to do their tricks.
- BMX's have 20 inch wheels with 20x1.75
or wider tires.
- BMX's are 1 speed, but without coaster
brakes (back pedal to brake) like other 1 speed kid's bike. The brakes
are the standard lever/calliper system on both front and rear wheels.
High end BMX's have a special rotary plate on the steering column
so you can turn the steering wheel 360 degrees, or more, without brake
cable interference, and you can still brake while doing it.
- BMX's are built very strong, every part
of the bike is heavy duty.
- The raised handlebar is reinforced with
an horizontal bar linking both handles.
- The stem holding the handlebar to the
frame is strong with 4 bolts
- Wheels have more spokes than a regular
20in wheel for strength, the rim is double wall
- The frame is designed with extra cross
members and strong steel, so they are heavy.
- The saddle gets beaten a lot, so its
got minimal padding and it's narrow to avoid rubbing. The preferred
riding position is such that the saddle is set very low.
- Foot pegs are installed on front and
rear hubs replacing the usual wheel nuts.
- Foam pads are added to the top horizontal
tube and handlebar to avoid injury
- Riders should wear helmet, gloves and
other protective gear for knees and mouth for example
- The gear ratio is set quite high for
a kid's bike. The chain ring, freewheel and crank length can be modified
for more or less top speed and torque.
- BMX's are always abused so it's hard
to find good used ones. They often need major repairs, were modified
by amateurs, were repainted probably because stolen.
- See also kid's bikes
and mountain bikes
- See Bike sizing
chart to know what size you need.
View
BMX bikes currently available for sale
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another type of bike
Adult
Tricycles
Typical adult tricycle, the Free Spirit
3 speed, with large basket and comfortable oversize saddle. The design
haven't changed much over the years.
 
Left: Joy Rider Trail Mate, 1 speed with
chopper style handle and small front wheel. It's a factory bike, not
a custom. Right: Sears Shop Mate
small wheeled tricycle for adult. It's hinged so the front part with
seat and handlebar tilts in curves, while the 2 rear wheels stay on
the ground.
Adult tricycles are the most useful bike
to carry big loads, because they always have a large basket in the back.
When I got my first tricycle I wondered what I would do with a bike
mainly used by retired but active people "who can't use a real
bike anymore". The next day I had to go to the grocery store to
purchase more than just a pack of cigarettes, so I took the tricycle.
That first trip made me realize that a tricycle is the only bike that
can really replace a car. You put your grocery bags in the back, a case
of 24, your empty bottles for refund, and whatever else needs to be
carried in real life. I'm now completely converted and I recommend an
adult tricycle to anyone who wants to make a real difference by taking
their car less often, whatever other people think. In many countries
of the world modified tricycles are used to carry just about everything,
including taxiing people. Others use tricycles for long haul bike touring
and apparently this is a popular trend in England.
- Important warning:
if you can't ride a bicycle for any reason, you most probably won't
be able to ride a tricycle either. Based
on my own experience, I see many people shopping for an adult tricycle
because they can't ride a bicycle. They think a tricycle will be easier
because you don't have to keep you balance on top of it. Unfortunately
this isn't true ! Sure when the bike is at a complete stop, and on
a completely flat surface, you can just sit on it like on a chair.
But as soon as the bike is moving you must force to stay on. The bike
doesn't tilt in curves and uneven pavement, you must compensate centrifugal
force and uneven saddle. A tricycle is very heavy and requires great
force to get moving, it's almost impossible to go up any grade, unless
you are in very good shape. It might be hard to understand, but I
saw young healthy 17 year olds riding bicycles but they just couldn't
handle a tricycle and went in the ditch on my street !
- Adult tricycles are
not for an overweight person, anyone with poor health or muscle weakness.
I see kids and spouses shopping for a tricycle for their mother or
wife in the hope she will go out and do some exercise. This is not
a good idea, the tricycle will stay parked
- A tricycle is good for someone who owned
and used a bicycle not too long ago, but for some reason can't use
it anymore. Typically older active folks, wanting to stay active,
but having reduced balance ability and are scared to fall.
- Adult tricycles are designed such that
it's easy to step on and off the bike. There is no top horizontal
bar, the frame is built as low as possible.
- They are loaded with mudguards, chain
guard, large rear basket, raised handlebar for an upright riding position.
They are much like city bikes but with 3 wheels.
- Tricycles don't go fast because they
are heavy and have few gear ratios. You don't need to go fast because
you have plenty of free time and you are afraid of speed anyway.
- Older ones are only 1 speed and you
should avoid them. I strongly recommend at least 3 speeds because
you need a low speed to get going from a dead stop. With a 1 speed
any inclination is hard to get over, forget about hills. With 3 speeds
or more you can go longer distance, faster, and climb moderate hills.
- Adult tricycle usually have an oversized
and very comfortable saddle.
- An important aspect of tricycles is
the braking capacity. Because the bike itself is heavy, plus the load
you carry, you need strong brakes. Curiously it seems like the designers
of some tricycle have forgotten this aspect and some have poor braking
systems. One problem is that on a 3 wheel bike the braking system
on the rear wheels must be designed differently than on a 2 wheeler.
So some tricycle only have a brake on the front wheel and it's not
enough.
- Another important aspect of a tricycle
is that the bike rolls away by itself when you park it on an uneven
surface. The good thing is that it doesn't need a bike stand, but
it needs a parking brake instead! Curiously older tricycles don't
have a parking brake so you must be careful where you park it to make
sure it won't roll across the street while you're inside the grocery
store.
- Tricycles need a big parking space,
preferably inside your garage, make sure you know where you'll park
it before purchase.
- Tricycle are much wider than a 2-wheeled
bike, they take up half a lane in traffic, so they are not welcomed
on busy streets during rush hour! They are good for cruising on low
traffic streets in the suburbs, country roads, small town and villages,
and on bike paths. Many are used inside campgrounds and other enclosed
properties, for example inside large factories to deliver mail and
parts.
- Turning with a tricycle always feels
odd, you can't tilt the bike in the curve and always sit straight,
so you slide off the seat and feel the centrifugal force when taking
a sharp turn. At high speed one of the rear wheels might lift off
the ground, and the bike might even roll over.
- Some tricycle are designed with an hinged
frame, the front part with seat and handlebar tilts in curves, while
the 2 rear wheels stay on the ground. See the Sears Shop
Mate 1976 for example. This also acts as a rear suspension because
one of the rear wheels can hit a bump without affecting the rider's
balance. It's just like driving a bicycle, but those tricycles are
much harder to find.
- Tricycles use the same parts as bicycles
except the rear axle and the rear wheel hubs. When buying a used tricycle
check that the rear wheels are good. You can always align them and
replace the tires, but if the rear wheel is seriously bent and needs
replacing it will be hard, if not impossible, to find a spare rear
wheel.
- An important issue with big tricycles
is they are hard to carry. You need a pickup truck or van without
the rear seat to bring it from and to the bike store for repair. Some
bike stores will deliver.
- See also folding
bikes (stable and easy to step on/off), city bikes,
recumbent bikes and low rider trikes,
delivery and other work bikes
View
adult trikes currently available for sale
Select
another type of bike
Exercise
Bikes
For exercising indoors get your own exercise
bike and save on gym membership! I noticed that when you put a exercise
bike in the same room as the TV, when the commercials come on the whole
family is fighting over it to spin until the commercials are over. Kid's
like them because they have something to "chew on" while they
wait for dinner for example. The trick is not to put the exercise bike
in the basement or a separate room in your house, it will sit idle.
Stationary bikes should be in the living room, kitchen, or anywhere
it can be used while doing something else, for example listening to
TV or radio, talking with the other members of the family, etc... I
find it very boring to simply pedal looking at a wall, and I'm a bike
fanatic.
Because exercise bikes stay inside and
many were rarely used, they are always in excellent condition, often
like new. Buying a low cost, but perfectly running, used exercise bike
won't ruin you, it doesn't take too much space, and you can pedal while
doing something else. I don't understand why anyone would go and buy
a new one, there are so many perfect used ones for sale in the classifieds.
The same goes for all training machines. People put thousands of dollars
buying fancy machines thinking they will loose weight effortlessly and
quickly and by staying at home! New Year's resolution obliges, it's
in early January that stores cash in. A few months or years later the
big machine is taking a lot of space, wasn't used more than 10 times,
and the buyer actually didn't loose any weight but gained more. So it's
time to sale before it looses all it's value.
- When looking at used exercise bikes,
the main thing to watch for is the speedometer/odometer. Make sure
they both work, i.e. when you pedal it shows a speed and the distance
increases slowly but surely. On older models the speedo is all mechanical
and usually it works fine. But later models have electronic computer
that are not as reliable and un repairable. Stay away from any fancy
electronic computers needing batteries or plug in, unless they work
perfectly.
- The other thing to watch for is the
system that changes the effort needed to pedal. There are many different
kinds of devices to adjust the resistance of the spinning wheel. Make
sure you can adjust it in fully freewheel mode (no resistance at all)
and gradually increase, without sharp steps.
- Some tensioning device will bend the
wheel, or make a notch on it, if the tension stayed on while the bike
was parked for a while. Make sure the wheel spins straight and balanced.
- A timer is also commonly found so you
can spin for a set amount of time, then a bell rings. If the timer
doesn't work it's not a big deal, just use your watch.
- Make sure the seat
can be adjusted easily for your height. Some models have a quick
release attachment so the seat can be adjust quickly for different
heights. Exercise bikes are sold in 1 size fits all, so very tall
or short persons must be careful to buy a bike they can use comfortably.
- A comfortable seat is also a must, but
you can change it for any regular bike seat
- An alternative to exercise bikes, if
you already own a bike, is to purchase rollers and use your regular
bike instead. You find rollers in bike stores.
View
exercise bikes currently available for sale
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another type of bike
Tandem
Bikes
Tandems are rare but have been around for
many years. I bought and sold very few used ones, so I can't say I know
a lot about them. According to a local bike shop, some people inquire
about tandems but very few actually purchase one. I was told it's hard
and can be dangerous to ride, so not for unexperienced riders. Starting
and stopping is the hardest part. It's a major cause of dispute and
can strain your relation! Tandems are much like a convential bike but
with an elongated and reinforced frame, longer chain and rear cables.
As far as I know the wheels and tires are the same as on a regular bike.
Since the supported weight is greater, tires must wear faster, flats,
broken spokes and bent wheels predictably more common. Avoid pot holes.
View
tandem bikes currently available for sale
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another type of bike
Delivery
Bikes
 _
View
delivery and other work bikes currently available for sale
Select
another type of bike
Recumbent
Bikes and Low Rider Trikes
 _
Left: a recumbent bike of rather conventional design.
The steering apparatus on some models is under the seat. Right: modern
high quality Trike.
Recumbent bikes are rather
rare and people who ride them seem to be attached because I see few
used ones up for sale. When they first came on the market, in the early
90's, a short period of popularity followed because of the novelty.
You could buy them in departement stores like Canadian Tire. Nowadays
few manufacturers still offer recumbent models. Contrarly to conventionnal
bikes, recumbent bikes come in many different designs, the steering
and seating position being the main disctinctive feature. Most have
small wheels and tires, typically 20" front and 24" rear,
same as on kid's bikes.
The main appeal is the riding
position being lower and more aerodynamic, wind drag is reduced. Also
you can push harder on the pedals because your back is supported. Some
riders with disabilities preventing them from using a convential bike
might be able to ride a recumbent bike.
However recumbent bikes have
drawbacks explaining their low popularity. The difficulty of climbing
steep hills is one problem. Low speed balance is an issue, you can't
stand up on the pedals to push and pull on the steering handle, so when
hitting a steep hill you might have to step off and push it up to the
top. Low speed balance is harder on recumbent's with strange steering
design. On some models the steering handles are located
under the seat and close to the body. It takes time to get used to it.
Lately 3 wheel models, named "trikes", began to be manufactured
in larger numbers. Trikes are heavier but solve the low speed balance
problem.
The main problem with low
riding bikes is, since the rider is almost sitting on the road, they
are hard to see in traffic. Usage of a long pole with an orange flag
is an highly recommended safety precaution. Vehicles exhaust is right
in your face and you can't see anything in front, other than the bumper
of the car you are following. Because of those serious safety and health
issues, recumbent bikes are seldom seen on the road, even less on city
streets. They are fine on bike paths where most of then are spotted.
Also note they can't be carried on most car bike racks, not convenient
when you want to try out a different bike path.
View
recumbent bikes currently available for sale
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another type of bike
Which
size of bike you need
There are some quick methods explained
below to determine approximately what size of bike you need. Bike
sizing charts are also found below so you can determine in advance
if a bike is a potential fit depending on your height and bike type.
However, people having different leg to body ratio, the only way to
know for sure is to try the bike and adjust
the seat height.
Important! the
information below applies to older bikes only. Newer men's
and ladies' bikes have a lower frame with a longer seat post. On older
men's bike the top horizontal tube is really horizontal. Newer bikes
have different frame geometry, the top tube is not completely horizontal
but lower toward the saddle.
- Measuring
Bike Frame Size
- The size of a bike is the length
of the tube supporting the saddle, measured from the top of the
seat tube (not counting the seat post) to the axis of the bottom
bracket (axis of the crank)
- Most older adult bikes have a frame
size between 19in and 25in. and the same model of bike is manufactured
in different sizes. For example vintage Raleigh Sports city bikes
were produced in only 2 sizes: 21" and 23" frame for
men, and 19.5" and 21" frame for ladies. Very popular
road bikes were produced in more sizes, for example the Velo Sport
Appalache in 47, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66cm.
- Why Bike Size Counts
- When selecting a bike, the most
important aspect is obviously that the seat
can be adjusted to your height.
- But it's also important that the
bike is not too long and forcing you to lean forward with arms
stretched, or too short forcing you in a cramped position with
arms too close to your body. So it's not simply a question of
installing a longer seat post if the bike is too small, or lowering
the seat as low as it can go if too tall.
- The length of the bike or wheel
base is more or less important depending on the type of bike and
riding position. On bikes with an upright riding position, the
length is not very important, you simply sit higher if you're
taller and you can use an extra long seat post (more below). This
explains why city bikes are manufactured in only 2 or 3 different
sizes. Portable folding bikes are made in only one size for all.
- The bike size you need depends
on the type of bike.
- Different bike
sizing charts exist for mountain bikes, road bikes, BMX's,
etc... Different types of bike have different frame geometry,
wheel size, riding position and other factors influencing the
size you should purchase.
- Quick methods
without measuring tape and bike sizing charts
- Method #1:
- Divide you height by 3. For
example I am 5' 9" = 69" so I need a bike frame
of 23" approximately.
- Method #2 if you have a bike in
front of you:
- This method works if you have
a bike in front of you and it's a men's road, men's mountain
bike or men's city bike, with an horizontal top tube.
- Step over the horizontal bar,
don't sit on the bike, put your 2 feet flat on the ground,
legs extended.
- There should be at least 2cm
or 3/4 inch between the frame and your crotch.
- On road bikes there shouldn't
be more than 5 cm or 2 inch clearance, otherwise the seat
might not come high enough or the bike won't be long enough.
So 2 to 5 cm (3/4" to 2") clearance between frame
and crotch is what you should look for.
- For mountain bikes it's safer
to have more clearance for off road use. Clearance of 5 to
13 cm (2" to 5") between the bar and your crotch
is what you should look for.
- This rule doesn't apply for
ladies bikes with a slanted frame and modern mountain bikes
with unconventional frame design. See bike
sizing charts below instead.
- You shouldn't use a bike if
the clearance is less than 2cm (3/4 in) as described above.
Kid's riding a bike too tall for them is a major cause of
accident.
- Short riders under 5ft 2in
- Contrarily to what you might think
you can easily find a bike for your height. Petite women represent
a good portion of my clientele.
- Almost all ladies' bikes with a
slanted ladies frame are built to accommodate riders between 5ft
0in and 5ft 8in. At 5ft 2in or under select a frame size of 18in,
19in or 20in.
- If you are shorter than 5ft you
should also look at junior bikes with smaller 24in wheels and
you will have an even wider choice (full size adult bikes have
26, 27 or 28 inch wheels). Junior bikes with 24in wheels are listed
in the kid's bike section.
- Under 5ft 0in you can try a full
size ladies' bike with 18in or 19in frame but you would probably
feel and look better on a junior bike with 24in wheels.
- Women 5ft 8in and taller
- you need a frame of 22in or taller. Unfortunately ladies'
bikes with slanted frame were not produced above 21in. You should
be looking at men's bikes instead. You can always try a ladies'
bike with 21in frame and a longer seat post, but the bike might
be too short, the handlebar won't go high enough, your knees might
hit the handlebar.
- Tall riders 6 ft and above
- unfortunately tall bikes are much
harder to find for reasons I can't fully understand. If you are
5ft 10in or above, you need a frame size of 23" (58cm) or
abover. See bike sizing charts below.
- Curiously, even if the average male
height is 5ft 10in in North America, manufacturers don't produce
large numbers of bikes for people above that average. I find few
used ones for rebuilt. It's probably because most new bikes are
purchased by teenagers, not fully grown adults. So I find large
quantities of smaller bikes for people between 5' and 5'6",
mostly mountain bikes nowadays, but very few tall bikes.
Bike Sizing
Charts
Important! the information
below applies to older bikes only. On older men's bike the top
horizontal tube is really horizontal. Newer bikes have different frame
geometry, the top tube is not completely horizontal but lower toward
the saddle. Newer men's and ladies' bikes have a lower frame with a
longer seat post.
- BMX's Size
- download
BMX bike sizing chart from ebicycles.com
- or use the frame size calculator
from ebicycles.com at http://www.ebicycles.com/article/bicycle-frame-size-charts.html
- With a BMX you need a bigger clearance
between your crotch and the frame to avoid injuries. BMX riders
like to ride with a very low seat. Most of the time you stand
up on the pedals to do tricks.
- As you grow and become an adults,
you need a longer BMX frame, or you can replace the straight seat
post with a slanted backward seat post.
- The only way to know for sure is
to try the bike and adjust the seat height.
- Folding Bike Size
- folding bikes are manufactured in
one size fits all. Most older folding bikes can be ridden by kids
and adults up to 5ft 9in. Above that height some folding bikes
saddle won't go high enough. Modern folders can accomodate taller
cyclists.
- folding bikes are all equipped
with extra long seat posts and handlebar stems so the saddle and
handlebar can be quickly adjusted with quick release attachments.
- frame size not very important, the
riding position is upright, most of the weight is on the seat,
and folding bikes are used mainly for low speed city commuting
and cruising.
- the wheel base (distance between
the axis of the wheels) of some folding bikes is almost the same
as a full size mountain bike or road bike. But the wheels being
smaller it's more stable and agile at low speeds.
- The only way to know for sure is
to try the bike and adjust the seat height.
- Kid's bike and tricycle size
- Measure the inseam and check table 4 below
- you can also use the bike size calculator
from ebicycles.com at http://www.ebicycles.com/article/bicycle-frame-size-charts.html
- Kid's bikes are not measured by frame
size, but instead by wheel size.
- As soon as a kid is able to walk he
can ride a small tricycle.
- From age 2 to 6, depending on height,
a bike with 12 in, 14in or 16in wheels with training wheels. Typically
that bike will be good for 2 years or less. Once the kid found his
balance, the training wheels can be removed.
- From age 5 to 9, or between 4' and
5' tall, a bike with 20in wheels is better. That's the wheel size
of BMX's.
- Pre-teens aged 8 to 13 should use
a junior bike with 24in wheels.
- Once they have grown to 5 feet or
more, they can start looking in the adult bike alley, but it's better
to wait until they are 13 years old at least before buying an adult
size bike, otherwise it might be too small when they become fully
grown adults.
- The only way to know for sure is to
try the bike and adjust the seat height
Inseam
| Wheel
Size |
| less than 16 in (40 cm) |
12 in |
| 16 to 20 in (40-50 cm) |
14 in |
| 20 to 22½ in (50-57 cm) |
16 in |
| 22½ to 26 in (57-66 cm) |
20 in |
| 26 to 28 in (66-71 cm) |
24 in |
Table 4: Kid's Bike Sizes
Exercise Bike Size
- Exercise exercise bikes are manufactured
in one size fits all.
- they're all equipped with extra long
seat posts and handlebar stems so the saddle and handlebar can be
quickly adjusted with quick release attachments.
- frame size is not important because
the riding position is very upright, all the weight is on the seat,
no need to be leaned forward and aerodynamic when exercising inside!
- The only way to know for sure is to
try the bike and adjust the seat height.
Adult Tricycle Size
- Manufactured in one size fits all,
usually a small frame such that the seat can be set very low.
- For older riders the seat is often
adjusted lower than it should be, so it's easier to sit. However
because the tricycle is very heavy and requires effort to move,
the seat should be adjusted to the correct
height as much as possible, because you will need all the power
you have to go anywhere.
- Tricycles use the same seat posts
as regular bikes so you can put a longer seat post, if required,
to pedal efficiently.
- The only way to know for sure is to
try the bike and adjust the seat height.
Tandem Bike Size
- I don't know much about tandem bikes,
but since most of them are road bikes or city bikes style, I guess
you should look at the road bike chart above.
- The front and rear seats are adjustable
independently.
- If the 2 riders have very different
height it could be impossible to find a suitable tandem for the
pair
- The only way to know for sure is to
try the bike and adjust the seat height.
Delivery Bike Size
Recumbent bike and Trike Size
- too many different frame designs to
make general rules, you must try it to know if you can ride it comfortably
Adjusting
Seat and Handlebar
- The
Rule for Efficient and Comfortable Pedaling
- when pedaling
your leg should be almost fully extended when the pedal reaches
the furthest point. What is almost fully extended ? One way to
know is when you put your heel at the center of the pedal your
leg is fully extended.
- Inexperienced Riders and Kid's
- A good portion of my customers are
young ladies with little cycling experience. For inexperienced
riders this way of adjusting the seat is scary because your feet
don't touch the ground at a stop. So the seat can be set a bit
lower such that stops are easier.
- You shouldn't adjust the seat
such that both feet touch the ground flat or almost when you are
at a stop! This makes the seat
way too low and the pedaling very inefficient. You get cramps
in your legs, knee pains, your butt hurts, the ride is unstable,
and of course everybody is faster than you.
- You must understand that when
stopping a bike you must step down and place yourself between
the seat and handlebar, with 1 foot on the ground and the
other on the pedal. When departing raise yourself back on the
seat on the first stroke of pedal.
- BMX's and Off-road Mountain
Biking
- the rule above doesn't apply when
doing trick on a BMX. The seat can also be
set lower when riding steep trails with mountain bikes. Most quality
mountain bikes have a quick release to re-adjust the seat height
quickly.
- Adult Tricycle
- for older riders the seat is often
adjusted lower than it should be, such that it's easier to sit.
However because the tricycle is very heavy to move, the seat should
still be raised as much as possible because you will need all
the power you have to go anywhere.
- If the Bike is too Small
- you can always use a longer seat
post if you can't adjust the seat high enough.
- Note that seat posts are manufactured
in many different diameters, in 0.1mm increments. You should bring
your current post for precise measurement with a calliper when
shopping for a replacement, you can't simply feel a difference
of 0.1mm.
- Taller riders can adjust the seat
height alright with a longer seat post, but they end up riding
in a cramped position because the bike is not long enough, the
un-adjustable handlebar is too close to the body.
- This is not a big deal on city
bikes with an upright riding position because you are simply
higher on the bike. However with road bikes
with a leaned forward position it's very uncomfortable.
- see also bike sizing
charts above
- Adjusting the handlebar height
and tilt
- It depends a lot on the type of bike
and the way you like to ride. In general the handlebar should be at
the same height as the seat or higher.
- Raised handlebars are more comfortable
but the position is less aerodynamic.
- On road bikes the handlebar is lower
than the seat for an aggressive leaned forward position, to cut wind
resistance and go faster.
- As for the tilt, the place where grip
the handlebar should be parallel to the ground or slightly tilted
toward the rider. Too much tilt is dangerous because your hand might
slip off the handle when hitting a bump.
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City bikes
Road bikes
Folding bikes
Kid's bikes
