It’s green, it gets you fit, and it’s fun: if you’re not already on a bike, you should be. But with so many options (road or mountain? urban or fixed gear?), it can be tough to narrow down which is the right one for you. Here’s a lowdown of some of the most popular bikes on the market right now — plus a chance to enter to win a free bike from Pure Fix Cycles!
Urban
In the U.S. ” we look at bikes as toys,” says Jon Lind, owner of Chicago’s J.C. Lind Bike Co., “but in Europe they’re a utilitarian tool.” America’s burgeoning bike culture owes much to the Dutch, Danes, and other northern Europeans. Bike manufacturers such as Holland’s Gazelle and Copenhagen’s Velorbis have inspired U.S. manufacturers like Civia and Linus to create sturdy, comfortable, and — perhaps most importantly — damn good-looking bicycles. American cities are quickly adopting the new attitude as well: Ride-share programs in Portland and Washington, D.C. were modeled on similar projects in Copenhagen and Amsterdam.
Road
Road cyclists can be divided into two groups: there are the riders who spend weekends racing 70-mile courses and the ones who are even more intense. “He’s the guy who’s shaving his legs, buying electronic gears, and looking for every advantage,” says Eva Lewington, lifestyle marketing director of Felt bicycles. This obsession for speed makes the road category the apex of the cycling world, generating its biggest names (Lance Armstrong) and most famous races (Tour de France). The performance-based culture has also fueled competition among bike manufacturers, resulting in a boon for amateurs who can purchase models incorporating technology more likely to be found in a Ferrari than an old-school Schwinn.
Fixed Gear
As with the record player, analog watch and Mick Jagger, the fixie seems like it should have become obsolete ages ago. With no brakes and a chain drive “fixed” to the back wheel, which means the pedals have to be rotating for the bike to move, even downhill, these bikes are notoriously difficult to ride. Instead of going the way of eight-tracks and Betamax, though, they’re the fastest growing segment of the cycling industry. “It’s fun, easy to maintain, and has fewer parts to be stolen off your bike,” says North American Cycle Courier champ Christina Peck. “You can slow down while talking on the radio, readjusting your bag, or more deftly while navigating pedestrian traffic.”
Mountain
Unlike the sophisticated cycling culture imported from Europe, mountain biking was born in the weathered foothills of Marin County, California. The first thrill-seeking mountain bikers raced down slalom-like slops, unsure if their reinforced bikes would even holdup along the rock-strewn paths. Adrenaline junkies around the globe now throw themselves down rocky terrain with much improved machines (though any mountain biker worth his salt can mend a torn tire and replace a derailed chain), even if trail riding isn’t the intrepid endeavor it once was.
Cyclocross
Though race days can resemble beer-filled bacchanals, cyclocross contests themselves require more Olympian efforts. Bikers must pedal their way around a three-kilometer gauntlet of grass, mud, pavement, stair, rocky inclines, and foot-high hurdles within a crowded pack of competitors. It’s not an activity for the timid. However, a combination of events in close proximity to urban hubs, the relatively short time commitment, and copious amounts of beer at races has fueled participation from 32,000 in 2005 to 72,000 in 2010.
Nylon Guys is teaming up with Pure Fix Cycles to give one lucky reader a chance to win a 54cm The Romeo fixed gear bicycle! To enter, simply “like” us onFacebook and Twitter then email your name, age and address to adrian@nylonmag.com with “NYLON Guys x Pure Fix Cycles” in the subject line. Contest will run from 12pm EST on Tuesday, July 3 through 11:59pm EST on Sunday, July 8.
Pure Fix Cycles is an innovative line of quality-built fixed gear bicycles designed to increase maneuverability, efficiency, and lightness. Fixies are more mechanically efficient than any other bike on the market, with the most direct power transfer from rider to the wheels. With a the flip-flop hub standard, Pure Fix Cycles riders have the option to travel either single speed or fixed gear. Their name captures their mission – Pure Fix Cycles: cycling at its purest!
Please note: To be eligible, all contest participants must be a fan of Nylon Guys Magazine on Facebook and/or Twitter. Contest ends on Sunday, July 8 2012 at 11:59pm EST. All entries must be received by this time. The winner of this contest will be contacted via email. Prize package includes one (1) 54cm “Romeo” fixed gear bicycle as pictured above.
Words by Amanda Angel.
this bike is a pipe bomb 