Who makes the best (pedal) bikes and what sort do i need?

Question

Want a bike to ride around on and occassional blasts in the countryside

are mountain bikes good all rounders?

which company makes the best bikes?

thanks

Answer 1

If you are going to ride bike trails buy a mountain bike, if you are going to ride primarily on the road buy a road or hybrid bike.  If you have low back problems like I do buy a mountain bike.  My doctor prescribed a mountain bike for me because he wanted me to ride more upright than what a road bike will give me.  Find someone very knowledgeable on bikes and take them shopping to the bike stores not wal-mart.  The bike store people will help fit the bike to you, wal-mart cant do that.  I bought a Gary Fisher made by Trek.

Answer 2

Mountain bike = 4 wheel drive pickup, capable but not so good on pavement

Road bike = roadster / sports car, fast but less comfortable

hybrid/crossover = some off road ability and flat bars, but more efficient like a road bike

Comfort = Luxury car & are the best bike for the occasional rider. They have upright seating, sprung saddles, large shock absorbing tires with smooth tread for ease of pedaling, and between 5 - 24 gears on average. Now that they're made of aluminum, they're pretty light too.

The best bike brand is the one that fits you best. In this market, fit differentiates brands more than any other criteria. Go to your local bike shop and get fit to the type of bike you like. Enjoy the ride.