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Angie's List: How To Pick The Perfect Set Of Wheels

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- There are tons of bicycles to choose from, so finding the right fit can be a little tricky.

Whether you're looking for a road bike to ride fast on open roads, a mountain bike for off-road trails or a hybrid bike to cruise around your neighborhood, it's important to match the bike to your size and intended use.

Getting fit for a bike is just like getting fit for a pair of shoes. You wouldn't wear high heels to play a sport, so you should make sure you have the right bike for your type of riding. For example, if you're going to be riding your bike mostly in the city, a mountain bike is not the bike for you.

Angie's List says a reputable bike shop can help determine the right type of bike for your needs and size you for the perfect fit.

"We are looking at the overall height of the bike to fit your inseam and then the length of the bike to fit your torso," bike shop owner Scott Irons said. "So, we got to get a bike to fit both."

A pro will take into account several measurements, including your back angle, knee angle and handlebar width.

"You typically are going to have your tip toes on the floor, and you're going to have a nice comfortable bend in your back with a little bit of elbow bend," Irons said.

Angie's List recommends factoring in maintenance when choosing a bike. A tune-up starts around $50, but it can cost more depending on the type of bike.

If you're a casual rider, you only need a tune-up every other year or two.

RELATED LINKS
More Consumer News
More Angie's List Reports
More Reports By Susan Koeppen
Koeppen's Corner

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