Leisure/Recreational Cyclists
Cycling for leisure or pleasure is something that an increasing number of people are taking to as a means of exercise or keeping fit. As well as the local country lanes there are also traffic free areas to explore such as the canals, Stratford Greenway, Sutton Park, Kingsbury Water Park, the Sustrans West Midlands way or further afield Cannock Chase and Rutland Water.
If you are more of a fitness rider you may well be looking for something a little lighter and sportier than the basic hybrid. Some customers will go with straight handlebars others prefer drop bars but perhaps with a shorter more upright riding position. Specialized, Marin and Trek all provide bikes with these characteristics and any member of staff will be pleased to talk through their features with you and offer a test ride. Like the hybrid bikes they can also be fitted with mudguards to make them a fast commuter bike or a pannier rack for touring.
Popular bikes of this type are the Marin ALP series of Belvedere, Fairfax, Lucas Valley or Mill Valley. The last 2 models are interesting in that they use carbon fibre rear stays in the main frame as well as the front fork. The Specialized Sirrus Expert and top end Vita bikes also use the same carbon seat stays with Zertz inserts as used on the popular Roubaix road models. The Trek 7.5 and 7.6 bikes have carbon forks for lightness, rigidity and comfort and have also proved to be popular in this category. Once you had bought your bike you may well want to set yourself a challenge by taking part in one of many mass participation charity rides that take place all over the country.
Women’s Bikes
Female riders are also catered for with specific bikes from Marin, the Corte Madeira, Terra Linda and Olema; Specialized have the Vita or Dolce and Trek their WSD range.
Comfort bikes
If your riding preference is more at the leisure end of the spectrum and you are looking for something comfortable to ride and are not planning any long distances then one of these bikes might suit. They are characterised by including a number of features to make the ride as comfortable as possible. These include fatter, but smooth, tyres, front suspension, soft saddle and sometimes suspension seatpost as well. Popular models are the Trek Navigators, Marin Stinson or Redwood and the Globe Carmel. A standard hybrid but with front suspension such as the Trek 7300 could also be considered.
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