EASY RIDER, The Schwinn
Sierra GS comfort bike,
$340, is ideal for leisurely
cycling on mostly flat
roads.
Sierra GS comfort bike,
$340, is ideal for leisurely
cycling on mostly flat
roads.
The performance road bike is aimed at cyclists who like the racy look and performance of a conventional road bike but may not want to hunch over so far on the handlebars. The main design differences are a shorter top tube (the horizontal one) and a longer head tube (the vertical one under the handlebars). That configuration lets riders sit slightly more upright, which should help reduce fatigue on long rides.
Our tests found three CR Best Buys among these new road bikes, two costing about $1,000 and one priced at $650. More money will buy you a bike with lighter, higher-quality components and/or a frame made from materials such as carbon fiber, titanium, or high-strength steel.
In addition to road bikes, we tested fitness bikes and comfort models. Here's a quick rundown of each category, starting with the most expensive:
- Road bikes, conventional as well as peformance, feature skinny tires, a narrow seat, a lightweight frame, and drop handlebars.
These bikes are for riders who want to log serious miles, including multi-day touring. They're typically sold in bike shops,
where buyers can often customize their bike's pedals and seat. All of the road bikes we tested this time are performance models
except for the LeMond Propad, which is a cross bike. Cross bikes are essentially extra-durable road bikes with wider, knobby
tires for better off-road traction. Our price range for road bikes: $650 to $1,800.
- Fitness bikes blend the slim tires, narrow seats, and lightweight frames of road bikes with the horizontal handlebars and
the more upright riding position of mountain bikes, a type mainly for off-road use and not covered here. Fitness bikes can
be the right choice for someone who wants to burn calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, or commute to work. Our price
range: $630 to $830.
- Comfort bikes, on which you sit in an upright position, are for leisurely recreational riding. These bikes offer creature
comforts such as shock absorbers in the seat and/or fork; a cushiony, wide seat; and low gears for easier uphill pedaling.
Our price range: $330 to $600.
Compare the treadmills we tested in our full ratings table (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers)
Check out all the equipment and sporting good products we rate.
For complete Ratings and recommendations of treadmills, diets, pedometers, ellipticals, personal care products and much more, subscribe todayto ConsumerReports.org.
Check out all the equipment and sporting good products we rate.
For complete Ratings and recommendations of treadmills, diets, pedometers, ellipticals, personal care products and much more, subscribe todayto ConsumerReports.org.
