Choosing the Right Bike

MOUNTAIN BIKES
Mountain Bikes are design for riding rough off-road trails. They have flat or upright handlebars, and a very low gear range for pedaling up steep trails. Most mountain bikes have some type of shock absorbers or suspension. Mountain bikes with front suspension only are called hardtails; mountain bikes with both front and rear suspension are called full-suspension bikes. Mountain bikes can be outfitted for use as touring or commuting bikes, although they would not be as light or efficient as traditional commuting bikes. HEAD bikes like the JRA, UP2 or BERM are good examples of these types of mountain bikes. Built for shredding and having a blast in the dirt.

ROAD BIKES
Road bikes are designed to be ridden fast on smooth pavement. They have smooth, skinny tires and "drop" handlebars, and can be used for on-road racing. They are usually lighter than other types of bicycles. They can be ridden on paved trails, but most people find them uncomfortable and unstable on unpaved trails. Most road bikes are not capable of carrying heavy loads, so are not very suitable for commuting or touring. The HEAD PAVA is our flagship road bike and is designed for all day comfort.

GRAVEL BIKES
Gravel bikes are one of the newest categories of bicycle. They are sometimes called all-road bikes, any-road bikes, or adventure bikes, and are the most versatile sub-category of road bike. Similar to cyclocross bikes, they have drop handlebars and the ability to use wider tires. The frame geometry is longer and more upright compared to a cyclocross bike, however, making these bikes more suitable for long days in the saddle, light touring, and commuting. Check out the line of HEAD Terrain bikes that give you versality and style no matter what adventure awaits.

• Curved or drop bar handlebar designs to offer the rider multiple hand positions
• Longer wheelbase and more upright than a typical road bike
• Light but robust frames and construction to help aid in climbing and acceleration
• Wider tires than a typical road bike and offer room in frame for mud and debris clearance
• Gear systems designed for on and off-road efficiency and maintaining speed

CITY/HYBRID
Our City/Hybrid bikes were originally conceived to provide the advantages of both road bikes and mountain bikes. Their large, padded seats and upright handlebars provide a comfortable riding position, and are best for casual riding around the neighborhood or bike paths, short-distance commuting, and errands around town. They can be ridden on paved roads, but are not as lightweight or efficient as road bikes. They are ideal for paved or unpaved bike trails, but are not appropriate for rough off-road mountain bike trails. The tires are usually a medium-width with a semi-smooth tread, to provide a fairly smooth ride on pavement, but enough grip and cushion on unpaved trails. Most hybrid bikes have front suspension to smooth out small bumps, but some are fully rigid. HEAD has a full range of city/hybrid bikes to suit your needs. The Groove has style and comfort while the Strada is affordable and fun to ride.

• A more cushioned saddle and upright position
• Multiple speeds and gears for riders who plan to use their bikes in different environments
• Flat, upright handlebars for a relaxed riding position and control on the road
• Wider tires than road bikes with a subtle tread pattern to offer a mix of stability and traction on a variety of surfaces
• A comfortable up right riding position

KIDS BIKES
There are lots of kids’ bikes to choose from, so narrowing down your options can be hard! The main thing is to ensure the purpose and features of the bike match your child’s skill level. For example, most young kids will likely only ride short distances around the neighborhood. If you’re buying a bike for a beginning rider, it’s easy to want one they’ll “grow into,” but it’s especially important to buy a bike that fits well so they can ride comfortably and confidently while they learn. Keep in mind that unlike adult bikes, Kids bikes are sized by the wheel diameter from 16” to 24” in the HEAD models on our site.

A few things to keep in mind when buy a bike for your child:

Standover height: As with adult bikes, first check the standover height. Whatever the top-tube style, look for about 2"–4" of clearance on most kids bike. You’ll want them to be able to jump off the seat quickly in a hurry.

Seat height: Most kids bikes are designed so they ride in a more upright position. They should be able to sit comfortably, see around them easily and grip the handlebars with a slight bend in their elbows. Their legs should be slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

Each of our kids bikes state the proper age and height on each product page.

As a general rule: