Getting into a new sport can be exciting thoughts of enjoying the great outdoors while learning new skills and making new friends. It can also be a little overwhelming knowing which bike is the right one for you.

First, a bicycle specialty shop is where you will get the best service and the best product, hands down. Sales staff and mechanics have been thoroughly trained and have experience riding the bike that you're interested in purchasing. They also back the products they carry, so you're not only buying the equipment for your new activity, but can be assured that you'll have full customer support if need be in the future.

Now for the big part: how do you know whether you want a hybrid bicycle or a comfort bicycle, and what the heck is the difference!  Ultimately, the decision is yours but with the following tips you'll have an understanding of which bike is best suited to your riding style.
 
A " Comfort" bike is a very popular choice for the leisurely weekend rider the bike will offer a very up-right riding position, with a big cushy saddle and lots of suspension. Just as suggested in the name, they are very comfortable. They come in two options for wheel sizes (26'  mountain wheels, or 700c road wheels) for different surfaces. They start at very low price points, which encourages entry into the cycling world. Comfort bikes are great for casual neighborhood rides and rail-trail cycling.

A " Hybrid" bike is the other very popular choice for commuting or those looking to get exercise in a relaxed riding position. Think of them like road bikes with flat bars and easier gearing. The entry level models will come with a suspension seat post, but as the price point rises, hybrid bikes start to mimic the road bike in gearing and sleekness - but still keeping that flat bar and slightly wider tires than a traditional road bike! Hybrids are a great all-around choice for pavement riding (rail trails, road, urban riding), or if you're a roadie who just isn't that limber any longer.
 
See you out there!
 
Jessie Amend is a freelancer and the Marketing Director for Trek of Pittsburgh. Born and raised in the woodsy regions of Robinson Township, she is now a resident of Lawrenceville. When not promoting the sport for Trek of Pittsburgh's 4 locally owned bike shops, she can be found mountain biking, road riding, or playing outside in one of Western PA's many parks and forests.