How to choose the bike of your dreams: 6 tips from a pro

Gran Fondo road cycling races have been around for almost half a century. They originated in Italy and quickly spread around the world, but only reached Russia in 2016. The idea behind the creation of Gran Fondo in Russia was Derk Sauer, a businessman and a big fan of cycling. We talked to Mr. Sauer and found out how he became interested in bicycles, and also found out what mistakes beginner cyclists often make and how to choose the right two-wheeled workhorse.

– How did your passion for bicycles come about?
– Since I was born and brought up in the Netherlands, I grew up with a bicycle (like every Dutch person). But I didn’t start riding seriously until I was about 18, in the company of fellow journalists in Amsterdam. It was a combination of sport and a kind of social event, because every race we did ended with a beer in a Dutch bar!

– What has changed in your life since the creation of Gran Fondo in Russia?
– It’s great to see that cycling is growing in Russia, even though it’s not as widespread as in Europe and the USA. And also thanks to the races I’ve visited places like Kursk and Suzdal – when else can you see it from a bike.

Types of bikes

There are so many types of bicycles that you can hardly list them all. But there are three main categories: city bikes (or granny bikes as we call them in Holland), mountain bikes (for off-road riding) and road bikes (for riding on normal roads).
The latest fashion trend is electric bicycles equipped with a battery. They certainly make riding much easier.

Features of bicycles that you need to know

All these bicycles are two-wheeled, but the differences they have are quite weighty. City bikes are quite heavy, and they are designed for leisure or just to get from point A to point B. Amsterdam has 800,000 people, and there are 2 million city bikes!
Mountain bikes are big too, they have thick tires and suspension. So you can ride them through mountains and forests. Speed is not so much important here, but the ability to ride over rocks and off-road without puncturing your tires!

The essence of road bikes is speed, so the lighter they are, the better. They are made of carbon or titanium, and all the elements (seat, handlebars, etc.) are light. Aerodynamics plays an important role here.

Fixed gear bikes vs. gearbox models

Fixed gear bikes are only suitable for urban riding and are especially popular with hipsters and pizza delivery people. They look cool, but they have no braking system and are just plain dangerous. If you’re going to buy one, go for the Fuji Feather. It’s really cool!

The gearbox depends on the terrain. In Holland, all the roads are flat, so the standard gearbox is the way to go. But riding through the Swiss Alps or French mountain ranges is a different story. You can use the same bike, but you’ll have to change the gearbox to make it cooler.

What kind of bikes are allowed to compete?

It depends on the type of competition. For Gran Fondo and beyond, you can’t use triathlon bikes or track bikes. These models are designed to be ridden on flat, long roads and are dangerous to use with a group of cyclists.

Buying a bicycle. The most popular models for today

Buying a bicycle is like buying a car. First you need to decide what you need the bike for and how much you are willing to spend. If you compare it to cars, you can buy both “Niva” and “Ferrari”. City bikes can be of any brand – from those made in China, Taiwan, etc.
If we talk about mountain bikes, the famous website bicycling.com named Trek Fuel, Specialized Epic, Pivot Firebird and Kona Process as the best in this category. If you take road bikes, there are a lot of choices. Personally, I prefer Specialized. Most professionals consider this brand to be the best manufacturer of racing models at the moment.

But many people like the design of Italian road bikes, such as Pinarello or Bianchi with their famous light green coloring. Electric and disc brakes are very fashionable nowadays. If you need a triathlon bike, Cervelo and Felt are the top brands right now.

Mistakes when buying a bike

The main mistake I see is size. A bike should fit you as well as a good suit or dress. I often see people riding a bike that is just too big for them. This is why you need expert advice when choosing a bike. This will prevent a lot of problems in the future.

Tips from Derk Sauer

The best advice I can give: start with models that are not very expensive. After all, your legs are going to have to do the work, and only a pro will know the difference between an $800 bike and an $8k bike. Also keep it simple – the more gadgets, the more problems. One more thing: clean your bike and store it carefully.

Riding a bike is very easy. The most important thing you need is practice. The more kilometers you ride, the easier it gets!