Whether you’re looking to start riding on the road, trail, or even snow, these 12 bikes can help get you on the right path to two-wheeled fun, adventure, and maybe even the start line of a race BY JASON SUMNER

2016 Buyer’s Guide: Best Beginner’s Bikes

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Outfitted with the pOpular midsize 27.5” wheel platform, this affordable aluminum mountain bike will help you roll over chunky obstacles, but also deliver a snappy, play-ful ride. The 140mm RockShox Sektor suspension fork soaks up rough terrain, while a Shimano Deore drivetrain provides crisp, precise shifting and reliable (and predictable) braking

thanks to the hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors front and rear. Sure, you’ll pay a little weight penalty compared to similar carbon-fiber frame models, but the extra cash you save can be used for component upgrades down the road.

price: $2,100 more info: giant-bicycles.com

Giant Trance 27.5 3

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Get rOllinG on the path to improved health and fitness with this budget-friendly commuter bike from Wisconsin-based Trek Bikes. A reliable Shimano drivetrain with a triple chainring means you will never run out of gears, no matter how steep the hill. The Bontrager Satellite Plus IsoZone handlebar helps take the sting out of road cracks and potholes, and the disc

brakes assure consistent modulated stopping power even in torrential downpours. And if you decide to bike commute with it, the frame has mounts for cargo-carrying racks and road spray-blocking fenders.

price: $880 more info: trekbikes.com

trek 7.4 FX Disc

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whO says carBOn-fiBer Bikes have to cost the prover-bial arm and leg? The Scott CR1 30 avails the lightweight and smooth ride-feel of a composite frame, and still leaves cash left over so you can enter a century ride or local race. The Shimano Sora drivetrain is a solid entry-level drivetrain that does what it’s asked without a lot of bells and whistles. You’ll especially appreciate the 50-34 compact crank that saves weight over a

triple chainring set-up, but still delivers plenty of gear range for spinning up steep hills. House brand Syncros components and wheels help keep costs down, while the tallish headtube provides a comfortable, more upright ride that will help you survive (and thrive) on even the longest days in the saddle.

price: $1,500 more info: scott-sports.com

scott CR1 30

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the name Of this Bike was derived from the phrase “clean slate,” and that’s exactly how Cannondale approached one of the most interesting bikes to hit the market in recent memory. The aluminum-framed rig combines the frame geom-etry, drop bars, quick handling, and efficient feel of a road bike, with 30mm of bump-absorbing front suspension, 27.5” wheels, and 42mm tubeless tires that are closer to those you’d

find on a mountain bike. The end result is a bike that can be ridden almost anywhere. Start out with a causal (or speedy) bike path spin, then hop on some dirt singletrack. Or do the opposite. It’s totally up to you with this stable-handling bike.

price: $2,980 more info: cannondale.com

cannondale Slate 105

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keepinG track of the various mountain bike wheel sizes and widths is daunting. But if you understand just one thing, know that wider tires mean better traction going up and down. That’s why plus-sized bikes such as the Specialized Stumpjump-er FSR Comp 6Fattie are garnering so much buzz. The 3-inch tires wrapped around 27.5-inch wheels chew up terrain like a

tank tread, but also roll plenty fast on smooth surfaces. Add in a bump-absorbing 150mm Fox 34 fork and Fox Float rear shock, and this bike is ready to take on any trail.

price: $3,500 more info: specialized.com

specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp 6Fattie

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nOt every shOpper is comfortable with the consumer-di-rect buying model, which takes the local bike shop out of the equation. But Utah-based Fezzari does its best to ease concerns with a 23-point customization process designed to assure you get the right size and set-up—and a low price. You provide personal details such as height, weight, arm length, and riding style. Fezzari then dials in the bike and ships it directly to you.

The Wiki Peak 29er is the company’s entry-level, cross-coun-try-oriented mountain bike, outfitted with a 100mm Suntour XCR fork with adjustable rebound, 27-speed SRAM drivetrain with X7 rear derailleur, and Avid hydraulic disc brakes.

price: $1,299 more info: fezzari.com

fezzari Wiki Peak 29er

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this veritaBle swiss army knife of a bike from New Jersey-based Van Dessel is comfortable on almost any type of terrain. The smooth-riding steel frame’s geometry leans toward the nimble handling needs of cyclocross racing, but the ability to run tires from 23mm to 2.1 inches means it can handle paved tarmac, smooth dirt trails, and everything in

between. It’s even belt-drive compatible if you prefer to ditch the traditional chain-and- cassette set-up. Available build kits run the gamut, from top-of-the-line Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 to SRAM’s budget-friendly Rival 22 with mechanical disc brakes.

price: $2,200 more info: vandesselcycles.com

van dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Rival 22

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if yOu’re thinkinG about jumping into a local road race, or even just heading out on a fast group ride, Fuji’s interpretation of the aero race bike is a great option. Though not the lightest whip in the stable, the Transonic’s carbon-fiber frame utilizes airfoil-like tube shapes to better slice through the wind. The

affordable 2.9 model is highlighted by reliable Shimano 105 drivetrain and brakes. Alloy Vera Corsa wheels are nothing fan-cy, but they’ll get the job done until you are ready to upgrade.

price: $1,790 more info: fujibikes.com

fuji Transonic 2.9

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an upriGht ridinG pOsitiOn, climbing-friendly gear-ing, and of course the sub-$1,000 price make this bike a great entrée into road riding. The stiff aluminum frame assures that pedal-power in equals efficient-forward-propulsion out, while the 26mm Kenda tires provide improved traction and bump absorption compared to skinnier options. Shimano Claris

brakes benefit from trickle-down technology that’s a hallmark of the world’s largest bicycle component manufacturer. And the 2x8 drivetrain has sufficient gear range, but isn’t overly complicated to operate.

price: $800 more info: diamondback.com

diamondback Century Sport

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As the model name implies, this bike is designed for the rough roads of cobblestone classics such as Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. The lightweight carbon frame and fork are outfitted with a quartet of Zertz elastomer vibration-damping inserts designed to buffer road chatter without sacrificing efficiency-enhancing stiffness. A Shimano Tiagra build kit and

mechanical disc brakes help keep cost down, while still deliver-ing confidence-inspiring braking and gear shifting performance. Axis 2.0 Disc wheels are tubeless compatible, meaning you can run lower tire pressure without fear of pinch flats.

price: $1,950 more info: specialized.com

specialized Roubaix SL4 Disc

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curiOus aBOut the fat-Bike Buzz? Trek’s Farley 7 is a great starting place. The stout aluminum frame can run 26-inch wheels with up to five-inch-wide tires (perfect for truly snowy rides), or 27.5-inch wheels with up to four-inch-wide wide tires (better for hardpacked snow or dirt trail adventures). Either way, you’ll be able to take advantage of the amazing traction afforded by wide tires with low pressure. The stock Bontrager

Barbegazi Team Issue tires are tubeless ready, which is critical considering fat-bike tubes can weigh a pound a piece. SRAM’s GX 1x drivetrain provides an ample gear spread without the clutter or complication of a front derailleur.

price: $2,400 more info: trekbikes.com

trek Farley 7

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cyclOcrOss is arGuaBly the most approachable of cycling’s race disciplines, and Ridley is widely considered the sport’s top ’cross-bike maker. Based in the world cyclocross hotbed of Belgium, Ridley offers a wide array of race-ready rigs. The alloy-framed X-Ride 30 has a bump-softening car-bon fork and is spec’d with a Shimano 105 drivetrain and TRP mechanical disc brakes, which perform better than traditional

cantilever stoppers, especially in the inclement weather con-ditions synonymous with cyclocross. By the way, seven of the last 11 men’s elite world champions rode Ridley cyclocross bikes to victory.

price: $1,650 more info: ridley-bikes.com

ridley X-Ride 30 Disc 105

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