What Is a Bicycle?

More Than the Sum of Its Parts

What's the difference between a $400 beach cruiser and a $14,000 road bike?

Some distinctions are plain to see; while others (and some of the most significant ones) are less obvious to the untrained eye.

Here are a few things to consider when you're looking at a particular bike. While it's important to know what you're looking for, it's even more important to know what you're looking at.

• Frame: Design and Materials
  • Size
  • Gender
  • Material
• Components: Engineering and Quality
  • Design
  • Preferences
  • Bling factor
• Accessories: Legal Requirements (and Personal Preferences)
  • Helmet, Bell and Lights
  • Locks, Cables and Chains
  • Tools, Etc.