Mountain, cruiser, racing, hybrid, tandem, folding, BMX.

There are tons of options when it comes to choosing the right bicycle for the upcoming warm season. And for the new rider, it might be a little overwhelming. Luckily, we got some tips and suggestions for every kind of rider courtesy of Richard Wellenc, owner of Dick’s Bike Shop on River Road in the city.

With roughly 50 years in the bicycle business and 22 years at his location just across from one of the most popular bike paths in the Twin Cities, Wellenc knows a thing or two about finding the perfect bike for each rider.

It’s good to have “a guy”

The most important thing, Wellenc said, is for potential buyers to make their purchases at an actual bike shop, not a department or big box store. He explained that buying a bicycle and getting maintenance done at a bike shop is a little like having a personal mechanic for your car.

“If you go to a bike shop, before the bike goes out the door they’re going to make sure everything works and everything is tight,” Wellenc said. “If you go to a decent bike shop, service is all going to be the same ... you’ll pay more at a bike shop, but you’ll get more.”

It’s all about experience, Wellenc said, and the quality of the equipment that you’ll want keeping you safe at 15 mph.

What are you in the market for?

The next step in your bike-buying is to decide just exactly what kind of bicycle you want. The choice can be a little overwhelming with dozens of different styles and brands to consider.

Wellenc says there are a few styles that are most popular and it all depends on where you plan on taking your bike and how fast you want to go.

For those looking to take things easy, Wellenc said a cruiser might be the best option. Cruisers are a comfortable bicycle with a wider seat and upright handle bars. They’re a little slower and sluggish however, so if speed isn’t a main concern, this is the best option.

Cruisers are also optimal for those looking to get in some exercise even if they have mobility issues.

“A lot of folks’ doctors tell them go ride a bike because it’s easier on your body. If you’re running around then it’s tough on your ankles and knees whereas on the bicycle you’re sitting on the seat, peddling so it’s easier on the body,” Wellenc said.

High-performance hybrid bicycles are good for riders looking for something to use on a commute or running errands. These bikes are a bit faster than the cruiser and the tires are more narrow.

Wellenc said there has been an increased interest in bicycles as commuting vehicles with the recent rise in gas prices.

“Especially now with the gas crunch a lot of folks are trying to bike to work if they can as long as they don’t live far,” Wellenc explained. “The bike is never going to replace the car but it’s nice in the city to get around to mail a letter or grab a loaf of bread. A lot of people but baskets on them and use them in the summertime to commute and go to the store.”

The speed demons out there might want to consider looking at a race bike, which is also helpful for a commute. Race bikes are even faster than the high-performance models but are less comfortable than a cruiser.

If you’re looking to get a little dirty, a rugged mountain bike might be your best choice. These bikes are perfect for taking on the trail because they have shocks both on the front and in the seat and their tires are more rugged.

“(The mountain bike) is designed for off-road racing and downhill in the mud and stuff like that,” Wellenc said. “On-road they’re OK but they’re just sluggish. It’s like (driving) a 4-wheel drive truck driving year-round on dry pavement.”

Those wanting to look good while hitting the bike paths might want to consider purchasing something a little old school. Retro bicycles are very popular these days, and Wellenc says customers often bring them in for him to refurbish and tune up.

He says the appeal lies somewhere between the beauty and quality of these older models. Nostalgia has a lot to do with it too.

“What it does is it brings back a memory because you rode your bike to the candy store and got penny candy. We do a lot of the retros they’ll bring in old bikes and we’ll fix them up,” Wellenc said. “They ride beautifully and the quality was so good back then.”

Go for a test drive

Of course these suggestions only just scratch the surface of all the bicycle options available to the bike owner to-be. There’s something for just about everyone out there and to find that perfect bike, a few test drives might be in order.

Picking out a new bicycle is a little like picking out a new car — you’ll want to make sure it is the right color, suits the terrain you plan to ride it on and most importantly, it needs to be comfortable.

“Most of the time we try to fit the people with the right bike,” Wellenc said. “What we usually do is let the person try one. It’s good to come to a bike shop and get a bike because you’ll get fitted right.”

Contact features editor Danielle Haynes at 693-1000, ext. 116.