Even if you own a reliable car or truck, it might be a smart idea to leave your vehicle back home when you head off to college. Opting to get around on two wheels rather than four can save you money while being better for the environment, and it may even provide enough exercise to stave off adding the infamous “Freshman 15.” Here are three of the best types of cycles when you’re looking at bikes for college students.
Cruisers
Your campus doesn’t need to be situated near the shore to make a beach cruiser the right bike for you. For everyday riding, you can’t beat the comfort of a cruiser’s upright handlebars, which help to keep your shoulders and back in a relaxed position. The wider, cushioned saddle of a cruiser can help you to peddle more smoothly, making biking on campus leisurely and enjoyable. Because they’re so easy to accessorize with baskets, bells, saddlebags, and more, you can turn your cruiser into an extension of your personality that is both practical and fun.
Hybrids
While road bikes may be best if you consistently travel on paved lanes and mountain bikes are ideal if you spend your time off-roading, chances are your routine riding is a combination of the two. That’s why a hybrid bicycle may be the right choice for your campus wheels.
A hybrid will generally have a light, sleek frame like a road bike, making it easier to maneuver while riding and simpler to handle when you need to haul your cycle upstairs to your dorm room. Though not typically as thick as those on a mountain bike, the broader wheels of a hybrid still add smoothness and stability when you’re riding on unpaved roads or rougher terrain. Because a hybrid combines the best of both road and mountain bike design elements while focusing on comfort, it can be an outstanding choice for those looking to use their wheels on- and off-campus.
Electrics
If the ultimate in riding flexibility is what you’re after, then buying a heavy duty electric bike would be the perfect choice for your college wheels. Unlike traditional gas-powered scooters, e-bikes charge in regular household outlets. That means they’re relatively inexpensive to operate while still allowing you to travel further and faster than you could with peddle-power alone.
While you can always choose to peddle an e-cycle, the best women’s electric bikes are equipped with a motor that’s powerful enough to assist or completely take over your acceleration. When you’ve traveled farther from campus than you’d planned or you find yourself on steeper hills than you’re up to tackling, an e-bike can help get you to your destination without wiping you out.
If you love the idea of bringing a bike with you to college, any one of these three styles could be the right option for you. Consider the environment you’ll be in and the type of ride you prefer, then hop online to find a trusted bike retailer that can get you hooked up with your ideal campus wheels.
