Riding a bicycle is a great way to stay fit and burn calories, and although a stationary bike is a pretty convenient choice, nothing beats the challenge (plus the amazing outdoor views) you get from riding an actual bicycle. However, not all bikes are the same, and you need to choose the right one that suits your lifestyle.

Starting to ride a bike - A starter bicycle differs depending on the rider's age. Toddlers ages 2 to 3 can only ride on a tricycle or a 12-inch (on the wheel) bike, while a 16-inch bicycle would fit children from age 4 to 5. A compact 20-inch bike would go well with 5 year olds and above, while a full-sized 20" and 24" bikes are for teenagers.

Riding for comfort - If you are a casual biker, a hybrid or comfort mountain bike would be the right equipment for you. It is characterized by a pair of wheels that are thinner than those of a road bike, but have higher pressure than on a mountain bike. These tires would provide more traction in loose footing, but tend to spread out and cause more drag. Hybrid bikes also have higher front ends, which means you do not need to lean over when seated.

Riding to push your limits - If you are into finding new off-road trails, a mountain bike could be the right choice. They are tougher-and understandably more expensive-than ordinary bikes. It also has wide, knobby tires that dig to loose dirt or gravel, and do not spin out on steep climbs. Most recent mountain bike models have front suspension (or even front and back suspension) for increased comfort.

Long-distance city biking - If the wild outdoors are not your type, and instead prefer fast, long-distance riding, the a road bike is for you. Also called racers, road bikes have very narrow and highly-pressured tires that can run fast on the road, but most likely to be damaged off paved surfaces.