Upper mid-range bicycle. Carbon fiber frame and fork. It had mid level components and wheels. Usually in the $2500 range.

By Tara R. McKee

The sport of road biking is rapidly growing in popularity among women. Like a running group, women find they can enjoy the social aspects of working out together. Road biking offers a great workout, a chance to see some great scenery along the way, and is a lower impact sport than running. If you are considering getting into the sport or have had a taste of it and want to do endurance rides and triathlons, you may be looking to buy a new road bike. Where should you start? To help guide you to the bike that will suit you best, Cycle and Style has a little quiz:

Mid-range bicycle. For the cycling enthusiast. Carbon aluminum mix Usually in the $1300 range. This is a women's specif design.

What do you want in your bike?

1. I want to ride with a serious group and plan on competing or doing several century rides.
2. I want a fun, fast bike that I can enjoy for years.
3. I want to go out for nice, casual rides on weekends. I want to be comfortable and the bike needs to be reliable.

A great first bike of choice. With an aluminum frame and carbon fork it will be comfortable and stable. A new rider can be confident while riding. A women's specific design. Usually around $900.

If you answered 1: You’ll want a top-performance high-end bike. This is a bike that you will enjoy spending a lot of time on; you may regret buying a lesser bike.

If you answered 2: You want a bike that will grow with you as you become a more serious cyclist. A top end recreational bike or enthusiast bike is the way to go. You can get some great bikes for less than $1,800. But if you can afford it, splurge a little more, you won’t regret it.

If you answered 3: You can get a great entry-level ride for a bit less than $1000. Don’t buy bargain basement. You still want a bike that shifts smoothly, stops confidently and will be comfortable.

This bicycle will stay with you as you develop from a novice into a serious cyclist. It boasts higher quality wheels. This is a carbon fiber bicycle and has mid level components. Usually in the $3000 range.

How do you see yourself as a cyclist?

1. I see myself as a serious cyclist going for the challenges.
2. I am a novice now, but I think I am going to really get into cycling and improve a lot. I want to eventually do some short triathlons or a longer charity ride.
3. I will be happy just cycling now and then. I don’t think I will ever want to get more serious in the sport.

Great entry level bicycle. This bike is light and has great top-notch handling. It has an lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork, seatstays, and seatpost to cut vibration and keep you comfortable for long rides. Women's specific. Usually around the $1500 range.

Buy smart—this bike is going to be with you for the long road.

If you answered 1: You don’t want to be wishing you’d had more upgrades in the future. Buy at the top end of your price category. Buying right below “top of the line,” often represents the best value.

If you answered 2: Don’t think in terms of “good enough.” Buy the highest quality of components you can afford; you’ll want the shifting and braking to be silky smooth and to have a light, maneuverable, and stable bike. Consider how many miles a week you will be riding.

If you answered 3: That’s fine. Get the bike in the right category for you and buy the package that will make you happy for years.

Thank you to Bingham Cyclery, Salt Lake Bike Co. and Guthrie Bicyle for the use of their beautiful bicycles.