The most versatile bicycle is one with upright handlebars, smooth tires (no huge knobs) of medium width, attachment points (weld-on) for a rack and other accessories, and no shock absorbers. This describes a popular segment of the bicycle market nowadays, "urban bicycles". My bike is like this, even though the day I bought it it was considered a mountain bike. Chassis. It's important that the geometry of your bike frame matches your body and your typical riding style. Imagine a rubber frame: lengthen the upper part if you have a long torso, narrow the lower part (bring the wheels closer together) if you want quick maneuverability; lengthen the bottom if you want a smoother and more stable ride for touring. If you're tall, and especially if your height matches your torso, there are several things you can do to fit a bike without resorting to a custom frame. First, move the seat all the way back, but not so far back that you don't have your knee ___). Second, buy a longer stem; they come in sizes up to around 130mm, although you can sometimes find a 140mm or even 150mm stem. Finally, a narrow seat, straight handlebars (not angled at the backrest), and raising/lowering the seat can help increase the horizontal distance a little more. Most bicycle frames are now aluminum, not steel; occasionally exotic (expensive) materials such as titanium and carbon fiber are used. Characteristics of each material? ___Folding frames with small 20" wheels - travel bikes - are an interest of mine (particularly Bike Fridays or regular bikes sawed in half and joined together again with S and S mounts [2]). I've never had the opportunity to try one, and I rarely travel, but they intrigue me because they can be stored in a regular Samsonite hard suitcase (which converts into a trailer), a large... half paper... d water bottles In general , I prefer plastic cages - they don't leave any aluminum residue on the bottles. $8 doorbell warns pedestrians of your approach from behind ; however, for the most part I no longer cycle in the car. Light. If you normally ride during the day and/or not in the car, a simple light, even a flashlight in a flashlight holder, may be sufficient.___ If you travel when it's cold. dark (especially during winter), ___Extra reflective. In addition to leaving the stock reflectors on my bike (so the police can't complain about it), I buy 3M light gray reflective tape - thick, almost like fabric - and put extra reflective dots around my bike: ___Saddle bag. ?[2] http://sandsmachine.comReplaces: car, gymImages: