1 Pick your bike

The Route

Before you buy a bike, you need to know your route. Go to Google Maps and your city's official website to locate bike lanes. Better, find bicycle-only pathways. Besides avoiding cars altogether, you can keep momentum, which means less energy spent stopping and starting.

With your route chosen, drive it to see how many hills you'll need to climb and to get an idea of mileage. This will affect the type of bike you choose. If you're like the majority of people in the United States and will be riding 20 miles or less to work, a hybrid or fitness bike is ideal. These have the light frames and narrow tires that make road bikes fast, but with flat handlebars for a comfortable, upright riding posture.

The Purchase

Avoid shopping online. Instead, buy from a local bike shop with a good reputation. Not only will they make sure you get a proper fit but usually there are perks, like the ability to swap out parts, and free tune-ups later. Plan to spend at least $500, and add components as needed. In Seattle, disc brakes and fenders will help you stop when it's wet and keep mud off your clothes. In Phoenix those parts are just extra weight.

The Ultimate Commuter Bike: Trek 7.2 FX ($490)

Wildly popular because of the smooth-riding steel fork and quality Shimano drivetrain. The 7.2 FX (above) also comes with Bontrager H2 Hard-Case Lite tires that'll resist punctures and last for thousands of miles when properly inflated. The frame is set up to be a canvas for add-ons like fenders and a rear rack, the latter of which we highly recommend for any commuter. Also, at about 30 pounds, the bike is light enough to carry up stairs.

What About...

Folding Bikes? Great for city dwellers, these collapse small enough to fit in a taxi trunk or under your table at a café. The small wheels and foldable frame mean you lose comfort and speed, but companies like Tern engineer for increased torque and rigidity.

E-Bikes? The onboard batteries that give electric bikes extra pedaling power make them heavy and expensive. Best for hilly routes or to avoid sweating. Important: Make sure e-bikes are legal where you live. They've been banned in some cities.

Bike Sharing? A popular option that lets you check out and return bikes at stations throughout a city. -Annual memberships range from around $60 to $150. All you need is your own helmet. Best for those who don't want the hassle of upkeep.