The Workout Machine
For those who want to get in serious shape, the women’s Dolce ($800 to $2,400) and men’s Roubaix ($1,600 to $4,400) lines from Specialized add small comfort touches, like strategically placed road-vibration dampers and Body Geometry ergonomic saddles. (At Larry & Jeff’s Bicycles Plus, 1690 Second Ave., nr. 87th St.; 212-722-2201.)
The Clunker
Frank’s Bike Shop is literally crammed with bikes—three layers high from floor to ceiling. Owner Frank Arroyo accepts secondhand bikes—which generally run around $100—only through existing customers, which means he avoids the sketchy arena of the walk-in trade-in (553 Grand St., nr. East River Drive; 212-533-6332).
The Stylish Cruiser
The sexy, simple lines of the Bianchi Milano ($550) suggest a casual roll along the beach, so take it to Quogue for the weekend. But the high-performance, low-maintenance eight-speed Shimano Nexus rear derailleur is zippy enough to blow by the crowd on the Hudson River rec path. (At Gotham Bikes, 112 W. Broadway, nr. Reade St.; 212-732-2453.)
The Trail Monster
Dirt riding isn’t legal in NYC parks, but a weekend mudfest is less than an hour away by train. The Cannondale Prophet 600 ($1,600) has a five-inch rear shock, lightweight “lefty” fork, and sharp-stopping Avid BB7 disc brakes. (At Toga Bike Shop, 110 West End Ave., at 64th St.; 212-799-9625.)
The Road Racer
This year’s hottest speed machine is the Orbea Orca ($4,800), a one-piece carbon-fiber rocket ship from Spain’s Basque country. The frame makes the bike responsive enough for competition yet compliant enough for amateurs. Riding it feels like flying. (At Bicycle Habitat, 244 Lafayette St., nr. Prince St.; 212-431-3315.)