By Shauna Scott Rhone
The Cincinnati Enquirer

It's a two-wheeled wonder for wandering.

Powered by sheer muscle, balancing on two inches in a bold defiance of gravity, a bicycle brings a child closer to adulthood and an adult back to a childlike yearning for the carefree, open road.

Balancing the symbolism is the cold reality of deciding which bike gets parked under (or near) the Christmas tree. What's with the knobby tires? Do more gears mean more speed?

Here are some tips to make shopping for wheels something other than going in circles.

How to fit a bike

There must be at least 1-2 inches of clearance between the rider's crotch and the top tube (men's, women's or children's measurements).

Use a tape measure to measure the rider's pants inseam or try this suggestion from Bicycling for Dummies (IDG Books; $19.99):

The rider should stand with back against a wall wearing the same type of shoes and pants or shorts he or she would wear while riding.

Then the rider should straddle a book like a saddle (seat), making sure the edges are against the wall. Mark a spot on the wall at the top of the book. Measure the distance from the mark to the floor. That's the inseam measurement.

It's best to bring the rider, but if you're shopping for a bike as a surprise, use the inseam measurement to measure the distance from the ground to the top of the bike's tube. For girls or women's bikes, take the measurement up to the level of where a top tube would be.

Make sure the handlebar is within reach. You don't want to stretch or feel too cramped.

Types of Bikes

BMX "bicycle motocross"

Also called dirt bikes. Spawned from motocross motorcycles, these have wider, knobby tires. Low speed, usually with hand brakes.

Juvenile

Standard, traditional-style bikes for ages 2-10. One speed, most with foot brake, although some come with hand brakes. For street cycling.

Mountain

Off-the-beaten-path, low-gear bikes with fat knobby tires, rugged wheels and frame. Front and full suspension styles. The more expensive ones have suspension wheels that absorb the bumps in the road mountain bikes live for.

Comfort

Built for pavement riding. Smoother tires, narrow seats, turned-down handlebars. Easy pedaling, upright seating for leisure rides.

Road

Also built for pavement riding. Has drop handlebars and narrow tires. Good for longer commutes and fitness riding.

Hybrid

Popular cross between mountain and road bike. Flat handlebars, good for commuting, touring and fitness.