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Here some tips and suggestions about choosing a good bike.

How to Choose a good Bike

Howstuffworks.com gives a good list of things to look before choosing a bicycle:

A - Identify your use and your price range. Visit a number of stores that carry different brands to get a feel for what’s out there. The shop should narrow your options quickly to no fewer than three models.

B - Test ride if you can. It’s the best way to find out if the bike fits you well and if you like the feel of the controls, the suspension, and its handling. Put a bike through its paces as much as you can on a test ride. Ride it up a hill hard, slalom along a twisty cycle path. Brake hard. Shift through the entire gear range to see if there are problems with the adjustment.

C - At the shop, look for signs of good (or bad) build quality. Brake pads should squarely contact the rim and not squeal during braking. Shifting should be smooth and crisp. There shouldn’t be any clunks or rattling noises. Tires should be appropriately inflated. Shifter and brake cable ends should be neatly cut and capped. These are signs you are in a good shop.

D - It will be hard to haggle on the price, because many shops don’t make a good margin on bikes; service and accessories are where they have more room to bargain. Ask about discounts on accessories–most shops will give a margin discount on extras bought the same day as the bike. Inquire about the bike’s service plan–what’s included, what’s extra? Get the service plan in writing.

E - If you’re interested in learning more about how to work on your own bike, ask about classes the shop offers. Ask about anything of which you are unsure. If the salespeople don’t answer sincerely and completely or if they give you a hard time, take your business elsewhere; just like car dealers, there’s usually more than one shop in your area carrying a particular brand.

F - If a bike is close but not perfect for example, the stem is too long or you don’t like the seat–ask the shop about swapping it. Most shops have a good policy about these kinds of changes, which can make the difference between a customer walking out with the bike or not.

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Probably no other country in Europe has as many places where do a bike tour of Italy. Unless you plan your itinerary carefully, you may not be able to visit all the interesting places.

A bike tour package could be your best choice to visit all the “must to see” places in the shortest possible time.

What to see:

Rome is the country’s capital and consists of the Roman Forum, with its amazing array of ruined temples, the world-famous Colosseum, the Pantheon and St Peter’s Basilica.

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy. The city is also home to Leonardo’s paint the “Ultima Cena” (Last Supper); La Scala, the world’s premier opera house; and the Gothic Dome.

Venice has popular water canals with condoles. The great architectural showpiece of Venice is undoubtedly St Mark’s Square. Other highlights include the amazing Basilica di San Marco. The Doge’s Palace - the Palazzo Ducale an example of Venetian Gothic art.

The Grande Canal is, well, a grand canal with incredible houses lining it and boats putting up down this water way.

The best way to visit Venice by bike is to stand in front of your hotel or hostel, determine which direction the tourist attractions lie and start biking in the opposite direction.

The Italian lake-district juts into the heart of a steep mountain range (The Alps), surrounded by fertile farmlands and fields of gently swaying flowers.

This is a great place for tourists who would like to go hiking, windsurfing or just enjoy the magnificent landscapes. The most famous are Garda and Como lake.

When to travel:

Packages are priced differently during peak season and off-season. Hotels in Rome charge more during Christmas, New Year’s, Easter and during other religious occasions. Prices are lower during the fall and early spring, but the weather can be a bit cooler. But this is the best time to book your package if you want to enjoy low prices and face fewer crowds.

What to pack:

During the summer (July - August - September) you’ll need light clothing, but don’t forget to pack a pullover or a light jacket for the evenings when, especially at the seaside or on the mountains, the temperature might suddenly drop.

Spring (March - April - May) and Autumn (September - October - November) are characterized by unstable weather and often require a layering system of clothing.

Always bring comfortable shoes, get ready for a lot of walking: after all renaissance town were not build for cars and most city centers are closed to traffic.