There are common features on every high quality bike, but what makes one style bike high quality may be completely unsuitable on another style bike. For example, suspension and tire tread are unnecessary on road racing bikes--but the best mountain bikes feature sophisticated suspension for the front and possibly rear wheel. Pick the type of bike that has features you need, then assess those features in the context of general bike quality.
Frame
Look for a brand name frame, such as Schwinn, Cannondale, Trek, Bianchi or Diamond Back. Bicycling writer and experienced cyclist Ken Kifer advises that the tubes should be seamless on the sides and should thicken and widen at each joint--this is called butting. In general, whether it's aluminum, steel, carbon fiber or titanium, frame material is much less important than durability of construction. A well constructed steel bike can be lighter than a poorly constructed aluminum bike. Carbon fiber frames--widely used for racing--are not appropriate for loaded touring or mountain biking.
Wheels
Though steel is a strong material for wheels, it adds a great deal of weight, rusts easily and brakes less responsively than aluminum or other types of wheels. Generally, the best quality bikes will feature aluminum wheels. If you road race and weight is important to you, look for carbon fiber composite or special lightweight aluminum wheels. Professionally hand-built wheels are the most reliable, according to the Adventure Cycling Association.
Brakes
BikeWebsite notes that a major difference between a poor quality bike and a high quality bike is the brakes. If possible, take a bike for a test ride and test the responsiveness of the brakes. They should work smoothly, without jolting or requiring excessive pressure to brake, and the levers shouldn't feel spongy when you squeeze them. If they don't respond well at the store, ask to have them adjusted and try riding again.
Gears
High quality road or racing bikes generally have a smaller range of gears than a high quality touring bike or mountain bike. Road bikes have larger front chain rings and smaller rear sprockets for better acceleration--while touring, comfort, commuter, cyclocross and mountain bikes designed for hilly courses will have smaller front chain rings and larger rear sprockets for hill climbing.
Other Components
Aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber parts such as seat posts, cranks and derailleurs are preferable over steel for their low weight, high durability and low susceptibility to rust. Titanium and carbon fiber components are the lightest but also considerably more expensive than aluminum. As with frames, component construction, rather than material, determines quality. Look for brand names such as Shimano, Dia-Compe, Suntour and Campagnolo on all components.
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