How to Buy a Bicycle
From LoveToKnow Buy
How to buy a bicycle seems fairly straightforward but in reality, there are quite a few variables out there to consider before plopping down the cash. It's not as simple as visiting a website and entering in your credit card information. You'll need to do your research.
What Are Your Biking Intentions?
If you plan to take your bike on errands rather than serious adventures, you probably won't need one built for rough terrain. If speed's your thing, you won't necessarily be able to buy one that has the smoothest, most comfortable ride. Researching the bikes by checking reviews and actually sitting on them in real life before purchasing are the only ways to really learn what's best for your needs and your body.
The Types of Bikes
Aside from fit, the single most important factor when buying a bike is the type you need for the riding you'll be doing the most of. Here's a breakdown of several types of bikes:
Mountain
Mountain bikes are for the roughest of the rough. These are built for challenging terrain, mountains, roads with potholes and so forth. They have wide tires that keep them steady throughout the abuse. If you plan on going for trail rides that include a lot of tough climbs, you'll probably want to opt for a mountain bike. These bikes have flat handlebars and low gears.
Road Racer/Sport
Road bikes are for those who see bike riding as a race or, in the very least, a sport. The tires are thinner than mountain bikes' tires for the sake of speed, and they're not designed for rugged terrain. Racing bikes have thinner tires than general road bikes. Road bikes also have drop bars for aerodynamics.
In addition, road bikes may not come with the best seat for your body—especially on long rides. That's not too much of a deal-breaker, however, as you can easily purchase gel seats at sporting stores.
Hybrid
If you're into a little bit of everything, you could choose a hybrid bike. These capture the characteristics of both mountain bikes and road bikes. That means you don't have to choose one sort of riding over another. The tires have more tread and are wider than road bikes' tires, but they're thinner than mountain bikes' tires. They won't be the best of either category (not as fast as a road bike or as easy to handle on rough terrain as a mountain bike) but they will do for the average rider.
Comfort
These are a subcategory within the other types of bikes. They're designed to provide more comfort through more upright seating, soft seats, and lower gears. The performance is still the same, though. They are meant to handle the rough terrain of a mountain bike or be as speedy as a road bike, depending on the type you purchase.
Recumbent
These may be confused with cruise bikes. However, cruise bikes are designed for those who wish to meander, or "cruise." Recumbents, on the other hand, are designed to offer an almost reclining-chair position while riding. The feet are forward rather than down. Tandems, or two-person bikes, fit this category as well.
The Fit
It is imperative that you get the right fit for your body. Fit and choosing the right bicycle for the desired activity are the two most important things when it comes to how to buy a bicycle.
So how do you find the right fit? First, you try sitting on several different bikes. Make sure that when you are not on the seat but you're standing straddling the bike frame, you clear the tubes. As for the handlebars, to determine the best reach, speak with the retailer about the type of riding you'll be doing. This in combination with the frame size (and don't be surprised to find that a single bike may come in up to eight sizes!) will give you a fit that feels custom-made for you.
While testing out the bike, don't forget to check out how easily it shifts gears. Also take note of how well it handles. You won't know this without taking it for a test drive—sitting on the bike won't give you the best information for making your decision.
While it's good to take the salesperson's advice into consideration, if something doesn't feel quite right or they're pressuring you to buy a more expensive bike with specialties that exceed your needs, use your own judgment.
Bike Materials
If you plan on going for very long rides, you probably won't want to go for an aluminum alloy. They're lightweight and perfect for short rides, but you'll want titanium or another shock-absorbing material for your frame if you plan to go long distances. Your ride will be much more pleasant.
Skip Online Shopping for This One!
Or at least shop around locally first, then find a better deal online. It's imperative that you actually sit on the type of bike you want to buy first. That way you'll know if it's the right fit for you. If it's uncomfortable, you're just going to leave it in the garage. And if you have no choice but to ride your bike, you'll be berating yourself at every turn of the wheel while you cruise around town.
For your guaranteed satisfaction when it comes to knowledgeable employees who will help you decide on the bike that's perfect for your expectations, it's wise to visit a reputable bicycle dealer. Learning how to buy a bicycle on your own is completely feasible, but wouldn't you like the peace of mind when you're shopping?
You can visit the National Bicycle Dealer's Association for assistance in finding the shop near you with the most qualified help. These shops often include an on-site service center as well as services like proper fitting, assembly, and advice for maintaining your new bike.
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