You’re all about getting a brand new bike but you don’t really know which one to choose? Look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here’s the ultimate beginner guide to buying a bicycle, so stay with us and keep on reading. There is everything you need to know before you make a final decision, so check out our tips and learn something new today. Enjoy!
First of all, know why you are getting a bike
Even though many people think that choosing a bike isn’t such big a deal, trust us when we say that there are various important things you should take into consideration. Firstly, you must know why you’re getting it. So, what do you want to do on your bike? For example, commuting by bike will save you a lot of time in the long run – especially when compared to driving a car to work. On the other hand, some people want to spend quality time with their families, and spending time in nature is always a perfect choice. Just be sure to pick a durable bike that’ll withstand a range of weather conditions. There are also people who are beginners in triathlon and they need a specific type of bicycle for their needs. So, figure out your needs in the first place and you’ll do a great job!
Set your budget and stick to it
When you don’t have a budget, buying a bike can be a quite challenging task. This is simply because there are different types of bicycles for different kinds of activities. Needless to say, their prices range from around $200 to over $2000, which undoubtedly makes a huge difference. However, even though there is always a way to find a cheap bicycle, trust us when we say that you always get what you pay for. The truth is that you can’t buy a brand new bike of decent quality for a silly amount of money. That’s just how it is, so play it smart and find a better option. Besides that, you must understand that you’ll need much more than just a bike. Gloves, helmets, and bottle cages are just some of the essentials you’ll have to buy, too. These are your additional costs, so bear them in mind!
Figure out which type of bicycle you want
· Mountain bike
Before you make a final decision, you must figure out which type of bicycle you actually need and want. For example, mountain bikes are the perfect choice for off-road riding. These are characterized by wide tires and either front or full suspension. Due to suspension, these bikes are generally much heavier than road and hybrid bikes. It makes them extremely durable and therefore ideal for rough terrains. Mountain bikes usually have motorcycle disc brakes, too. These are a great choice when it comes to stopping in muddy conditions. Apart from that, this type of bike also has lower gearing that allows you to get up steep inclines. So, if you’re up for an off-road adventure on a mountain bike, be sure to get yours in the best bicycle shop out there. Just don’t buy it if you’ll be doing most of your riding on the road!
· Road bike
So, if you plan to ride your bike mostly on the road, you should definitely get a road bicycle instead. This type of bike has narrow tires and a very light frame, which allows you to ride it quickly and safely. Such a frame offers a very powerful transfer that’ll enable you to spin up hills and move quickly on the flat terrain. Besides that, road bikes have drop handlebars that allow multiple hand positions. It’s a great option for people who love to switch their cycling posture during a ride. Needless to say, this bike is ideal for road riding, touring, and commuting. This is particularly important when you live in a big city with terrible traffic. Some types of road bikes are great for racing, too. If that’s what you want, get a bicycle with a more aggressive frame and you won’t make a mistake!
· Hybrid bike
A hybrid bicycle is exactly what its name suggests – a combination of a mountain bike and a road one. Some of them are much closer to road bikes, whereas other types are closer to mountain bikes. The main purpose of hybrid bikes is to make them appropriate for many different situations. It’s why hybrid bikes can be personalized according to your needs and preferences in a way. As for its main characteristics, a hybrid bike usually has narrow tires and higher gearing for faster speeds. These were taken from a road bike, whereas it also has flat handlebars, suspension (sometimes), and generally higher position of a mountain bike. These make it perfect for city traffic. Even though they are quite narrow, hybrid bikes are still wider than a typical road bike. You can ride them at lower pressure for extra comfort, which is truly priceless if you ask us!
Know exactly what questions to ask
When buying a bike, you must know exactly what questions to ask. You shouldn’t be ashamed to ask whatever you want – especially because you’re a complete beginner. Of course, this step is much easier when it comes to in-store purchases. This is when you’ll get a chance to talk to a salesperson and see what advice they have to offer. Besides that, you can also try and negotiate on the price, too, which can save you some money. However, online shopping has its good sides as well. You can check out multiple retailers to find a perfect bike at a better price. Here are some of the essential questions you should ask:
- Will this bike fit my specific needs?
- Do you offer a test ride?
- Do you offer a guarantee?
- Would you install any accessories on my behalf?
- Do you offer ongoing servicing?
… and many more!
As you can see, buying a bike as a complete beginner can be quite tricky. However, it doesn’t have to be like that at all – especially if you know what you’re doing. So, if you need useful advice on how to find a perfect bicycle for your needs, all you need to do is to stick to our tips. Once you establish why you want to get a bike and set your budget, you’ll have a chance to pick a specific type that’ll work best for your needs. Besides that, you’ll also learn about the most important questions to ask before you make a final decision. Just follow our guidelines and you’ll do an amazing job, without a doubt!
