by PJ Walker
Making the decision to buy a bicycle is easy for most people. Bikes are practical and fun. Knowing which bicycle is the right one for you can pose more of a challenge. To ensure a smooth and fun experience when buying your first bicycle, I’ve comprised some guidelines to use to help you on your way.
1.Know what you will use your bike for. Are you going to be out cruising with the kids? Riding for fitness? Commuting or maybe flying downhill? Depending on how you intend to use your bike, you will need a different bike for needs. Know your needs first, before you start looking.
2.Start Slow. If you’re just getting started don’t go out and spend $2000 on a mountain bike. Get a reasonably priced bike ($200-$400) that is going to last and perform well. As you get more and more into biking you can add and upgrade components or trade up the entire bike.
3.Know Your Skills. If you aren’t used to the gears, components, shifters and gizmos that can come with a high end bike don’t be discouraged. Lots of times, beginners run into an expert in a bike shop and think that they will never know as much as that guy and give up before they even get started. Take it one ride at a time and you will always maintain your interest.
4.Review, Research, Repeat. I’m not suggesting that you write a book report on the history of the bicycle and its socioeconomic influence on the human race. It is a good idea to have knowledge about the bikes that suit your needs. You may be surprised by the amount of options available. In addition, some bike retailers may be more reliable than others. Reading the reviews of other people and researching your bike are great independent tools to help you on your way.
5.Play 20 questions. I have found that many people are scared to look stupid or are too shy to ask a lot of questions in a face to face setting. They tend to feel intimidated and end up buying something they don’t want or need. With the internet so readily available, it offers those people the opportunity to ask many questions anonymously. Find a blog or internet bike shop and send an email. Not only will you get answers to your questions, you can use the email as a reference while researching products.
6.Be True to Yourself. Be honest with yourself about your fitness level and abilities. You should know your height and weight and just how hard you will be able to push your bike. Don’t get more bike than you need because it often leads to disinterest. Too much bike becomes too complicated for beginners.
7.Bum a Ride. Check out the rides of your friends and family. Especially if you are going to use your bike for the same purposes as they are. Nothing is better than a referral from a friend or a good test drive. Even if you don’t want the same bike, actually going for a ride will give you an idea of what you want from a bike.
8.Go to your local bike shop. With the technological innovations altering how we make everyday purchases (i.e. the internet), there is still something to be said for handling a product before you buy. I know that the internet usually offers much better pricing; but testing out a bike first is a great idea. Bike stores can give you a feel that you can never get from research on the internet. You can always go back and buy online to save some cash.
9.Ask to borrow a bike from friends and family. If the thought of visiting a bike shop is still inconvenient or intimidating, speak to people in your world and go for a ride. You’d be amazed what a ride will do for you when trying to make a decision. In addition, he or she can offer their personal experiences with the bike.
10.Trust Yourself. While all of this research and question asking is bound to help, at some point you may feel overwhelmed. At this point you need to trust you gut and go with your instincts. Ultimately you need to make the call and will be the one riding your bike. Don’t buy a bike that will impress others, impress yourself. Get what you want and you will love your purchase.
Remember to have some fun while you are looking for the right bike. If you enjoy researching the bike you are going to love riding it for years to come. Picking the right bike can be easy and fun if you remember what you are looking for. Don’t get caught up in technical jargon or component details, have some fun and trust yourself. If you can remember to do those two things you’ll enjoy your bike for years to come.
About the Author:
PJ invites you to take a look at her selection of
comfort bikes, including new
women’s comfort bikes in her online store, The Comfort Bike Shop. She started the site to serve the needs of beginning cyclists and those looking to enjoy the weekends on their bicycles.
