How to Buy Your First Bike
Cycling is a healthier and cheaper form of transportation. It can take you from point A to point B without worrying about the gas money. Also, it can give you a better physique because you can burn lots of calories with it. So, are you new to cycling? Here’s how to buy your first bike.
Think About Your Cycling Goals
Before you buy a bike, you must first determine what kind of riding you want to do.
If you’re planning to spend more time on the off road, then you should get a mountain bike. It’s equipped with a sturdy frame, strong brakes, thick tires and shock-absorbing suspension. It’s made to handle any kind of terrains. Compared to other bikes, it’s the most durable.
Do you need speed? If so, get a road bike. Unlike the mountain bike, it can’t handle unforgiving trails. But on smooth roads, it’s the king. It has a light frame and skinny tires. It’s a fast bike. In fact, it can go as fast as a motorcycle. However, it’s not made for comfort because you need to bend over if you’re going to ride this bike.
If you want both speed and comfort, the hybrid is for you. It’s a lightweight bike that allows you to go fast without putting too much effort. It may not be as fast as the road bike, but it’s more comfortable. And unlike the road bike, you can ride it in an upright position.
Are you cycling for leisure? If so, the cruiser is your best friend. This bike has a vintage look but it’s fashionable. If dressed well, this bike can be a head turner. It has a swept-back handlebars, large saddles and a stylish frame. It’s comfortable and it’s ideal for a chill ride around the village.
Pick The Right Frame Size
To avoid discomfort and injuries, you must pick the right frame size for you. Here’s a size guide to help you pick the right fit.
Think About Your Budget
To prevent overspending, you must determine how much you are willing to pay for a bike. There are lots of wallet-friendly bikes available in malls and toy stores. However, they are heavy, slow and unreliable. So if you want a quality ride, you should be willing to spend more. On average, a reliable bike can cost from $200 to $2300.
Research
Before you leave home and buy a bike, you should do some research first. Since everyone has access to the internet now, you should search the web about the bike you want to buy. The web is full of information about bikes’ performance and reliability. Also, you can read product reviews to know whether a bike is good or not.
Go to a Bike Shop
Although you can buy a bike online, visiting a bike shop is more advantageous. In a bike shop, you’ll see bikes up close and personal. Also, you can ask the employees about the bikes you like and they’ll give you an immediate response. Furthermore, you can build a deeper buyer-seller relationship with them. And who knows? If they like you, they might give you a discount.
Test Ride Several Bikes
The best way to determine if a bike is good is to ride it. Don’t be afraid to ask the bike shop employees if you can test ride their bikes. Just make sure you’ll return them in one piece.
Now that you know how to buy your first bike, are you excited to make the purchase? If so, enjoy your first bike and welcome to the bicycle culture. But if you already own a bike, you might want to try riding it to go to work. Just remember; always put safety first whenever you’re cycling.