Buying a Bike

By PJ Walker

Deciding to get a bike is the easy part. Figuring out which bike to get can get complicated. But it doesn't have to be stressful. If you remember to these tips, researching the right bike for you will be fun and easy. Remember these guidelines and you'll end up getting a great bike for you.

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.Got skills? The sheer desire to get out there and ride can be a powerful urge. However, it is best not to let the desire take over and put you in a position of buying too much bike. If you can ride a bike, but are not used to all the gears, shifting options and gizmos that come with a performance bike, you may be discouraged and lose your enthusiasm. Being a casual cyclist is not a bad thing. You don't have to be Lance Armstrong to enjoy a good ride. Take a genuine assessment of your skill level before making your decision.

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.Ask Lots of Questions. There are lots of places to ask questions. You can hit the blogs and forums but I would also recommend going into a brick and mortar bike shop. It can be intimidating but its always nice to actually get a feel for a bike and its parts. No matter where you go for info don't be afraid to ask questions, it's the only way to find out more.

6.Know your size and fit. There are multiple factors that affect the decision behind the right bicycle. Height, weight, fitness level, gender and even age all contribute to the customization of a good bike. Safety should be the number one concern on any bike owners mind. Not just road safety or judging conditions, you do not want to put any unnecessary strain on your back, neck, legs or arms.

7.Visit a cycling website or blog. In most cases, cycling enthusiasts and bloggers are independent resources that will offer an objective opinion about the kinds of bikes available and what other questions to ask. Their personal experiences can help guide you and shed some light on what to avoid.

8.Go B&M. Head over to your local Brick and Mortar Bike Shop. With all the latest gadgets and different components available its nice to be able to compare them side by side. It's always good to develop relationships with guys in a bike shop. Their expertise will certainly come in handy. Even if you order your bike online you will eventually nned to tune it up or change out parts. Knowing guys in your local shop will always be a help.

9.Ask Others Why? Sometimes when you ask other people why they chose their bike you will learn insights into what you want from your bike. If someone you know can't live without their new spring loaded saddle, you may realize that you really want one too. Talking it out is often a great way to get to the heart of the matter.

10.Above all, go with your gut. Research, advice from friends and the blogosphere are all terrific tools to help you. However, nothing can compete with trusting your instincts. Nothing is more frustrating than making a purchase that goes against your gut and regretting your decision. Find your bike and go for a ride.

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.

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