Buying a bike can be pretty confusing and sometimes intimidating. This may be due to the plethora of options available in the market. When you go shopping for a new bike, think of how you are going to use it. Be well-informed and choose a bike according to your specific needs. A beginner may not be comfortable with the advanced features that some of the professional bikes have. They are designed for people with an adventurous streak in them.
Here are a few tips for buying the perfect bike for yourself:
- Identify your needs – Choose the right type of bike based on your needs. The first question that the bike shop guy is likely to ask when you approach him is what type of bike you are looking for. Do you want a bike just to ride around the neighbourhood, or do you have an adventurous streak in you? Depending on your needs, you can go for a mountain bike, road bike, hybrid bike, or cruiser. Mountain bikes are made for rugged terrain, while road bikes are meant to be used on city roads. Hybrid bikes are not as fast as road bikes and not as tough as mountain bikes but can easily be used for both purposes. Cruisers are meant for a leisurely ride on the beach.
- Decide how much you want to spend – Needless to say, bikes can be pretty expensive. Gone are the days when they were one of the cheapest modes of commuting. Depending on your budget, you can opt for the low-range, mid-range, or high-end bikes that are made of the lightest metals such as carbon and titanium and designed for rigorous everyday use. Mid-range bikes are made of aluminium, while low-range bikes, although very stylish, are made of a basic metal frame.
- Find the Right size – Riding the wrong bike size can be quite uncomfortable and may lead to health issues such as stiffness in the back, neck pain, or other injuries due to stress. Check the components of the bike, such as the saddle, frame size, pedal position, and the height of the handlebar, carefully before buying. Remember, every part of the bike, starting from the handlebar to the pedal, is essential, so choose your bike wisely.
- Select the right Gear system – The number of gears is different in all the bikes ranging from single-gear bikes to ones having thirty gears or even more. Think about how you are going to use the bike and choose accordingly. If you are going to ride on a rugged and bumpy hilly road, you will need as many gears as you can get. If you are a strong cyclist and want to drop extra weight and maintenance, pick a single-gear bike.
- Look for a comfortable Handlebar – Take time to pick a comfortable handlebar to enjoy effortless cycling. If you are not comfortable with the handlebar, it may cause problems with your wrists, back, and spine. It is, therefore, essential to get your bike position right, irrespective of the bicycle price.
Last but not the least, take a short test ride to judge your comfort level and then pick the right bike for yourself.