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For some of us, buying a bicycle can be as intimidating as going into a gourmet Italian coffee shop. The choices are endless and the language is nothing short of foreign. In an attempt to ease the decision making process and ensure that you end up with the right bicycle, I've compiled a list of tips to help you on your journey.
1.Know what you need. Figuring out what you want and need shouldn't take too long. What kind of cyclist are you? Casual? Fitness? Commuter? Distance? All of these factors should be taken into consideration before purchasing. The differences between bicycles are endless, so spend your time designing your specific bike needs. After you have your bike in mind, start the hunt.
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 skill level. If you've done the Tour de France, chances are you won't need any help choosing the right bicycle and your skill level probably falls into the top 1% of the world. If you don't fall into that category, here are few things to keep in mind. Are you looking for a bike to give you an interval workout? Do you plan on travelling on a lot of steep hills? Are you planning on hauling heavy loads with your bicycle? If you are not looking at your bike as a means to facilitate your only exercise, you may be looking for more of a comfort bike.
4.Do your homework. Assuage all thoughts of intimidation and fear through research. The best negotiating tactic is knowledge. It will ensure you know enough about your bicycle of choice to get a good price and give you the self confidence to ask for what you want. The internet has really been instrumental in educating consumers on future purchases and has subsequently changed the retail landscape.
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 Thyself. Safety should be your most important factor when choosing a bicycle. All too often, well meaning beginners will embellish important factors like fitness ability, height and weight. Be sure to be honest with yourself; your safety will depend on it.
7.Don't take my word for it. Though your interest in cycling may be new to you, there are many addicts out there. Beginners, cruiser, mountain bikers and "live to bike" types; your research should not be limited to retail experts. Ask those folks who are into it or getting into it, just like you. Their input is independent and free!
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.Buy what you like. The best way to ensure a good bike purchasing experience is to like what you buy. While research is important, don't go into paralysis through analysis. If you've found something that works for you, don't over think it.
Finding the right bike doesn't have to be stressful. If you remember to have fun and don't get caught up in the technical details you will end up with a fantastic bike. If you're just starting out find a moderately priced bike that will last and perform well. Before you know it your daily bike ride will become an addiction. Fun is the name of the game. If you are not going to have fun with your bike, what is the point? Be well versed in your wants and needs.
1.Know what you need. Figuring out what you want and need shouldn't take too long. What kind of cyclist are you? Casual? Fitness? Commuter? Distance? All of these factors should be taken into consideration before purchasing. The differences between bicycles are endless, so spend your time designing your specific bike needs. After you have your bike in mind, start the hunt.
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 skill level. If you've done the Tour de France, chances are you won't need any help choosing the right bicycle and your skill level probably falls into the top 1% of the world. If you don't fall into that category, here are few things to keep in mind. Are you looking for a bike to give you an interval workout? Do you plan on travelling on a lot of steep hills? Are you planning on hauling heavy loads with your bicycle? If you are not looking at your bike as a means to facilitate your only exercise, you may be looking for more of a comfort bike.
4.Do your homework. Assuage all thoughts of intimidation and fear through research. The best negotiating tactic is knowledge. It will ensure you know enough about your bicycle of choice to get a good price and give you the self confidence to ask for what you want. The internet has really been instrumental in educating consumers on future purchases and has subsequently changed the retail landscape.
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 Thyself. Safety should be your most important factor when choosing a bicycle. All too often, well meaning beginners will embellish important factors like fitness ability, height and weight. Be sure to be honest with yourself; your safety will depend on it.
7.Don't take my word for it. Though your interest in cycling may be new to you, there are many addicts out there. Beginners, cruiser, mountain bikers and "live to bike" types; your research should not be limited to retail experts. Ask those folks who are into it or getting into it, just like you. Their input is independent and free!
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.Buy what you like. The best way to ensure a good bike purchasing experience is to like what you buy. While research is important, don't go into paralysis through analysis. If you've found something that works for you, don't over think it.
Finding the right bike doesn't have to be stressful. If you remember to have fun and don't get caught up in the technical details you will end up with a fantastic bike. If you're just starting out find a moderately priced bike that will last and perform well. Before you know it your daily bike ride will become an addiction. Fun is the name of the game. If you are not going to have fun with your bike, what is the point? Be well versed in your wants and needs.
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.
