Buying a New Bike

If you've never bought your own bike before, or if it has been a while since you last bought your bike, knowing what to look for and what to avoid can be quite difficult. For the person who hasn't bought a bike in at least 20 years, a lot of the materials and manufacturing processes have changed since you last bought your bike. And if you haven't bought a bike before, knowing what to look for can be extremely daunting. So here's a few tips on what to look for. This isn't the definitive word for all bikes, and if you talk to another biker, you might hear something completely different from them. But this is a sound bike 'philosophy' that has worked for a large amount of bikers for many years.

Be wary of bargain bikes

When choosing a bike, the most important aspect is not price, but it is actually comfort. Think about your new bike in terms of a lifetime investment. They may be a little expensive, but with proper care a good bike can last you at least 15 years of good use. It's much better to get a bike that will fit well and feels comfortable for the next couple of decades than one that will only cause aggravation. Talk to your bike store employees about how to fit a bicycle to your particular size.

New or Used

If you are new to biking, or resuming cycling after several years break, it is highly recommended to buy a new bike. There are several reasons for this. The first is that most bike shops offer 3 month break in periods in which you can bring your bike back for tweaks in size, fittings, and even style on your bike. This allows it to fit you exactly how it should. New bikes also come with long term warranties against any manufacturing defaults. And simply that bike construction has improved over the last couple of years. So new bikes, though they cost more, are actually much better than a used bike. Buying a used bike, like buying a used car, is risky. It is true that you can find an old gem to fix up, but if you don't have the mechanical knowledge to fix your bike just right, you might as well just go with a new bike in the first place.

Where should I buy my bike?

The best bet would be at a local bike shop. The staff should be incredibly knowledgeable and can help you find the right bike for you and offer high quality bike maintenance for the life of your bike. Bike shops also serve as community centers for local bikers and will organize bike workshops and weekend rides for bike enthusiasts of all levels. Do not be tempted by the low prices at chain retail stores. Their products will never match the quality you will get with a new or even refurbished used bike at a local bike shop. By supporting a local bike shop you are also supporting local business in your community.