How To Choose A Suitable Road Bike

A road bike can cost several hundred dollars, or it can cost thousands of dollars

. There are many different brands, makes and models in the marketplace. So how do you choose a road bike that's suitable for you? What makes a wise buy decision? Here is a step by step guide on how to choose a suitable road bike.

Step 1: Know your terrain.

Step 2: Know your ride frequency.

Step 3: Who are you riding with?

Step 4: Needs vs wants.

Step 5: Know your budget.

Step 1: Know your terrain.

A road bike is more suitable for a flat terrain. You can still ride a roadie if you have some uneven tracks around where you reside. However, that means you may have to make some tweaks to your bike - like changing tires that are more durable and friendly on uneven tracks.

Step 2: Know your ride frequency.

How often are you going to ride? Do you need a bike to get to your workplace on a daily basis? Or do you want a leisure ride every weekend? If you need a trusty road bike for daily riding, you need something that is more durable. Avoid racing tires and uncomfortable handlebars. You sacrifice some speed, but you get more comfort and in the long run, you save money.

Step 3: Who are you riding with?

Some bikes come with aero bars. Such bikes are purely for racing purposes only, and they are meant for sole riding. In other words, riding in a group will be incompatible. If you like social riding, you need a normal road bike with ordinary drop handlebars. Such a design gives you more control over the machine as you ride.

Step 4: Needs vs wants.

Walk into any bike boutique and you will immediately see a wide range of road bikes. Most cost between $2000 to $5000. For very high end bikes (like carbon time trial bikes), they can cost up to five figures. Tread with caution here, for it's easy to be tempted into buying an expensive bike. This is more of a want than a need. The bike looks so tempting that you bought it beyond rational reasoning. That happens to many beginner riders. The end result? The bike ends up being under-used, collecting dust in the basement. Don't let that happen to you! Buy what you need. If you have the budget, you may then consider higher end bikes.

Step 5: Know your budget.

One way to control your spending is to know in advance how much you are going to spend. If your budget is $3000, then stick to your budget. Strike out models that are way off your budget. The worst buying decision is to have to take out loans just so you can invest in a road bike. If you can't afford it, it's always better to wait till you have the cash. That's basic cash management.

At the end of the day, whether it's a cheap road bike or an expensive carbon fibre bike, you want to be happy with your purchase. Now it's time to start looking up more information on the types of road bikes available.

by: Gen Wright

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