subject: 5 Things To Consider When Buying A New Bike [print this page] There's an endless list of valid reasons as to why you should take up cycling; everything from being good for your health and the environment, to saving you time and money on other modes of transport. However, one reason that's often left out is the fact that cycling is fun and one of the best bonding activities you can undertake with your family and friends.
With so many different makes and models of bikes on the market, buying a new one can be a daunting task, especially for cycling newbies. The purpose of this article is to provide some tips to help you with the purchase of a new bike. With the right kit and a bit of practice you will become a skillful cyclist in no time at all!
These are 5 things you should consider when purchasing a new bike:
1. When and where are you going to use the bike?
This is a good starting point. If you're planning to use your bike for tearing down off-road tracks you might want to consider buying a mountain bike, or a hybrid bike that enables you to cycle on roads, cycle paths and mountain tracks. However, if you're thinking of cycling to work, you might want to take a look at road bikes or folding bikes. Knowing how often you're going to use your bike will also help you decide how much to spend.
2. Try out different bikes
Buying a new bike is similar to buying a new car: it needs to feel right when driving it. Try out as many bikes as you can to get a feel for them. If purchasing online you should take a look at the reviews provided by other purchasers of models you are interested in.
3. Buying the right size
Bike size is extremely important. A bicycle that is too small or big for you can increase the risk of accidents as it's more difficult to control. There are so many different sized frames available that it's easy to get confused, so if in doubt go to your local bike shop with a fellow cycling friend or ask the experts at the store. You will also find handy advice articles online that illustrate just how to buy the right size cycle for you.
4. Take your time
Don't rush into buying your new bike. Take time to do your research online and visit lots of different bike websites and shops beforehand. Make sure you look into all the different options before committing to buy.
5. Don't spend too little
We all love a bargain but is there much point in buying a really cheap bike that will need repairing within a matter of weeks because of the cheap components and materials used? You should consider the purchase of your new bicycle an investment. Of course, there is no need to spend money on features that you're not going to need; just remember that a good quality bike will last longer and will always be more reliable.
