subject: Deciding What You Want When Buying An Australian Road Bike [print this page] It can be intimidating looking at road bikes Australia for the first time. This is not to say it is your first time cycling but it is easy to get out of practise or choose a model that may not be suitable for you. There is the fear of going into a shop and not knowing what is right and feeling like a novice.
The first thing to remember is that nobody has the right to make you feel that way, regardless of what you are buying. The vast majority of the time, the shop you are dealing with want to find the right model for you and want you to feel comfortable. Like anything, you should shop around and find the people who make the process easier. While it is important to be knowledgeable, it is equally vital that they know how to apply that knowledge to your own personal needs.
When buying a model, it is often tempting to look at the model with the lowest price. Often though this is a false economy as the cheaper and so called unbranded models often have parts that are not built to last. This will either mean you spend more money on repairs or you will have to buy something sturdier down the line.
Staff members should also be able to help measure you up for a bike that suits your own height. No matter how expensive a bike is if it does not fit you then it will not be comfortable to ride. It is like choosing clothes and in the same sense the fit is important.
Generally, experienced riders usually prefer a two ring set of gears at the front of the bike and this will usually be the case with the more expensive models. This does not however mean that a third set is wrong and many riders find them better for the more gruelling rides, especially when going up hills. This set is often referred to as the granny gear. Over time, you will learn whether or not this is suitable for your cycling route.
With most manufacturers, there will usually be around 9 to 10 gears around the back of the bike. Usually though this is not crucial. In terms of gears, the front is the place to focus on. However, this is all irrelevant if the bicycle does not fit you, regardless of how expensive the model is!
When it comes to adjusting the height, you should have it lower at first and raise it around 2mm roughly once a week. Ideally your legs should not be totally straight when your feet at the bottom of the turn. If you are in any doubt, you should talk to the people at the shop who should be able to give you a more accurate measurement.
When looking to purchase in shop, it is vital to shop around. There are any number of offers and manufacturers that can offer good deals. A good idea is to look at forums and review sites to advise on the best models, while cycling blogs can show you the experiences of bike riders and give you vital pointers and encouragement. Armed with the right information, you can make the right choice and get the best bicycle for you.
