There are a lot of different criteria to consider when you are buying a cycling bicycle. Even for those people who are paid to ride, buying a new bike is hard. Because there are so many choices, it is hard to buy a new bike. You need to think about safety, comfort, what the bike will be used for, how often the bicycle will be used, where the bicycle will be used and, if we’re being honest: style. Choosing between all of the options available can be overwhelming, especially since new developments in cycling happen all the time. Take the easy road, and use the tests we suggest to choose your new ride.
Cost is almost always a factor when trying to choose the right bike. This doesn't mean other things aren't important, like where you are going to ride or how often you will, but it does mean that the cost of the bicycle should be one of your main concerns.
If you are new to the bike buying business, you will see that the price can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. That doesn't mean all bicycles are going to cost that much, so don't worry; there is no reason why you can't find a great bicycle that is in your price range. The local auctions are some of the best ways to find wonderful deals on things like bicycles and equipment so you won't find yourself spending too much money.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. For a mountain bike you will need to take 12" away from your total inseam. Again this is to account for the size of tires. Mountain bike tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
Just exactly how many gears do you think you’ll use? Traveling through flat areas requires far less gears than riding in a mountainous area. The number of gears doesn’t make one bike better than another. Sometimes bike riders don’t ever use all the gears on their bike. Don’t spend money on something you won’t use. Know how you’ll ride your bike; make sure you have the correct gears for traveling, especially when this is your main mode of transport.
So many options are available to you as you shop for a new bike. While you shop, you must make decisions from safety issues to fashion concerns. Feeling a little defeated at the outset of choosing your new bike is normal. By investing a find this bit of your time to look at your preferences you will make the best decision.
Try to understand your choices before you go shopping. You’ll be glad you did!