Healthy living and environmental concerns are leading more and more people to consider cycling as an alternative means of transport or simply a leisure activity.
So shoppers simply walk into a bike shop and select a bike that looks good and fits their budget. It’s easy right?
How Easy is it to Buy a Bike?
The first question the bike store will ask is what kind of bike they want. No problem!
“Would that be a road bike, a racing bike a comfort bike or a track bike? Perhaps sir would like something to play on, maybe a BMX? If sir does not like the idea of road riding then it should be a mountain bike. Yes? Would that be an all-mountain bike or a downhill bike? Maybe a cross-country bike or perhaps a jump bike, or what about a four-cross bike?”
As the customer starts to look confused, the salesperson continues,
“Feeling a little laid back then perhaps a cruiser would be the ideal match? Or maybe a tandem bicycle? If two wheels sounds too many, how about a unicycle?”
“Gears or a single speed? Single? - is that a fixed wheel or freewheel?”
“Let’s talk about gears then. Hub or derailleur gears? How many are required? Maybe five, no make that ten. Sir has a steep driveway? Perhaps 21 or even 24 gears? Or why not push the boat out with 27 gears!”
“Good! Now then what about brakes? Cantilever or v-brake? Riding in the wet - why not try disc brakes?
“OK, would sir like steel, titanium, carbon or an aluminium frame?"
"What colour?”
At last an easy question!
Buying a Bicycle is Difficult
The moral of the story is that buying a bike can be a complicated affair. From the early days of simple transport, bicycles have evolved into many and varied uses and styles.
Most bikes sold these days fit into the mountain bike category. This does not necessarily mean that they are intended for use in the mountains, simply that they are styled as mountain bikes. They are popular because they have fat tyres, which make riding more comfortable and they also have a good range of gears making uphill riding that bit easier. Mountain bikes are robust and often come with front suspension forks. Whilst on the road, suspension forks are not necessary, they can take the sting out of any lumps or bumps on an off-road trail.
Tips for Buying a Bike
- Be clear on the use that the bike will get.
- Unless the bike fits into a specialist category, keep it simple.
- Avoid rear suspension on cheaper bikes, the added comfort is far outweighed by additional weight and lost energy as the suspension bobs under each pedal stroke.
- Multiple gears are useful and they give greater potential for riding longer distances.
- Front suspension is also useful, but on cheaper bikes the mechanisms often seize with dirt and grime in relatively short periods of time.
- If the budget allows, spend more on a solid frame that can be upgraded later.
Choosing the Right Bicycle
First time buyers should aim to buy a bike that is fit for its intended purpose either on or off-road. Frame quality is more important than cheap add-ons, which may look good but are impractical for maintenance.
Related Articles:
Also of interest may be
- How to Ride a Tandem Bicycle
- Cheap Bike Parts Online for Mountain Bikes
- How to Choose a Folding Bike
- How to Choose a Bike: Mountain, Road, Hybrid or Fold-up
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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