Going to a bicycle shop and trying to buy yourself a bicycle can be intimidating. So here are some questions to ask yourself before you head to the shop. Read on.
For What Purpose You Are Buying?
Different people have different reasons for cycling. Some do it to be in good shape while some do it just for fun. You need to be clear about your requirements. Will you use the bicycle for going to work, weekend joy rides, or adventurous getaways? Because this will make clear whether you will ride on smooth roads or rough terrain. This will help you to decide which type of bike is perfect for you.
Which Type of Bicycle Is Perfect For You?
If you go to a shop, you’ll find mainly three types of bicycles namely Road Bike, Mountain Bike, and Hybrid Bike. Road bikes are lightweight and are designed for riding on flat, smooth roads and pavements. It features thin tires, a narrow saddle, and drop handlebars. Its lower riding position makes it a great option for those who love to ride at a high speed.
Mountain bikes are heavy and are designed for off-road use. They feature strong frames, flat handlebars, thick tires, and power disc brakes. They are great to ride on bumpy surfaces or muddy areas.
Mountain bikes are heavy and are designed for off-road use. They feature strong frames, flat handlebars, thick tires, and power disc brakes. They are great to ride on bumpy surfaces or muddy areas.
Hybrid bikes as obvious by the name itself offer the best of both the road bike and the mountain bike. They are perfect for a daily commute, as they are lightweight and have comfortable padded saddles. You can easily ride a hybrid bike on paved as well as unpaved surfaces.
What Is Your Budget?
Depending on the materials used in making the bicycle and the manufacturing company, the price may vary from affordable to highly expensive. So it’s better to do some research on prices and then set a budget accordingly. Keep aside some extra amount for bicycle accessories like helmets, light, mudguards, shoes, etc.
Do You Know About Types of Handlebars?
Yes, handlebars also come in three different types, and they are flat, drop, and riser. You’ll find a flat handlebar mostly on mountain & hybrid bikes. It allows you to sit in an upright position and therefore you can look efficiently in and around while cycling.
Drop handlebars are found on road bikes, and they allow you to sit in a lean-down position so that you can ride your bicycle at a higher speed. Riser handlebars are improved versions of flat handlebars and can be seen in mountain bikes. They are mostly preferred for trail biking as they let the rider sit in a more upright position.
What Materials Are Used For Bicycle Frames?
Steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium are the materials used for making bicycle frames. Let’s compare them one by one. Steel, the traditional material choice, is heavyweight, long-lasting but is prone to rust especially if you live in a wet or humid place. Aluminum frames are lightweight, rust-free but have a short lifespan of 6-10 years. Carbon fiber and titanium bicycle frames are strong, durable, extremely lightweight but expensive.
What Is Your Bicycle Size?
Just like buying the wrong size shoe can hurt your feet, buying the wrong size bicycle can lead to serious injury. So, depending on your height, weight and gender, ask the shopkeeper about your bicycle size.
What Is Your Bicycle Size?
Just like buying the wrong size shoe can hurt your feet, buying the wrong size bicycle can lead to serious injury. So, depending on your height, weight and gender, ask the shopkeeper about your bicycle size.
Conclusion
We hope by now, you know how to select that perfect bicycle of yours. If you are still doubtful, then you may ask for a test ride before purchasing and see if the bicycle is perfect for you or not. Happy cycling!
We hope by now, you know how to select that perfect bicycle of yours. If you are still doubtful, then you may ask for a test ride before purchasing and see if the bicycle is perfect for you or not. Happy cycling!