So you have decided to get a new bicycle? That’s a Great Start! The next step is to assess your need, budget, and requirement.
You can find a variety of road bikes in the market but finding the right bike depends on your careful choice. You are free to choose from standard and custom made bike made out of either aluminum or carbon fiber.
The advantage of choosing a bike made out of carbon fiber is that it’s stronger, lighter, and durable but it can be 5 times expensive than aluminum bikes.
We understand that walking into a bike shop for the first time can be totally intimidating. There are tons of models to choose from, along with a variety of frames, components, and accessories. It’s enough to make any newbie nervous. But do not worry, we’re here to guide you through the detailed process of buying the right bike.
Ask yourself a favor and ask these questions before visiting a bike shop, even better relay these questions to the shop owner who can get you the perfect fit.
Do I know what I want to use this bike for?
Most people confuse their requirements when they decide to buy an all-purpose bike. There isn’t an all-purpose bike. You can get different styled bikes for different terrains and activities. A city road bike isn’t made to climb rocky terrains. You can’t take a Triathlon bike on a downhill trail.
Ask this to yourself first “Think about what you want versus what you need.” You may want a bike that goes on every possible terrain but it isn’t just possible, so look for what you need. Are you commuting to work on a daily basis? Are you taking up endurance sports and want to cycle for miles? Are you biking for cardio exercise? These may well answer your needs.
Getting a bike fixed with a carbon fiber frame and additional accessories such as double suspension could cost over $10,000. Determine your need and budget. You can always start with the most basic bike if you haven’t had a biking experience before. You can always upgrade your bike depending on your changing needs.
Many cyclists change their city tires to sporting wheels and add extra suspensions when they need to take the same bike to the biker’s trail. In most cases, a cyclist needs a road bike that will get them office or short cycling tours during weekends. If you’re an experienced biker, you’d know what you want. A shop owner can immediately find you a perfect fit.
Do I even need to buy a bike at a bike shop?
You have endless choices when it comes to bike vendors. It’s easy to buy a perfect bike on the internet these days. All you need to do is put your requirements such as your height, activity, and budget into the website and it will furnish a perfect fit for you.
You can do additional customizations on the website itself by choosing your preferred color, made, brands, etc. Buying online is definitely an easy choice but if you want to assess the bike before purchasing and do a trail ride then you’d definitely need to visit the bike shop.
When you buy a bike from an authorized retailer, you know that the bike was assembled by a professional mechanic. You can talk to the mechanic themselves and ask any questions you may have. If you’re able to build a good rapport with you can land yourself a discount on the market price.
Ensure you’re not getting a counterfeit product by asking for the manufacturer’s detail, warranty card, etc.
How do I know if a bike fits me?
This can be hard to tell just by looking at a bike or doing a 10-minute test ride. You’d really need to get used to that bike to exactly tell if it’s a perfect fit. Almost every bike looks perfect in the shop but the real problem begins when you take it out to commute to work.
There are certain tips for choosing a perfect fit such as:
- You shouldn’t be hyper-extending your arms trying to reach your handlebars.
- Check if you’re arching too much while being seated and trying to reach the handlebar.
- Your feet’s sole shouldn’t completely touch the floor when seated on a bike. The legs are supposed to extend a bit when seated.
Most of all, you should feel comfortable seated on that bike. Most saddles are a little uncomfortable at first, especially if you haven’t been riding at all. Riding for a long duration the first time can really hurt your inner crotch area. Ask whether the shop will swap out parts on your bike to ensure you get the perfect fit—some will, but others won’t.
Do I have to buy a gender-specific bike? What’s the difference?
You shouldn’t worry about it. The gender-specific bike is more of a preference for the kids. However, it’s probably worth learning about them if you really want a gender-specific bike.
What makes a women’s specific bike different varies on the frame, frame size, composition, and height. Female-specific bikes come with different carbon thicknesses throughout the frame to make them lighter and more compliant.
Female-specific bikes also have a short reach to the handlebars and narrower handlebars. Most cyclists regardless of their gender choose a bike that fits their activity.
How do I choose between Aluminum and Carbon Fiber?
While aluminum and carbon fiber are both strong materials, one is stronger, lighter, flexible, and expensive. Here are some basic differences when it comes to choosing an aluminum bike or a carbon fiber bike.
Strength
While carbon fiber and aluminum are both strong materials, bikes made out of aluminum tend to be heavier than carbon fiber made bikes. In reality, carbon fiber material’s strength to weight ratio is higher than that of steel.
A cyclist can choose from complete aluminum bikes where the frame and handles are both made out of aluminum material. They’re cheaper. An easy upgrade can add carbon fiber handles to the aluminum frame.
The advantage of carbon fiber handles is that they’re rigid and strong which are very useful for downhill bikers. A complete carbon fiber bike has both a carbon fiber frame and handle. It tends to be lighter and expensive the aluminum bikes.
Weight
Carbon fiber is made from carbon atoms bonded together in a chain-like pattern. The tightly packed material is resistant to breaking due to its bonded structure, unlike other metals. For many enthusiastic riders, the weight of the bike is the primary concern. Lightweight bikes are easier to take uphill and very much maneuverable.
Although one can design lighter bikes out of aluminum, carbon fiber definitely has the advantage. A carbon fiber bike will always be lighter than aluminum in any case. The cyclists looking to indulge in adventure and endurance sports go for lighter bikes.
Price
Carbon fiber bikes are expensive than aluminum bikes. But this shouldn’t be the only determinant while purchasing a bike. Consider your need before choosing to purchase a particular bike like if you’d like to add suspensions, add a better-cushioned seat, change the handlebars, or install larger tires made for an off-road experience.
An aluminum bike can be fitted with all the needed accessories; hence the price you’re willing to pay depends on your needs.
Cycling Tips for Beginners
Here are some of the beginner tips for cycling enthusiasts.
Set your seat height right
Setting the bike’s seat height right is the most basic skill for any bikers. Many would feel that if their feet completely reach the ground the height is Ok but it isn’t. Your feet should arch a bit and shouldn’t completely touch the ground. Fix your saddle’s height by adjusting the seat lever or ask an expert to do it for you.
Don’t Stress About the Cycling Gear
You don’t need fancy gear to become a biker. For most city bikers, a protective helmet and arm or leg pads would do the job. If you often cycle in the evening, you would need a bright-colored jacket and a torch attached to the helmet. When you get more experience riding a bike, you can keep adding new gear.
Keep Your Bike Maintained
Take your bike for regular servicing, if you’re a frequent rider, you should service your bike every 5-6 months. Keep the chains oiled and check for any wear and tear on the tires.
Avoid Doing Too Much Too Soon
If you’re a newbie, take your time perfecting the skills. Don’t just immediately start doing adventure sports when you’re new to cycling. The biggest source of injury comes from trying to take on too much mileage before you’re ready.
Remember to Refuel
Always carry a bottle of water when you’re riding. Eat beforehand or carry a meal if you’re planning to ride for over two hours or more. Cycling for a long duration of time can be a really fatiguing experience.