Making the decision to buy a bicycle is easy for most people. Bikes are practical and fun. Knowing which bicycle is the right one for you can pose more of a challenge. To ensure a smooth and fun experience when buying your first bicycle, I've comprised some guidelines to use to help you on your way.
1.Assess your needs. One of the best ways to waste your time and money is to purchase something that isn't right for you. There are so many options to choose from that it actually helps to be particular. Think about the ways that you plan to use your bike, how often will you be using it and how much maintenance it may need. What you are looking for may be totally different from what you need.
2.Mind the dip. I've seen so many casual cyclists make the mistake of buying an expensive mountain bike just to cruise around the look park paths. The most expensive bike out there is the one you buy that is completely wrong for you. Make sure you consider your environment. Are you travelling in an urban area or on an unpaved hiking trail? Either way, there is a bike out there specifically designed for your needs.
3.Know Your Skills. If you aren't used to the gears, components, shifters and gizmos that can come with a high end bike don't be discouraged. Lots of times, beginners run into an expert in a bike shop and think that they will never know as much as that guy and give up before they even get started. Take it one ride at a time and you will always maintain your interest.
4.Do your homework. Assuage all thoughts of intimidation and fear through research. The best negotiating tactic is knowledge. It will ensure you know enough about your bicycle of choice to get a good price and give you the self confidence to ask for what you want. The internet has really been instrumental in educating consumers on future purchases and has subsequently changed the retail landscape.
5.Ask Lots of Questions. There are lots of places to ask questions. You can hit the blogs and forums but I would also recommend going into a brick and mortar bike shop. It can be intimidating but its always nice to actually get a feel for a bike and its parts. No matter where you go for info don't be afraid to ask questions, it's the only way to find out more.
6.Be True to Yourself. Be honest with yourself about your fitness level and abilities. You should know your height and weight and just how hard you will be able to push your bike. Don't get more bike than you need because it often leads to disinterest. Too much bike becomes too complicated for beginners.
7.Visit a cycling website or blog. In most cases, cycling enthusiasts and bloggers are independent resources that will offer an objective opinion about the kinds of bikes available and what other questions to ask. Their personal experiences can help guide you and shed some light on what to avoid.
8.Visit a bike shop. There is a lot to be said for testing out a product before purchasing it. Although you may be able to save a lot of money by purchasing online, the last stage of research might be best served in a bike shop. Most bike shops will have knowledgeable personnel available to let you feel out a bike before purchase. In addition, if you do purchase your bike online, being aware of bike shop policies on maintenance is a great way to establish a relationship should you ever need any repairs.
9.Ask to borrow a bike from friends and family. If the thought of visiting a bike shop is still inconvenient or intimidating, speak to people in your world and go for a ride. You'd be amazed what a ride will do for you when trying to make a decision. In addition, he or she can offer their personal experiences with the bike.
10.Trust Yourself. While all of this research and question asking is bound to help, at some point you may feel overwhelmed. At this point you need to trust you gut and go with your instincts. Ultimately you need to make the call and will be the one riding your bike. Don't buy a bike that will impress others, impress yourself. Get what you want and you will love your purchase.
Remember to have some fun while you are looking for the right bike. If you enjoy researching the bike you are going to love riding it for years to come. Picking the right bike can be easy and fun if you remember what you are looking for. Don't get caught up in technical jargon or component details, have some fun and trust yourself. If you can remember to do those two things you'll enjoy your bike for years to come.
1.Assess your needs. One of the best ways to waste your time and money is to purchase something that isn't right for you. There are so many options to choose from that it actually helps to be particular. Think about the ways that you plan to use your bike, how often will you be using it and how much maintenance it may need. What you are looking for may be totally different from what you need.
2.Mind the dip. I've seen so many casual cyclists make the mistake of buying an expensive mountain bike just to cruise around the look park paths. The most expensive bike out there is the one you buy that is completely wrong for you. Make sure you consider your environment. Are you travelling in an urban area or on an unpaved hiking trail? Either way, there is a bike out there specifically designed for your needs.
3.Know Your Skills. If you aren't used to the gears, components, shifters and gizmos that can come with a high end bike don't be discouraged. Lots of times, beginners run into an expert in a bike shop and think that they will never know as much as that guy and give up before they even get started. Take it one ride at a time and you will always maintain your interest.
4.Do your homework. Assuage all thoughts of intimidation and fear through research. The best negotiating tactic is knowledge. It will ensure you know enough about your bicycle of choice to get a good price and give you the self confidence to ask for what you want. The internet has really been instrumental in educating consumers on future purchases and has subsequently changed the retail landscape.
5.Ask Lots of Questions. There are lots of places to ask questions. You can hit the blogs and forums but I would also recommend going into a brick and mortar bike shop. It can be intimidating but its always nice to actually get a feel for a bike and its parts. No matter where you go for info don't be afraid to ask questions, it's the only way to find out more.
6.Be True to Yourself. Be honest with yourself about your fitness level and abilities. You should know your height and weight and just how hard you will be able to push your bike. Don't get more bike than you need because it often leads to disinterest. Too much bike becomes too complicated for beginners.
7.Visit a cycling website or blog. In most cases, cycling enthusiasts and bloggers are independent resources that will offer an objective opinion about the kinds of bikes available and what other questions to ask. Their personal experiences can help guide you and shed some light on what to avoid.
8.Visit a bike shop. There is a lot to be said for testing out a product before purchasing it. Although you may be able to save a lot of money by purchasing online, the last stage of research might be best served in a bike shop. Most bike shops will have knowledgeable personnel available to let you feel out a bike before purchase. In addition, if you do purchase your bike online, being aware of bike shop policies on maintenance is a great way to establish a relationship should you ever need any repairs.
9.Ask to borrow a bike from friends and family. If the thought of visiting a bike shop is still inconvenient or intimidating, speak to people in your world and go for a ride. You'd be amazed what a ride will do for you when trying to make a decision. In addition, he or she can offer their personal experiences with the bike.
10.Trust Yourself. While all of this research and question asking is bound to help, at some point you may feel overwhelmed. At this point you need to trust you gut and go with your instincts. Ultimately you need to make the call and will be the one riding your bike. Don't buy a bike that will impress others, impress yourself. Get what you want and you will love your purchase.
Remember to have some fun while you are looking for the right bike. If you enjoy researching the bike you are going to love riding it for years to come. Picking the right bike can be easy and fun if you remember what you are looking for. Don't get caught up in technical jargon or component details, have some fun and trust yourself. If you can remember to do those two things you'll enjoy your bike for years to come.
About the Author:
PJ invites you to take a look at her selection of comfort bikes, including new women's comfort bikes in her online store, The Comfort Bike Shop. She started the site to serve the needs of beginning cyclists and those looking to enjoy the weekends on their bicycles.
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