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How do I choose a bicycle to purchase? |
I want to buy a bike to ride to work, but I have no idea how to go about finding a good one. (Heck, I thought bikes cost $150...they do, at Target, but I'm told those aren't the best bikes.) What makes a bike good? How do I pick one out for myself? What should I expect to pay? I figure I don't need a mountain bike since I'll be riding on asphalt bike paths, and obviously, I'll want a woman's model, but other than that, I'm clueless. And what about helmets, ect? I know I need a helmet, but how do I pick one out and what makes a good one? Any advice, tips, or suggestions you can give me will be appreciated! Thanks! Go with Consumer Reports on the bike or helmet. They are not biased by brand name or company image. Just make sure you try sitting on it first, or even riding it if possible. You don't want to end up with a bike that isn't comfortable. Bikes at target aren't necessarily bad. But I agree the service is better at a bike shop, especially when it comes to adjustments and stuff, they usually do that for free, if you bought it there. First thing, DO NOT BUY A BICYCLE FROM A LOCAL SUPERMARKET. They are always bad in quality. Always get a bike from a bike shop. Unless you're planning on only using it for a little while. Because they brake very easy. Of course, in a bike shop you will be paying more, but there you have the quality and a larger guarentee. Plus, since the guys there know what they're doing, the service is much better there. Now. You want a bike. What type outside of a mountain bike? Do you want to use it *only* to go to work and back? And how do you ride a bike? You also need to consider your height/weight when buying a bicycle. All of that affects what bike you should purchase. About helmets, you don't *really* need one (from my point of view), but if you want to get one, you also need the proper size and stuff. When you go to the bike shop, you will be helped much better than you ever can in Yahoo Answers. That again shows why you should go to a bike shop over buying one from a place like Wal-Mart or Target: The service. I would suggest that you purchase a hybrid bike. It's basically a mountain bike style frame (without the suspension) with road tires. The bike is more comfortable than a regular road bike and is more durable as well. The primary cost of the bike is the components: shifters, derailleurs, brakes/levers, etc. You do not need high-end components to ride back and forth to work. Shimano Tiagra would be good for your purposes and they are very durable. I would suggest that you find a local bike shop before you go much further. They will be able to provide you with expert advice and fit you on a bike so that your comfort is ensured. They will also typically provide 1-2 free tune-ups on your bike with the purchase. Regarding a helmet, I would not ride without one. Especially if you are riding in traffic. While you might be a very good rider, you are going to lose in any collision with an auto and a helmet can save your life. With regard to types of helmets, as long as it is an ANSI certified helmet it will provide your melon with adequate protection. It really comes down to comfort after that. Good Luck! Bikes from bike shops or sporting goods stores will offer bikes of good quality. There are a number of good manufacturers with all kinds of styles and materials. I would suggest that you start by going to the library and check out some bike mags. This would be the easiest way to get familiar with all the jargon as far as the make up of a bike (components, tires, wheels, suspension). Make a list of the things that you want in a bike. Then start by riding as many different styles of bikes that you can at the local shops. Go for a good 15-20 minute ride. Most shops will help you with basic measurements and adjustments. As far as price.... You get what you pay for. But an entry level bike should start some where around $300.00 for a mountain bike. The other thing to ask about is if the shop has any bikes on consignment. Sometimes you can get a good deal on a better bike for about the same price you would pay for a new cheaper model. As far as helmets are concerned, Giro and Bell make good helmets. Most are sized S, M, L and come with adjusters to customize the fit. Try them on at the shop but buy online. You can get good helmets for under $20.00 online. Don't forget to purchase at least one water bottle w/ cage, gloves, and proper attire, like padded shorts and a biking jersey. It will just make riding more comfortable. I hope this helps. Contact me if you have any more questions. Try these guys out www.allaboutbicycles.com Ask for Scott You may want to try some of the Bicycle forums and look at the classifieds, they do have some good deals on used Bicycles, Recumbents, and don' forget the Trikes and you can also get more information there just by reading the postings. |
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