How to Pick the Right Bike
It was sunny, it was a bright day. Yet it was not summer. It was hot like it forced you to wear a bikini or be half naked for the day. But the winds were strong too. Strong enough to fly a kite, strong enough for a good bicycle ride. This reminded me to buy a new bike. We had some good times me and my old bike but it is already worn out. New adventures are coming; I definitely need a new one. So what would be the things I need to consider in choosing a new bike?
I think my main consideration should be my budget. If the bicycle is not my priority, then maybe I could consider buying used bikes just as long that it’s still in great quality. Then I also need to consider that if I don’t make this a priority then maybe buying cheap would also mean having a bike that would not last over the long run.
I also need to consider what the bike is for. Would I only use it during those sunny days? Or also for the rainy days as well. Do I intend to go over large bumps and dirt, unpaved trails or maybe put saddle bags, basket or a baby seat on it? What I will do with the bike definitely makes it another major consideration that can affect my budget.
So in deciding what the bike is for, in deciding if I would need a standard bike, a BMX bike, a road bike, a mountain bike, a tandem bike, a recumbent bike or any other type of bike that is out in the market. I think I need to go to a local bike shop for this. A local bike shop would be much better than buying it on big box store.
Bike shops usually have someone on staff who can answer your questions and help you narrow down your choices for a bicycle. They can offer suggestions for different bike components like the seat, handlebar shape, gear shifters, derailleurs, wheels and tires. Don’t let their expertise and experience intimidate you though. Remember that they are salesman and will try to upsell you into components you do not need. Hold steady, get your bike education and don’t let them make decisions for you.
Then after all that fussing around about what bicycle I need. The better way to really know if this bike is ideal for me is to get it a test ride. Twenty minutes of test ride around the parking lot is enough to know if I am comfortable with the bicycle. Twenty minutes of test ride is enough for me to know if my riding position fits the bike, or if my pace is right for the bike. Such questions, twenty minutes of test ride can surely answer. Nothing beats a test ride.
Buying a bike may seem a little overwhelming but if I take my time, do some research and stay within my budget it will be an excellent experience. There are many different choices out there for picking the right bike so taking my time and being a little discerning will pay tremendous dividends. I look forward to riding a quality bike and having a good time exercising in the sun this summer. See you on the trails.
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