What questions are important to consider when choosing your first bike?
In this article, we’ll cover a significant amount of information, vital ones don’t worry, to make your entry bicycle purchase as pain-free and hassle-free as possible.
So hold on to your handle bars.
Oh, right.
You don’t have a bike yet.
Well, hold on to something as we dive in head first.
In order to make a smart choice, of course, the thing we must remember when buying a bike is what kind of cycling activity do we want to get involved in.
Will you be racing? Will you be riding off-road? Are you commuting?
You get the idea.
So first, be clear about the bike’s utility.
Since we are on the subject of choosing a bike for beginners, I’m assuming you are one. I’m also assuming you don’t plan on racing any time soon but would like to ease yourself into it by first building your overall fitness. (I assume a lot. #sorrynotsorry)
Don’t worry. I’ll write about choosing more advance, high-end bikes in the future (subscribe to our newsletter so you won’t miss it! Here’s the link: https://cyclingfrelsistore.com/
Where were we? Right!
A bike for commuting and/or physical fitness.
What you need to be looking for are the following:
- What is the fit of the bike
- What type of mount
- What type of gearing
Let’s start with the last thing first.
Proper gearing is important especially when you ride on different terrain. It is non-negotiable when you’re riding in an area where it’s hilly, and your route will require to go up and down quite a bit.
A single speed bike will make your commute a nightmare so unless you’re the masochistic type, opt for a lower end road bike that has triple ring crank set on the front.
Why is this important?
The triple ring crank set gives you a range that is much bigger for climbing up hills because what you want to happen during your ascent is to pedal quite fast as it’s the most efficient way to get up. Plus, it’s easy on the knees. It also helps you get into a cadence which you will need, again to climb more efficiently and be less taxing for your body.
Moving on to the mount now, what you want to be looking for is one that can accept fenders and a rack. This is key when you plan on commuting.
Being able to attach fenders on either or both front and back of your bike will protect your body from the different elements of nature.
Imagine riding in the rain going to and from your office or school. By the time you get to your destination, there’s a chance your backside would be soaking wet from road spatter.
As for attaching a rack, this is highly important too, as it allows you to bring heavy items while keeping your hands free to hold the bars. It also frees you from carrying a hideous backpack and allows you instead to use a beautiful saddle bag which you can clip on to the rack. Brilliant, right?
Check out our Bike Frame Bags >> Click Here <<
Lastly, the fit of the bike.
Of course, you’d want a bike that fits you perfectly. And in order for you to find a perfect fitting bike, you’re going to have to buy a new one instead of a second hand one.
It is much easier to find a ride that fits you in a bike shop where the staff can take one good look at you and determine what size you are. Don’t be stubborn about this. Even when you’re on a budget or when you find a two wheeled eye candy that’s too big or too small for you.
You don’t want to suffer injuries so early in your cycling journey. What you want is consistent enjoyable, injury-free cycling. It’s just like choosing the best pair of pants. Find one that fits you perfectly then off you go feeling like a million bucks strutting your stuff on the street.
Now go and search for the one while keeping these tips in mind. It is my hope that you pedal off with lots of happy memories. As they say, you never forget your first.
