First of all, I always recommend buying from a Local Bike Shop. (LBS) Stay away from the big box stores, such as Walmart, Target, REI or Dick’s Sports. Buying from a local retailer will provide you the proper assembly, fit assistance, selection and service you won’t get at a department store. Not only are the bikes at an LBS superior, they are assembled by mechanics, not stock boys/girls. A properly assembled bike requires about an hour of work by a trained mechanic who will adjust the brakes, gears and bearings and make sure the bike is properly adjusted for your enjoyment, fit and safety. I often see bikes from department stores assembled so poorly they are too dangerous to ride.
fit, etc.
what to look for fit, wide selection, more
On your search for a new bike, you may happen across a salesperson or bike shop made up of bike snobs. Stereotypically, these guys would spend more on their bike than you, as a beginner, would ever dream of. They may direct you to the greatest bike in the world for its intended purpose, but if it doesn’t fit your intended purpose, there is no point in buying. Some bike snobs may not appreciate a bike made for the family rider because in their world, everything is about performance. If they sold cars, they would direct you to a Corvette, when you asked for a minivan.
Don’t confuse bike snobs with those who may recommend that you consider spending more than what you originally intended on spending. A shop may recommend a higher priced model not because they are trying to upsell you, but becuase, based on what you described you planned on doing with the bike, you require a higher quality model. Most shops do not pay on commission, so upselling you isn't likely the salesperson's priority. Use your judgement. If a bike shop isn’t listening to you, go elsewhere.
Showing posts with label shops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shops. Show all posts
How much should I spend?
So you now know what type of bike you are going to buy. The next step is deciding how much you will spend. Obviously your budget will greatly influence what you purchase, but the reality is, at some levels, you will get what you pay for.
Choose your price point based on how often and how hard you will ride your new bike. If the bike is likely to collect dust in your basement after riding once, go cheap. If the bike will be ridden daily, then it will be worth it to invest in a bike with equipment made from solid materials that won’t wear out in a season. Likewise, if you will ride your bike in muddy conditions, for long distances, or over severely rough terrain, the price you pay now may prevent repairs later.
When I sold bikes, I often sold riders cheap bikes in their first year of riding and sold them a bike costing three times as much for their second season. I sold one guy a $400 bike in year one and a $2,400 bike in year two.
Below you will find some different guidlines to consider when buying a bike.
Road
Mountain
Typically, a mountain bike capable of running on trails, or being ridden regularly will cost $500.
Choose your price point based on how often and how hard you will ride your new bike. If the bike is likely to collect dust in your basement after riding once, go cheap. If the bike will be ridden daily, then it will be worth it to invest in a bike with equipment made from solid materials that won’t wear out in a season. Likewise, if you will ride your bike in muddy conditions, for long distances, or over severely rough terrain, the price you pay now may prevent repairs later.
When I sold bikes, I often sold riders cheap bikes in their first year of riding and sold them a bike costing three times as much for their second season. I sold one guy a $400 bike in year one and a $2,400 bike in year two.
Below you will find some different guidlines to consider when buying a bike.
- Road
- Mountain
- Hybrid
- Others
Road
Mountain
Typically, a mountain bike capable of running on trails, or being ridden regularly will cost $500.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
• Yes, you may need that many gears.
If I had a dime for every time I heard “Why does anyone need that many gears?”
Bikes today aren’t equipped with as many as 30 gears for frivolous reasons. An automobile with 200+ horsepower is often equipped with a 5 or 6 speed transmission. By comparison, an elite athlete may only put out ¼ horsepower. Wouldn’t it be logical that the sub ¼ horsepower engine (you) on your bike be equipped with a proper transmission to make up for the lack of power?
A bicyclist riding over varying terrain or over great distances will be able to get the most from their limited power by riding efficient. The more gears, the more the rider will be able to keep their legs turning at an efficient pace, regardless of terrain or speed. The number of gears you need is dependent on your planned riding style.
I have a 20 speed road bike and a 24 speed mountain bike, but I also get great joy from single speed or three speed bikes. The key is picking the right gear for your type of riding.
• "Who would spend $500 on a bicycle?"
When I worked at a bike ship in college, I once sold a Schwinn AirDyne stationary bike to women looking to get into shape. It was a good purchase and wasn't cheap. As I recall, she didn't get the cheapest model, she dropped about $600 on it. No complaint from me, she bought a bullet-proof stationary bike. On her way out the door, she looked at the price a a mountain bike and exclaimed: "Who would pay $500 for a bicycle?!!!" The funny thing was, she dropped 600 bucks on a bike that didn't even go anywhere.
I didn't begrudge her her $600 stationary and I don't begrudge the person who drops $2,300 on a custom steel frameset. Its all good, its all in what we enjoy.
• I want a wide, comfortable saddle.
You do if your bike is made for it.
You sure about that?...
If I had a dime for every time I heard “Why does anyone need that many gears?”
Bikes today aren’t equipped with as many as 30 gears for frivolous reasons. An automobile with 200+ horsepower is often equipped with a 5 or 6 speed transmission. By comparison, an elite athlete may only put out ¼ horsepower. Wouldn’t it be logical that the sub ¼ horsepower engine (you) on your bike be equipped with a proper transmission to make up for the lack of power?
A bicyclist riding over varying terrain or over great distances will be able to get the most from their limited power by riding efficient. The more gears, the more the rider will be able to keep their legs turning at an efficient pace, regardless of terrain or speed. The number of gears you need is dependent on your planned riding style.
I have a 20 speed road bike and a 24 speed mountain bike, but I also get great joy from single speed or three speed bikes. The key is picking the right gear for your type of riding.
• "Who would spend $500 on a bicycle?"
When I worked at a bike ship in college, I once sold a Schwinn AirDyne stationary bike to women looking to get into shape. It was a good purchase and wasn't cheap. As I recall, she didn't get the cheapest model, she dropped about $600 on it. No complaint from me, she bought a bullet-proof stationary bike. On her way out the door, she looked at the price a a mountain bike and exclaimed: "Who would pay $500 for a bicycle?!!!" The funny thing was, she dropped 600 bucks on a bike that didn't even go anywhere.
I didn't begrudge her her $600 stationary and I don't begrudge the person who drops $2,300 on a custom steel frameset. Its all good, its all in what we enjoy.
• I want a wide, comfortable saddle.
You do if your bike is made for it.
You sure about that?...
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