Buy Cheap Bike

 

Many people run out to the bike shop and buy whatever the salesman says is a good bike. More often than not, the bike is not ideal for the owner. Here are some steps and tips on choosing the right bike for you. 

1. Decide what type of riding you are going to do. Are you going around town, or are you trail riding? Do you want to ride fast, or do you want smoothness and comfort?

2. Go to many stores and sit on and ride all types of bikes. If you are trail riding, be sure to consider cross-terrains, known as hybrids, and also try mountain bikes. Do not limit your search to only bike shops. While they do offer very good brands and service warranties, their bikes are usually more pricey (because of the professional service, assembly, and advice they give you). The extra cost is worth every penny! Although they carry such brands as Schwinn and Mongoose at Target and Walmart, this is not the place to buy a quality bike. These bikes are very well priced and you might be surprised at the value in them, however they typically only offer one, maybe two sizes, and no one to help fit you or to offer an outdoor test ride. Do not exclude these from your search, but do not shop bike-stores exclusively. In general, local bike store bikes will offer more ability to replace or upgrade components. As well higher quality bicycles. Do not be afraid to spend a bit more money for comfort, performance and durability. As mentioned there will be no one to help fit / adjust the bike. See above how important fitting / bike sizing.

3. Fit is everything. If the bike is not properly fitted you'll be uncomfortable and you won't ride. Be sure to test ride several sizes for comfort. Are you too stretched out? Can you clear the top tube on the frame when off the seat and standing on the ground? Are the controls easy to use and reach? Keep in mind that there are many adjustments that can can be made to accommodate the rider, but the frame size is fixed.Determine the correct frame size by sitting on many bikes and finding what feels comfortable for you to sit on. This includes the distance from the seat to the ground and the angle at which you have to lean to hold the handlebars. The salesman at the bike shop will help size the bike, but the only real way to tell is just by test riding. 

4. Determine the amount of money that you want to spend. There's no use looking at fifteen hundred dollar bikes when you only want to spend two hundred. Also try to factor in accessories and components- getting racks, fenders, or computer is often cost effective when you purchase it. 

5. Compare the components of one bike to those of another. This step may take a little research, but it is well worth it. Components usually make up most of the bike's value, so don't compromise the importance of this step. Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM are the industry standard for most riding.

6. Choose whether you want a light weight bike. Aluminum bikes are very nice they can be lighter. If you want to save yourself some money get a Chromoly frame. 

7. Keep track of all the benefits and downsides to each model. 

8.Decide what aspects are most important to you and go for the one that fits you and offers the best value.

 

source:wikihow