6 Bike Buying Tips You Should Know

If you plan to do more than just salivate over the latest shiny new bikes, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by your options. Before your head explodes, allow us to demystify the process of bicycle buying.

Start by deciding which of the most common bike types makes sense for you—mountain, road, hybrid, or city/commuter. Next, factor in your goals. Consider things like what kind of terrain you'll ride most, what distance you want to cover, and what you want to accomplish.

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If you're more interested in exploring off road, your choice is pretty straightforward: Look for a mountain bike with wide, knobby tires, a flat handlebar, strong brakes and shock-absorbing suspension that's made for rough, unpredictable trails. You'll then need to decide how much suspension you want (most have between 4 and 8 inches of travel) and which wheel size is right for you: 26-, 27.5- or 29-inch. Smoother trails require less travel and allow you to use larger, more stable wheels.

If you expect to spend most of your time on pavement, your options increase. Depending on your goals, you might want a road bike, a commuter, or a hybrid. Most road bikes have smooth, skinny tires and a curved handlebar, and place you in a bent-over position suited for speed. Hybrids provide comfort and stability via moderately thick tires and an upright riding position, a compromise that allows you to ride easily on city streets or packed-dirt paths. Commuter bikes range from sturdy workhorses to stylish fashion accessories, and often have utilitarian features like rack and fender mounts, an upright frame design and low-maintenance drivetrains.

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"Choosing between the three depends on how hard, how long, and where you want to ride," says Mattie Davitt, sales manager at Piermont Bicycle Connection in Piermont, New York. "Many bike makers offer hybrids with high-quality drivetrains and disc brakes. They're lightweight and fun to ride, making them a solid choice for commuters or new riders who want one bike to run errands, cruise the rail-trail, and ride with the family. But if you're planning to burn some serious calories, train for a charity ride or maybe even sign up for a race, you'll be more satisfied with a road bike," says Davitt.

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In terms of versatility, don't discount a road bike just because the name implies a single purpose. "Manufacturers are getting better at catering to people who want to do more than one thing," says Nelson Gutierrez, owner of Strictly Bicycles in Fort Lee, New Jersey. They see that buyers often want to use one bike for exercise and commuting. With features like thicker tires, disc brakes, and a more upright geometry, many current road models are fast, efficient—and rugged.

Once you decide how you'll use a bike, consider the following tips to focus your search.

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Top Tips

Budget for more than just the bike

Decide how much money you want to invest in your cycling goals before you start shopping. Then, regardless of your budget, allocate about two-thirds of it to the bike. You'll want the rest for accessories—because no matter your price range, you still need basics like a helmet, a pump, a water bottle, and bottle cages.

Prioritize fit

Even a top-shelf bike will be miserable to ride if it doesn't fit. Any good salesperson should help you find the right size, then make at least four adjustments: seat height, saddle position, handlebar height and reach. Better: Find a shop staffed with a certified fitter who will take precise measurements, set you up on multiple bikes, and swap parts if necessary to dial your position. This kind of service usually costs extra, so factor that into your budget. And beware: Sometimes retailers offer deep discounts on odd-sized bikes left over from past seasons; resist the temptation unless the bike is truly your size.

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Test lots of models

Bike shopping is a lot like buying a house or car—you should rarely purchase the first model you see. If you're still riding the same clunker that's been in your garage since high school, almost any new bike is going to feel amazing, but that's only because the technology has come a long way. On the other hand, an unfamiliar bike at the shop might feel wrong just because it's different.

Narrow your search

Try to focus your options to three models based on your budget and intended use. Then make sure you take an adequate test ride of at least 15 to 20 minutes—longer if you can. "Before you take that spin, though, ask for fit adjustments and a quick tutorial on how the bike operates," says Gutierrez. You might dismiss an otherwise worthy model if you're stretching to reach the handlebar or fumbling with a type of shifter you've never used.

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Dress the part

For test rides or bike fittings, put on the same apparel and shoes you plan to use on actual rides. A bicycle can fit one way when you're in jeans and another when you're wearing cycling shorts.

Seek personal service

There's nothing wrong with shopping for bargains online (or bike-swapping—check out these 10 best tips that'll help you snag a great deal). But consider all the advantages of going to a brick-and-mortar store. Besides fit sessions and test rides, a shop will ensure quality assembly and might offer free adjustments for a period of time, as well as other discounts on accessories included with the purchase of a complete bike. A shop is also a venue for getting to know other cyclists through organized group rides and events, says Charles von Isenburg, owner of Mock Orange Bikes in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "We invite our customers into the cycling community," he says. "It's our greatest service for the new rider."

4 Essential Questions to Ask at the Shop

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