Making The Right Choice When Buying A Road Bike In Australia

Buying road bikes Australia can be tricky, especially if you are getting your first one or you have not cycled in a long time. Ideally you should get one that is best suited to your body size, is comfortable and looks good. Remember, this is something that you should want to own for a long time and should not need too much work.

The first thing to ask is the difference between the various models. At the bottom end of the scale are the so called unbranded bicycles. While it is tempting to save money in the short term, these will often have parts that will wear out quicker, meaning you will either have to spend more money repairing it or replacing it. In the longer term, it is a smarter move to buy something a bit more expensive but will last longer.

The more expensive models will be lighter and have more rigid frames. The mid priced range is generally sufficient as the main difference with the top range is that they are usually mostly lighter in weight.

When you have chosen your bike, the next question will be asked is how many gears do you want. This can seem intimidating and can seem like there is a right or wrong answer. As ever though, it is more about what you need rather than any hard and fast rule.

Put your feet 20cm apart and measure the distance from your crotch to the floor. With a hardback book between your legs, put a pencil mark against the wall. You should do this at least three times to get an average. When you multiply this result by 0.67 this gives you an estimate of the size of the bike from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat.

When you become more confident you can have a saddle that either faces the front or the rear, depending on your own personal preference. There are various models around for women and children, so it is worth asking to find the ideal size and height.

When choosing the number of gears for your bike, you should bear in mind the kind of environment you are likely to be cycling in. Purists tend to go for the two ring option, though the third ring is often used when going up hills, often referred to as the so called granny gear.

Remember, finding the bike that fits is like having clothes that fit. It is not just about form and function, but about feeling comfortable and getting the right one to suit you and your budget.