How to Choose the Perfect Bike for You

The first step in becoming an avid cyclist is, of course, buying a bicycle. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. With so many options out there, finding the right bike can feel daunting at first glance.

This post will teach you how to spot the perfect bike.

What type of riding will you be doing?

The main thing to consider when you’re shopping for a bike is the style of riding you’ll be getting into. Do you want to compete in road races? Are you interested in riding off road on rugged trails? Are you looking to ride your bike to work or school? Knowing these answers can be the difference between choosing a road bike, mountain bike or commuter bike.

Should you buy new or used?

After you’ve determined the style of riding you’ll be doing, the next thing to consider is whether you want to go with a new or used bike. You can save a boatload of money by choosing a used bike. Plus, many used bikes are just as good as their newer counterparts. Before you buy a used bike, make sure to ask how many miles it’s been ridden, and find out how frequently it was serviced. You’ll also want to take the bike for a test ride to ensure it doesn’t squeak while you pedal.

What size do you need?

Knowing how to find the right bike for your size can be the difference between enjoying your ride and dreading being on your bike. Riders with improperly-sized bikes can never get quite comfortable and can even experience back or neck pain. Additionally, the wrong size can lead to slow speed or a loss of balance.

Your inseam length is the most crucial sizing measurement, but you’ll also need to consider seat height and handlebar height. As a general rule, the bike frame should be .65 times your inseam, so someone with a 25” inseam needs a 16” frame.

There are plenty of measurement charts online that can help you find the right size. Our advice is to call our team at Bicycle Doctor House Calls. We’ll take your measurements to find the perfect bike for you.

Handlebar style

Even if you follow our tips on how to find the right bike for your size, your ride won’t be comfortable if you don’t get the right set of handlebars. A few of the most common handlebar styles include drop bars, flat bars, riser bars and mustache bars.

Drop bars are best for road bikes, while most mountain bikers prefer riser bars. We recommend taking bikes with different handlebar styles out for a test spin to see which one is most comfortable for you.

Where can you find the best bikes?

Look no further than Bicycle Doctor House Calls for the best deal on new and new-to-you bikes. Reach out to our team today to learn more about how to spot the perfect bike or to check out our massive inventory on new and used bikes.

Categorised in: Bike Shop

This post was written by Writer