The popularity of cycling is expanding along with the demand for beginner riding tips. Many of you buy brand-new bikes without any basic or technical training. Starting your bike experience won’t be simple for most of you.
Take a look at these beginner cycling suggestions, from purchasing a bicycle to getting fitted for one, selecting appropriate clothing, doing basic bicycle maintenance, nutrition, skills, road safety, recovery, and many other things. The full range of cycling is covered.
Buying a Bicycle
A bicycle purchase can be difficult. The options can seem limitless if you’re new to riding or have been away from two wheels for some time. This guide’s purpose is to assist you in making the important choices you’ll need to make so that you can buy something you’ll be delighted with for many years to come.
Whether you browse your neighborhood bike store or shop online, there are more options than ever when it comes to purchasing a bike.
Because of this, selecting the right bike for your needs might be a minefield, but do not worry; we are here to assist.
Let us assist you in every step of the bike-buying process, from determining the best bike for your needs, picking a shop, and setting a budget to choosing components, determining the proper size, and going for a test ride.
Read this article to learn more about the best tips for buying a bicycle :
1. Know Your Goals
Where do I begin? So, we advise choosing your bike’s objectives. You’ll be able to quickly narrow down your alternatives if you can explain what you intend to do with your new bike.
When choosing the ideal bike for your needs, you mostly have the following choices: a road bike, mountain bike, hybrid bike, gravel bike, folding bike, city bike, or singlespeed/fixie.
Form always comes after function, and motorcycles are no exception. Different bikes are designed for various riding styles; some are extremely specialized for a given use. Even while the majority of bikes are adaptable enough for you to ride to work, to the shops, and around hills on the same bike, focusing on your objectives will help you select a bike that is more appropriate for your riding intents.
One of the most popular goals is to start riding to work to avoid the traffic on public transportation or the high expense of driving.
Are You Commuting?
Which bicycle is ideal for commuting? The more decent position that a flat handlebar on a hybrid bike, which combines speed, comfort, and versatility, provides is preferred by many bike commuters.
Another great alternative for commuters is drop-bar road bikes, particularly those built with the idea of being ridden to work and include the necessary attachments for mudguards and a rack. They might also be a little bit quicker than a hybrid.
In either scenario, it’s a good idea to install mudguards to keep you dry while riding—especially if you plan to commute frequently by bike—and perhaps a rack at the back to carry luggage more conveniently than in a backpack.
A hybrid or road bike will enable you to explore country lanes and bike paths over the weekend if you wish to travel further than just to work.
Do You Like Road Riding?
Drop-bar bikes are almost certainly what you should consider if your objectives are a little sportier or if you anticipate riding farther on the tarmac. They are available in race-oriented models with an aggressive, aerodynamic riding position or endurance-type bikes with a somewhat more upright position.
An endurance road bike, which has a more relaxed geometry and, in many cases, increased adaptability thanks to higher tire clearance and mounting points for mudguards and a rack, is the smart choice if you’re not racing.
The newest aero road bikes are designed for maximum speed, whereas climbing bikes put more of an emphasis on low weight. If you are performance-driven and certain that a faster position would work for you, you should consider one of these bikes.
Love Going to Trails?
A mountain bike is the best option if you want to explore the trails. Perhaps you enjoy outdoor activities and wish to explore more of the countryside, or perhaps you’d like to race around your neighborhood trailhead or bike park.
In any case, you require an upright position for control, a large range of gears, powerful brakes, and thick tires with lots of grips. The best gravel bikes are popular since they bridge the gap between road and mountain bikes.
They have drop bars and large, grippy gravel bike tires, allowing you to ride on roads at a reasonable speed while tackling tow pathways and other non-metallic surfaces like gravel tracks and bridleways.
Consider Electric Bikes
Not sure about your physical condition or need a little assistance climbing hills? Consider an electric bicycle. Electric bikes have a real edge thanks to recent developments in battery and motor design, especially when it comes to climbing hills and accelerating away from traffic lights.
Electric bikes come in a wide variety of designs, from flat-bar hybrid bikes to electric mountain bikes. Even electric road bikes with drop bars and beautifully fitted engines are available.
2. Know Your Budget
So, you’ve determined the kind of bike you require. How much money are you left over to spend?
Non-motorized bicycles typically start at about £200. Although cheaper bikes are available, they are nearly always of low quality.
If you’re looking to purchase a budget-friendly road bike or budget-friendly mountain bike, £500 to £750 is a reasonable place to start for a “serious” bike with excellent components and a frame. The same holds true for a high-quality hybrid or inexpensive gravel bike.
At this price range, you’ll see bicycles with branded components and a relatively light and well-designed frame. It should be strong beyond all else. Cheap motorcycles’ fatal flaw is that, even if they function well while they’re brand-new, they might not continue to do so.
However, if your finances allow for it and you intend to use your bike frequently, we advise investing about £1,000. The best mountain bikes under $1,000 and the best road bikes under $1,000 at this point start to feature high-quality components and a frame that can be upgraded as your riding skills improve.
You can obviously spend a lot more. The best road, mountain, or gravel bikes frequently command five-figure prices. It’s a matter of diminishing returns, as with any high-end buy, but for the majority of dedicated bikers, an expenditure of between £2,000 and £4,000 will get you a top-notch bike.
3. Choose a Shop
Each bike shop has a unique personality. If you’re new to cycling, a shop that specializes in high-end road racing bikes may not be the greatest place to start unless you prefer being confused by technical terms or simply want to look at expensive bikes that are out of your price range.
Staff in a shop that welcomes new riders will walk you through various possibilities without confusing you with technical terms. Instead of hearing you spout off a string of buzzwords, they will inquire about your plans for the bike and pay attention to your responses.
If you’re serious about getting the best deal, look around a few bike stores before deciding. Get a sense of the motorcycles they sell by paying attention to how the staff interacts with other customers. Various stores will have motorcycles from multiple brands.
A bike shop should ensure the bike is put together correctly in addition to offering experienced advice. Depending on the manufacturer, bikes come from the factory in varied degrees of disassembly, so it takes the correct equipment and knowledge to ensure the bike is completely safe and roadworthy.
After a month or two, a competent bike shop will often conduct a post-delivery check-up to ensure that everything has settled in well and is still functioning properly. Considering that motorcycles require upkeep and replacement parts like tires and inner tubes, purchasing a bike might mark the beginning of a long-lasting relationship.
4. Get the Right Size
One of the numerous benefits of purchasing a bike from a specialized retailer is that they’ll ensure you have a frame that fits properly.
Bicycle sizes are given in centimeters, inches, or T-shirt sizes (for example, from extra-small to extra-large). Unfortunately, there isn’t much uniformity between brands, but we have guides for road, mountain, and women’s bikes to help.
It’s critical to choose the proper size for comfort and security. A bike that is too big will be awkward and possibly dangerous, while a bike that is too small won’t allow you to raise the saddle high enough for comfortable pedaling and will make you feel cramped.
On their websites, bike manufacturers typically have a sizing chart that details the exact dimensions of each bike size. Although it can be difficult to comprehend the nuances of road or mountain bike geometry, there is typically a suggested rider height range listed for each size.
With your feet flat on the ground and a few centimeters of space between your body and the bike, you should be able to stand over the bike frame. If you’ve decided to ride a mountain bike off-road, you’ll need greater clearance, giving you room for quick dismounts.
Your knee should be almost straight when the pedal is near the bottom of its rotation, and you should be able to adjust the saddle height to achieve this. The seatpost, a tube that supports the saddle, will be marked with its maximum safe extension. Don’t bring it up beyond this. You need a larger frame if you lift the saddle this high.
The bike’s frame size tells you more than simply how tall it is. This is because as frames get bigger, they also increase longer. When a bike is the wrong size for you, the reach to the handlebars will either be too short or too long, both of which rapidly become unpleasant.
5. Know the Suspension
Real off-road mountain bikes have shock-absorbing suspension systems.
Hardtail mountain bikes are those that only have fork suspension up front, while full-suspension bikes have both front and rear suspension systems.
While some affordable mountain bikes and hybrid bikes have suspension forks, it is recommended to avoid them unless you have a significant budget because they perform poorly and add weight and complexity.
It’s also important to consider whether suspension is necessary if you’re using a hybrid or mountain bike on the road and your off-road adventures are restricted to well-maintained trails and towpaths. Running wide tires at a low pressure frequently adds enough suspension to enhance comfort significantly.
The best hardtail mountain bikes typically offer greater value for money if you have a smaller budget because more of it is invested in the frame and components.
6. Take a Test Ride
Even a quick lap around the block or around the parking lot can give you a sense of how well the bike fits and handles before you decide to buy it. Expect to leave the store with a credit card and identification, typically the best security form.
Longer test rides are available in some stores, and some bike manufacturers also host demo days when you can ride a variety of their models on a predetermined route. If you want to know if a bike is your next true love, take it for a “real” ride on some nearby roads or trails.
Final Words
It can be hard to find the best bike in the market when you don’t know how to find the best bicycle for your needs. Keep reading our blogs to learn about the best cycling tips and product reviews about different bike products and gadgets. We hope after reading this article you will be able to know your needs and how much money you need to buy a perfect cycle for your needs. We have covered all the important aspects you need to consider while buying a bike for your needs.
FAQ
Which Cycle is Better MTB or Hybrid?
Hybrid bicycles are cozy city vehicles that easily handle gravel roads and woodland treks. On the other hand, MTBs should only be used on difficult terrain and trails. This is due to the altered geometry and noticeably thinner tires compared to mountain bikes.
What Does a 26-inch Bike Mean?
A 26-inch bike is frequently mistaken for having a 26-inch frame. However, it truly tells you how big the bike wheel is. Since the bike wheels’ internal diameter is 26 inches, you can know if they are big and tall enough for your height and riding requirements.
Which Type of Bicycle is Best for Road?
Road bikes are suitable for racing, commuting, participating in events, touring, and fitness riding. The handlebars on most bikes feature a drop-bar design, which curls down and toward the back of the bike and places the rider in an aerodynamic posture. Getting acclimated to this bent-forward riding position might be challenging.
What Type of Bicycle is Best for Daily Use?
Which bike is the best for commuting? MTBs, or mountain bikes, are the best choice for off-road cyclists. Single-speed bikes are suitable for beginners. Bicycles with one speed and those with many gears, such as those with 18 or 21 speeds, are quite practical for daily usage.