Tips for Buying a bike

2007-03-09 04:02 PM | Posted by Tejvan Pettinger | Permanent Link | Bikes

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What is Purpose. The purpose of the bike will determine to a large extent how much you buy. If you are new to racing I would advise not spending large sums. You can get a good starter bike for £500, the benefits of spending £3,000 are quite marginal and are only really felt when you are really fit and have experience racing.
See what you are buying. If you do not have much experience buying a bike it is highly advisable to buy from a local shop. True it may be a little more expensive than buying online, but if things go wrong it can be quite difficult to start sending a bike back and forth mail order. A local shop should be able to give practical advice.
Try riding the bike before buying, it should feel comfortable and be of the right size. Don’t be tempted to get the wrong sized bike just because it is on special offer. The right saddle height and size of frame is one thing that cannot be compromised.

Get a good frame. It is easier to upgrade components later. If you think you might want to upgrade later on. Start off with a good frame and basic components. If you really get into cycling you can buy carbon components later on to reduce weight. However if you know what you want it will often work out cheaper to get all the best components when you buy a bike. If you buy components piecemeal it will likely work out more expensive in the long run.
Don’t skimp on Lock. If you a buying a commuter bike and your budget is £300. Make sure you leave enough to get all the indispensable extras like a good lock, lights, panniers and a bell. It is generally recommended that you spend between 10-15% of the cost of the bike on a suitable lock. If you are locking an expensive bike in town it may be worth getting 2 locks.
Build a bike yourself. If you really know what you are doing and get can get access to good second hand parts you could consider building a bike from scratch.
Be wary of buying bikes 2nd hand. If you buy on ebay of second hand, you should be wary of spending a lot of money if you have never ridden the bike. For example you should check the frame is not “wobbly” You should try riding at 25mph and take your hand of the handlebars. If you can ride in a straight line the frame is fine. If the frame starts to shake it may be a sign that the frame is out of tune. – You need to be careful it does happen.

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