You need to get off partypoker.net, put down that bag of Veggie Booty
and get outside on a bike. Here are the five things you
should know about buying one.
Thing No. 1 What kind?
It’s pretty simple but there is a twist. If you’re riding long
distances on pavement you get a road/touring bike. Riding on
trails/hills you get a mountain
bike. The twist is that you should not get a mountain bike for
riding around a city or suburb for short distances. The tires are
fat and knobby and the bikes are usually heavier which makes the
experience slow. You need a cruiser (looks like an old Schwinn)
or a hybrid (blends mountain/road) if you’re sticking to city riding or
short distances. Check out: stlbiking.com/Bike_Types if you want more detail
on the different types of bikes.
Thing No. 2 Bike fit.
You can estimate a pretty good bike fit by following a few guidelines:
• Straddle the bike to make sure you have one or two
inches of clearance (more is better) between you and the top bar of the
bike.
• Make sure that the seat is high enough to have full leg extension.
• Take a test ride to make sure you can easily perform all necessary functions.
If you’re going to a bike specialist they can help you with this.
If you’re going it alone then check out: peterwhitecycles.com/fitting for a veritable War and
Peace on bike fit.
Thing No. 3 Where?
You have
three options for new
bikes: you can go online, (plug in good online bike site) which
is good for price and selection, but you have to know what you’re
doing. The big box retailers like Wal-mart or Sears have bikes
but you should know what you’re doing there too because the service is
thin or nonexistent and they don’t have “bike specialists” or high-end
bikes. Finally, you have the bike specialist stores.
The bike shops are your best bet because the salespeople are usually
good, they know the inventory, and can help you with fit. Make
sure that they let you test ride, if they don’t, find yourself a shop
that will.
Thing No. 4 How much?
Realistically, if you want
something that is new and pretty decent quality, plan on spending at
least $300-400 on a hybrid or mountain bike, or up to $1000 for a
racing or tour bike. If your budget is lower, consider buying a used
bike. Check out ebay, ebay.com/bicycles, for deals on
used. Remember to budget for accessories such as a helmet, a
lock, and pump.
Thing No. 5 The negotiation
Some of the specialty bike shops will go for
negotiation but don’t get up in their face if
they don’t. Margins are low and at best you might get a 5-10% break on
the higher priced bikes. If you can’t wrangle the cash discount shoot
for a free trade on a more comfortable seat, or get a helmet, lock or
pump thrown in.