Outdoor Sports: Things to Consider when Buying a Bicycle
By Michele Blandino
Bicycling provides a terrific way to combine exercise, family time, fun and fresh air into one activity. Whether you pack up the car to seek out a scenic bike trail or simply pedal around your neighborhood, it is important that you take the time to select a bicycle that is both appropriate for the type of riding you will be doing and a good fit for your body.
Here are some things to consider.
Where to Shop
Resist the urge to purchase your bicycle at a department store or discount outlet. There are a few reasons for this. First, you can virtually guarantee that the person selling you the bicycle - if, in fact a sales person actually helps you - will know just as much as you about bicycles and won't be much help in answering your questions. Next, since the people putting the bicycles together probably aren't experts, there's a good chance that the bike will not be assembled properly, which could result in injury.
Most reputable dealers belong to professional organizations such as the National Bicycle Dealers Association. Look for a membership sticker in the store window or ask the shop owner if they belong to a dealers' association.
Your bicycle is an investment and so care should be taken that you select the one that is right for you. For this reason, you should make your purchase at a reputable bicycle specialty store. Not only will the proprietor take the time to make sure you select the right bicycle, they will also be available should you have any questions or problems with your bike after you've taken it home.
Where Will You Ride?
As you can imagine, there are many different types of bicycles available. And, contrary to what you may think, not every bicycle is appropriate for every type of use. For example, you won't be able to easily take a racing bike on treacherous mountain trails.
As a result before you head out to the bike shop, you should take a few minutes to think about how you will use the bicycle. Do you plan on taking long treks along wooded trails, or will you be riding through the neighborhood with your kids? Will you use the bike to get back and forth to work every day, or do you plan on racing? Knowing the way in which you will use the bike will help narrow your search.
The Cost Factor
Before heading out to shop, you should also have a general idea of what your bicycle budget is. Bicycles range in price from around $100 for a no-frills recreational bike to well over $1,000 for high performance racing bikes. Knowing exactly how you will use the bike will prevent you from spending money on features and functions you may not use or need.
To Learn More
For more tips and help in making your purchase, you can visit the following sites:
