Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: choosing a bike
• Part 2 of 4: Test Drive
• Part 3 of 4: Buy a new or used bike in person
• Part 4 of 4: Buy a new or used bike online
• Tips
• Warnings

If you come to a store to buy a bike, you will start to run over your eyes from a large selection. In this article, we will show you how to find the right bike, how to test drive it, and how to buy a bike from a store or online.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: choosing a bike

1. 1 Decide what kind of bike you want. Will you drive it around the city, travel or descend from the mountains, or maybe all together?
   • Buy road bike for driving on asphalt roads. Road bikes have a lightweight body and narrow tires. They are not designed for riding on uneven terrain, so they do not have a suspension system that can absorb impacts. Road models are well suited for cyclists with a strong back. Because of the tilt, you need to be flexible when riding.
   • Please select Mountain bike for driving along paths or mountains. It has wide tires with powerful treads that will help you pick up speed as you go downhill. Also features a heavier frame and harness to absorb shock. The handlebars on most mountain bikes are straight, which can create discomfort when riding long distances on paved roads.
   • Please select hybrid bike... It is perfect for walking around the area if you prefer to ride upright. Some hybrids have double-walled rims.
2. 2 Rate yourself as a cyclist. Be honest with yourself and think about who you see yourself as in the future. Buying a bike is not worth buying for self-esteem, but when you learn to ride normally.
3. 3 Estimate how much you can afford. If you are on a budget, you can always get a used bike. Try to find a store where you can get an old item with a surcharge on the purchase of a new one.
4. 4 Ask your friends. If you have friends who are cyclists, check with them before buying. If you don’t have any such acquaintances, write an email to your local cycling club.
5. 5 Search for bicycles online. This is a very convenient buying method. Online shops do not have to stock all the models and display them in the window, so the cost savings are much lower there.
   • Compare frames and components - this way you will be familiar with all the important parts of a bike. The first step is to find a good frame. You can change components later. A comfortable fit is extremely important.
   • Most store sellers will give you instructions at the time of purchase. Alternatively, you can consider online shopping. Bicycle shops cannot compete with such a large volume. They offer the services of certified technicians.

Part 2 of 4: Test Drive

1. 1 Sit on the bike to see if the fit is comfortable. Can you sit up straight? Are the switches convenient? How do you feel? What's your overall impression?
   • Pay attention to the distance between the seat and the pedals, as well as the angle you lean when holding the steering wheel.
   • Adjust the bike frame and seat for a comfortable seating position.
2. 2 Check your tires. For fast driving, narrow tires are better, and smooth tires are better for city driving on flat surfaces. Look for tires with built-in protections for safety and convenience.
3. 3 Take a ride on a bike so you can see if it's right for you. As in the case of a car, it is better to do a test drive before buying. The bike may look cool and trendy, but if you feel uncomfortable riding it, what's the point?
   • Take into account the weight of the frame. With a light frame, the bike will move easier and faster, but these models are more expensive.
   • You should feel comfortable while driving. Your knees should be slightly bent as you pedal. You should have convenient and quick access to the brakes, and you should feel free yourself.
   • Make sure the handlebar turns smoothly and that you can sit and stand easily while on an incline.

Part 3 of 4: Buy a new or used bike in person

1. 1 Call local bike shops. Find out what varieties they sell and choose a store that has the model you want. It will also be useful to find out the approximate prices.
2. 2 Go shopping for the model you like. Tell the salesperson exactly what you need - their advice may come in handy.
   • You should be on your guard if the seller tries to slip you a completely different model, the price of which, in addition, is above average.
   • At the same time, it is sometimes worth listening to suggestions. For example, if the seller advises you to buy a bike with a different frame, ask why. If he can give an explanation, then it is worth considering his proposal.
3. 3 Ask if the store provides a service guarantee. For example, many stores offer a year of free maintenance with your purchase.
4. 4 Agree on a price. If you have printed out the prices found on the Internet, then do not hesitate to show them to a consultant and start bargaining. If you can get a cheaper bike and get free service, then this is a good deal.

Part 4 of 4: Buy a new or used bike online

1. 1 Find the bike you need online. Internet - purchases can be made 24 hours in a row, 7 days a week. And the likelihood of finding a thing at a reasonable price is much higher.
   • Find bike dealers who sell bicycles in offices rather than online and make sure they have the models you want. Thus, you can conduct a test drive and then buy your favorite bike in an electronic store.
   • You can find used bikes on sites like eBay, Bicycle Peddler, and Craigslist.
     • EBay is a good choice, especially if you're on a tight budget. If you don't buy your bike from a local retailer, you will have to pay for shipping.
     • Craigslist is also a good choice because you can pick your bike locally without having to order. Plus you get the chance to test drive.
     • The Bicycle Peddler has a choice, too. This site is very recent, but an advanced search engine will help you find new and used models in seconds.
2. 2 Choose the bike you like, order and wait for it to be sent.
   • If the bike arrives in parts, take the components to your local store and pay someone who can assemble it neatly. Even if you bought your bike from another seller, sooner or later you will still have to contact your local dealer in case of breakdown, etc.
   • Ride your newly assembled bike. If you do not like it, you can disassemble it and send it back to the store or personally return it to the seller.

Tips

• When you get home, take a test drive. If necessary, you can stop and adjust the height of the seat, etc. Understand gear shifting, braking and your overall ride feel.
• Don't forget about accessories. For example, these can be headlights for driving at night or reflective shields for driving on wet roads.
• When buying a bicycle for a child, pay attention not to the size of the frame, but to the diameter of the wheel. The most common diameters are considered to be 30.48, 40.64, 50.8 and 60.96 cm. Also, do not take a model with a hand brake until the baby is at least 5 years old. Most children of this age do not have the physical strength to handle this model.

Warnings

• If you are buying a used bike, make sure that the store does not operate on an “exchange and non-returnable” basis.
• It is always convenient to buy a bike online, but if you decide to return it back, you will have to pay to send the goods back.