Buying A Bicycle

When looking for a new bicycle, ask yourself what your riding needs are or will be. For example, will you be riding for utility, racing, or leisure? Do you want a Road bike or a Mountain bike? Then set a price range. Suppose you're shopping for a recreational Cross bike and feel that you must have a bicycle that meets the quality level of a $200 Cross bike, but you don't want to spend over $300.

Now you can get started on deciding which, of all the brands of bicycles, is the best value for your dollar. This is not an easy task. There is a lot of information that is usually supplied with each manufacturer's brochure. All those names of derailleurs, wheels, tires, and frame materials (there are about seven different levels of component groups in Shimano's and Suntour's mountain bike component lines) can be quite confusing. So, where does one start? How about an independent bicycle dealer who is helpful and knowledgeable. We at Bicycle Depot are trying hard to be that helpful dealer because this is what we have chosen to do for a living and really want and appreciate your business.

Cross Bike, Mountain Bike, or Road Bike
A lot of people come in not knowing what they want or what is available. Maybe they haven't bought a bike in years. They just know that they want a bike and a good one at that! We understand. We are grateful for the customer's decision to shop for quality in the bike shop and are happy to help explain the choices available today. No question or apprehension is unreasonable. I wouldn't expect anyone who doesn't work with bicycles every day to know this stuff like we do. We want to help you find a bike that you will be pleased with for years to come. So what type of bike is best? If you like to ride fast and sport-like and long distance on concrete and blacktop, get a road bike. They are great. For real off-road, tree-dodging type riding, get a real mountain bike. They start at about $350.

If leisure riding is what you intend for your purchase and you like and desire the stability and ruggedness of a wider tire and wheel, then a lower priced

Mountain Bike ( $200- $300) may be the bike for you. With a lower priced Mountain bike, you will usually find a shorter top tube, more upright handlebar/stem and a tire that is more conducive to street use. You also won't need the durability and performance qualities that more money spent affords. A lower priced bike will last for years to come if ridden and cared for with respect.

Cross bikes on the other hand (compared to mountain bikes) are ideal for those who want to ride a little more enthusiastically yet wish to sit upright as one would with a mountain bike. You see, a cross bike will offer that mountain bike styling and seating position and triple crankset which provides a low gear for getting up hills yet has a taller and narrower wheel like the road bike. Cross bikes usually start around $250 with most people buying somewhere between $250- $400.

Comfort Bikes have recently evolved. Almost all of the cross bikes are now comfort/cross bikes and we now see a seperate model of mountain bike designated as a comfort/mountain bike, usually priced between $250 and $500. A comfort bike is easy to spot by the adjustable handlebar stem, suspension seatpost, soft seat, and smooth tires. Comfort bikes are excellent for cruising bike trails and city streets more comfortably.

I find this interesting as I remember - like a lot of you - going to the hardware store 30 or more years ago and choosing either a 20", 24", or 26" (wheel size) balloon tired bike and then choosing between the red one or the blue one. Believe me, I understand the difficulty in choosing an appropriate bike today.

Click for Next Tip