Buying a new bike? Keep these things in mind.
We live in an age where almost everything is done digitally — shopping online, buying a book, ordering groceries, hailing a cab, and even doing work. While this convenience has a lot of advantages to offer, it also creates a lifestyle that’s killing 300,000 people every year in the United States.
The lack of physical activity can lead to many health problems like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and obesity. So, how do you beat a sedentary lifestyle? You do it by incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Starting a biking habit brings a lot of health benefits into the table. It improves stamina, heart health, and even boost bone strength.
Don’t have a bike yet? Below are some tips to keep in mind when buying a new bike.
Buying a New Bike Tips
Buying a new bike can be a pain because of the myriad of choices available. To help you get started, we compiled some tips for you below:
Tip No. 1 Focus on comfort first
It’s tempting to buy a bike with the coolest design right from the get-go. Don’t fall into this trap. Focus on comfort first, instead of the overall look. Remember that comfort is key when biking. And that depends on how you are going to use your new bike.
Is it for a casual Sunday afternoon stroll? Are you going to use it for daily commute? Are you buying a new bike to help you conquer challenging trails? Whatever your reasons are, make sure you are comfortable riding the bike. If you’re buying from a local bike shop, you can ask the owner for a test drive first. If you’re buying online, make sure you’ve read enough reviews about the particular model you are aiming for.
Tip No. 2 Don’t overlook your budget
Your budget is an indispensable factor to consider when buying a new bike. So, make sure you already have a rough idea in mind as to how far you are willing to go. Knowing your budget beforehand narrows your options and keep you from wasting time looking at bikes you can’t afford.
Tip No. 3 Make sure the bike fits
Bicycles come in various shapes and sizes. One of the most important factors to consider when buying a new bike is fit. How your bike fits will make or break your riding experience. That’s why having a bike that fits your size and height is crucial.
The fit must come after you’ve chosen the bike that suits your needs and budget. As they say, “you can’t put the cart before the horse.” Going to a store or buying online knowing that you need a 56-centimeter bike will not really narrow down your choices. Bicycle measurements differ from one type of bike to another. Also, there are no measurement standards among bike manufacturers.
So, once you’ve chosen a model that you like, work with the store staff to choose the right bike size for you.
Tip No. 4 Don’t forget your bike accessories
Don’t think of bike accessories as add-ons when buying a new bike. Think of them as essentials that will help you have an awesome biking experience. Here are some of our recommended biking accessories:
Bike Helmet – biking with a helmet on is a must. We can’t over-emphasize the importance of safety when braving the downtown traffic or riding downhill. Check out some of the best bike helmets here.
Water Bottle – biking is a physical activity. As you ride, you’ll lose water and important electrolytes from perspiration. Keep yourself hydrated at all times, find a great water bottle and bottle cage to carry it.
Bike Lock – the last thing you want is a stolen bike. Bike theft is a serious concern in cities. So, when you’re away, make sure that your newly bought bike is secured with a bike lock. There are three types of bike locks to choose from depending on your budget and needs. See our best bike lock recommendations.
Bike Light – bike lights keep you safe when biking at night. It increases your vision and makes you more visible to drivers behind you — greatly reducing your risks of motor accidents. There are many bike lights to choose from when buying a new bike. Check out our best bike light recommendations.
Bike Tools – new or not, your bike is always at risk of flats and unforeseen damages from regular use. Taking your bike to a mechanic is expensive. So, why not learn how to do the repairs yourself? Learn bike maintenance skills and buy yourself some bike tools that you can take along with you wherever you go.
Even if you’re just doing it casually, biking is a fun physical activity that’s full of amazing health benefits. Biking is also a carbon-free, making our environment a lot safer and greener. Starting a biking habit can be challenging so, start slow. Plan each ride you want to make carefully and always stay safe when you are on the road.
Happy biking!
