Bicycle Buying Guides

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Bicycle Buying Guides
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• Chances are, you are either a first-time bike
  buyer and curious on how to select the best bike
  in case you finally decide to head to the nearest
  bicycle shop here in Singapore, or you are simply
  about to replace your old bicycle and would want
  to be reminded of what you should consider before
  you finally make that purchase

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• While it is easy to just walk in on a typical
  bicycle shop here in Singapore, it pays to know
  more before making that purchase. An informed
  buyer will likely be good at decision making, for
  certain.

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• First off, lets be clear of the types of bikes
  available in the market today and where they are
  best used. A quick Google search would basically
  show you something like this

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  Kinds of Bike
Road Bikes (including racing, endurance, cyclocross, and touring bikes) Good for Pavement
Mountain Bikes (including trail, cross-country, and all-mountain bikes) Ideal for rugged trails and gravel roads
Hybrid Bikes Fine with pavement or moderate gravel/dirt roads
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• Now that you know the kinds of bicycle available
  in the market, you are likely to consider more
  factors before you pick the best model for you.

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• Neil Bezdek in his article How to Buy a BikeEven
  if Its Your First underscored the importance of
  the compatibility of the rider and the bike
  itself, No matter whether you purchase
  an entry-level bike or a top-shelf model, it will
  be miserable to ride if it doesn't fit. Any good
  salesperson should help you find the right size,
  then make at least four adjustments seat height,
  saddle position, handlebar height, and reach.
  Better Find a shop staffed with a certified
  fitter who will take precise measurements, set
  you up on multiple bikes, and swap parts if
  necessary to dial your position. This kind of
  service usually costs extra, so factor that into
  your budget. And beware Sometimes retailers
  offer deep discounts on odd-sized bikes left over
  from past seasons resist the temptation unless
  the bike is truly your size. Test driving the
  unit is imperative.

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• Clark Sienna, a mountain bike enthusiast, shared,
  Do not buy a bike that you did not test drive.
  The only way to know if the bike is right for you
  is to take it out and see if you are comfortable
  with it. If after 5 minutes, you encounter no
  accident, then, consider purchasing the unit. Ask
  about the diameter and see if it can bear your
  weight. Otherwise youll end up with a bike whose
  tires always get flat. And that would cost you
  more in the long run.

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• Aside from the model, the fitness and
  compatibility issues, the price of course is a
  matter of consideration. If you can splurge a
  little and would want to own a state of the art
  bicycle with good frames (steel or titanium, or
  something else ) and complete accessories (that
  professional bikers often prefer), then by all
  means do so. But it is wiser to buy something
  that is more suitable for a beginner if you are
  just starting to learn how to bike yourself.