Please note: the intent of this blog post is to educate you on bicycle shopping, including common types of bicycles, things to consider when buying, and general tips on bike selection. I will NOT be recommending specific brands/makes/models in this post as there are many many many wonderful bikes, frame builders and brands out there and I don’t want to show favoritism. I’m happy to make individual recommendations one on one- get in touch.
Most mornings when I open my inbox, I have 3-5 messages with a note like the following:
Dear Marley,
I grew up riding a bike but stopped and would love to start riding again. I have an old hybrid in my garage that I haven’t been on in 20 years, but I think I need something newer, as I’ve gained weight/had kids/moved to a hillier place (insert life circumstance here.)
What kind of bike would be good for me? How do I shop for a bicycle? Where do I even start? There are so many choices, it’s all so overwhelming!
I’ve also heard horror stories about bike shops and am afraid I’ll have a bad experience there. Do you have any tips for having a better bike shop experience? Or the best bike shops to go to?
Well, dear reader, I’m here to help you. After guiding many people through a successful and happy bicycle buying experience, I realized it’s long past time to share my knowledge with the world. My goal in life is to get more butts on bikes and if this helps with that, excellent.
Obviously if you’re reading this blog, you’re probably the type of person who researches things before you just walk right into a bike shop. Excellent choice! But, before you fall down that internet rabbit hole, STOP and answer these questions.
And if you’re not the type of person who researches things and your friend who rides bikes sent you this blog to read, welcome. I’m also one of you - I typically don’t research anything before making impulsive decisions, which has led to a wealth of knowledge that I don’t necessarily need, but am happy to share. Anyway - you also need to answer these questions to help you find the right bike for you.
****This is crucial and will help ensure you get on a bike that meets your needs and keeps you happy for many miles of pedaling bliss.******
What kind of riding do I want to do?
You might be saying “Huh??” at this point, but read on. Think about where and how you see yourself riding your bike. Here are a few examples:
-Commuting to work or School
-Getting into fitness riding i.e. triathlon, road racing, etc.
-Mountain Biking/Gravel Riding or Racing
-Bike Camping or Touring
-Running errands on your bike, such as going to the grocery store or taking your
kids to school
-General leisurely rides on paths and low-traffic roads
In general, there are three broad types of bikes: road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid/comfort bikes. There are of course sub-categories within each of these, including gravel bikes, cyclocross, randoneurring, all-road, enduro, downhill, etc…. There are also folding bicycles, cargo bicycles, tandems, recumbent bicycles, tricycles, and hand cycles! On top of that, all of these can be acoustic or electric (acoustic is my favorite way of saying non-electric bicycle - it sounds way cooler than anything else.)
Road Bikes
Road bikes are designed for riding on roads. Pretty simple. But beyond that, they tend to have more of a focus on speed, racing, touring or commuting purposes. Road bikes often have drop handlebars with a more aggressive body positioning, are made of lighter materials and sport thin tires.
I’ll probably get skewered by the broader bike internet for saying this, but bikes in the broad “road bike” category are excellent choices for commuting on, light touring/bike camping, fitness riding, and potentially running errands, depending on your preferences. Basically recreational riding.
For reference, in this category, of my own bikes, I would consider my Surly Straggler, Breezer Inversion, and even though it’s an electric cargo bicycle, my Larry vs Harry Bullitt to all be “road bikes.”
Mountain Bikes
If road bikes are meant for the road, mountain bikes are meant for the mountain, right? Well, essentially yes. Mountain bikes are intended for Off Road.
Think knobbier tires (but not necessarily huge), suspension, and the ability to get rad.
Hybrid/Comfort Bikes
Good for the city, multi-use trails, have wider tires than road bikes with a heads-up rider position. Good general use, multiple size rider bicycles.
2. What do I plan to carry on my bike?
Bikes are excellent for carrying way too much stuff - groceries, kids, camping gear, garage sale finds…basically anything, as long as your bike is equipped for it.
If you want to carry anything, you’ll want to ensure you get a bicycle that either comes equipped with a rack, or has the ability to attach a rack. Many hybrids will come with a rack installed.
3. What is your budget?
Sticker shock at a bike shop is never fun. You can expect a new, quality bicycle to start around $500 for the most basic, entry level model with nearly zero frills, and go up from there.
Be sure to allocate money in your budget for accessories that are necessary for a successful and safe ride - a helmet, lock, and lights.
Factors that impact the cost of a bicycle include frame material, brake type, and brand name.
Buying used can be an excellent way to save money and get a quality bike. Bicycle Co-ops and non-profits often sell second hand bicycles to fund their educational programs - groups like Bike Works and The Bikery in Seattle often have excellent bikes at a fraction of their actual cost. If you do find a private seller, make sure you meet the potential seller in a public place, bring a pump and multi-tool to ensure you can test ride the bike, and do take a test ride.
Also, taking some basic precautions will help ensure you’re not buying a stolen bicycle.
If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Bicycles are a very commonly stolen item and are often sold at way below fair value.
Check bikeindex.org for the bicycle in question.
At the Bike Shop
Cool. So hopefully now you’ve done some thinking about the kind of riding you want to do, have a budget in mind, and maybe even a type of bike. NOW you can start to think about heading to the bike shop. Fair warning - not all bike shops are created equally, but in general shops have come a long way in terms of inclusion and friendliness.
Below are my top tips for a more pleasant experience at the bike shop.
Find a shop that fits your vibe.
If you’re looking for a road bike and want to get into triathlons, go to a store with a big selection of road bikes. If you’re looking for a family bike, look for a family bike shop. Just like any business, bike shops are owned by people, and people have personalities and specialities. Checking out a bike shop’s social media presence or website will be a good indicator of their general “vibe” and values.
Plan your visit! Be prepared to test ride - shoes, clothing, mentally ready! Have you eaten a snack? Are you thirsty? I’ve test ridden bikes hungry and it never goes well. The shop should help you find a safe route to test ride on but you’ll likely need to bring your license (or ID) and a credit card to leave as a deposit to test ride.
Ask Questions & Take your Time. A bike is a big purchase - make sure all of your questions get answered. Whether that’s about maintenance, weight limits, or color options, make sure all your questions get answered. Also, be your best advocate and ask for adjustments to make sure the bike fits you. After you buy the bike you can definitely make adjustments to make it fit better, but getting the right size is crucial!
Also, please remember to be kind to the folks working at the shops - they’re essential workers who have endured incredible stress over the past 18 months through COVID as more people than ever sought out bicycles. The entire supply chain is a mess and this includes bicycles - be kind, be patient, and tip your mechanics!
Modifications & After Market Upgrades
Congratulations! You found a bike and love it! Remember there are lots of things you can change on the bike to further personalize it and make it fit you perfectly:
Handlebars & Grips
Saddle (My Favorite Saddle is this one…as I know you’re curious)
Peddles
Tires & Wheels
Phew! That’s a lot of information - thanks for sticking around til the end. Please let me know any questions and happy bike buying!