As a kid, most of us rode bikes. We wanted a bicycle with the latest <enter style-color-name-accessory here>.
As an adult, it becomes a lot more complicated. So much so, that even though our article is pretty comprehensive, there are enough factors involved that we probably won’t cover everything. In particular, highly customized options.
What’s my timing?
This is first because it’s absolutely critical.
The straight scoop is? If your choice is not in stock, expect to wait. Several months in most cases.
So whenever you finish deciding what you’re getting? It’s probably best to buy it right then and there.
Because the clock starts ticking when you order and pay for it. No matter which manufacturer, make and model you decide on.
Prices are going up. With supply and demand a factor, costs have already risen 5% in the last 4 months alone.
What’s my plan?
First you should ask yourself, what am I going to use my bicycle for? Will it be exercise? How about racing? Perhaps biking mountain trails? Commuting to work?
That will help decide where you intend to bike. Will I be using it in rough terrain? Solely biking in the city? Somewhere in between? More than one use?
How often do I think I’ll be using my bike? Every so often? Casually? Almost daily?
These are the questions that will get you started in determining the factors leading you to the bike selection that’s best for you.
What kind of bike should I get?
We found out in the course of our research in Selecting OUR Bikes (for our Travel Blog during COVID), that there are a myriad of things to look for in selecting your bike. Using the answers to the questions above, you will be able to narrow down the best bicycle for you.
You’ve already figured out by now which category you land in. Mountain bike, racing bike, regular bike (paving only), or hybrid for use on paving or gravel trails. Hybrid bikes have become more popular in recent years as the bike allows the rider to traverse multiple terrains.
This is one of the few cases where size matters. In particular, bicycle manufacturers account for the size difference in individuals. For those who are smaller, the ability to reach the peddle can be a big deal. For those who are larger, they don’t want their knees practically hitting their face as they peddle along.
How should I customize my bike?
Your intended use leads you to selecting the most appropriate seat/saddle, type of handle bar, the weight of the bike, type of brakes, and crossbar versus low-step.
Since most bicycles come with a standard seat, swapping out your seat may make sense at the ordering stage. That is, if the seat you think you’ll need is available from the bike manufacturer. If not, it also fits in the accessory section and is further addressed below.
Handle bars are pivotal to your experience. They control the position of your upper body. If you’re a casual biker, then most likely you’ll want handle bars that allow you to ride in an almost vertical position. If you’re conditioning or speed racing you’ll want the handle bars that lower the body, hence also lower the air resistance (drag).
The weight of your bike is critical. Weight equals speed. Typical bike weight for the average user? 15-20lbs. Mountain bikes require more structural strength, so those bikes tend to weigh more. Speed racing bikes are specifically engineered to weigh the least possible and still have a strong enough frame to handle the stress. Understand that the greater the weight, the more effort required to power it. With all that said, you can’t just say “I want a bike that weighs X lbs”. If you’re looking for a bike of a certain weight, that will drive the manufacturer, make, and model of the bike you ultimately select.
Disk brakes versus brake pads. Brake pads are definitely cheaper and work for almost everyone. However, if there’s water involved, the safest route is disc brakes. With brake pads you run the risk of slipping while braking if they’re wet.
The crossbar or “low-step”? This is more of a preference of mounting and dismounting a bike. If you find it difficult to swing your leg over the back for whatever reason, then a low-step would appear to be the better option.
Electric bikes?
There are also quite a variety of electric bikes available now. They may be cool, but they’re a simplified motorcycle with lighter regulations. Most people use them to commute in the city.
Because of the technology and motorized nature, expect to pay a lot more than a basic bike.
We’re not spending a lot of time on electric bikes as it is a different market entirely.
What accessories should I consider?
All you get is the basic bike. It seems like everything is an accessory nowadays.
But that’s not a bad thing. Not everyone needs every accessory.
Here’s just a few of the available accessories for biking with some explanation as to their benefit and use:
- Helmets are listed first because we’re no longer in the 60s when everyone thought a helmet wasn’t cool. That is, until the concussion data came in and those who wore helmets faired much better than those who didn’t. Suddenly every parent started outfitting their kids along with themselves, so now pretty much everyone wears one.
- Lights/flashers are not just for night-time cycling. Motor vehicle operators aren’t as able to see cyclists as well as other motor vehicles. With a flashing light, it forces them to notice and adjust their driving accordingly.
- Kick stands are pretty self-explanatory. If you think you’ll need to stop and dismount, and would like to keep your bike in a vertical position, you’ll need one.
- Fenders are most important if you plan on riding through any water or mud. Even some paved trails have water flowing over the trail or standing water.
- Water bottle holder – either this or a camelback backpack work well. The advantage of the water bottle is that it is right in front of you and doesn’t add as much weight or heat if you’re cycling in the summer. The camelback may be more practical to drink while biking (instead of stopping like we do to drink the water bottle).
- Bike rack – it can be quite handy if you plan to pick anything up along the way. Especially if you have a rack with a bag attachment that you can remove. You can also carry bike tools, spare tire, etc. without having it in a backpack.
- Mirrors are only necessary if you are uncomfortable looking behind you while cycling. There are mirrors for your helmet, and there are mirrors that attach to the handle bars. Both can be adjusted to your view as you’re cycling.
Bikes start with a saddle or seat. Depending on your use and the bike you order, you may want to swap the seat out for something more fitting to your use. Seats come with cushions and shock absorbers for extra comfort. Be careful not to have too much cushion though. Cushion wear and cushion seats can actually create a friction causing some severe chaffing.
What about biking wear?
You can ride your bike with street clothes, but you may not want to.
Clothing can be critical, again depending on usage. There are all sorts of options available.
There are the cushion wear or padded shorts mentioned earlier, pants that withstand wind and rain, all sorts of jackets and hats. This is where function meets fashion, and where everyone’s personal taste kicks in. Our best advice here is to decide what kind of biking you’ll be doing and what functional clothing you’ll need to meet that kind of biking.
After that it’s time to go shopping for cool looking bike clothes!
Will I need to transport my bike?
Unless you’ll be riding your bike only directly from home, you’ll need to figure out how you intend to transport it from one place to another.
Some have a vehicle large enough to place the bike inside. This is fine, but keep in mind in most cases the bike is not particularly stable. That means it could move around a bit. If this is not an issue, then you have your solution!
Most of us opt for the outside rack. The two basic options are the trailer hitch rack, or the rack that attaches to your car. There are a variety of manufacturers and types to check out.
We chose the trailer hitch rack because we knew we may be riding longer distances. Plus, we wanted a rack that would allow us to access the hatchback area of our SUV. Once we made that decision, we knew we needed to install a hitch first. Understand though, with some vehicles, a hitch may not be an option.
The wrap up
Essentially what you want to do is go through all the details you can think of.
But remember, your first task is to figure out which bicycle works best for you. Then order it straight away.
While you’re waiting for the bike to come in, you figure out the accessories that will be attached to the bicycle. Just doublecheck in case there’s a “lead time” on any one item though.