Choosing the Best Road Bike for You

One thing which cyclists can agree on is the idea that no two people agree on the best road bike. This worries many people who are in the market to buy a new bike. They want to choose a bike which is best suited to their needs. The only problem is finding out which bike is best for them. This is a big decision because good road bikes can cost thousands of dollars. Most people will have to ride the bike they purchase for years to come. It is possible to buy a road bike you will love if you keep a few different factors in mind.

Buy a Bike Your Size

A grown adult would never buy a children’s bike to ride. It is just as ridiculous to buy a full sized bike which is the wrong size for you. Buying the best road bike starts with having an expert measure you. Only by knowing your measurements can you find the bike which best suits your needs. This is because of the reach you have from the seat to the handle bars as well as from the seat to the pedals. Being measured only takes a few minutes and will help to save you from riding a bike which is all wrong for you.

Weighing Your Options

All bikes have a different weight. The weight of the best road bike will make a difference depending on how it is being used. Some people believe the lightest bike is always the best. This is not true if you are doing a lot of downhill riding. It is also not true if the weight of the bike is substituted for strength and durability. Pay attention to the weight of the bike, but always pay attention to what factors helped the bike to achieve the weight it has.

Ignore Everything but the Frame

When looking for the best road bike, it is important to remember everything but the frame can be replaced. Do not decide on a bike based on the gears which are used or the brakes. Do not even pay attention to the seat or the handle bars. The only thing which matters is the frame. All other components can be replaced if you do not like them. Many people will be strictly the frame and add on the components they like. While this is not always a possibility, check into it if you are particular about the components you use.

The Importance of Price

When searching for the best road bike, most people are not worried about the price. This is good seeing as you should be expecting to make a major investment. This attitude will prevent you from making a decision based more on economy than what will be the best decision for the way you ride. The only time price should enter the equation is if you find a few models which are similar in every way other than price. Then, by all means choose the one which will allow you to buy some new shoes while you are at it.

Photo Credits: Global Jet

Originally posted 2010-03-30 03:07:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • cyclingTriathlon Cycling Terms Continued Pinch Flat - This is a flat tire that is caused as a result of hitting an obstacle with a lot of force to the point where the inner tube has been pinched in the rim. Pixie Gear - This is another term that refers to granny gear. Points Race......
  • womanbikingWomens Bicycles Too many people think about the design which was made popular in the 1800’s for womens bicycles. These had a low sweeping top tube to accommodate a dress. These days there is no longer a need for the low top tube. There is however, still a need for a different......
  • marathonThe Secret to Running Marathons Like a Pro Marathons are run in every city. There are some more popular than others. Each offers its own challenges for the participants. No matter what skill level the marathon you are looking to enter, you are sure to want to perform well. This means doing much more than just crossing the......
  • bikeThe Anatomy Of A Bicycle A bicycle is a two wheeled vehicle driven by human power using 2 pedals. The wheels are generally attached to a metal frame, one in front, and one in back. Sometimes the frame is made of carbon fiber, or hard plastics. The first bicycle was originally introduced in the 19th......
  • swimmeetTaking Swimming for Fitness to the Next Level Swimming is one of the few sports in which the entire body gets worked out. This is why so many people are swimming for fitness. They like the idea that 30 minutes in the pool is like an hour on the track. The problem some people find in the swimming......
Online Stores

Guide to Buying a Good Beginner Road Bike

People every year discover a joy never realized before in riding a bicycle. What most people face is a huge dilemma when they go to buy a beginner road bike. Even talking to friends about what they recommend is enough to blow your mind. You end up with a lot of information which does not make any sense to you. What you find out later is there are many different aspects of a bike which make it better suited to one person than another. You have to find what your own personal preferences are.

Starting Off With a Used Bike

Getting you on the road with a beginner bike is the most important thing. Good advice here is to buy one from a bike club, bike shop or the Salvation Army. Before you buy the bike, make sure you get measured to find out what size bike is best for you. You can then buy an inexpensive bike which is well suited to your needs. Make sure to have the bike checked for a tune up by your local bike shop before you hit the road. You should be able to get on the road for less than $100.

Take Some Bicycling Classes

If you live in or near a major city, there is most likely a few different cycling clubs you can join. Joining the club will help you to get lessons on how to more effectively ride your new beginner road bike. As you learn, you will learn all the different features which your bike has and how they help you to ride better. You will also learn which elements you would like to improve about your own ride. Once you have learned the range which your bike is capable of, you will be ready to make a better decision on the bike you will buy.

Pricing a New Bike

Armed with knowledge about what you really want in a good beginner road bike, you are ready to make your first real purchase. You can approach the different bikes available to you with more confidence. While price should not usually be a deciding factor in which bike you will buy, it should be for your first new bike. This is because while you have more information than an absolute newbie, you are still pretty fresh on the scene. Buy a good bike in the thousand dollar range and after a couple years, you will know exactly what $5000 bike you want to buy.

Stepping up to a Triathlon Bike

Many people buying a beginner road bike want it for triathlons. The beginner bike is still a good idea as you get used to riding the bike. You can even complete your first triathlon with a beginner bike. As your skills progress, you will find more benefit in buying a triathlon bike. You will find you are able to run better after the bike portion. You will also find you are able to have less impact on your back muscles. Just make sure you take steps instead of making a blind leap.

Photo Credits: jim212jim

Originally posted 2010-03-30 10:09:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • gearGreat Triathlon Equipment Makes All the Difference Some people think competing in a triathlon means wearing what you would normally wear in the different individual sports. This is not accurate. In fact, you should have special triathlon equipment to help you get the highest level of performance possible. Make sure you choose the equipment which is recommended......
  • kidsbikingMore Children Bike Competitively The popularity of biking in America has meant an increase in how many children bike competitively. There has been a switch between those who bike for fun and those who are biking for a reason. This creates a unique opportunity for parents who enjoy biking and would like to share......
  • bikingfamilyTake the Biking Trip You Will Always Remember One thing many people look forward to every year is a good bike trip. There are others who have yet to take a trip of this nature. The good news is there are so many destinations for the cyclist you can always find a fun and challenging location to travel......
  • bikingFirst Triathlon Fashion for Women Dressing for your first triathlon can be a challenge. It's easy enough to dress to go running, but you'll be cycling and swimming, too, so do you choose one outfit for all three races, or change each time? The time you take between events counts toward your overall time so......
  • cyclingCycling Glossary A good part of understanding your triathlon training and performance is having a grasp on the lingo. Here is a guide to cycling terms that you should know in order to get the most out of your experience. Aero Bar - An aero bar is a type of handlebar that......
Online Stores
amount of time athlete bicycle bikes cadence capabilities competitions cyclists distances endurance exercise finish line fitness flexibility goggles good time handlebars legs money muscles pace pool runners running shoes sessions shape sprint stamina stroke swimmer swimmers torso training regimen transition triathlete triathletes triathlon triathlon bike triathlon events triathlon race triathlons Triathlon Training water bottle wet suit workout