How to Determine How Much to Spend on a Bike

Shopping for a new bike can seem overwhelming. Once you determine how you plan to use the bike, however, deciding on a budget should be relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

• Bike Shorts
• Bicycle Racks
• Bike Helmets
• Bike Jerseys
• Bike Locks And Cables
• Bike Shoes
• Bikes

Instructions

1. Plan to spend at least $300 on a new bike. If you want to spend less than that, consider looking for a used bike. See "How to Buy a Used Bike," under Related eHows. Quality one-speed bikes and children's bikes can be found for less than $300.

2. Spend $300 to $400 to get a quality mountain bike or a hybrid bike for city riding and commuting.

3. Spend at least $400 on a mountain bike if your plan to ride off-road - it should be able to withstand the extra abuse of riding on rough terrain. Plan to spend $500 or more if you want a suspension fork, which will soften the ride on trails and roads.

4. Understand that road bike prices start at around $500. Again, if you want to spend less than that, look for a used bike - there are particularly good deals on used road bikes.

5. Spend $800 or more on a road or mountain bike if you're fairly sure you're going to get serious about the sport of cycling. This should get you a bike with a good basic frame. You may want to upgrade some of the parts later, such as wheels, pedals and seat.

6. Spend $1,000 or more if you want to race competitively - the bikes ridden by most professionals and top-level amateurs can cost $2,000 or more. The sky's the limit where the newest cycling technology is concerned.

7. Budget for necessary extras such as a helmet, lock, tools and pump.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy your new wheels from a bike shop, where the frames are of higher quality and the workers are more knowledgeable about them than at department or toy stores.

• The best deals can be often found at the end of summer, as bike shops begin to make room for next year's models.