How to Choose a Road Bike

For those new to cycling, finding a road bike seems easy. There's many used road bikes for sale everywhere. There are a few things that every new cyclist should know before choosing a road bike so that you purchase the one that is right for you. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide on price range. How much money a cyclist is willing to put into a bike significantly narrows the number of bikes to choose from, especially if the amount is low.

2. Get fitted. Nothing in cycling is more important than a properly fitted bike. A poor fit can lead to back, knee, shoulder or any number of muscle pains. Many bike shops offer fittings for free with bikes purchased from them, and low cost fittings if the bike is purchased elsewhere.

3. Take advantage of bike shops that offer trial periods. These shops usually let a cyclist take a chosen bike for a few days to a week to try it out. Take the road bike out on a normal ride, and see how it performs.

4. Test used bikes thoroughly. Because new road bikes can be so expensive, many first time cyclists choose to buy a used road bike. This is a great way to get into the sport. However, make sure to fully test all the main parts, such as the gears, brakes and give it a test ride, even if it's a short one.

5. Choose extras that fit specific needs. For instance, triathletes and time triallers may want to invest in aero bars. Track races may want special tires. Commuters may need extra storage space.