How to Buy a Road Bike

Road bikes are thin-tired bikes with drop handlebars for use on paved surfaces. Before running to the store to purchase one, review these steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cleated Bicycle Shoes
• Padded Bicycle Shorts
• Credit Cards And Loans
• Bicycle Helmets
• Bicycle Seats/saddles
• Gel-cushioned Bicycle Saddles
• Children's Bicycles

1. Decide what you're going to use the bike for: riding locally, racing, or riding long distances and camping.

2. Go to a bike shop and tell the sales staff how you intend to use the bike.

3. When you see a bike you like, look at the wheels. Ask the clerk if the wheels are aluminum or steel - steel wheels indicate inferior quality.

4. If the wheels are aluminum, ask to look at the bike more closely.

5. Test the fit.

6. Request a test helmet and take the bike for a ride. Adjust the bike's seat before your test ride.

7. Test the brakes and the gears. Make sure the bike has a wide range of gears, from easy to harder.

8. Decide whether you want the bike.

9. Ask if you can have a part changed if you want the bike but dislike the part.

10. Haggle over the price; it's often flexible.

Tips & Warnings

• Mountain bikes are frequently less expensive than road bikes.
• Narrow, high-pressure tires get fewer flats but can be squirrelly.
• Resist the temptation to buy more bike than you need. Racing bikes have hard, high gears and are often unsuitable for carrying groceries or taking leisurely rides.
• Make sure there's a warranty, and ask about local repair deals with the shop.

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