Things You'll Need:
- Internet for research
- Pencil and Paper
- One or Two good Bike shops in your area
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Step 1
How are you going to be using your new bicycle? Are you going to be road racing, BMX, track racing? A velodrome? Off-road, trail or mountain biking? Commuting to and from work? Just getting in shape? The first thing you will need to ascertain is the terrain where you're going to be riding your bike. This will help you narrow down questions of weight, frame, suspension and tire width.
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Step 2
What is your budget?Generally speaking, the two most important cost considerations when purchasing a bicycle are comfort and efficiency. Unless you are willing to spend a thousand or more dollars on a new bike, you will have to sacrifice a little of one for more of the other. Someone who wants a comfortable ride for a commute in to work every day may have to give up a light frame for a sturdier model. Someone who wants a fast, light bike for long-distance road biking may have to give up the stability and traction wider tires can afford.
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Step 3
What's your size?A good bike shop will be able to measure and fit you for a new bike in minutes. Their measurements will tell you how large a frame you should get - vertically and horizontally -- for the ultimate riding posture and to prevent injuries. Most reputable bike shops will let you test-ride their models on premesis. This will also help you to choose the right bike for you.
