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Step 1
Define your objective as a rider. Are you interested in long to medium rides to improve fitness? Are you interested in touring or racing? Or will you use the road bike for commuting to and from work? Knowing your objective as a rider will determine the type of road bike that will most fit your needs.
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Step 2
Consider the number of gears you want the road bike to have. According to AA Bikes, cyclists who are reasonably fit and planning to bike on flat to rolling terrain should consider a road bike with a double chainring and 8 to 10 rear cogs. The triple chainring has easier gears and is great for hilly terrains. While most reasonably fit cyclists can sufficiently train with an 8-cog cassette (e.g., 8 gears), adding additional gears will provide greater pedaling efforts and allow for more control.
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Step 3
Consider price. According to BethelCycle.com the following price guide should be used:
$1,500 to $2,500 for a beginner road bike
$3,000 to $4,500 for a custom road bike -
Step 4
Purchase the frame, wheels and other components at the same time to avoid expensive upgrading costs later. To ensure a great fit, all components should be fitted at the time of assembly and thus should be purchased at the same time. Negotiate discounts when building a new road bike.
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Step 5
Shop around. Use an online source like Road Bike Review to stay current with new products and compare pricing across multiple sources. To purchase your road bike, consider an online source like TrekBikes.com, TheBikeShack.com or BikesDirect.com. To build your road bike from the frame up, consider an online website like BethelCycle.com. Professional bike fitters are on staff and can help you choose the correct parts and components.
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Step 6
Consider purchasing a water bottle and cage as well as a helmet and pump for use when riding.
