Choosing a beginner bike
196
Member
1113 days
Tri Hard posted 2 years ago.
One of the things I would stress, especially for a beginner bike, would be the service policy of the bike shop you are buying from. Some shops you're on your own when you take the bike out, others will offer free tunes, adjustments, discounts on accessories and a professional fit with purchase these things are going to much more important than any small differences in components and frames. Beyond that pick a bike that you are comfortable on from a shop that is helpful.
PS make sure you get a bike that looks good (at least in your mind) this way you'll get out and ride more :)
16
Member
1867 days
lowlight posted 2 years ago.
the number 1 thing with your bike, this is more important than what it is made of, who makes it, etc. the most important thing is FIT!!!! if the bike does not fit correctly you will hurt, you will not produce your maximum power, you splits will suffer, and you will not enjoy riding/training. so how do you get a bike that fits? many shops will look at you and say "i think you need a XXcm bike" but that is not a fit. how do you know what angles and lengths feel right for you? Serotta is a custom bike maker that has what is called a Serotta fit system, it is a stationary bike where every angle and length is adjustable. plus your fit specialist has been trained to set you up right. once you get done with the fit, usually a 2 hour process. you will know exactly what fits you. then you can buy a properly fit bike. just because you did a Serotta fit doesn't mean you have to get a Serotta frame, get whatever you want, just use the fit data to make sure it works for you. check out http://www.serotta.com/pages/size.html for more details.
169
Member
1202 days
jess1 posted 2 years ago.
Find a shop you like!
Fit is great and should be number one, but i think being comfortable in the shop where you bought your bike is really important. I bought my first bike at a shop and took it back a few days later just because I didn't like the mentality they ran it with( a guy wanted a refund on a multi-tool and they wouldn't give it to him or even try to work anything out despite being a frequent shopper there) or impersonal nature. I later payed 100 or so more dollars for the same exact bike in a shop even farther away and couldn't be happier with my decision.
Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana.
82
Member
780 days
Paintrain posted 2 years ago.
I would have to agree with Jess1. Besides if you find a good reputialble bike shop they will understand how important fit is and they should fit you. I was in the same position you are looking for a bike. I went to 3 different bike shops im my local area. The 1st one was a family owned place and everyone there was really friendly... the owner explained everything I ever needed to know about a bike. He even said I could take the bike out for a test ride during one of there 23 mile group rides. When I visited the second shop I was standing around for 5 minutes without anyone every noticing so I left. The third place was fine but they were more interested in what they thought I needed instead of what I wanted plus there test ride was in the parking lot... what the hell could I tell about a bike by riding it in a parking lot. So I ended up getting something from the 1st bike shop and I did pay a little bit more but with the support the shop provides I think it is worth it in the end.
What am I on? I'm on my bike busting my ass 6 hours a day... What are you on? - Lance Armstrong
Can anyone suggest a good beginner (I stress BEGINNER) bike. I have looked at GIANT, TREK, DAWES, and SCHWINN. Also, I am just starting to train (on my own) and am looking at an impending Northeast snow season. Any feedback/advice would be greatly appreciated.