Buying a New Bike: The 12-Point Plan

Spring is in full swing and many of us are thinking about buying a bike. With literally hundreds of different bike models on the market, it can be really difficult to know where to start looking for a new bike, whether it's your first or a replacement for an old bike.

The St. Petersburg online store of bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles forward78.ru, where you can buy children's, women's, and men's bicycles, gave us some valuable tips that you need to read before buying a new bike.

12 PHOTOS

1. Take your time.

Before you start the process of looking for a new bike, make sure you allow enough time to make the right decision. Haste will not do you any good, and you may get something inappropriate, which you will immediately regret.

2. Set your budget.

Your final bike choice will no doubt depend on how much you have to spend. Be honest with yourself about how much you're willing to pay for a bike, given what you're after. If you're looking for a carbon fiber road bike with a Shimano Dura-Ace groupset and then set your budget to $40,000, you might be disappointed. Bicycles can be bought at prices ranging from 10,000 to 1,000,000 rubles. Be realistic.

3. What kind of bike do you need?

Along with the budget, one of the biggest factors to consider before you start looking for a bike is exactly what you are going to use it for. There are different categories of bikes: road, mountain, hybrid, city, gravel, and everything in between. Do you expect your bike to do everything? Or do you focus on just one type of riding, like on the road?

4. Get Informed

The internet makes it easy for anyone to learn about the different types of bikes, the types of components available, and what each bike part does. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the different parts of the bike to understand the difference between Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM.

5. Ask for advice.

If you have a friend who is good with bikes or who has just bought a bike, ask them for advice. Don't be afraid to ask simple questions, they will probably only be happy to share their knowledge.

6. Ask the experts too...

It's always good to get a second opinion and your local bike shop will be able to advise you on what type of bike to buy and what models it has. Most bike shops carry a limited range of brands, so there may be more available at another store or online. Worth a look around.

7. Don't pay for features you don't need and don't miss out on features you want.

Remembering your initial requirements for a bike, make sure that you are not confused by something new. Do you really need a bike with disc brakes? Do you really need an electronic groupset? Do you really need a rear suspension?

8. Consider where to buy.

The internet is a great way to buy books, music, game consoles, and all, but you don't have to be savvy about these things. A new bike is a very personal purchase, and it's impossible to tell if a medium or XXL frame size is right for you without getting on it. Many shops now offer comprehensive bike fitting services.

9. Make a list of five bicycles.

Make a list of bikes that you like the look of, but try to limit yourself to no more than five models. If you have a longer list, try shortening it. When you start comparing specs, many will have components in common - similarly priced bikes from major manufacturers often have nearly identical component specs.

10. Take a test drive.

If possible, ride the bikes on your list and see which one you like best. It can actually be quite difficult to choose between the two on a short trip - quite often bikes in a certain price range and with the same components will have very similar ride characteristics. In the end, it can all come down to superficial factors, like the look of the bike.

11. Trust your feelings.

Never underestimate your inner perception that you get in the store. Does the staff sell you a bike that suits you, or one that is profitable for them to sell you? Could they be relevant to your situation and needs? Do you trust their advice?

12. Finally, it's time to make a decision.

You know how much you want to spend. You have tried several bikes. We hope you now know exactly which bike and where to buy it. Take action. And then enjoy many happy hours, weeks, and years of riding it.