The sheer number of choices available when deciding on a road bike is overwhelming! I recently went through the process of upgrading my bike and learned a lot about the decisions one needs to make and the choices available for selecting the ideal bike.
This post focuses on the fundamental decisions - and can be used as a step by step process for new and novice riders when selecting a new bike.
(I say new or novice riders because the decision making process is rather different for expert riders)
Buying a road-bike 101
Step 0: I'm going to assume you've weighed the pros and cons and have already made the decision to get into road-biking! Congratulations!
Step 1: The basics : understanding geometries
As you begin your hunt for the ideal bike, you need to first understand the two types of road bike geometries.
- Endurance Geometry
- Race Geometry
Race Geometry: These bikes are designed for speed and have a more aggressive set up. They sport a longer top tube and shorter head tube: giving the rider a more aerodynamic posture for sprinting and racing.
The basic recommendation for a beginner rider is to test ride both these geometries and select a bike that fits just right. The race geometries stretch your torso more than endurance geometries- so one may feel better than the other. For a beginner rider neither geometry is better or worse. Its all a matter of what feels and fits best.
Remember being fast is far more a function of your fitness rather than the bike, or any accessories for the matter, although most road bikers pretend to be willfully blind to that fact :)
Decision: Have an idea of the type of riding you're going to be doing, analyze your fitness levels and keep in mind the different geometries.
Step 2: Decide on a budget
Road biking can be a very expensive sport and the cost of accessories, upgrades and clothing options add up very quickly. I recommend you start off by setting a budget - one for the road bike and another one for accessories.
Before you set your accessory budget here is a basic list of accessories you will need :
- Helmet
- Front and rear lights
- Gloves
- Biking outfit (shorts + jersey)
- Pedals + Cleats
- Biking Shoes
- Water bottle cages
- Water bottles
- A bike computer (or gps) (*optional)
- A heart rate monitor (* optional)
- Spare tubes
- A bike pump
- A patch kit
Step 3: Go on test rides
Walk into your Local Bike Shop (LBS) and test out the bikes that fit your size, riding style and budget.
The most important factor while buying a bike:
The most crucial requirement is to have a bike that is the right frame size for you. Your LBS rep will help you select the right frame size. This is really important because a riders comfort on the bike and his efficiency on the bike is essentially dependent on the right size frame.
Once you know your ideal frame size - test ride the different geometry bikes. Also try out different brands as they all fit a little different.
And don't buy the bike on your first visit. You need to ride a few bikes before you make your decisions - so go to other bike stores and ride the different brands of bikes. You'll soon understand the difference in fit - what feels more comfortable and what doesn't.
After a week or two of test riding - you will have a good idea of the bike you think suits your needs best. This is your bike.
Some thoughts to keep in mind while making this decision:
Q: What kind of components should one get? (and you can spend a LOT of money here).
A: My advice is - buy the best components within your budget.
Q: Should I get a Carbon or Aluminum frame
A: If a Carbon frame is within your budget then go for it.
However if I had to select a new bike - I'd go for an Aluminum frame with better components over a Carbon frame with not-as-good components. Again as a beginner it all comes down to the budget.
Step 4 : Purchase your bike
This may sound basic - but keep in mind the kind of customer service you've experienced at the bike store before you buy your bike. You're probably going to go to this store often - for repairs, general maintenance and accessories - so buying your bike from a store with good customer service will be worth it.
I hope these guidelines are useful and help you have a enriched bike shopping experience. And when you start riding, don't forget to Strava
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