Getting started…

If you are interested in buying a road bike there a few questions you should ask yourself that will help you purchase a bike that will be the best fit for you.

1.    Are you a new cyclist? If you are, think about how you envision your riding….long distances, charity rides, commuting, etc.  What are you really going to use this bike for?

2.    Are you training for an event? (Race, triathlon, or fun ride?)  This could help determine things like the weight of the bike, components and possible extras you may want, like aero bars or bottle cages and computers as well as comfort.

3.    Are you looking to commute to work or school?  Commuter bikes can be simpler, sturdier and typically have extras like a rack, fenders, and lights.

4.    What is your price range? Experts say that you should look at a variety of bikes, look both up and down in your price range, take short ride around the block (most shops will let you do this) on a few different bikes to see the differences. 

These questions will help you define the type of bike you are looking for.  The good and bad about buying a bike is the amount of options we have!  More options means you are more likely to find the perfect bike for you but also means there are a lot of decisions to be made!

Once you have written the answers to the questions above, check out the next installments on choosing a bike or visit your local bike shop to get additional help in choosing your bike.

In the next installment we will cover different frame materials.

Contributed by Ryan Bibko, WSU Fix-it Bike Shop Attendant

Helpful resources:

Green Bike Reference

http://greenbike.wsu.edu/media/129005/buying_a_road_bike.pdf

All American Bicycle Center

http://aabikes.com/buyers-guides/how-to-buy-a-road-bike-pg74.htm

REI

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/bicycle.html

Video: http://www.ehow.com/video_4987397_buy-road-bike.html