How to Buy a Bike (1/3)

This is the first in a three part series. See also How to Buy a Bike (2) and How to Buy a Bike (3).


Get a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live. --Mark Twain

It is pretty much summer now, and it is a great time to buy a bike. The weather is getting nicer by the day, gasoline prices are at an all-time high, and there's a $600 check in the mail heading your way. There's a lot of reasons to ride a bike--commuting, fitness, fun, just to name a few. However, the process of buying a bicycle can be daunting. How do you start, where do you go, who do you need to know?

There are a few things to think about when buying a bicycle, and having an idea of what you're looking for before you go to the bike shop is pretty key. First, how important are the following elements in a bicycle, to you?

• Style . . . Are you particular about the look, style, and type of bike, or is whatever fine?
  
• Speed . . . Do you want to go fast, or just get there at a reasonable speed?
  
• Comfort . . . Do you prefer a bike with an upright riding position and a big saddle? Or do you like something more spartan?
  
• Utility . . . Is practicality of function your main concern? You might consider panniers and saddlebags, or a step-through frame. This kind of goes hand-in-hand with style.
  
• Price . . . If you want a full-featured bike with all the fixings, or just one to get you from point A to point B.

Think about those elements, and which are the most important to you when considering buying a bike. And look at some bikes. Look online. Watch for bikes people are riding. See if you see anything you like. Then check back here Wednesday and Friday, when we'll go in to depth about what kinds if bikes are a match.