Road bikes are all constructed slightly differently. This makes some bikes more comfortable for some people than others; bikes are designed for different riding styles as well. Even an inexpensive road bike will set you back a few hundred dollars, so you want to make sure you get the right bike. Here are three tips to consider when buying a road bike.
Where and how long will you ride?
Different bikes are made for different types of riding. Long-distance bikes tend to be very lightweight because moving them forward for hours at a time tends to require a lot of energy on their own. They are also made for riding on pavement, so they have skinny tires that don’t provide a lot of cushion for different types of terrain. If you want to ride around the neighborhood with your family, you may consider a heavier bike with bigger tires that will comfortably cover a lot of different types of terrain.
How much do you want to spend?
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time on your bike, you’re going to want a strong, lightweight frame made of carbon or aluminum, and an excellent braking and shifting system. Bikes like this can set you back a grand or more. Before you run in and drop down your platinum card, however, you might consider buying a used bike first or even borrow a few bikes from friends to get a feel for what works best for you long-distance. If you want a bike to ride casually now and then, you’re probably looking at around $300 -$400 for a bike you will actually want to ride.
What type of frame works best for you?
Most of the components on a bike can all be changed out, including handlebars, seat, wheels, drive train and suspension. As your needs change, you can always change the components on a good frame rather than investing in an entirely new bike. What does not and will not change, however, is the frame. Different frames are made for different body types, and some feel more comfortable for some people than others. The only way to truly find the best bike for you is to ride a lot of bikes to see what works and what doesn’t.