5 tips for buying a new bicycle
As the price of petrol and cars continue to increase, cycling is becoming increasingly appealing.
And there are many good reasons for that.
Not only is it a great method of exercise but also a way to explore your city and the surrounding area.
It can also be faster than sitting in traffic or waiting for a delayed train.
Cycling has become very popular in most parts of South Africa. Bicycle options have therefore increased at the same rate. How many gears do you need? How much should you spend? Do you go for a cute or a sleek racing bicycle? These are some of the questions you might ask yourself. Shopping for a new bicycle can be a daunting task. And the thought of making the wrong decision can put people off the idea altogether.
It’s important to conduct proper research before you make the purchase. You should also visit different bicycle and cycling shops, to give yourself an idea of the different options. Buy the bicycle that’s right for you and your needs. When searching for a bicycle, make sure you get the most bike for your money.
Here are a few things you need to know when shopping for a new bicycle.
Narrow your search
Start off by creating a budget. That way you know how much you’re able to spend on a bicycle. Then, try to focus your options to two or three models based on your budget. Just as you test drive a car, do the same with a bicycle. Test ride it for at least 15 to 20 minutes, even longer if it’s allowed. Before you hit the road, ask for fit adjustments and a quick tutorial of how the bicycle operates. This will help with the purchasing decision. If you have any questions regarding your test drive or about the bike itself, don’t hesitate to ask the salesperson.
Don’t settle on a specific bicycle
You shouldn’t buy a bike just because it’s on special. If you don’t like the way it looks or handles, don’t buy it. If it doesn’t fit quite right, opt for another one. And if there isn’t one with a great deal, rather wait a few more weeks. That way you’ll ensure you get a bike that’s best for you. Remember, you’ll own your bicycle for a couple of years and spend plenty of hours on it. Therefore, you should be really comfortable with the package you’re getting. The last thing you want is to kick yourself and wonder why you didn’t wait a couple more weeks for a better bike or deal.
Engage with the salesperson
The salesperson at your local bicycle shop will likely have a fair amount of knowledge about bikes and how to operate them. When shopping for a bicycle, especially if it’s your first time, feel free to ask questions. There is plenty of information about different bikes available online, so it’s easy to think you don’t need any assistance. However, when buying something like a bicycle, it might be better to spend a few minutes with a salesperson. They’ll tell you everything you need to know about the bike. They also have information you might have overlooked online. So, when engaging with the salesperson, make sure they ask you as many questions as you ask them.
Shop for a bike according to your needs
Do you have a specific reason for buying a bicycle? Perhaps you want to exercise, try out a new hobby or just use it to commute to work. Whatever your reason, make sure you shop for a bicycle that will satisfy your needs. You should be honest about the type of riding you’ll do and put your focus on those strengths when shopping for a bike. If you’re going to use the bike to commute to work, you can’t buy a racing bicycle. It’ll be uncomfortable and won’t be used for its purpose. Take a look at any bikes that need significant modification to work for you. Swapping parts regularly can become expensive. A few tweaks and changes are fine but if you find yourself with a list of things you’d like to change, rather opt for another bike.
Ask about discounts and special offers
Buying a bicycle is almost like shopping for a car. That means you shouldn’t buy a bike without negotiating for a better price. And it won’t do any harm to ask the salesperson whether they have any discounts on offer. Or if you know they have a sale on a specific bicycle at a specific time, rather go and shop at that time.
Shopping for a bicycle doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can have fun with this. So, whether it’s your first or sixth time shopping for a bike, consider these five tips.