Buying a bicycle?

Question

I'd like to start biking for exercise and eventually get in-shape enough to use the bike for short errands.

I haven't been on a bike since I was a teenager. What do I need to be thinking about as I shop?

How do I judge which bike is the right size/shape/durability?

Do I buy from a specialty shop that can help me with that, or do I go to a cheaper store such as Walmart?

Besides a helmet what accessories do I need for biking on suburban streets?

OldHippie · Accepted Answer

Rile #1) DO NOT buy a bicycle from Wally World or any other discount store.  Ever wonder why you can't test ride a bike before the sale at Walmart?  You can at a real bicycle shop.  In fact...a good bike shop will encourage you to test ride more than one.  Walmart bikes are assembled by minimum wage "associates".  Bikes from a real bike shop are assembled by certified bike mechanics.

Rule #2) "Where & How" do you plan on riding?  In other words...DON'T get a mountain bike if you'll never be going off road.  Get a bike designed for what you need.

Rule #3) Bike shop salespeople do NOT work on commission.  A good bike shop will have friendly salespeople glad to help you choose the right size bike.  They come in various frame sizes to fit people from small to tall.  If they don't answer your questions politely & friendly - find a different bike shop.  Test ride bikes from more than one shop if possible.  Go to at least two bike shops.

Rule #4) Yes...you'll need more than a helmet.  If you ever ride at night or predawn, you'll need lights both front & rear.  Mere reflectors do NOT work.  You'll need a water bottle cage on the bike & a bottle.  Also buy an under-the-seat bag to store a spare tube and/or a patch kit, tire levers and a multi-purpose folding tool.  Oh...and a source of air - called a frame pump or mini-pump.  You'll also need a good home use floor pump.  Air pressure in the tires should be checked often.  Some of these items can be found less expensive online - example...Amazon.

Added bonus advice: If it's been a while, start by reading Bicycling Street Smarts.  It's the Holy Bible of how to ride safely on the streets. http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/  Never forget that bicycles are legally defined VEHICLES.  You can also take classes either online or in person from Cycling Savvy.  https://cyclingsavvy.org/  Last but not least...there's a 3 part series on YouTube entitled Cyclist's Eye View.  You can easily find parts 2 & 3 on your own, I'm sure.  Watch them all if possible.  Note that the cyclist NEVER hugs the curb or rides close to parked cars.  In a narrow lane situation, you have ever right to USE THE FULL LANE.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFjCza5e1kw

RaleighBob · Answer

I'll add something perhaps my brother (Old Hippie) forgot.  You mentioned errands.  If you plan on doing any shopping, you'll need a bike that either comes from the factory with a rear rack or a bike that has 'eyelets' to bolt on a rear rack.  Panniers or saddle bags are also a must.

The problem with big box store bikes is, they won't even withstand the weight of a slightly overweight person, much less the added weight from shopping.  Wheels are the weakest part of any bike.  And big box store bikes don't cut it.  Rear wheels often turn out looking like Pringles Potato Chips.  You need double wall rims and at least 32 spokes per wheel.  You sound like a good candidate for a 'hybrid' or 'commuter' bike.  All the major companies like Raleigh, Trek, Fuji, Cannondale & Giant make them.  Fuji has recently dropped prices.  For the bucks, this is a bargain.  http://www.fujibikes.com/usa/bikes/pavement/womens/absolute-st/absolute-2-1-st

One more thing to consider.  Bikes from a bike shop come with a follow up 'service warranty' good for at least one free tune-up as the bike gets settled in.  Some shops will extend this to a year or more.  Let's see Walmart do that.

Below is what a men's hybrid bike looks like with a rear rack & panniers.  Note the mini-pump attached to the seat-post tube.  Everyone gets a flat tire sooner or later.  There's no use in having a spare tube if you have no source of air.  Many bike shops offer low cost or free work shops on fixing flats.

David · Answer

Department store bikes are put together from the cheapest parts by the lowest paid.
Sure, you MIGHT get lucky.
But generally this is a bad place to start for someone inexperienced.
Buy the bike that’ll fit your USE.
DON’T buy a bike to complement your image.
A real shop will help with that and with sizing.

The original Peter G · Answer

If you don't really know what suits you go to a proper bike store. Buying a department store bike may be cheaper at first, but there'll be no support and after all you only get what you pay for

Buying a bicycle?

4 Answers