five typical questions cyclist ask when starting out
What type of bicycle is best for me?
It can be overwhelming to try and pick out a bike. The bike industry has almost niched itself to death with the seemingly endless categories and subcategories of bikes. The majority of people will have a good time on almost any quality bicycle. However, asking yourself a few questions can help narrow down the bikes that would be best suited for your riding style and help you get the most out of your rides.
Ask yourself:
- Where am I going to be riding?
- The main categories of bikes are mountain, road and electric. Mountain bikes are best for off road terrain. road and hybrid bikes are best for getting around town or sticking to pavement. Electric bikes can run the gamut of types of bike, but add a motor to help you go farther and faster.
- Am I riding for fun or competition?
- If you are buying a bike to help maximize your efforts and race results, you will probably want to stick to the higher-end of the scale while a rider just getting some exercise for fun could be happy with a less performance oriented bike.
- Is it important to have cargo options to carry books or groceries?
- Not all bike have the ability to add rocks and bags. If you plan to use your bike to go to school or the grocery store, you will want to make sure it is equipped with the appropriate options to accommodate those needs.
- Will I be riding once, twice or many times every week?
- The more you plan to ride, the better off you will be with a nicer bike. Nicer bikes tend to have higher quality components that will work longer and need less adjustment when being ridden several times a week.
- Do I have any physical limitations to flexibility or balance?
- If your answer is yes, you will want to look into bikes that can help minimize the effects of riding on those limitations. Step-through frames and upright riding positions could make riding more comfortable and easier.
Once you have answered these questions, it's time to narrow down the search. Swing by or shoot us a text (bottom right of your screen) and we are more than happy to guide you through the process.
How do I properly maintain my bike?
Basic bike maintenance is easy and can be done by most riders.
You will want to lube your chain regularly. If you hear it squeaky or it's making a racket, it's probably past time for some lube. A good rule of thumb, if you can hear it, lube it. If it starts to build up black gunk, you're lubing too much.
It's a good idea to check your brake pads periodically to make sure you aren't running metal on metal. This can be done with a quick visual check.
Tire pressure is key to both a smooth ride and to prevent flats. Different tire sizes require different pressures. It's best to check your tire pressure before each ride.
If you have any questions on how to perform any of these items, swing by or shoot us a text. We're always happy to help.
What's the best way to lock my bike to prevent theft?
The most important aspect of locking up your bike is to make sure that you get the lock through the frame. Wheels can easily be taken off and left behind. They shouldn't be used as the major point of contact. If you live in an area where theft is high, we recommend a U-lock for the frame and a good thick cable or a chain that is covered to lock the wheels to the bike.
How do I choose the right bike size?
Rider height is a great starting point. Most bike manufacturers provide a sizing chart that is based on the rider's height. Test riding the bike you are interested in is the best way to determine whether it is the appropriate size or not. While height is a great starting point, other factors should be considered. A rider's reach, flexibility, and leg length can all effect the comfort and fit of a bicycle.
If you'd like help with this process, swing by any of our three locations.
What are the rules for riding a bike safely?
Lights and reflectors are required in many areas and are always a good idea so other road users can easily see you. Rules for cyclists do vary from state to state. We recommend reaching out to your local authorities to learn the appropriate rules to follow when riding on the road or on singletrack.
Have another questions?
If you have a question we didn't cover here, swing by any of our three locations or drop us a questions via the text widget in the lower right corner of this page.