Articles Discovery on the cycling road Lifestyle Mr Old Man THE “DON’Ts” YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUYING A BICYCLE By Mr Old Man Posted on 2 days ago 8 min read 0 0 4 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr By Mr. Old Man After the Covid-19 pandemic, many people turned to cycling as a way to stay fit, and bike shops became busier than ever. In the rush to get a bike, some folks walk into a shop, ask a couple of quick questions, then pay and ride off with their new wheels—only to regret it later when the bike doesn’t fit or suit their needs. A lot of people have reached out to me for advice on buying a bike because they don’t know where to start. To be honest, I’m not exactly a cycling guru—but I have bought quite a few bikes, and even made a few regrettable purchases. So here I am, sharing my hard-earned lessons in the form of several important DON’Ts: DON’T buy from the first shop you visit If you’re too eager to get a bike, you might walk into the nearest shop and walk out with the wrong one—maybe it’s the wrong size for your height, doesn’t match your intended use, or just isn’t a good deal. Big cities have plenty of reputable bike shops. Take the time to visit a few, compare options, and test bikes that match your body and your goals. DON’T limit yourself to one brand Maybe your friends swore by a particular brand, or you’ve always liked a certain name—but don’t be afraid to try others. Trying out different brands can either strengthen your loyalty or open your eyes to something even better. You might be obsessed with Cannondale, but Trek bikes might surprise you just as much—or more. DON’T buy without a test ride If you buy a bike based only on what the salesperson says—without taking it for a spin—you could be in for a rude surprise. Most bike shops will let you test ride demo models. Take advantage of it. Ride a few kilometers, and only buy if you genuinely feel comfortable and happy with how it handles. DON’T buy online just because someone gave you vague advice Don’t rely on half-hearted suggestions from friends to make an online purchase just because it’s a few bucks cheaper. A poorly fitting bike can turn into a costly regret, no matter how good the deal seemed. DON’T buy unless you’re truly satisfied If a test ride leaves you feeling uncertain—maybe the size is off, or it just doesn’t feel right—then don’t let a discount pressure you into buying it. A bike is a long-term investment. If it doesn’t bring you comfort and joy, you’ll regret spending your hard-earned money on it. If you haven’t found “the one,” keep looking. Be patient. Your perfect ride is out there. DON’T blindly trust the salesperson Be wary if a salesperson ignores your preferences and tries to push a bike that just happens to be in stock. A good shop listens to your needs, offers options, and helps you make the right decision—not just a quick sale. DON’T forget the accessories You may have spent a chunk of money on the bike, but don’t forget the essential extras: a quality helmet, proper cycling apparel, lights, water bottle, mini pump, spare tubes, tire levers… In short, buying the buffalo means you should also buy the plow. The right accessories make your rides safer, more comfortable, and much more enjoyable. DON’T rule out custom builds Biden’s custom bike for Boris Johnson If you’re an experienced cyclist and can’t find a bike that ticks all your boxes, consider ordering a custom-built one. Shops often offer build-to-order services where you can select the frame, style, paint color, wheelset, groupset—and match it all to your budget. Many reputable bike stores even accept online custom orders with detailed configurations, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. LAST BUT NOT LEAST If you can, borrow a bike from a friend or test ride several at a shop to figure out what size and style suit you best. A seasoned cyclist, skilled bike mechanic, or trusted bike shop will have the tools and experience to help you get a bike that fits your size, purpose, and wallet. And don’t be shy—most cyclists are happy to give advice. Better yet, take an experienced friend with you to the bike shop and find the ride that’s just right for you. —- Mr. Old Man, December 2022 —— Photos: From Internet