Tips for buying the right bike to get started in cycling

It is important to have the right advice when buying a bicycle. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right bike for your needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure you choose the perfect bike for you.

1. What do you need it for?

There are a lot of bikes for sale, and if you’re reading this post, you’ve already noticed this. So, the first question to ask yourself is: What do you need it for? How often will you use it? What distances will you travel? Off-road or on asphalt?

If you stick to the bike path or asphalt and your main goal is to exercise, a road or fitness bike is the perfect choice for you. A touring bike becomes the best choice for short, informal rides with the family.

If you’re going to use it to get around town, a city bike might be the right choice for you.

Want a bike that combines your city commuting and fitness needs? The gravel bike is perfect for you, both for asphalt and rough terrain.

Just want to ride off-road? So, you can’t not opt for a mountain bike. If, on the other hand, you like speed and would like to become a sports cyclist, then a road bike is the perfect choice.

2. How to choose the size of the bicycle

Let’s start getting into the details: sizing is one of the most important decisions.

The first tip for everyone is to “experiment” with sizing. but what does that mean? Ask to try the bike out! Some stores have bikes on loan, if not, there are several events organised by the companies where you can try their bikes.

The two most important measurements on any bicycle for comfort are frame size and saddle height. But attention must also be paid to the correct position of the saddle in relation to the handlebars, and to the height adjustment of the handlebars themselves. In any case, the best option is to still do a test yourself.

A beginner cyclist who mistakenly chooses a shorter bike could experience cramps or thigh pain, for example.

With the introduction of industrially produced frames on the market, the choice of frame size for a bicycle has been reduced to 5 or 6 sizes, like a T-shirt: from XS to XL.

3. How to measure the size of the bicycle

Although it is possible to make a detailed study of the dimensions and posture on the bike, for the sake of simplicity we will indicate below the two most important measurements:

1. Inner leg size
2. Forearm size

At the time of purchase, you can consult the table provided by the manufacturer and, by comparing your data with those published, you will be able to make the right choice.

4. How to measure the inner leg

Barefoot and leaning against a wall, measure from the ground to the point where your inner leg touches the saddle when riding. Tip: Help yourself with the spine of a book, a ruler or a stick, leaning against the wall and on which you literally “ride”. Take the highest point on the spine of the book as a reference. 

5. How to measure the forearm

Simply measure from the elbow to the middle finger from the back of the arm: placing the hand on a table can make the task easier.

6. Measurements for children’s bicycles

The most important rule when making this choice is that your child must be able to put his/her feet on the floor once on the seat. Again, it may be useful to test ride the bike before you buy it. This table can help you in this choice:

More information at www.deporvillage.net

Stefano Francescutti