A buyer pondering over which bicycle to acquire at a bike shop.
Buying your first bicycle can be an exciting but daunting task.
With so many factors to consider, it’s important to take the time to research and understand what you’re looking for in a bicycle.
This article is a basic guide to help you make an informed decision when buying your first bicycle, including the factors to consider and the pitfalls to avoid.
When getting a bicycle, it’s important to choose a good brand.
Good brands produce bicycles that cater to all ranges of cyclists and have a good reputation for quality, fit and finish.
Although branded bicycles may cost significantly more, they are backed by a warranty, ensuring that the bicycle is covered if there are any production flaws.
A good brand can indicate a quality bicycle, but be prepared to pay more for this level of assurance.
Your decision to purchase a bicycle will also largely depend on your budget and desired level of performance.
It’s rare to come across cheap and good bicycles, so something has to give.
Bicycle shops cater to cyclists from all walks of life.
As a rule of thumb, good bicycles are made with higher standards using quality materials to take on daily usage and abuse.
Quality parts ensure that the bicycle performs without compromise. Pricing is also determined by the materials used in producing the bicycle’s frame.
Most base models are made with steel or aluminium to keep the price within reach. However, high-performance bicycles made with space-age composite materials like carbon fibre are meant for competitive cyclists and can be significantly more expensive.
The interior of a bicycle boutique located in the Klang Valley.
There are many choices out there when it comes to selecting your bicycle and the type that suits your style.
A trained sales representative offering advice to a customer in a pro bike shop.A trip to the bicycle store will help you narrow down your choice. A decent bicycle retailer will recommend a bicycle frame best suited for you based on height, weight, and usage.
By studying the spec sheets on a bicycle, you will know whether it is made for short leisure rides, commutes or competitions.
With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting our lifestyle, shopping trends have shifted from going into a retail store to clicking, checking out and paying for what you buy on your computer screen or mobile device.
Buying online can also be risky as it prompts one to give their banking details to the retailer. One way to avoid becoming a victim of an online scam is to check the seller’s given reputation and store reviews.
Online shopping platforms are becoming popular, but be wary of offers that sound too good to be true.
Some online stores will offer a refund or exchange if you purchased a product that does not meet your minimum requirement, but check first if there are costs incurred to ship the goods back.
You may not want to spend more or even go back and forth with the seller to negotiate on shipping back the bicycle.
Quality bicycles are manufactured with higher quality control standards to ensure safety and rideability to the consumer.
To conclude, buying your first bicycle can be a fun and exciting experience, but do your homework properly first to understand what you’re looking for to avoid disappointment.
With your new bicycle, acquiring essential cycling gear such as a helmet, riding gloves, water bottle, tyre pump, lights, and cycling wear are next.
There are many online reviews to help you with this.
Lastly, consider joining a cycling community to maximise your riding experience.
Ride safe!
The interior of a bicycle boutique located in the Klang Valley.
A buyer pondering over which bicycle to acquire at a bike shop.
Bicycle shops cater to cyclists from all walks of life.
A trained sales representative offering advice to a customer in a pro bike shop.
Quality bicycles are manufactured with higher quality control standards to ensure safety and rideability to the consumer.
