Road Cycling - Buying a new bike? Look over here...

Thought I would start a thread that might answer some of the frequent questions that we are getting asked on this forum. Let's start the rules off by relating what we have learned through our own purchasing experiences. If someone has a better idea, feel free to hijack it in any direction you want - I assume no ownership!

One of the most important things I have learned in all of my way too many purchases is that this won't be the last bike I will every buy. It will never be perfect and I'll always want something better in few years. However, I have also learned not to let your S.O. in on this little secret. ;)

I think the first three things I learned about buying a new bike are as follows:

1. Fit is important
2. Fit is important
3. Fit is important

After that I'm open to debate! :p

Every one has different opinions on what bike is the best, test ride as many bikes as you can and decide for yourself what fits your needs.

1. Fit is important (very True)
Amazing how much satisfaction you can get from a properly fit bike, not just frame size, but also seat height, most LBS will fit you to your bike.

One of the most important things I have learned in all of my way too many purchases is that this won't be the last bike I will every buy. It will never be perfect and I'll always want something better in few years.

In my case..... It won't be the last bike I will ever build. It will never be perfect and I'll always want something DIFFERENT in a few months...

1. money aside, get what YOU will be happy with a year or 2 from now when money is no longer an issue with the bike. This made the difference for me in determining whether to get a $1k bike and $1.3k bike with similar components. I was happier with an al frame with cf seatstays than just front fork being cf and rest being al.

2. after sales care is a big plus. The trek store had higher prices on the Trek bikes than their other manufacturer counterparts at other LBS. Service didn't end after i recieved my sales receipt. I'm a newbie and never used clipless pedals. when i came in to purchase mine, they let me try on a few different pairs on my bike...something other lbs around my area said "no" to right after inquiring about it. the store was also kind enough to help me get used to clipping in and clipping out. free tuneups for the life of the bike and free adjustments for the life of the bike. I've gone back in 2 times for some refits and have been repositioned after a pretty comprehensive fit. First time was after switching from thick soled shoes to road shoes. second time when i started paying attention to strains and pains and noticed a slight pain in my left shoulder. no charge.

3. what bike will you be happy with
4. what bike will you be happy with

:P

melloboy

If you're planning to buy something from a private party over the internet (eBay or classified ad), then for crying out loud use escrow! It's a small price to pay for absolute piece of mind.

The ONLY site to go through is escrow.com.

And to add to above...

- Test Ride, and test ride often
- Search thru this Forum

And here's some pretty useful information for those seeking to justify a quality bike from an LBS Vs. one from a Dept store :

bikesrnottoys (http://www.bikesrnottoys.com/)

Fit is important! yes!
However, sometime, we buy a bike on-line without the benefit of test ride or fit test.
If you are in doubt about the size of the bike (with in a couple of cm) go for the smaller frame. It is possible to compensate for a frame that is a couple of centimeters smaller by seat post, and stem. It is impossible to do anything about a frame thats too big (hacksaw?). So my advice is: when in doubt, get the smaller frame..