You Gotta Love Your Bike Part II

You have decided on the bike that will best suit your riding goals (fitness vs. road bike) and now you have to decide exactly which bike to get of the several styles available.

 

There are different levels of bicycles within each category and just like when purchasing a car; you get what you pay for. Each level of bike will come with a higher quality derailleur, or wheels, or frame materials. If you are relatively new to cycling, this is the point when you don’t want to let yourself get talked into buying a very sophisticated bike just because you can afford it. You haven’t ridden enough miles yet to know what you want and the subtly of how an Ultegra derailleur performs vs. a 105 derailleur is probably not worth the hundred dollar upgrade. This is my opinion and I’m sure that there are others who would disagree and tell you to buy as much bike as your budget will allow. They can give you their opinion in their blog.

 

Since we have broached the subject of price, let’s talk about that for a minute. You gotta love your bike which means you have to be comfortable with what it costs. If you have to take a little extra time to save the money to buy the bike you want, that’s fine. The extra time will be well worth it. If you splurge and buy a bike that is on the north side of your budget, you won’t feel right about it and ultimately, you will ride the bike less. Your health and your well-being are extremely valuable so honor them with an appropriate place in your budget.

 

Your friendly bike shop person should guide you to selecting a bike that is the correct size for you. The first step in this process is typically done by having you stand straddled over the top tube of the bicycle and then lifting the bike by the handlebars and seat until the top tube rests gently against your anatomy. The wheels of the bike should be 1-2 inches off the floor if the bike fits your inseam.

 

Bicycle frames are measured in centimeters and come in sizes like 48, 50, 52, 54, etc. Most people can ride two different sizes. For example, I can ride a 52 or a 54. If you are between sizes (like me) I suggest that you go with the smaller size. It is easier to make a bike that is slightly too small a little bit bigger than it is to make a bike that is slightly too large smaller. These adjustments are typically made by changing the length and/or angle of the steering stem (the piece that connects the handlebars to the bike). I made the mistake once of buying a road bike that was slightly too large and I have never felt 100% comfortable on it no matter what adjustments I make.

 

If the bike shop doesn’t have the bike you want in the correct size for you in stock, they can order it! Don’t let yourself get talked into buying a bike that doesn’t quite fit you just because it’s the only one they have in stock at the time, even if they offer you a discount for buying now. The few dollars you save now won’t be worth the hours you will spend fidgeting on the bike and griping about how your shoulders hurt and your knees ache.

 

Last but not least, is the issue of color. You have to know how important color is to you and then choose your bike accordingly. I have one friend who loves color. She is really inspired by bright, high energy colors. She picked a road bike that happened to be predominantly white so she had the bike shop put on colorful turquoise water cages and redo the handlebar wrap in bright pink. We now call it the “Easter bike” but the point is that she loves the colors and that makes her happy about her bike. If you don’t like the color yellow, I suggest that you don’t buy a yellow bike. On the other hand, don’t buy the blue bike just because you love the color blue even though the bike if the wrong style and wrong size for you.

 

Shop around until you find a bike that meets your needs, fits your body and your budget, and shines with colors that make you smile. Think of this process as one of your first cycling adventures. Don’t rush it. Savor the search. After all…you gotta love your bike.