M
MTBiker
Guest
ever bought a bike before? Here are a few things to think about.
Is it roadworthy?
* Do the brakes work?
* Can front and back lights be fitted to the bike?
* Does it have a bell?
* Are there reflectors?
Bike fit
* Is the bike the right size for you?
* Is the riding position comfortable for you?
* Is the seat positioned comfortably?
* Are the brakes and gears in one place and easy to use?
* Do the handlebars feel OK for your back and neck? Can they be adjusted?
Riding comfort
* Is the seat comfortable? Would a specialised women's seat help?
* Will the bike take racks so you can carry your gear in panniers or a basket?
* Take the bike for a test run, including going up a hill - are there enough gears?
* Do you want quick-release wheels and seat post?
Components
* Do you really need that expensive suspension if you only ride on paths and roads?
* Are the tyres right for your style of riding? Trading in knobblies for slicks will make city riding much easier.
The bike shop
* Are they helpful? Or do they prefer to ignore anyone who isn't an elite athlete?
* Do they ask questions beyond your price tag?
Is it roadworthy?
* Do the brakes work?
* Can front and back lights be fitted to the bike?
* Does it have a bell?
* Are there reflectors?
Bike fit
* Is the bike the right size for you?
* Is the riding position comfortable for you?
* Is the seat positioned comfortably?
* Are the brakes and gears in one place and easy to use?
* Do the handlebars feel OK for your back and neck? Can they be adjusted?
Riding comfort
* Is the seat comfortable? Would a specialised women's seat help?
* Will the bike take racks so you can carry your gear in panniers or a basket?
* Take the bike for a test run, including going up a hill - are there enough gears?
* Do you want quick-release wheels and seat post?
Components
* Do you really need that expensive suspension if you only ride on paths and roads?
* Are the tyres right for your style of riding? Trading in knobblies for slicks will make city riding much easier.
The bike shop
* Are they helpful? Or do they prefer to ignore anyone who isn't an elite athlete?
* Do they ask questions beyond your price tag?