If you haven’t ridden a bike since you were a kid, you might be in for a bit of a shock. With people from all walks of life turning away from cars and opting for environmentally friendly bicycles, the technology and engineering for these devices have changed rapidly. Not every bike has to break the bank; you just have to know what to buy.
For those who are looking for a new bicycle – whether it’s to make your commute to work eco-friendly or simply to enjoy the outdoors — we’ve got the perfect guide to help you find what you’re looking for.
IMAGE: PIXABAY
Determine Your Budget
One of the first things you’ll have to figure out when you’re shopping for cheap bikes is your budget. Depend on whether you buy them new or used, bikes can end up costing anywhere from $50 to $500. Before you go in looking anywhere, it’s important to sit down and really figure out what it is you can afford to spend. That way, you’ll know exactly how much bang you can get for your buck.
What Material Do You Want?
After you’ve figured out what your budget it, next you’ll need to consider what material it is that you’re looking for. Frames can be made up of a variety of metals; although, they’re mostly made up of steel, titanium, aluminum, or carbon. Each metal has its own set of benefits, so this step may take some time. For example, steel is inexpensive, but it’s also significantly heavier. Titanium is expensive, but they are also comfortable. Taking the time to research each material before you select a bike is important.
What Wheels Will You Need?
Once you know the material you’re looking for, it’s time to focus on the wheels. While almost all premade bikes are going to come with wheels, you may not want to keep them. When you buy a cheap bike from a bike shop, they will typically come with wheels from the manufacturer to help keep the price low, but If you’re looking for a quality bike, don’t be afraid to ask to have them swapped out. In general, you’ll want to choose wheels on the lighter side if you plan on climbing much with it and wheels on the heavier side if you plan on using the bike for training.
What Components Are You Looking For?
If you’re looking for a road bike, one of the deciding factors will be the components of your bike; specifically, you’ll be looking at the drivetrain. Largely, this is a choice of preference. Keep in mind that drivetrains can get terribly expensive, although this won’t be what most need for a daily bike. For the most part, the difference between the top-tier and the second-tier drivetrains are the weight. Don’t be afraid to try a few out before you settle on which one to buy.
Make Sure You Have The Right Fit
Whether you’re buying a new bike or buying it used, you need to make sure to try out the bike properly before you make an investment. Every bike will feel different for everybody and after you take each one out for a spin, you’re going to notice that they won’t all fit the same. The best thing you can do is take the time to properly test each bike before you buy it.
While bikes come in all shapes, sizes, and material, it doesn’t have to be intimidating to purchase a new one. Our best advice is to take the time to really figure out what exactly you need. How often do you plan on using your bike? What qualities will you need? Once you take a moment to figure out what it is you need, you’ll be well on your way to building the perfect bike.
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels then we have a lot to choose from.
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