So, if you are thinking about buying a bicycle, whether it’s for your daily commute, your new biking hobby or for a cycling holiday in the sunshine, then we are sure you will find this Europe Active guide a useful read.
What will you use your
bicycle for?
There’s
a fantastic level of choice available for those of us who are choosing a new
bicycle. But this can make buying the right bike more of a challenge. So, to
help make sure you make the best purchase, then you must be clear on what you
will use your bike for. What type of riding will you do?
-
Or
will you be using your bike for commuting and leisure?
-
Or
will you be using your bike for racing?
Think about the future
Answering
the question on what you will use your bike for means you’ll be better placed
to choose the best type of bike for your needs. And if this is your first bike,
it will pay to think about the future. For instance, if you are a beginner you
may get bitten by the ‘cycling bug’ and your needs may change in the future.
You could soon move from cycling to work to taking on a long distance cycling
holiday.
Size
This is
perhaps the most important aspect of buying a bike. The correct size of bike is
critical for bike safety. And the wrong
size of bike will be of little use and very uncomfortable – for instance, if
you buy a jacket that is either too big or too small for your body then it is
useless. The same is true of your bike.
You’ll
see a range of frame sizes available. But remember that a 55cm frame will still
differ from brand to brand so take on the advice of your vendor to make sure
you are buying a bike that’s right for you.
After
you’ve chosen the frame size, the vendor should help you make the bike fit the
unique elements of your body. They should offer to set and adjust the following
points so they work best for your body:
1.
Seat
height
2.
Seat
angle
3.
Handle
bar width
4.
Handle
bar height
5.
Top
tube length
6.
Stem
length and height
7.
Knee
to pedal axle
8.
Ball
of your foot to pedal axle
9.
Crank
length
Type of frame
The type
of frame you buy is another important element in choosing the right bicycle.
The frame is the centre of the bike and what it’s made of and its quality will
really impact the experience you have on the saddle.
Aluminium
– the better quality aluminium frames are stiff but still light.
Carbon
Fibre – once the domain of performance cyclists are now widely available. Good
quality carbon fibre frames will be light, stiff but comfortable.
A top
tip is to look for a frame which boasts a good warranty as this shows the
manufacturer is confident in its product. And test the bike out on a cycling
route similar to what you’ll be using your bike for – so you can really
experience the difference.
Components, Groupsets and
wheels
Components -
you’ll be able to choose the brakes, shifters and front chain wheels on your
bike. The main options are Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo.
And for groupsets
- you are best to choose based on what type of cyclist you are and what type of
cycling you’ll be doing. Ask your vendor for the options based on whether
you’re a beginner who wants to make the hills easier, whether you’re moving
into racing or whether you’re a mountain biker doing lots of climbing on your
cycling routes.
Wheels
will
affect the feel and speed of your bike. Lighter wheels will give you a faster
ride and lighter tyres will be more responsive to you as the rider.
Essential kit
As well
as choosing the right bike, you need to make sure you have the following essential
items for hitting the road or the hills with it:
1.
Helmet
2.
Lights
3.
Lock
4.
Pumps
– floor and mini
5.
C02
inflator
6.
Saddle
bag
7.
Spare
tube
8.
Repair
kit
9.
Lubricant
10. Water bottle and cage
11. Clothing
12. Mini tools and starter kit.
And finally
Hopefully
this Europe Active guide
to choosing the right bicycle has been a useful read. As and adventure cycling holiday specialist,
we know our bikes and our experience has taught us that the more time you put
into researching your choice of bike, then the more fun you will have on the
saddle.
You can visit our blog too for more cycling tips – including everything
from what to pack for a bicycle holiday through to bike safety guidance. We’re
a font of knowledge of bikes and holidays.
If you want to find out more about Europe Active or about cycling
in Europe in general, visit cycling.europe-active.co.uk for more information.
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