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Find the right bike for you
SWITCHING 101 | FIND THE RIGHT BIKE | INDOOR CYCLING | BENEFITS OF CYCLING | BICYCLE WEBSITES | RULES FOR THE COMMUTER | CELEBRITY WHO RIDE Find the right bike for you Bike shops don't have to be intimidating. Here's what you need to know to get your new favorite bike (even if the last bike had tassels and a basket). Start by knowing what you want to use the bike for - commuting, long rides, cycling to the coffee shop on the weekend, and so on. You will quickly sift through the multitude of choices. Once you know what type of...
Find the right bike for you
SWITCHING 101 | FIND THE RIGHT BIKE | INDOOR CYCLING | BENEFITS OF CYCLING | BICYCLE WEBSITES | RULES FOR THE COMMUTER | CELEBRITIES WHO RIDE
Find the right bike for you
Bike shops don't have to be intimidating. Here's what you need to know to get your new favorite bike (even if the last bike had tassels and a basket).
Start by knowing what you want to use the bike for - commuting, long rides, cycling to the coffee shop on the weekend, and so on. You will quickly sift through the multitude of choices. Once you know what kind of bike you want, set aside an afternoon to visit a bike shop, says Joanne Thompson, owner and manager of Bike Station Aptos in Aptos, California. “These guys are your go-to source for repairs, tune-ups and cycling advice,” she says. Try a few stores to see the services offered and the models available.
In businessThompson recommends testing at least three bikes (don't be shy, they'll be happy to let you). Climb hills, do sprints, and pay attention to details like how quickly the chain shifts when you shift and whether the brakes are binding. “Make sure you buy the best bike you can afford,” says Selene Yeager, author of Every Woman’s Guide to Cycling. "Pick up a $200 bike and do the same with a high-end model and you'll feel the difference. The cheap bike's heavy frame adds weight you don't want to pedal up a hill with, but what's worse, the cheap manufacturing components mean more frequent failures."
After purchaseGet a professional fitting where a technician will adjust the handlebars, saddle, and even the cleats of your cycling shoes to your size (we also recommend this for your current bike). "Cycling is gentle on your body, but you're in a fixed position making a repetitive motion," says Yeager. "Even on a quick outing, small imperfections – like a saddle that's too high – can cause pain that makes you stop riding." Fees range from $25 for the basics to $150 or more for extras, like a video of you pedaling and an analysis of your form.
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