The Chicago Tribune reports that asking where you should buy a bike rather than what bike to buy will contribute more to your purchase satisfaction. A good bike shop will help you get the proper fit — increasing the odds of you riding the bike more and getting more value out of it. Services like after-purchase adjustments and a six-month tune-up will help maintain that fit. According to Tim Blumenthal, president of People for Bikes:
“The difference in a bike feeling pretty good and really good can be just a couple turns of a screw”
Usually this personal advice and attention will be found at an independent bike shop, rather than a mass merchant. You may end up paying more for a bike at a small shop, but it could be worth every dime if it means you get a more expertly assembled bike that fits you best. Remember too that bikes sold in Australia must meet relevant safety standards.
For more tips on buying a bike, including how much to spend, check out the article linked below. Or share with us your own tips for choosing a bike.
Buying a bike? Exercise Savvy [Chicago Tribune]
peter
Friday, May 27, 2011 at 11:40 AMgreat article. I would also add that the best place to get your bike serviced is somewhere that only services bikes and does’nt sell them
steve
Friday, May 27, 2011 at 1:13 PMThe big one I can offer: make sure it has half-decent brakes and gearing. I went for the cheap end of components with my last bike, and regretted it ever since.
Jack Cola
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 10:48 PMI purchased a bike from Kmart, and it literally fell apart while riding (the pedal keeps unscrewing). I took it back a few weeks later to get it repaired, and they said it was malicious damage and would cost half the amount of the bike to re-attach a peddle.
With a heated discussion over the phone with the store manager, I got my money back