How do I find the perfect bike for me?
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. In most European countries, the bicycle market is doing very well, in all kinds of different segments. People are buying more and more electric bicycles, but also racing and professional bikes are selling very well. So much so that some bike shops are having trouble meeting demand, which is why some bikes have long delivery times.
If you don’t have a good bike yet or you want to buy a new bike because you want to start cycling for example, it is sometimes difficult to choose the right bike that suits you. This can also be difficult when buying a pedelec, because this market has only been around for a relatively short time. Nevertheless, there are several points which everyone should take into account. Whether you are a fanatical cyclist who uses your bike every day, or someone who uses it for occasional, relaxing rides.
First of all, you need to decide what kind of bike you want. Do you want a very sporty racing bike with all the features you need to make long trips as quickly as possible? Or are you looking for a decent city bike with as little maintenance as possible? It is also possible that you are looking for a middle way. For example, a sporty bike with low maintenance. If you have made this choice, you can start looking for a suitable bike for you.
A frame that suits your body shape is very important. You have different frame shapes, for example for an easy entry. There are also frames for very small or very tall people. It is important to make the right choice. After all, it is not possible to change this characteristic afterwards. If you choose the wrong frame, you can suffer from unpleasant back or knee complaints due to an incorrect sitting position. If you are in doubt, it is wise to get good advice about this aspect of your new bike.
It is also good to determine in advance which brand appeals to you. Bike brands often have a clear message and focus area. The brand that appeals to you is likely to have a bike in the range that is right for you. Once you have found the right brand for the bike you want to buy, you can move on to the next step.
That is whether you think it is important to buy a new bike, or whether you would rather go for a second-hand one. The obvious advantage of a second-hand bike is of course the price. They are generally much cheaper than a new bicycle, while it does not have to mean that it is any less good than a new one. The advantage of a new bike is that the salesperson can make and adjust it to your needs. In addition, shops often provide a guarantee and offer services such as maintenance after you have purchased a new bicycle.
Important aspects of a new bicycle are the different parts that are on every bicycle. For example, it is very important for your safety that you have brakes on your bike that work properly. Many people only pay attention to whether their brakes are hard enough, but another danger is that they brake too hard. If the brakes are incorrectly adjusted and they are braking too hard, you could fall over when you reflexively squeeze them. The bike’s suspension must also be properly adjusted, otherwise it may be very uncomfortable. In addition, the wrong suspension in the bike can mean that you suffer from physical complaints if you cycle frequently.
In addition to the components that should be present on the bike itself, it is also very important to keep safety in mind. Do you often cycle in the dark? Make sure you have good lighting on your bike, both at the front and the back. Ideally, this should be present on your bike, but otherwise you can also buy separate bike lights that can be mounted on the bike. If you use separate lights, remember to take them off when you park your bike. Don’t forget the bell, so you can let people know you’re coming if you want to overtake or make a turn.
Finally, make sure you have a good helmet. Many people have trouble wearing a bicycle helmet. It is sometimes uncomfortable and it does not always look good. But for safety’s sake, we always advise you to wear a bicycle helmet. Not only when cycling, but also when cycling on a city bike. It may seem exaggerated, but if you have an unfortunate fall with your bike, you will be glad you chose to always wear a helmet.
Take your time when choosing the right bike for you. It is often a purchase that costs a lot of money. It can also be very annoying if you choose the wrong one, because you will probably use the bike a lot. Therefore, it is worthwhile to buy the perfect bicycle. If you have any doubts, be well informed. Many shops and specialist shops employ people who know a great deal about bicycles. These specialists are often very knowledgeable about the perfect bike for you. Before you decide to buy, of course you should read the reviews of the company you want to work with.
