Without a doubt, the bicycle is the most expensive of all the triathlon gear you will ever buy. So it’s helpful if you know what you need, what you want, and what your options are before you set out to buy a new bike.
How do you know if you even need a new bike? How do you know what to look for? Here are a few good reasons to get a new bike:
- This year’s model is 20% more rigid, 12% lighter, 7 % more aerodynamic and only 33% more expensive.
- If you don’t buy a new bike, it means you will be riding a bike that is potentially slower than you could be riding. That’s a painful thought isn’t it?
- It’s cheaper than upgrades. If you took your bike apart and tried to buy the components separately, it would be twice as expensive – you might as well just buy a new bike!
- New equipment gives new inspiration. If you’re struggling with inspiration to train, buy a new bike. There is a something about riding a new perfect bike that will guarantee to pump up your training to a higher quality for a while.
Now the question remains how do you find the perfect bike? Here are some tips on what to do and how to do it:
Start at a bike shop
Begin your search at an actual bike shop so you can benefit from the knowledge and experience of trained professionals. It also means you will have a bike warranty, and people you can call or go see if something goes wrong or you have a question.
In addition, most bike stores will let you take the bike out for a spin and this is where you’ll start to feel some of the differences of price ranges, makes and models. You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it first, so don’t buy a bike without taking it out for a spin first!
You’ll be thankful for the relationships you build with the guys at the local bike shop. You may pay a little more for the cycling gear, but it will be worth it for the cycling knowledge and guidance you get from the owners.
Free tune-ups, maintenance and other perks are also often a bonus at your local bike shop. Make sure to ask!
Make sure the size fits
The single most important thing in buying a bike is making sure you have the right size. This means frame size, seat size and handle bar height. You need to be comfortable in order to produce power and prevent injury. The guys at the bike shop will know exactly what frame size you need. Many bike manufacturers have their own sizing guidelines, so if you can narrow it down to a particular model, you can use the manufacturer’s sizing chart. You can also use this online calculator. This online bike fit calculator also includes a triathlon bike fit. If you’re in between sizes going with a smaller frame will give you a more aggressive quick feel and a larger size will be a bit more comfortable.
Triathlon bikes to not come with pedals, so you’ll need to purchase a set of pedals and cycling shoes. Be sure to bring your cycling shoes and pedals with you when getting fit for the bike.
Three contact points are critical
This includes the handlebars, saddle and pedal/shoe combo. Making sure that you are happy with these three contact points can go a long way toward making your ride more comfortable and fun. These are all personalized parts, and your bike shop should be able to work with you to exchange the parts to get you exactly what you want.
Good Wheels
Most bike manufacturers include wheels that are below the level of the rest of the bike in order to hit a certain price point. So wheels are often an important item to consider upgrading at the time of purchase or soon thereafter. The right wheels can make a basic bike faster, while subpar wheels can make an exceptional bike feel average – trust me wheels matter.
In the end it all comes down to what bike best fits your personal intentions. If you can’t decide between two bikes, and they have all the same components, then pick the one in your favorite color! If you need help to decide which bike is best for you, contact me today so I can help you find the perfect bike for you!
