How to Buy Your First Bike 

I’ve bought and sold a lot of bikes over the years. Here are some thoughts on how to buy your first bike.

I advise buying a used bike made by one of the major brands to get a feel for the sport then upgrade accordingly. I think this is a better option than buying an inexpensive off-brand bike that may have mechanical issues in the future. 

There are a lot of different types of bikes.  Here is a breakdown of the most popular types.  

Road Bikes

A road bike is a bicycle designed for riding on paved roads at high speeds. It typically has narrow, smooth tires, dropped handlebars, and a lightweight frame made of materials like carbon fiber or aluminum.

Advantages of road bikes

is its speed and efficiency. The narrow tires and lightweight frame allow for quick acceleration and minimal resistance, making it ideal for longer rides and races. Additionally, the dropped handlebars provide multiple hand positions and help reduce wind resistance, making it easier to maintain speed over long distances.

Another advantage of road bikes is their versatility. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including commuting, fitness, and racing. Additionally, many road bikes have the ability to add accessories like racks and panniers for carrying gear, making them a practical choice for touring or bikepacking.

Disadvantages to owning a road bike

One potential downside is the cost. Road bikes can be quite expensive, especially those made from high-end materials like carbon fiber. Additionally, they require regular maintenance, which can also add up over time.

Another disadvantage of road bikes is their lack of stability and comfort on rough or unpaved roads. The narrow tires and lightweight frame make them less suited for off-road or gravel riding. Additionally, the aggressive riding position and hard saddle may not be comfortable for everyone, especially those with back or neck issues.

Overall, a road bike can be a great choice for those looking for speed, efficiency, and versatility. However, it’s important to consider your needs and budget before making a purchase, and to try out different styles and sizes to find the one that’s right for you.

Mountain Bikes

A mountain bike is a type of bicycle that is designed for off-road riding on rugged terrain. It has several features that make it different from a road bike, which is designed for smooth roads and high speeds.

Advantages of Mountain Bikes:

1. Versatility: Mountain bikes are designed to handle a wide range of terrain, from rocky trails to steep hills. They have wider tires and stronger frames, which make them ideal for exploring new trails and going on adventures.
2. Durability: Mountain bikes are built to withstand the rigors of off-road riding. They have sturdy frames, suspension systems, and powerful brakes, which make them more durable than road bikes.
3. Comfort: Mountain bikes are designed with comfort in mind. They have a more upright riding position, which reduces strain on the back and neck. They also have suspension systems that absorb shocks and bumps, making for a smoother ride.
4. Fitness: Riding a mountain bike is a great way to improve your fitness. It provides a full-body workout that strengthens your legs, arms, and core.

Disadvantages of Road Bikes:

1. Limited Terrain: Road bikes are designed for smooth roads and high speeds. They are not suitable for off-road riding, and can easily get damaged on rough terrain.
2. Comfort: Road bikes are designed for speed, not comfort. They have a more aggressive riding position, which can be uncomfortable for some riders, especially on longer rides.
3. Maintenance: Road bikes require more maintenance than mountain bikes. They have thinner tires that are more prone to punctures, and their components are often more delicate and expensive to replace.
4. Cost: Road bikes are often more expensive than mountain bikes, due to their lightweight frames and high-end components.

Summary

If you’re new to cycling and considering what bike to purchase, a mountain bike may be a better choice if you’re looking to explore off-road terrain and want a more comfortable and durable ride. However, if you’re primarily interested in speed and plan to stick to smooth roads, a road bike may be a better choice. It’s important to consider your riding goals and preferences when choosing a bike.

Gravel Bikes

A gravel bike is a versatile type of bicycle that is designed for riding on a variety of surfaces, including paved roads, gravel paths, and dirt trails. It has features that make it different from both road and mountain bikes, and can be a great choice for cyclists who want a bike that can handle a range of terrain.

Advantages of Gravel Bikes

1. Versatility: Gravel bikes are designed to handle a range of terrain, making them a great choice for cyclists who want to explore different types of riding. They have wider tires than road bikes, which provide more stability and control on rough surfaces.
2. Comfort: Gravel bikes have a more relaxed riding position than road bikes, which can be more comfortable for some riders. They also have suspension systems that absorb shocks and vibrations, making for a smoother ride.
3. Durability: Gravel bikes are built to withstand the rigors of off-road riding, with strong frames and components that can handle rough terrain.
4. Speed: While not as fast as road bikes, gravel bikes are designed for efficiency and speed. They have lighter frames and components than mountain bikes, which can make them faster on smooth surfaces.

Disadvantages of Gravel Bikes

1. Limited Speed: Gravel bikes are not as fast as road bikes, which are designed for high-speed riding on smooth surfaces. While they can handle some paved roads, they may not be the best choice for competitive road cycling.
2. Cost: Gravel bikes can be expensive, as they require specialized components that can handle a range of terrain. They may not be the best choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.
3. Maintenance: Gravel bikes require more maintenance than road bikes, as they are designed for off-road riding and can be subject to more wear and tear. They may require more frequent cleaning and upkeep.
4. Limited Terrain: While gravel bikes can handle a range of terrain, they may not be suitable for extreme off-road riding. Cyclists who are interested in more challenging mountain biking may want to consider a dedicated mountain bike.

In summary, if you’re new to cycling and considering what bike to purchase, a gravel bike may be a great choice if you want a versatile bike that can handle a range of terrain. It provides a comfortable ride, efficient speed, and durability but may not be as fast as a dedicated road bike or as suited for extreme off-road riding as a mountain bike. It’s important to consider your riding goals and preferences when choosing a bike, and to test ride different options to find the best fit for you.

Electric Bikes

An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is a type of bicycle that is powered by an electric motor. It provides riders with a pedal-assisted boost, making it easier to ride longer distances or tackle hills. E-bikes have several advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional road bikes.

Advantages of Electric Bikes

1. Easy to Ride: E-bikes are easier to ride than traditional bikes, as the electric motor provides a pedal-assisted boost. This makes them a great choice for beginners, older adults, or anyone who wants to ride without getting too tired.
2. Extended Range: E-bikes allow riders to travel longer distances than traditional bikes, as the motor provides an extra boost. This can be especially helpful for commuters or riders who want to explore new areas.
3. Environmentally Friendly: E-bikes are a more eco-friendly mode of transportation than cars or motorcycles. They produce zero emissions and use less energy than traditional vehicles.
4. Fitness: While e-bikes provide a pedal-assisted boost, riders still need to pedal to move the bike. This provides a workout and can help improve cardiovascular health.

Disadvantages of Electric Bikes

1. Cost: E-bikes can be more expensive than traditional bikes due to the added cost of the electric motor and battery. They may not be the best choice for riders on a tight budget.
2. Maintenance: E-bikes require more maintenance than traditional bikes, as they have more complex components. The battery and motor need to be charged and maintained regularly.
3. Limited Speed: E-bikes are limited in their top speed due to regulations in most countries. They may not be the best choice for riders who want to go very fast.
4. Heavy: E-bikes can be heavier than traditional bikes due to the added weight of the motor and battery. This can make them harder to transport or store.

In summary, if you’re new to cycling and considering what bike to purchase, an e-bike may be a great choice if you want an easier, more efficient way to ride. They provide a pedal-assisted boost that makes riding longer distances or tackling hills easier, but can be more expensive and require more maintenance than traditional bikes. It’s important to consider your riding goals and preferences when choosing a bike, and to test ride different options to find the best fit for you.

Hybrid Bikes

A hybrid bike is a versatile type of bicycle that combines elements of both road and mountain bikes. It is designed for riders who want a bike that can handle a range of terrain and riding styles. Hybrid bikes have several advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional road bikes.

Advantages of Hybrid Bikes

1. Versatility: Hybrid bikes are designed to handle a range of terrain, from paved roads to dirt trails. This makes them a great choice for riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of riding styles.
2. Comfort: Hybrid bikes are designed with a more relaxed riding position than traditional road bikes, making them more comfortable for some riders. They also often come with suspension systems that absorb shocks and vibrations, providing a smoother ride.
3. Speed: While not as fast as traditional road bikes, hybrid bikes are designed for efficiency and speed. They have lighter frames and components than mountain bikes, which can make them faster on smooth surfaces.
4. Durability: Hybrid bikes are built to withstand the rigors of off-road riding, with strong frames and components that can handle rough terrain.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Bikes

1. Limited Speed: Hybrid bikes are not as fast as traditional road bikes, which are designed for high-speed riding on smooth surfaces. While they can handle some paved roads, they may not be the best choice for competitive road cycling.
2. Cost: Hybrid bikes can be more expensive than traditional road bikes, as they require specialized components that can handle a range of terrain. They may not be the best choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.
3. Maintenance: Hybrid bikes require more maintenance than traditional road bikes, as they are designed for off-road riding and can be subject to more wear and tear. They may require more frequent cleaning and upkeep.
4. Limited Terrain: While hybrid bikes can handle a range of terrain, they may not be suitable for extreme off-road riding. Cyclists who are interested in more challenging mountain biking may want to consider a dedicated mountain bike.

In summary, if you’re new to cycling and considering what bike to purchase, a hybrid bike may be a great choice if you want a versatile bike that can handle a range of terrain and riding styles. It provides a comfortable ride, efficient speed, and durability, but may not be as fast as a dedicated road bike or as suited for extreme off-road riding as a mountain bike. It’s important to consider your riding goals and preferences when choosing a bike, and to test ride different options to find the best fit for you.

How to Buy a Used Bike

First, go to your local bike shop and get measured to figure out what size bike you need.  You can also get advice on what type of bike is best for you. The type of bike that’s best for you will vary based on where you live, where you are going to ride, your fitness level, and how much money you want to spend. Your bike shop will be happy to show you used bikes they have available for sale that may fit your needs. 

If you can’t find the right bike at your local bike shop, not to worry, you’ve got options.  

1. Hit up your friends and family. Maybe one of your friends or family is one of the people that bought the $12,000 bike and put it in their garage! You never know until you ask.

2. Pinkbike is a fantastic place to find a great used bike that’s the right type, size, and price.  I have used PinkBike for years and have had nothing but great experiences both buying and selling bikes. You could also take a look at Facebook and Craigslist as well but be careful of scammers.

The great thing about the used bike strategy is that you can sell your first bike and move to something else or upgrade as you progress in the sport. I bought my first mountain bike from a bike shop in Los Angeles for $200. It was a Univega, heavy, and didn’t have any shocks, and I loved it. 

Links to other stuff you may be interested in

How to dress for cold weather cycling

How cycling makes your life better

What a cyclist should eat and drink on every bike ride

John