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How to Buy a Bicycle
Many people run to their local discount or department store and purchase whatever the salesman says is a good bike. More often than not, the bicycle is not ideal for the owner. Here are some steps and tips on choosing the right bike for you.
Decide what type of riding you are going to do. Are you riding around town,
or just cruising the beach and local neighborhood? Do you want to ride fast, or do
you want smoothness and comfort?
Fit is everything. If the bike is not properly fitted you'll be
uncomfortable and you won't want to ride. Be sure to test ride several sizes
and models for comfort. Are you too stretched out? Can you clear the top
tube on the frame when off the seat and standing on the ground? Are the
controls easy to use and reach? Keep in mind there are many adjustments that
can be made to accommodate a rider, but the frame size is fixed.
Sit on and if possible "test ride" several models.
SoCalBicycles offers free test rides. Try to avoid a bicycle sold at
discount or department stores such as Target, Walmart or K-Mart. While they
carry such brands as Schwinn and Mongoose, these bikes are low-end
models, designed to attract customers by low prices. Schwinn and Mongoose bikes in
department stores are not the same bicycles you'll find in a
professional bike shop. They are just stickered to look that way—steer clear
of these bikes if at all possible. Keep in mind, discount store bicycles are
frequently assembled by non-professionals and often suffer damage from poor
adjustments, incorrect tools and many varied assembly errors. In the
long-run this could prove dangerous to you as a rider. Lastly, these retail
stores do not offer a test ride, nor will their inexperienced sales staff be
able to help or advise you to fit or adjust your new bicycle.
Determine the correct frame
size by sitting on or riding many bicycles and finding what "feels"
comfortable for you. This includes the distance from the seat to the ground
and the angle at which you have to lean to hold the handlebars.
Determine the amount of money that you want to spend. There's no use looking
at $1,000 bikes when you only want or need to spend $200. Also try to factor
in accessories and components—getting racks, locks, baskets, etc. when you
make your purchase.
Compare the components of one bicycle to those of another. This step may
take a little time, but it is well worth the effort. Components usually make
up most of the bike's value, so don't compromise the importance of this
step. Keep track of all the benefits and downsides to each model and its
features.
Decide what aspects are most important to you and go for the one that fits
you best yet offers the best value.
Remember, you get what you pay for! Inexpensive bicycles tend towards
frequent maintenance, and may not be properly sized for your body structure.
This may result in general discomfort when riding the bike for prolonged
periods, or it may be as severe as aches in the knees or lower back. If you
purchase a cheap bike, and you do not enjoy riding it, you'll soon stop.
You'll almost certainly find riding the newer bicycle vastly more pleasant
than the cheaper bike. The more expensive and better quality bikes tend to
be lighter weight than the cheaper models, allowing you to travel faster and
further, cutting travel times and physical effort spent. It's doubtful a new
$79 bicycle will last even 2 years. Considering the longevity of the newer
and better quality bikes, you'll find that amortized expenditure is significantly less than a
year's worth of fuel for a car!
How to Buy from Us
1.) We accept cash.
2.) Or you can use your VISA or MasterCard. Sorry, at this time we do not accept personal checks.
Because we do not ship our bicycles, they require local pick up. All of our bikes (both new and used) are fully assembled and ready to ride. Tires are already inflated to factory specifications. Seat and handlebar heights can be easily adjusted to best fit your riding. You are welcome to inspect and or do a personal test ride prior to your purchase. Please note, bicycles marked Sold are no longer in stock.
Please feel free to call and arrange your next bicycle purchase.
SoCalBicycles: Riverside, California 92508 / Because we do not have a retail store, our address does not appear on our website. Bicycle sales and test rides are by appointment only. Please feel free to call us and we'll arrange a time that best fits your schedule.
Phone: (951) 300-8035
Email: info@SoCalBikes.com
