Buying A Road Bike- Determining What You Need

Image via Wikipedia

This is part two of a series of posts on how to buy a road bike. In this part I will discuss how to determine the right kind of bike to purchase.

Before you can even think about buying a specific brand or model of road bike you need to spend some time determining just exactly what “kind” of bike you need (or want). Everybody uses their bike a little differently. Some people race in crits or road races exclusively, while others never get near a start line. Some people ride hundreds of miles each week while others ride 20 miles. You get the idea.

Make A List

In order to help you get the best bike for your needs you should prioritize the importance of different ways you will use your bike. Make a list of the ways you expect to use your bike and then decide which uses are most important to you. Some things to consider might be:

• Average length of ride in miles as well as time.
• Type of road surface you typically ride on (smooth or bumpy).
• Will you ride in a group or solo?
• Do you plan on racing?
• Do you ride mostly level or hilly terrain? How much in each?
• Are you heavy or light?
• Is pinpoint handling important or do you want a stable ride?

Once you have your list it’s time to prioritize that list from highest to lowest. Remember, no one bike can do it all so you need to pick a bike that does what is important to you as well as possible. That’s why you need to prioritize your needs.

Check It Twice

Put your list together and review it a couple of times to make sure you are comfortable with it. Be honest with yourself and your capabilities. Try to come up with a list that really reflects what is important to you. I have put my prioritized list together and it looks like this:

1. Capable of performing well in fast group rides
2. Able to climb and descend confidently
3. Fairly comfortable on rides lasting more than 4 hours
4. Able to be “OK” in the occasional criterium race.

As you can see, I have placed a premium on smooth, predictable handling with good power transfer and efficiency. Comfort is important, but I am willing to give up a little in that department for a “quicker” ride. Racing and pinpoint, almost twitchy handling, is at the bottom of the list. I will do it from time to time but it is definitely not a major priority.

Now that you have your list you can run out and start shopping for your new bike, right? Wrong. Before you even step into the bike shop you need to set a budget. That is what part 3 will cover.

Stay tuned…