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What Should I Consider When Buying a Road Bike?

Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco

If you are thinking of buying a road bike, there are many things you need to mull over. If you have already decided that a road bike, rather than a mountain bike, is the right choice for you, then here are some other things you need to keep in mind while evaluating your options.

The most important consideration when buying a road bike is a correct fit. Choosing the right size bike means you will ride more comfortably and waste less energy when cycling. It also means you will avoid back pain and make riding easier on your body. Try several angles. Look for the right size, the right bike for your fitness level and riding experience, and the right model for your age. Do your research before heading to the store, and then ask a lot of questions once you are there.

Correct fit is the most important consideration when selecting a road bike.
Correct fit is the most important consideration when selecting a road bike.

If price is not an objection, consider buying one that is on the top end of your budget. Cheaper bikes tend to be heavier, which can put an extra burden on your body, especially if you are not in the best shape. You can get a cheap road bike for under $150 US Dollars (USD), but you need to shop around and try several on for size. Once you break the $500 USD barrier, you are bound to get a higher quality road bike, though you could easily spend up to $3,000 or $4,000 USD.

The types of paths that will be used are important when deciding on a bike.
The types of paths that will be used are important when deciding on a bike.

Keep material in mind when choosing a road bike. Steel is affordable, hard-wearing, and easy to repair, but it can also rust if not treated appropriately. Titanium is expensive, but you cannot find any better material for a road bike frame. Titanium gives bikes a special bouncy feeling which many cyclists swear by when it comes to comfort and easiness of riding. Carbon fiber is a new material that only recently has become popular. Carbon fiber makes a road bike extremely light, rust-free, and shock-resistant. Not all road bike brands manufacture models using carbon fiber, but this is an option you should at least consider.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

@rundocuri- Titanium bikes are nice, but can be expensive. It think that if you plan to use your new road bike a lot and spend a lot of time in the elements with it, you should invest in a titanium bike. However, if you don't plan to ride if frequently, you will probably be quite satisfied with a steel bike and the money you save by choosing this material. Just be sure to keep it clean and dry by storing it indoors when you are not using it so you can prevent it from rusting.

Spotiche5

@rundocuri- I think that titanium bikes are definitely worth the cost. Not only are they durable, but they also operate very smoothly. I also like the fact that titanium is lightweight in spite of being durable. This comes in handy when taking your road bike along on trips and long rides.

Rundocuri

I'm looking for some advice from people who have owned titanium bikes. I want to buy a road bike, but I'm concerned about the higher cost of titanium bikes. However, I also want to buy a quality bike that will last, so I don't mind spending the money if it's worth it.

Talentryto

Road bikes can be costly, especially if you get one that is made of high-quality materials and craftsmanship. That's why it's a wise idea to shop around and look for sales before you buy one.

I bought a road bike last year, and I was surprised at how much prices varied from store to store. Checking out several stores that carry road bikes definitely saved me money on my bike purchase.

But I would have spent a lot more if I hadn't found a great sale.

Many stores that sell all types of bikes offer special sales throughout the year. The savings that are offered during these sales can be significant. All you have to do to catch road bike sales at stores in your area is check sales flyers each week or look online to find the best price available.

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    • Correct fit is the most important consideration when selecting a road bike.
      By: Stefan Schurr
      Correct fit is the most important consideration when selecting a road bike.
    • The types of paths that will be used are important when deciding on a bike.
      By: david hughes
      The types of paths that will be used are important when deciding on a bike.