There are many things to think about when shopping for a new bike. There are many different bike types, styles, and sizes out there, so you need to research before buying.
For example, compare the benefits of a road bike vs. a hybrid, and make sure you consider bike weight.
It turns out heavy bikes are becoming less popular as strong and durable lightweight bikes take the cycling world by storm.
Ready to experience the benefit of riding light? Here’s how to buy a lightweight bike online.
1. Do Your Research
Not all lightweight bikes are created equal, so you need to research to get the best value for your money.
Review online reviews of various lightweight bike models to see what others think of them.
How durable are they? How well do they perform? How comfortable are they to ride? These factors should influence your decision about which bike you should purchase.
2. Narrow Your List of Preferred Bikes
Once you’ve researched various bikes, it’s time to narrow down your list.
Here are a few factors that may help you decide which bikes are your favorite:
- Aesthetics
- Style (road bike vs. hybrid)
- Wheel type
- Price
- Color
- Accessory compatibility
- Maintenance needs
These and other factors can help you narrow down a large list of bikes to a narrower one. Once you have a few bikes that you like, search for them online.
You’ll eventually need to narrow down your selections to just one bike, but for now, see what online stores offer the top two or three bikes you like.
3. Know Your Measurements
Whether you’re shopping for comfort bikes or road bikes, you need to know your measurements before you buy.
Getting the right bike fit is a little more complicated than finding the right pair of jeans. You’ll need to learn how to measure yourself correctly in several key areas.
First, measure your total height. For the most accurate results, having someone else do this for you while you stand straight against a wall is best.
Next, measure your inseam length. This is the most important measurement to take when shopping for a new bike.
To find out this measurement, stand against a wall, straddle a book between your legs as if you were sitting on a bike (with the book spine up), then mark where the book’s spine meets the wall with a pencil.
Next, measure the distance from the mark down to the floor. This measurement is your inseam.
Compare your inseam to the listed stand-over heights for bikes. If your inseam is 30”, you’ll want to shop for a bike that has a 29” stand-over height.
You can find additional bike sizing guides online. Review them to ensure you get a bike that fits your body well.
Now that you know how to find the right lightweight bike, shop out there! You’ll love how much easier it is to handle a lighter bike than a heavier bike.
