Bicycles are great for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, exercise more, or leisurely explore their city or outdoor trails. If you’re new to the cyclist community, explore our beginner’s guide to buying and owning a bike below!
What To Consider When Buying a Bike
Its Purpose
The first thing to consider when shopping for a new bike is how you’ll use it. Will this bike be your new way to commute to work, or will you use it primarily for leisurely weekend rides? Do you want a capable road bike, or do you need a mountain bike best suited for beginners? Once you decide the basic purpose of your future bike, you’ll narrow down your choices significantly.
Your Budget
Of course, whether you’re shopping for a bike, a car, or a house, you’ll want to plan a budget and stick to it as best you can. Knowing the bike’s functionality will also help you set a budget—if this is your primary transportation, you can invest in a more high-quality model than something you plan to ride just for fun. Also, consider the many essentials and ancillary gear cyclists need when setting the budget.
The Beginner’s Guide to Owning a Bike
Cycling Gear Essentials
Now that you own a bike, you’ll need the cyclist’s essentials. This equipment will keep your bicycle operating smoothly, securely, and comfortably. Some of the essentials every cyclist needs include:
- Bike lock
- Lights
- Helmet
- Spare tire tube
- Tire levers
- Multi-tool
Storage Considerations
Now that you’ve got a bike, you’ll have to figure out where to keep it! If you’ll have to store the bike for months in the winter, you’ll want a storage area or garage that’s spacious enough to keep your bike safe but well out of the way of other items, vehcles, or pathways. There are also plenty of vertical bike storage options, so consider whether bike storage hooks or racks will suit your needs. You just need to find the right fit for your bike and situation.
We hope our guide on buying and owning a bike makes it easier for beginners to find their ideal bike and take care of it well. Luckily, there are tons of resources for cyclists, beginners, and veterans, from online forums to cyclist clubs, so if you still have questions, it won’t be hard to find answers!
