I think the main criterion for choosing a bike *shop* rather than a bike is: do they listen to what you want or try and sell you what they have? And the second one is can you test ride the bike before you buy it? Sometimes if a shop has a mostly male clientele they won't have frames in the sizes that fit women and if they're not big enough to carry a lot of stock then you might be stuck ordering something sight unseen. Taking someone along is the best way to avoid being panicked into buying something you don't want (I'm terrible with salespeople, they can generally sell me anything if I'm on my own). If you take a bloke along, avoid the shops that talk to him instead of you. Go round a few, try as many bikes as you can, sleep on it, then go back and buy the one that made you smile.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
Where should I buy a bicycle?
(33 posts)- Started 11 years ago by Marianne
- Latest reply from chdot
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Posted 11 years ago #
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@Marianne, whether a bike will last depends on a few factors. You probably know most of these but no harm mentioning a few of them I hope.
Quality of components is certainly one thing to consider, but unless you are purchasing a really cheap bike (below £250 new) then this is less of an issue than some would have you believe. The vast majority of bikes one sees advertised in the UK are designed with fitness/leisure/sport riding in mind. The expensive bikes are generally lighter, their components may work more smoothly or give more functionality. However they will not necessarily last longer than less expensive ones.
Another factor is frequency and type of use. If the bike is going to be used every day, in all weathers, for medium distance, carrying heavy bags then components are clearly going to wear out relatively quickly: less so if the gears are sealed into the rear hub and chainguard than if they use a derailleur. Most bikes that are only used infrequently, on short journeys, carry light loads, or are kept for dry weather, will last for decades if stored in a dry place.
Finally maintenance is important. The more the bike is used, the more dirt and water gets into the components. Bolts and screws gradually rattle loose, oil and grease starts to dry out or become contaminated with dirt. Tyre rubber gets thinner, picks up stones, bits of glass, cuts. Cleaning the bike regularly and checking tyres are inflated; oiling the chain; making sure nuts, bolts and screws are tight; adjusting brakes. These can all be done by the rider. A periodic service at a good local bike shop will stop more major problems developing over time. How often this is carried out really depends upon how much the bike is used and under what conditions.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Of course you may find this useful -
http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10056&replies=9#post-109085
Lots of
weirdhighly individual bikes (and their owners).Peer, ask, try.
Posted 11 years ago #
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