Performance, comfort, and safety are the three most important characteristics of a good bicycle, and one crucial aspect ties them together more than any other - the fit of the bicycle.
TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT BIKE
#1 DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO RIDE We'll help you identify what type of terrain, roads, or trails you want to ride on - and find the style of bicycle designed to meet your riding needs.
#2 CHOOSE THE FRAME THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU 70% of how a bike rides is determined by the frame. We can help you compare frame materials and workmanship. Handling- How a bike corners, accelerate, climbs and responds. Comfort- How the frame disipates road shock and fits individual rider. Efficiency- How well the bike frame minimizes unwanted flex and transmits power to the rear wheel. Weight and Durability- You want a frame that is as light and strong as possible.
HOW TO JUDGE FRAME QUALITY AND WORKMANSHIP Not all frames are created equal. Ask about and compare the following:
A) Tube thickness and diameter: Thick walled, small diameter tubes or thinwalled large diameter? What really matters is variation in wall thickness, called "butting," that allows the bike maker to vary tube strength, stiffness and flex according to how the bike is intended to perform.
B) Tube shape: It's easier to make round tubes, but a bike with oval tubing has a shorter horizontal cross-section, a longer vertical one. That means side-to-side flex for better handling and more vertical stiffness for better efficiency.
C)Alignment: Sight down the length of the bike. How the tubes are joined should result in a perfectly straight bike.
D) Joint Quality: Tubes are either bonded or welded to brackets. An ideal weld is scalloped and looks like a fanned-out stack of dimes.
E) Warranty: Does the frame builder stand behind the product? It depends on who made it - and where. What exactly does the warranty cover? How well does the manufacturer service warranty claims?
#3 COMPARE SPECS After the bike's frame, evaluate its wheels, suspension and drivetrain components - in that order.
#4 GET THE RIGHT FIT We'll make sure the bike you select is the right size and properly adjusted for optimum performance and comfort.
#5 MAXIMIZE FUN AND PERFORMANCE WITH THE RIGHT ACCESSORIES There's more to cycling than the bike. We'll help you select the 7 ESSENTIALS that keep you and your bike safe, comfortable and efficient.
1) A HELMET protects your most important piece of cycling equipment - your brain.
2) BIKE SHORTS wick away moisture, prevent chafing and pad the largest point of contact between you and your bike - your seat. Once you wear a pair, you'll never ride without them.
3) You can't ride safely, efficiently or comfortable if you don't stay hydrated. BOTTLE CAGES and WATERBOTTLES are a minimal cost that deliver maximum results.
4) Since tires go flat, and flat tires don't roll, you need a FLAT PACK which should include a tube, tire levers, patch kit and pump to save you from a long walk home.
5) BIKE GLOVES pad and protect the second most important area of rider/bike contact- the hands.
6) Proper tire pressure is a simple way to assure a great ride - and a FLOOR PUMP with integrated gauge makes it fast and easy.
7) All the moving parts on your bike need BIKE-SPECIFIC LUBE to work properly, run quietly and last as long as possible.
Imagine how you want to ride and the other accessories you need...
Bike Locks Lighting Systems Cycling Computers Comfort Accessories Bike Racks Shoes & Pedals Cycling Clothing Tools Car Racks Fenders Mirrors Kickstand Bar Ends
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