To purchase bikes online, you don’t need to be a semi-pro cyclist, but before checkout, there are some essential things you should keep in mind. And even though you are considering purchasing one online, there is a valid fear of buying a large piece of equipment without checking it first. But there are benefits to purchasing a bike online: a wide range of sizes, designs, colors, and costs, and the obvious convenience factor. Follow this step-by-step guide to researching and purchasing a bike online to make you feel confident and excited about getting on the road with your purchase.
Identify the kind of bike that suits your requirements
There are lots of different bikes-cruisers, commuters, hybrids, and road and mountain bikes for a range of sports. Getting a good idea of how you want to use your bike will help narrow your quest immediately and give you a happier result.
Be prepared to invest a little more than you thought at the beginning
As high-end road bikes can start at the thousand-dollar mark and easily double from there, newbies would likely experience sticker shock. Do your homework, read the feedback, and set a reasonable budget, but realize that the bike’s actual cost will end up being more than just the price tag. Additional charges for manufacturing, storage, and gear would be incurred. In the unlikely case that your bike is ever stolen, you might also want to consider insuring your bike if it’s not under a homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
Ask all the questions in mind that you have
You don’t want to buy an expensive 16-speed road bike, only to discover four months later that what you wanted was a flat handlebar single-speed hybrid. It is simpler than ever before to ask questions digitally and get answers from real people with systems such as live chat, email, and social media in place. To answer all your questions and concerns, make sure there is someone on the other end. You want someone to understand the product, help you troubleshoot, help you customize, or give you the best advice on what to do next, particularly if you’re new to cycling.
Choose the size and fit that is acceptable
Bikes come in sizes, and choosing the correct frame size (online or in-store) for your body means the difference between an ergonomically smooth ride that you can take as far as you want or an awkward position that after a few miles set you up for strains and pains. Typically, your fit is based on your inseam – if you’re not familiar with your ideal size, this may seem a little tricky to handle virtually, but most companies would have a sizing chart to help guide you. Bust out the measuring tape and follow the instructions unique to the brand. You can make changes to seat height and handlebar reach when your bicycle arrives, helping to customize the overall fit.
