If you’ve decided to purchase a bike, here are some questions to ask before making your selection.
Consider the type of riding you'd most enjoy. Think about the distances you are likely to travel, the speed at which you will often travel and the type of terrain you will be riding on. Are you looking to commute to work daily on bitumen paths or will you usually take your wheels off-road for a weekend spin on mountain bike tracks?
Choosing the type of bike that is right for you
Road
Light, quick and fashionable, road bikes have become the street transport of choice for many commuters around Perth. These bikes have really come back into fashion recently and are ideal for many bike users as they can easily do long distances at a fast pace. However, do note that the relatively skinny tyres and lightweight wheels, which make these bikes go fast, can also make them susceptible to damage from kerbs and potholes.
Mountain
The upright riding position, strong frame and option to take them off-road have long made mountain bikes a popular choice for leisure cyclists. Many riders find the power of typical mountain bike disc brakes reassuring; however the knobbly tyres that make them ideal for rough terrain also make them slow on tarmac, often negating the advantage of the light frame materials and wheels. If you’re looking to do a fair bit of riding on the road, you can consider fitting slick tyres. It’s also advisable to steer clear of full-suspension if your ambitions don’t involve proper off-road riding – otherwise you’ll be paying for technology you will likely never use.
Hybrid
The hybrid variety of bike is probably the most practical option if you’re looking to get from A to B. Hybrid bikes can come with mudguards, racks for panniers and tougher, fatter tyres than plain road bikes. You can even get a basket on the front if you’re into the latest vintage-style that’s become so popular lately. In other positives, the flat bar and upright design makes for a comfortable ride, while slick tyres mean you don’t have to work quite as hard.
Choosing the size of your bike
It’s important to get the experts’ help on this to ensure the bike you purchase is perfectly suited to your size. Riding a bike that is the wrong size for you can lead to both knee and back problems, as well as make riding extremely uncomfortable. Many bike manufacturers have measurement charts on their website that give you an idea of your perfect fit, according to your height. When you are shopping around, ask your local bike store for advice and get your bike fitted to you before buying.
Accessories and more
Once you’ve purchased your bike it’s time to think about all the accessories that you can buy to use with it. Firstly, you’ll need a well-fitting helmet. You can also decide whether or not to have clip-in pedals but if you do, you will need to purchase specific cycling shoes with cleats to wear. There are many different styles of pedal and it often comes down to personal preference. Clip-in pedals reportedly improve cycling efficiency by up to 30 per cent, so they are worth considering if you’re cycling longer distances.
Lights are essential for any early morning or late afternoon rides you expect to take. You could also consider buying a rechargeable light. Although these are initially more expensive, they will definitely save you in the long run by not having to buy replacement batteries. Good front and rear lighting is also particularly helpful and can help to prevent an accident. Other handy accessories include a water bottle cage – important for staying hydrated while getting around. It’s also wise to carry with you a spare tube and pump in case you get a puncture.
Before hitting the roads, make sure you have the right tools (and knowledge) to replace your tube and carry out any minor maintenance or repairs. Also, a distance and speed monitor is a neat addition and is available from most bicycle shops for about $35. The choices are endless, from basic speed and distance units, all the way to monitors that track heart rate, altitude, wind and power.
Other things to consider include electronic shifting, disc brakes, foldable bikes and carbon frames versus aluminium. Most importantly, one of the best accessories you can invest in is a good quality bike lock that is difficult to remove, such as a D-lock. However, bike locks aren’t 100 per cent theft-proof, so if all else fails, bike insurance can come in handy.
A more connected WA
Cycling isn't just a great way to get around and stay fit and healthy, it also helps tackle traffic congestion and harmful vehicle emissions. Find out more about how RAC is working to support cycling as part of a more connected WA.
Originally published on thewest.com.au
