Share: Share this article on Twitter Share this article on Facebook

The Best Bikes for Beginners

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

The Best Bikes for Beginners

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

Ask A Lawyer
Share

Getting into biking, whether you are doing so for fun or for functionality, can be intimidating. With so many options available, how do you know where to start? While a clerk at the local bike shop can help narrow down the choices, do some quick overview of the basics beforehand so you know what they're talking about. Here's a guide to the best bikes for beginners.

Choose a Bike to Fit Your Needs

There are a few different types of bikes, and you should choose one based on your needs. While there are dozens of categories, like BMX bikes, tandem bikes and fixed gears, your first bike will probably fall into one of these categories:

  • Mountain bike, used for rugged terrain but can also be used on pavement
  • Road bikes, meant for riding around on pavement and built for speed
  • Hybrid bikes, which are a combination of the above and are great for commuting
  • Cruisers, casual bikes that you might find at a boardwalk or on the beach

Depending on whether you plan on using your bike as a means of transportation, for recreation or for both, make sure you pick the right bike for your needs.

Carbon or Aluminum? The Type of Frame Matters

Carbon frames might look and feel cool, but for your first bike, you are better off going with a basic aluminum frame. Aluminum frames are cheaper, so they will cut down the cost. Additionally, because of this lowered cost, your aluminum components will likely be of higher quality than a carbon frame at the same price point. Also, aluminum is more durable in the event of a crash. Lastly, as a beginner, you probably won’t even notice the difference, so why not go with the safer, cheaper choice? Also, be sure to choose a frame that is the right size for your body.

And Speaking of the Components, Shop for Quality and Maintain Well

Make sure that you are choosing parts that are of good quality. A part failure while riding can lead to serious injury or accident. Your chain is arguably the weakest part of the bike, so make sure you keep an eye on it and perform regular cleaning and maintenance. Your brake pads are another sensitive component that you will need to inspect with regularity. Watch for wear on your tires, check for frays and rust on your cables and, in general, take care of your investment.

It’s Worth the Investment to Do Your Research

As a general rule, the higher the price, the better the bike in terms of design and safety. However, invest too much as an entry-level enthusiast and when eventual disaster does hit, you’re looking at some loss. The key here is to try to minimize that without losing quality. Focus on the functionality first as a beginner. You want the best of the best in terms of safety, no more than that. Once you have a bit of experience, you can start shopping for style.

For the Time Being, Focus on Getting Comfortable—Not the Aesthetics

Remember that you can always trade in and upgrade for a fancier model. So invest in the right brand that works for you as a beginner with these tips in mind. Written by AskTheLawyers.com™ on behalf of Frederick Dudek 

Legal Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Use of this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Information entered on this website is not confidential. This website has paid attorney advertising. Anyone choosing a lawyer must do their own independent research. By using this website, you agree to our additional Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.