Which bike is right for you?
With there being so many different types and shapes of bikes available on the market it can be a bit overwhelming when choosing the right bike to buy. By having the right type of bike for your needs it can make cycling a much more enjoyable experience.
Here at Southfork we listen to what you say and take on board the type of riding you are wanting to do and what you plan to get out of riding.
From this we are then able to guide you towards the types of bikes that suit your requirements, whether it is commuting to work or entering into a triathlon.
Below you will find a list of things to think about to help you decide when choosing a bike.
Types of bikes
One of the first questions to ask yourself is ‘What type of riding am I going to be doing?’
• Commuting
• Road riding – leisure
• Road riding – racing
• Mountain biking – leisure
• Mountain biking – racing
• Triathlon
• Time trials
• Family rides
• Freeride
• Downhill
• BMX
• Trials
Budget
It is important to have a rough idea on how much you are willing to spend on a bike as they do range in price quite significantly.
Having a higher budget opens up more options, but be careful as it is easy to get carried away and before you know it you’ve spent 3 times the amount you originally set out to spend.
General rule of thumb the more expensive the bike is the better the components get and the lighter it becomes.
Accessories
There are many different accessories that can be used with or fitted onto the majority of bikes, these can include:
• Pannier racks/bags
• Locks
• Mudguards
• Lights
• Puncture repair kits
• Pump
Clothing
No matter what the weather is doing there is always clothing to suit the different conditions.
• Helmet (recommended for any ride)
• Jerseys – long sleeve, short sleeve
• Shorts – baggy, lycra, waterproof
• Jackets – waterproof, windproof
• Trousers – baggy, lycra, waterproof
• Base layers/warmers
• Gloves – fingerless, full fingered
• Protection – shin, knee, elbow, back and chest amour
Bike fit
Everyone is different, height, arm and leg length and some people are more flexible than others so making sure the bike is set up correctly is a large part in getting the most out of your bike.
At Southfork we offer a free bike set up with every new bike purchase, which includes saddle height and position, handlebar height and stem length to mention a few alterations that make up the bike fit.
We can also change parts on the bike such as the saddle and grips to make it as comfortable as possible.
