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How to shop for a bike

The "fit" of a bike is crucial to a pleasurable ride. Some bike shops have eight or more frame sizes to fit their customers. The size of the frame does not effect the price of a bike, so it is important to try the bike out for size. Everyone is a different body size combination and proportion, but lengths of your leg and your torso are the important measurements when it comes to a correct frame for you. The frame determines how far the seat is from the handlebars, and therefore how far you lean forward with your hands on the bars. By and large, this distance is longer in a larger framed bike. You do not want a bike that is too large. Your legs should have at least an inch or two between your crotch and the bar, with some mountain bikers preferring up to six inches for stand up pedaling and maneuverability.

If we could get gender specific for a moment, generally women have a longer leg length and shorter torso than men. Fitting a bike to a man or woman may require different frames. Men's bikes typically come with a crossbar in a triangle formation that is more rigid and less flexible than the traditional women's V frame. However this difference is only critical if you are in high racing competitions. Otherwise, pick the frame for comfort.

Taking a test ride to determine fit and comfort is vital. Make sure you schedule enough time and take your helmet along. Sandals or flip flops can be dangerous. Have the store sales personnel put the seat in the lowest setting initially and get on and off the bike a couple of times and then as you ride be aware of

  • how the seat feels
  • how your legs extend while pedaling
  • how much of a lean is there and is it the amount you want
  • how the reach to the handlebars feels
  • how the grip on those bars feels

Try to articulate what you did and didn't like about the fit of the bike...where your body felt stress points, etc., and more than likely the salesperson can make adjustments. Ask the salesperson for comments, advice, etc. as you try and determine the best bike for you. More than likely, if they are a good bike shop, they will know the questions to ask and how to remedy any problem of fit.

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