Ask the Gear Guy

Best place to buy a bike

bike-200x148.jpgQ. Where is the best place to get a bike?

– Jack B., Bowling Green, Ky.

A. In my opinion, J.B., the only place to buy a new bicycle is at a local bike shop. These are places that specialize in bikes and have knowledgeable sales people, great quality stuff and generally excellent support. If you go to an LBS — as local bike shops are known in the cycling world — you know you’ll get the best bike for your size, riding style and budget. It might not be the cheapest bike, but in the long run it will be a better value. Sure, you could go to the local superstore and pick up a cheap bike off the rack. But it won’t last nearly as long or be nearly as enjoyable as a custom fit from your LBS.

Comments about “Best place to buy a bike”

  1. biggest baseball fan_23 says:

    It depends on what you want to use your bike for. If you want a bike to use on the street and to do tricks with, then i strongly recommend a haro bmx. Just go to harobikes.com and click on bmx. Yes, I know they are expensive. But it’s worth the money because it will last for a while. If you want a bike to ride off-road then I’d look at getting a haro, mongoose, or a gary fisher mountain bike. If you compete in biking then i would recommend a litespeed or a salsa mountain bike. Also the best place to buy a bike is your local bike shop, although it’s a little more expensive.

  2. biggest baseball fan_23 says:

    It depends on what you want to use your bike for. If you want a bike to use on the street and to do tricks with, then i strongly recommend a haro bmx. Just go to harobikes.com and click on bmx. Yes, I know they are expensive. But it’s worth the money because it will last for a while. If you want a bike to ride off-road then I’d look at getting a haro, mongoose, or a gary fisher. If you compete in biking then i would recommend a litespeed or a salsa. Also the best place to buy a bike is your local bike shop, although it’s a little more expensive.

  3. Destructo Kid's Mom says:

    I buy bikes at pawn shops because my 12 year old son tears them up so fast and they are cheap. Since Hurricane Ike hit our town, he collects bikes from the neighborhood trash piles and tries to put them back together. He calls them “Ike Bikes”.

  4. puttz says:

    good job

  5. Skinned-Knees says:

    I find it easiest to collect parts of old bikes and build my own. It’s easy and cheap.

  6. nip says:

    they sell miracos by a bike at just riding along

  7. cjb says:

    buy a miraco bike

  8. mt_girl says:

    In Sewanee, TN we have Woody’s Bike shop. It is located near the U Of the South. They have been in business for about 10 year I think?!?! They just moved to this old house and have great bikes and service them there too. Plus they rent for day-trippers without bike to enjoy the near by trails. They are honest, have great bikes and can fix them for your on site. Best part is they have the best cafe next door, Mountain Breeze Cafe. Were have really good food and the best home-made ice cream. Hey, if I’m going to ride my bike up a mountain, to get to Woody’s I feel it’s okay to indulge.

  9. ghost rider says:

    Where can I find a bike that is built for speed, comfort, and rough trails?

  10. Halaxis says:

    I like lever shift gear systems over twist systems. only place to get them? a LBS.

  11. dig dog says:

    at my local bike store the cheapest bike they have is 300!!!

  12. Steamer says:

    From personal experience, in addition to vouching for the LBS approach, I would highly recommend buying a used model…great values can be found, and so what if it isn’t the shiniest bike on your block? Pocket the difference, insist on a tuneup/cleanup as a condition of sale, and from then on, do your own maintenance.

  13. harobikes kid says:

    if you want a nice bike go with a gt/dyno , eastern or a haro the best haro bmx bike for a beginner is a haro backtrail x1

  14. kodey says:

    I love my dart its fast ive hade it for seven years my brake cords are missing but its good

  15. drummerboy16 says:

    Rhino bikes RULE!!!!!!!

  16. Jurandr says:

    If you want a small bmx bike that you’ll use for sidewalks, check out your local walmart or target. If you want a real bike, for transportation, go to a Bike Shop and ask for a “hybrid” style of bicycle. They are made for speed and comfort, but aren’t made to be used on the trail.

  17. nick-nack-nick says:

    Mylocal bicycle dealer , *whos name i cannot express* , sells $700 bikes for twice the price it’s worth, plus the bikes only function like I just bought it at walmart and when he does tune-ups he charges $50 bucks for doing nothing .So i’m saying in some cases that information is misinformation.

  18. BikesnobYW says:

    The best place to get a bicycle depends on how you ride. Most kids use bikes like skateboards, which are strictly for sidewalk use. If that is you, go ahead and buy a cheap $200 bike at a supermarket. But if you realize that true bicycles are actually vehicles, like cars or ATV’s, then you should not be cheap. A true bicycle is an investment, not a toy. I like to compare road bicycles to cars. A $400 bike is like an inexpensive Honda, while a $2000 bike is a Porche and a $5000 bike is a Ferrari. Most people only need an inexpensive Honda to get around. Therefore, learn the rules of the road and pick up a $350-500 bicycle at a Bike Shop. Don’t need a driver’s license to travel on the road!

  19. Tallest guy on the block!!! says:

    I got my ironhorse quantum 2 at sport authority and i’ve had it for almost a year and its totally the best except for price i got and christmas sales event for $330.00 sorry for you guys out there you’ll have to buy it for $600.00

  20. tomboy says:

    locals rock but more money they usually give a free tuneup

  21. HOM STA says:

    IRONHORSE IS THE BEST

  22. 5Toes says:

    Yeah definately go to an LBS. I am a bike fanatic and the only to pursue this sport is with a real bike. Sure the cheapest bike at the shop is $200, but it is worth it.

  23. lifescout says:

    local bike shops are the way to go!! athough u may pay extra money but u get a better bike :-)

  24. Eagletrail says:

    I got my bike at a target, and I still love the brake disk.

    Just choose what bike you want AND like, and you’ll love it in no time.

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