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How to Buy the Perfect Bike

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Blasting down the open road on two wheels or threading the needle on a tight mountain trail is about as close to flying as you’ll ever get. That’s the beauty of the bicycle, whether you’re into road riding, mountain biking or BMX.

Buying a new bike can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Your Gear Guy is here to help with tips for buying your next bicycle.

THREE TYPES OF BIKES

There are three basic types of bicycles and riding that fit different personalities and environments:

Felt F24 road bike

Felt F24 road bike: $799; Aluminum frame, Shimano and Sunrace components, 24-inch wheels; feltbicycles.com

Road Bike

If you have a need for speed, a road bike is for you. Road bikes are lightweight with skinny tires and usually have up to 30 gears for tackling hills and going fast.

Road bikes are great for riding long distances on paved roads and multiday bike touring — and, in many towns, there are local road races.

Road bikes are usually the most expensive type of bicycles, and you can expect to pay at least $550 for a good entry-level model.

Cannondale Catalyst 4 mountain bike

Cannondale Catalyst 4 mountain bike: $415; Aluminum frame, Shimano and Sunrace components, disc brakes, 27.5-inch wheels; cannondale.com

Mountain Bike

If you’re looking for an all-around, do-anything type of bicycle, consider a mountain bike. Mountain bikes have bigger, wider, knobby tires and lots of gears for tackling hills and rugged terrain. Some offer disc brakes for extra stopping power.

Most mountain bikes also have suspensions, or shock absorbers, on the front fork (called a “hardtail”) and sometimes also on the rear (called a “full suspension”) for a softer, easier ride on really rough trails. Hardtails are generally more durable and require less maintenance.

Mountain bikes are usually heavier than road bikes but are designed to handle riding on bumpy, rocky trails. They are great for riding around your neighborhood, too, and some people put slick tires on their mountain bikes for urban riding.

Prices for mountain bikes can vary depending on how many bells and whistles they have, but plan to spend at least $400 for a good-quality entry-level mountain bike.

Mongoose Legion L80 BMX bike

Mongoose Legion L80 BMX bike: $259; Steel frame, 20-inch wheels; mongoose.com

BMX Bike

This stands for “bicycle motocross,” but no one calls it that anymore. BMX bikes are built with smaller frames and are designed for everything from doing freestyle tricks on the street to riding in skate parks to racing and jumping on motocross-style courses.

These bikes are the most affordable option and are easiest to maintain since they don’t have gears and shocks. There are specific BMX models for racing, jumping and freestyle tricks, but if you’re looking for a simple bike just to cruise around the neighborhood, a BMX bike could be a good choice. Prices for a good BMX bike start around $225.

WHERE TO SHOP

You can shop at big department and warehouse-type stores, but those bikes tend to be heavier and less durable. You’ll find higher-quality bikes at a local bicycle shop, where you can give them test rides to try before you buy. Plus, those smaller specialty shops will likely have more knowledgeable salespeople who can help fit you with the right bike. This is especially important if you’re shopping for a mountain or road bike.

And remember, you don’t have to buy a new bicycle. A well-maintained bike can last for decades, so check the Internet or local bike shops for deals on a used bicycle.

Diamondback Podium 4 road bike

Diamondback Podium 4 road bike: $600; Aluminum frame, Shimano components, 24-inch wheels; diamondback.com

WHEEL SIZE

One of the biggest things to think about when shopping for a bike is wheel size. The outer diameter of the wheel is measured in inches or millimeters. If the wheel is too big for your height, the bike can be almost impossible to ride.

In general, a 20-inch wheel is usually best for 6- to 8-year-olds. If you’re between 9 and 12, look for a 24-inch wheel. As you grow, look to eventually size up to a 26-inch wheel. Most adult road bikes have 700c (29-inch) wheels. BMX bikes have 18- to 20-inch wheels.

FRAME SIZE

Frame sizing is determined by proper fit, not your age. It is usually measured by centimeters or inches (and what part of the frame that measures varies widely among manufacturers), or more common today, they are sized simply from extra-small to extra-large.

Specialized Hotrock 24 XC mountain bike

Specialized Hotrock 24 XC mountain bike: $470; Aluminum frame, Shimano, SRAM and Suntour components, 24-inch wheels; specialized.com

PROPER FIT

If the bike doesn’t fit you correctly, it’ll be uncomfortable and difficult to ride and can even be dangerous. Proper fit varies depending on the style of bike, but here are some rules:

Standover Height

Straddle the bike and pick it up until it hits your crotch. Now have someone measure the distance from the bottom of the tires to the floor. For a road bike, you should have about 1 inch of clearance between the tires and the floor. If it’s a mountain bike, you’ll need at least 2 inches of clearance and more if you plan on aggressive riding. This extra clearance helps maneuverability and makes it easier for you to hop on and off. Keep in mind, if the mountain bike has a full suspension (shock absorbers on both front fork and tail), then you don’t need a full 2 inches of clearance since the suspension will compress a bit under your weight while riding.

Top Tube Length

The horizontal metal tube that runs length-wise along the bike’s frame from the seat to the handlebars is called the top tube. Sit on the saddle and reach for the handlebars. It’s best to have a slight bend in your elbows as you grip the handlebars. If you’re reaching too much, the bike is too long for you. If you feel cramped and your knees are close to hitting the handlebars, then it’s too short.

Seat Height

While sitting on the saddle with your foot at the bottom of the pedal stroke, your knee should be bent slightly, NOT fully extended. Seat height is easily adjustable to fit how tall you are.

The BMX Exception

None of the preceding fit advice works for BMX bikes. Just look for a bike that feels comfortable.

DK Raven BMX bike

DK Raven BMX bike: $269; Steel frame, 18- or 20-inch wheels; dkbicycles.com

QUALITY FRAMES AND COMPONENTS

A bike’s frame is like its skeleton. It’s what gives the bike structure and strength. Quality mountain bikes and road bikes usually have frames made of lightweight aluminum (more expensive models often have composite frames like carbon fiber). BMX bike frames are usually made of steel.

QUALITY COMPONENTS

The main difference in bicycle pricing comes down to quality and durability, and how lightweight the frame and components are.

A bike’s frame is its skeleton, which gives it structure and strength. Quality mountain and road bikes usually have frames made of lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber, while BMX bike frames are usually made of steel. Though the frame is very important, it’s the bike’s components (gears, cranks and other moving parts) that keep it moving down the road. There are hundreds of different types of components, but look for bikes with components from well-known, trusted brands like Shimano, Suntour and SRAM, and suspensions like RockShox and Fox.

ALWAYS TEST DRIVE

Before you buy a bike, be sure to take it for a test ride.

But don’t just cruise around the lot. To get a feel for a bike’s performance, try doing tight turns and sprints. For mountain bikes and BMX bikes, consider riding up curbs and speed bumps. Pay special attention to how the bike handles while turning, and note if the gears shift smoothly. Finally, some specialty shops will have demo bikes you can take out on a longer ride — this is a great way to get a feel for a bicycle.

70 Comments on How to Buy the Perfect Bike

  1. Hi,
    Thanks for sharing these amazing resources and information. Your guide will help us to make decisions. I prefer BMX.

  2. I have a BMX bike but eventually I want to use a road bike as a main mode of transportation for school and friends houses and other stuff. What would you recommend? No mongooses though because mixed quality is worse than consisten bad.(I don’t have one but there are mixed opinions so no way.)

  3. my dad has a Lamond rd bike

  4. This would be ideal if it were to incorporate a spin tanirer .Then you could sit at your desk and get some lege exercise at the same time.

  5. cool

  6. super kid345 // March 4, 2015 at 3:13 pm // Reply

    I have a thruster2.0

  7. I have a schwinn corvette

  8. i am looking for a geared bike.do you have any suggestions?

  9. coolman555 // April 12, 2012 at 8:13 pm // Reply

    Ok I admit i was wrong my kick stand broke off last week the mongoose bikes are cheap.

  10. I have a Gary Fisher Tyro. It’s awesome!

  11. i need a new bike so thx

  12. the awesome ace // December 22, 2011 at 9:17 am // Reply

    some expensive stuff

    • Haha, expensive? I am looking at the new GT 2014 Gravity Bike and its 8 grand. $500 to $800 is CHEAP for a good mountain bike. Btw. NEVER BUY BIKES FROM WALMART!!!!!

      • guitar boy // October 18, 2013 at 3:59 pm //

        true i had one that was no good now i have a redline bmx bike it is great

      • DH MTN BIKER // November 4, 2014 at 3:45 pm //

        Yes, Redline bikes are sweet! I love my Trek EX8… if you are looking at a basic DH bike without all of the bells and whistles, but with some great components, Trek’s EX lineup is a great place to start. Also, buy used unless you are to a competitive point. You can typically get a better used bike for what you want to pay. Just make sure you do good research!!

  13. Shoot i did what ducttapeboy was gonna do.

  14. go check eastern bikes random guy

  15. A really good bike that just came out by Gary Fisher and Trek is the 2012 Trek DS 8.3. For $579.99 you can get a duelsport with disk brakes, 63mm front lockout shox ( for the road), and mid-grade componates. It comes with 24 gears but if you want the 27 gear model the 8.4 is about $100 more. This bike is great fir moderate trails and paved surfaces.

  16. ducttapeboy // June 16, 2011 at 6:46 pm // Reply

    dang. I was going to get a 100 dollar one from Walmart.

  17. i love riding my bike down this dirt road called wild acer with my friends

  18. Specialized is pretty good. Most of my friends mountain bike, and we all love our Specializeds.

  19. theres a perfect road bike that doesn’t cost a lot=the GMC Denali (yes its named after a car) $200 + shipping off amazon.

  20. coolman555 // March 22, 2011 at 8:29 pm // Reply

    bike expert-hunts 160 is wrong my mongoose X75 is awesome i have crashed it 2 or 3 times because i was not paying attention and its still an awesome ride,pretty smooth to. i heard that garry fisher wheel grooves were wearing off because the brakes made the bike come to a screeching halt which wears off the grooves. i forget which bike it was though.

  21. I love biking

  22. I love biking!

  23. i am awsome // March 1, 2011 at 12:18 am // Reply

    You need to look at how it works and what type of bike it is.

  24. i forgot to mention that its a redline bmx even though i dont do tricks

  25. Huffy brand bikes hold up really long. I have 1 that I’ve had for about 2-4 years & it still works good.

  26. bmx rules ihave 2 redline an haro

  27. kaedawg246 // July 21, 2010 at 9:56 pm // Reply

    Always buy the Mongoose bikes! They work amazingly!

  28. i bought a mongoose xr75 and ive had it 4 2 years ITS AWESOME:):):)

  29. philmont44 // June 24, 2010 at 6:40 pm // Reply

    I got a Diamondback Cobra 24 It still works great after riding it alot,doing tricks,and some minor crashes.

  30. Trail blazer // June 23, 2010 at 5:31 pm // Reply

    I like mongoose. Avigo bikes are bad, the brakes do not work!!!!!

  31. what about schwinn or polaris?

  32. I have a specialized stump-jumper way too much but it was worth it

  33. get a mongoose rebel

    • Bike expert- Hunts160 // May 1, 2010 at 6:58 pm // Reply

      Mongoose is one of the lowest quality of bike no offense. The highest qualitybike brands are Trek, Gary Fisher, and Giant as far as can remember. So if you want a quality bike get one of those.

      • Bike expert-Hunts160 is right I got a mongoose and it has been such a pain!It’s loaded with all the cheapest parts and that makes it no fun to ride.

      • geocacher // April 24, 2011 at 7:55 pm //

        Don’t for get dimond back.

      • Sorry to say you are wrong. If you get a real mongoose the are great bikes. Btw you will never find a real mongoose at walmart target or any store like that. Google them to see their real bikes.

      • nicknack // March 12, 2013 at 6:51 pm //

        ARE YOU SERIOUS????? My brother has a mongoose and it is COOL!!!!! :-{ 😉

      • DH MTN BIKER // September 27, 2013 at 5:35 pm //

        I will second your opinion on Mongoose! As far as nice bike brands, you forgot GT and Jamis Dakar. They both have good quality and a little expensive, (although you get what you pay for) 🙂 DH mountain bikes.

  34. Bentrider online is an online magazine dedicated to recumbents. Good articles and tech advice.

  35. The last three bikes from the bottom are NOT MOUNTAIN BIKES!!!! those are trick and street bikes, they aren’t meant for mountain biking. Real mountain bikes have multiple gears, brakes, and special features meant for the hills.

  36. scouts rocks

  37. but I crashed IN THE STORE!

  38. I found a good specialized hardrock sport that I’m getting for Christmas.

    • I’ve got one of those, and I love it. None of the rest of my family is into biking, so I am often left to find my own trails. It’s great on the trail and pretty good on the road.

  39. johny lightning // November 25, 2009 at 11:03 pm // Reply

    helped me pick out a bike ive been using for years.

  40. If you are going to get a bike, get a TREK. They are kinda expensive, but they are precision on wheels

  41. i like BMX best. : )

  42. where didyougetthose bikes

  43. dutalbrichis // October 27, 2009 at 7:19 pm // Reply

    i love the blue bmx bike it is cool

  44. How good are Mongoose bikes? Are really reliable and durable? I am thinking of getting a Mongoose at Walmart for $120 or $130.

    • Bike expert- Hunts160 // May 1, 2010 at 7:04 pm // Reply

      DO NOT GET ANY BIKE AT WAL-MART! They some of the worst bikes in terms of quality and durability. I suggest REI. Any place that only sells bikes or has a specific department of bikes (with a lot of bikes in the department). It’d be best if you got it new too.

      • Bike expert- Hunts160 // May 1, 2010 at 7:06 pm //

        Oh and don’t get a mongoose . See my comment close to the top of the list.

      • Skinny Willy // July 31, 2010 at 5:27 pm //

        I would not get a bike at Wal-Mart or REI instead I would get a bike at used bike shops usually each town has one.

      • Anonymous // August 6, 2011 at 8:55 pm //

        I would not suggest buying from any department store, even REI. You should go to a bike shop that hav knowlageable staff for all your bikes and gear needs.

    • they ride comfortably but aren’t durable they would last about 1 to 2 years.

  45. I am buying a bike and this helped me persuade my mom to not get a department store bike. My grandmother asked a guy at a department store,”What type of bike is most popular for kids.” He said a BMX bike. But thats not what I wanted. I wanted a mountain bike.

    • bikeneeder55 // June 24, 2013 at 11:24 pm // Reply

      Bongo(whoever you are)you said it. Mountain bikes are the best

      • Idaho DH Biker // November 4, 2014 at 3:51 pm //

        Totally go for the MTN bike, and contrary to what everybody says, do NOT GET A MONGOOSE! They are garbage and will not hold up if you are riding real trails. They work ok for in town, but invest the money and get a bike with RocShox or Fox Shocks (thats what I have) and you will totally recognize the difference!! I have a 2010 Trek EX 8. It rides incredible and I got it slightly used (looks and rides new) for less than $1000.

  46. Perfect information on helping me with my next bike.

    Michael T.
    –I love MathSecret!

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