Anything worth over a week’s pay is also worth taking time to consider the options and that includes buying road bikes. This article is then not about, mountain, competitive, commuter or city, mini, dirt, BMX or even unicycles. But, there’s cross-over.

Start here for the basics. Many models within the same price range will have similar framing, wheels and drive trains. Check for top quality for drive train components; you will probably recognize some of the well-known names stamped into the metal parts. Ask around about new brands and technology. Generally, the medium to high price points will include reliable parts.

Getting to your destination is the goal, but reliable brakes will assure that you stop when you arrive. Brakes are life saving don’t skimp on this component. You may want to make difference choices if you live where climate includes salt air or sand. Rim brakes are the most common but the options within that category are many, and will be best discussed at the pro shop. Check your brakes each time you ride.

A highway bike is built for speed and performance with enough comfort for a long distance ride. That hunched over position on the dropped handle bars enhances stream-lined movement but may not suit every rider. Individuals with back or neck problems may find that they become more weary in this position. The bicycle should suit the biker, not the other way around.

The saddle, while not one the mechanically important parts of this classic geared mover, has a big say at the end of a long trip. The pelvic bones of different body structures require different alignment. There is no one size fits all. The male anatomy needs a seat that allows for comfort quite dissimilar to a female. Her pelvic bones have a different angle and she has a different area for uncomfortable abrasion.

To check, sit on the saddle first in the forward riding position. Be acutely aware of where seat meets body. Rock forward and back, and side to side, even bounce, imitating the riding movements. Remember that the slightest irritation in the shop won’t be just slight after four or more hours on the road. If everything else about your purchase suits your needs except the seat, buy another before you leave. Cycling is meant to be pleasurable.

Shopping locally is admirable and should be encouraged. However, if your small city has little to offer, exploring for options elsewhere at least for advice and variety will result in the best fitting bike. Searching on-line is always an option with the usual buyer beware. Check in the early spring when other people are upgrading.

Ask the staff at the sport shops if they have ridden certain models or what they ride and why. Talk with your biking peers, they are familiar with the road rider conditions of your area. A number of cities have biking clubs with regular outings or meetings. These people usually have nothing to gain for promoting or nay saying brands or components. Ask to ride briefly on their different models. You will need properly fitted biking gear.

The most important item to purchase is a proper fitting helmet. A helmet more than two years old has begun to lose its protective factors and needs replacing. The shop should be promoting this safety feature, they do want repeat business from you. A large percentage of highway cycling accidents are rider or terrain related, not cars. The quote is “Riders who have brains wear helmets to protect them.” When buying road bikes buy a helmet too.

By: Ken Zalot