How to Buy a Bicycle Online

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1Determining the Type of Bike You Need

2Finding a Bike Online

3Purchasing a Bike

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Bikes are a great physical activity and hobby that people can enjoy at any age. If you’re looking to purchase a new bike, you should first determine what kind of bike would best suit your needs. Once you’ve determined the type of bike you need, you can narrow down your choices by looking at options online. Before you click the buy button, you should read reviews and compare the bike on different websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Determining the Type of Bike You Need

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   Get a road bike if you plan on biking on smooth pavement. Road bikes have lighter, more aerodynamic frames that are built for speed. The tires are thin and are suited for smooth terrain. If you’re an experienced biker, like to go fast, and don’t plan on going off-roading, a road bike may be best for you.

   • If you live in the city, a road bike may be your best option since you’ll be riding on mostly smooth terrain.
   • Road bikes weigh around 15–25 pounds (6.8–11.3 kg).
   • Road bikes are often the most expensive style of bike.
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   Consider a mountain bike if you plan on off-roading frequently. Mountain bikes have sturdy frames and thick tires that are great for going over dirt and rocks. They also have better quality suspensions that can handle jumping gaps or going down small cliffs.

   • Unlike road bikes, mountain bikes are built for stability rather than speed.
   • Mountain bikes weigh around 25–40 pounds (11–18 kg).
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   Purchase a hybrid bike if you plan on riding on diverse terrain. Hybrid bikes are a mixture between road bikes and mountain bikes. These bikes have thicker tires than road bikes and can be taken on dirt roads. They are great if you live in a suburban or rural area but still want to maintain speed.

   • Hybrid bikes weigh around 20–35 pounds (9.1–15.9 kg).
   • Sometimes hybrid bikes are referred to as cruisers or comfort bikes.
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   Set a budget for the bike. Determine how much money you want to spend on the bike and then look at your options within that cost. Starter mountain bikes can cost anywhere from $250 to $400 brand new, while road bikes will typically start at around $1,000. Hybrid bikes are moderately priced and are typically anywhere from $300 to $800.

   • Higher quality road bikes can cost upwards of $3,000.
   • If you want to save money, you can purchase a used bike.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Finding a Bike Online

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   Search for bikes on bike manufacturers’ websites. There are a number of reputable bike manufacturers that specialize in different styles of bikes. Some of the most popular brands include Cannondale, Fuji, Giant, and Klein. Visit the manufacturer’s website and browse the different models.
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   Look for a bike on big-box retail and bike reseller sites to save money. Sometimes big retailers will receive a discount because they buy in bulk. Sometimes, this savings will be passed onto you. Make sure to compare the bike that you want to buy on multiple websites to find the best price for the bike. Popular bike reseller websites include Tredz, Power Meter City, and Competitive Cyclist.

   • Tredz mainly services areas in the UK while Power Meter City and Competitive Cyclist caters mainly to the United States.
   • If you can’t find a bike retailer where you live, Amazon offers bikes that can be shipped internationally.
   • Popular online retailers that sell bikes include Amazon, Wal Mart, and Target.
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   Buy a used bike on Craigslist if you're on a small budget. Contact the person who put up the bike listing that you’re interested in and arrange to meet in a public place. Ask if you can test drive the bike before you buy it to make sure that it’s in good working condition. Make sure to fully look over the bike to ensure that there are no broken, damaged, or missing parts.

   • Other websites where you can find people selling their bikes include Kijiji, eBay, and LesPAC.
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   Read the product and shipping description before you buy the bike. The product description will usually have a sizing chart that will help you determine whether the bike is the right size for you. There will also be shipping instructions that include whether you have to assemble the bike yourself.

   • Some manufacturers can ship your bike to a local bike shop so they can assemble it for you. Call the manufacturer's customer service number to see if this is an option before you buy the bike.
   • You should also read the warranty and return policy for the bike before you purchase it.
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   Check out online reviews on the bike before you purchase it. Once you find the bike that suits your needs, search online for that specific model of bike. Read user reviews about the bike and make sure that they are mostly positive.

   • Common bike complaints include loose, faulty, and low-quality parts.
   • If there are a lot of negative reviews for the bike you want to get, consider getting another model.
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   Visit a bike shop to test drive the bike if you're still unsure. If you aren't convinced you want a certain bike, you can call a bike shop and ask if they have that model in stock. Then, you can visit the shop and test drive the bike. When you’re test driving, look for sturdiness and high-quality parts.

   • If you hear rattling or feel loose parts when test riding the bike, there’s a chance that the bike isn’t a good quality bike.
   • Bike shops can also measure you and determine the size of bike that would work best with your body. You can use the measurements for all the bikes that you are considering.
   • If you can't make it to a bike shop, they will usually list the height requirements for the bike in the product description.
   • Bike shops can also repair your bike if it breaks.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Purchasing a Bike

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   Order the bike that fits your needs from a reputable seller. Once you know what kind of bike you want, compare prices on reputable bike reseller or retail store websites. Find the best price for the bike and order it to your house or to a local bike shop.

   • If you don't want to wait for the bike to be delivered, you can usually pay extra to get expedited shipping.
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   Wait for the bike to be delivered. Depending on where you ordered the bike, it could take anywhere from a week to a month to be delivered. If you shipped it directly to your house, the parts will probably arrive in a box. If you had it delivered to a local bike shop, they will likely assemble it for you.

   • Read the instructions that came with the bike to assemble it yourself.
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   Call and ask for a refund if the bike isn't to your standards. If you notice broken or missing parts, or the bike breaks or malfunctions while you ride it, you can usually ask for a refund within a window of time. Contact the seller of the bike and request a refund if this is the case.
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