Don't let buying a bike be too much of a drain on your budget, choose a price range first and find the perfect bicycle for you.
Buying a bike does not have to be a headache, nor does it have to drain your wallet of all resources. Bike buyers can find a bike at almost any price range, depending on the type of ride they're looking for and the options they want to include. So take a look at this handy guide and ask yourself what you're in the market for. Because there are so many options when buying a bike, it helps to have a price range determined ahead of time, to avoid going on a spending spree. Most price ranges have a number of good qualities and accessories, and depending on the type of bike you want and the type of riding you expect to do, you should be able to find a bike that suits both your needs and your budget.
Used Bikes: Often the cheapest option for buying a bike, used bikes are plentiful and often in very good condition, but can be found at half the price of store bikes. Before buying used, you must be sure that the bike is in good functioning condition and that there are no problems with the bike. The best way to determine a bike's condition is to ride it a little, so if you can take the bike for a test run this will always be optimal. Try and ride the bike on a variety of surfaces and inclines. Sometimes a problem will only come up under specific conditions, such as downhill runs or short sprints, so try a variety of things. Check that the wheels are in good condition and are not cracked, and be sure to check the gears for broken teeth that may cause the bike chain to slip off. Many small accessories can be added or replaced, including handlebars, wheels, and cracked seats, so think about the cost of replacing items along with the basic sticker price of your used bike.
Medium Bikes: With a wide price range of several hundred dollars up to $1,000, medium-range bikes are often a good choice for the casual rider. Medium bikes can be basic models, both road and mountain bikes, but will often not have the amenities or extras of a more expensive bike. The basic road bike will feature a light frame as well as basic seat, pedals and gear arrangements. The handlebars may be curved or straight, and the seat will probably be a basic model, without the more expensive gels or cushions. These bikes are fine for most people however. Mountain bikes at this price range will have tough durable frames as well as wide wheels. Though many will have front suspension, they will probably come with a fixed rear wheel, or hardtail, which improves power for steep hills but doesn't cushion shocks as well.
High Bikes: At over $1000, most bikes in the high price range are very good quality, with lightweight and durable alloy frames and all the extras. For mountain bikes, this means a full suspension system, with a floating frame to give the most cushion for those hard bumps and turns. Mountain bikes should also come with large-grip wheels, as well as front and back spray-guards, to protect the rider against flying dirt and rocks kicked up by the wheels. Higher priced road bikes include a separate set of amenities. Clip-in pedals, which must be used with biking shoes, eliminated the need to keep your foot on the pedal and give the rider more power for uphill climbs. Road bike handlebars can be either the curved bars or the padded clips, which allow your arms to lay closer and flatter in towards the bike for downhill runs.
Professional Bikes: For those bike buyers who are looking for a all the amenities without price considerations, there are a ton of options for the professional or fully-equipped bike. Professional bikes can run upwards of $5,000, making them the most expensive option. From the super-light titanium frames, to the professional gears and chain drives, these are the bikes that professional racers use. These bikes can be fitted with disc brakes and complex gear arrays, and almost all parts can be personalized and adjusted for personal preference.
