What’s up, everybody? Reader here, and today, I want to chat about bicycles.
I’m in the market for a new bike. I’m trying to get better at taking care of myself, and part of that is making sure I become more active, and one way I can do so, is to start riding a bike to work.
In the interest of full disclosure, I only live about five blocks away from the station, but I usually drive to work, wasting gas, belching exhaust fumes into the atmosphere, and and denying myself some needed physical activity.
There’s no reason I can’t walk to work either, but ultimately, I like to stay in bed until the last possible moment before rolling out of the sack and starting my day.
But that’s where the bike would come in, as it’d get me to work that little bit quicker.
A few years ago, I actually had a bike. I used my tax refund to purchase this beauty…
However, after riding my bike for a couple of seasons, believe it or not, some ne’er-do-well living within my apartment building decided they needed my bike more than I did, and swiped it!
I kept an eye on local pawn shops, and Facebook Marketplace, but I never did see it.
So, for the last few years, I’ve had a bike helmet, but no bike!
I’ve finally decided I need to get myself a two-wheeled wonder again. But I have questions, like how do I know what bike is the right size for me? What type of tires do I need for riding on both pavement and dirt? What colour should I get? (Okay, so that last one isn’t quite so vital.)
But there are definitely things that need to be kept in mind when buying a nouveau bicyclette.
I put the question to my handy-dandy AI assistant: “What do I need to consider when purchasing a new bicycle?”
Here’s what it came up with…
“Dreaming of cruising the open road or tackling those rugged trails? Finding the perfect bike is all about matching your ride to your lifestyle. Here’s a laid-back guide to help you on your journey:
1️⃣ What’s Your Ride Style? First things first, think about where you’ll be riding most. Are you drawn to the thrill of mountain trails, or do you prefer the laid-back vibes of city streets? Knowing your primary terrain helps narrow down options. (For the most part, I’ll be riding on city streets, though I will take it on dirt trails, too!)
2️⃣ Fit Comes First: Comfort is everything when it comes to biking. Make sure the bike frame is the right size for your height and riding style. A comfy bike means more joy and less soreness after those long rides. (This shouldn’t be too difficult to figure out, though I must say, I’ve yet to come across a bike seat that doesn’t get painful after a while!)
3️⃣ Material World: Dive into the materials like aluminum, carbon, or steel. Each one offers unique benefits – aluminum is lightweight, carbon is super strong, and steel provides a smooth ride. Choose what feels right for you. (I’m not a hardcore rider, so I don’t necessarily need a super-strong bike, and I’ll be lugging it up to the third floor of my apartment building and down again when I rdie, so something fairly light would be nice!)
4️⃣ Feature Focus: Gears, brakes, and suspension can make a big difference. Think about what features you’ll need. Are you a gear-shifter or do you prefer the simplicity of a single-speed? Do you need extra suspension for bumpy rides? (As long as I can shift gears and don’t screw up the transmission, I should be okay!)
5️⃣ Budget Bliss: Quality bikes come in all price ranges, so set a budget that works for you. (Luckily, I’m currently in a position where I can shop around a bit. I don’t want to go super-cheap, but I don’t want to pay a ridiculous amount, either!)
Remember, there’s a fantastic bike waiting for you no matter how much you plan to spend. Take your time, explore your options, and enjoy every moment of the search.
So, there you have it. What should I go with? I don’t think I’ll go with a used bike. I want a nice new one, to make some memories with.
Time to go shopping, because I want to ride my bicycle… (Take it away, Freddie!)
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