Sooner or later, all cyclists must face when choosing a new bicycle. When we have been in this sport for years, the choice may be a little easier. But choosing the first bike, at the beginning of everything, is always a difficult decision.
To guide you in the purchase, we give you 4 basic tips, which will help you pave the way to face this trial.
The most important question. Depending on the amount of money you want to spend, you will be able to access one type of bicycle or another. Mark a maximum figure and start the search. It doesn’t matter if you want it new or second-hand, always compare it with other similar models!
If you think you don’t have enough knowledge, you can go to a specialized bike shop, where an expert will help you make the decision. In the more than 110 Shimano Service Centers throughout the country, you will find advice to accompany you in the purchase process.
A road bike has nothing to do with a MTB. Perhaps a gravel is the most versatile option of all, but it is not suitable for everyone. Choose the discipline that you like the most, with which you feel more confident and motivated. Cycling is a great sport, but it presents many different possibilities. It is important that you know who you are going to go with, because your ‘group’ will determine quite a bit which modality you will practice.
Are you going to use it regularly? What kind of terrain are you going to frequent? Do you think it is a one-time motivation or do you see yourself progressing quickly?
All these issues, and many more, are essential to choose the first bike correctly.
Depending on your intentions, you will have to choose between single and double chainring, characteristics and tire width or type of braking system. Also, if you think that you are going to advance quickly in the world of cycling, you should think about increasing the investment to get material that will give you more travel in the future.
For example, instead of looking for a bike with a CUES drivetrain, designed for cyclists who are new to pedaling and don’t want too many complications, you should look at the Shimano 105 or the Ultegra (road drivetrains), or the SLX or the XT (mountain transmissions), more complete groups and developed for advanced level cyclists. If you see that this is going long, you should still assess an electronic change. As we have said, everything will depend on the budget!
The same can happen with the material of the frame. Aluminum may be your ideal option if you are starting from scratch, but if you already have experience, perhaps carbon is the material that best suits you.
Another basic point. The bicycle and the cyclist must behave as a single unit, and the choice of size is crucial. Each brand has its own patterns and measurements, so we recommend that you try it and experience the sensations that it transmits to you.
In all cases, it is important that you know your measurements (height, leg length, arm length, etc.). To make the choice of size as accurate as possible, you can carry out a ‘bikefitting’ beforehand, and thus ensure your correct position on the new bicycle.
To all this, we must also opt for a color of our liking and an attractive geometry. Currently, there is a wide variety of models and brands on the market, so, as complicated as it may seem, surely there is a perfect bike for you!
