| A road bike can cost several hundred dollars, or it can | | | | normal road bike with ordinary drop handlebars. Such |
| cost thousands of dollars. There are many different | | | | a design gives you more control over the machine as |
| brands, makes and models in the marketplace. So | | | | you ride. |
| how do you choose a bike that's suitable for you? | | | | Step 4: Needs vs wants. |
| What makes a wise buy decision? Here is a step by | | | | Walk into any bike boutique and you will immediately |
| step guide on how to choose a suitable roadie. | | | | see a wide range of road bikes. Most cost between |
| Step 1: Know your terrain. | | | | $2000 to $5000. For very high end bikes (like carbon |
| Step 2: Know your ride frequency. | | | | time trial bikes), they can cost up to five figures. |
| Step 3: Who are you riding with? | | | | Tread with caution here, for it's easy to be tempted |
| Step 4: Needs vs wants. | | | | into buying an expensive bike. This is more of a want |
| Step 5: Know your budget. | | | | than a need. The bike looks so tempting that you |
| Step 1: Know your terrain. | | | | bought it beyond rational reasoning. That happens to |
| A road bike is more suitable for a flat terrain. You | | | | many beginner riders. The end result? The bike ends |
| can still ride a roadie if you have some uneven tracks | | | | up being under-used, collecting dust in the basement. |
| around where you reside. However, that means you | | | | Don't let that happen to you! Buy what you need. If |
| may have to make some tweaks to your bike - like | | | | you have the budget, you may then consider higher |
| changing tires that are more durable and friendly on | | | | end bikes. |
| uneven tracks. | | | | Step 5: Know your budget. |
| Step 2: Know your ride frequency. | | | | One way to control your spending is to know in |
| How often are you going to ride? Do you need a | | | | advance how much you are going to spend. If your |
| bike to get to your workplace on a daily basis? Or do | | | | budget is $3000, then stick to your budget. Strike |
| you want a leisure ride every weekend? If you need | | | | out models that are way off your budget. The worst |
| a trusty road bike for daily riding, you need | | | | buying decision is to have to take out loans just so |
| something that is more durable. Avoid racing tires and | | | | you can invest in a road bike. If you can't afford it, |
| uncomfortable handlebars. You sacrifice some speed, | | | | it's always better to wait till you have the cash. |
| but you get more comfort and in the long run, you | | | | That's basic cash management. |
| save money. | | | | At the end of the day, whether it's a cheap road |
| Step 3: Who are you riding with? | | | | bike or an expensive carbon fibre bike, you want to |
| Some bikes come with aero bars. Such bikes are | | | | be happy with your purchase. Now it's time to start |
| purely for racing purposes only, and they are meant | | | | looking up more information on the types of road |
| for sole riding. In other words, riding in a group will be | | | | bikes available. |
| incompatible. If you like social riding, you need a | | | | |