Bicycle riders biking down coastal highway — Bicycle riders on Pacific coastal highway.

Cycling / 5 Tips for Purchasing Your First Road Bike

by Nina Francisca Steinkemper
April 29, 2020

By Sophia Vanderheym

Outdoor Adventures' staff is committed to providing students and community members with content that teaches new skills, provides fun ways to get outside, and that keeps everyone laughing throughout this special circumstance.

Biking is a great way to experience the great outdoors, right outside of your home.

With spring in full bloom and oh so many places yet to explore, now seems like the opportune moment to try something new! For me, it’s road biking and I hope it is for you too! Biking may seem like a daunting sport to delve into, but below are tips to help make the process of purchasing one’s first bike easier.

Know Where You Want to Go
There is an array of bikes out there-- from mountain biking to adventuring touring to road biking, there is an abundance of choice. But knowing where you want to bike will help you narrow down what type of bike will best serve your needs. For more information on bike types, click here.
Set a Budget
Good bikes can range anywhere from $400-$8,000. Once you’ve settled on what type of bike you’d like, you must think about additional gear costs such as shoes, SPD cleats, bike shorts, helmet, etc.
Know Your Size
Before you settle on a specific bike, take some time, and do a bit of research! Going to a bike shop to get fitted is recommended, as bikes come in all kinds of sizes, and in order to feel comfortable, you’ll want to know your bike frame size before purchasing.
Buy Second Hand!
Equipment for biking can be expensive, but purchasing second-hand gear is a cost-effective way to reduce price tags and eliminate material waste. Online resources to shop for used bikes include Bicycle Bluebook, Craigslist, and REI used gear. *Due to COVID-19 it is not recommended to purchase second-hand materials at this time.
Ask an Expert!
There is a lot of material on the internet, but compiling it can be overwhelming. If you still have questions or are unsure about biking in general, talk to an experienced biker or professional.