So you’re ready to start your cycling journey. Whether you’ve been beating around on your fifteen year old hybrid or staring longingly out the window at bikes passing by on the sidewalk, thinking about getting your own real bike is a big step. But the thought of choosing your first bike can also kind of feel like a Tour de France-sized challenge. Where do you start? What do you actually want? Thankfully, the answer’s much simpler than you might think.
It’s time for a visit to your local bike shop, or LBS.
Image from Pixabay.
The Joy of Your LBS
We live in a world of one-click purchases and doorstep deliveries. But it hasn’t always been that way, and it doesn’t have to always be. There’s something really magical about walking into a bike shop for the first time. Even as an absolute beginner cyclist, you’ll feel it too! It’s a sensory experience that no online store can match.
But of course, you’re not there for atmosphere alone. Your local bike shop is like having a personal shopping assistant for all things cycling. The employees aren’t just salespeople; they’re cycling enthusiasts, too. Most of the time, they can’t wait to share their passion with you. That’s why no matter how much you read up online, you aren’t really ready for your NBD (that’s “new bike day”) until you’ve been there.
Before you keep reading up on online reviews and endless spec-sheets, let’s talk about why your local bike shop should be one of your first stops in your quest to find your first bike.
Trust me, your future expert-cyclist self will thank you for it!
What is a Local Bike Shop?
A local bike shop is more of a community hub than a store. Bikes are sold, serviced, and celebrated right inside the door of that unassuming LBS in the strip mall down the block! Unlike big-box retailers like Walmart or Dick’s, local bike shops specialize exclusively in bicycles and their related gear. They’re often owned and operated by cyclists for cyclists. From high-end road bikes to mountain bikes to the most basic of commuter bikes, these shops will often cater to all cycling needs. Their personalized experience is something you just can’t get online.
LBS employees have your back.
Ever wondered why bike shop employees seem to know everything about bikes? It’s… actually because they kind of do! For most, it’s a job choice built on passion. Many are avid cyclists, so they stay up-to-date on tech and often have certifications as bike mechanics. Not to mention, they’ve helped countless beginners just like you find their dream bike already. If you’re looking for a resource for choosing your first bike, you won’t find better.
How to Find a Local Bike Shop Near You
But how do you find an LBS, if you don’t notice one right down the street? It’s actually a bit easier than you might think. Start with a quick online search – “bike shops near me” or “bike shops in (city name)” usually does the trick. You don’t have to stop there! Ask around. You can even post in local community groups if you don’t know any cyclists in real life. Cyclists love to share their favorite shops.
Once you’ve got your list, it’s time to take a few little tours. Pop into different shops in your area to get a feel for the vibe. Do the staff seem friendly and approachable? Is the shop clean and well-organized? Do they carry brands you’re interested in? You should know that different LBSes will be dealers for specific brands of bikes — for instance, if you’re interested in looking at Specialized, you should find a Specialized dealer.
Remember that you’re not just buying a bike — you’re potentially starting a long-term relationship with a shop. It’s worth taking the time to find one that feels like the right fit!
Don’t be shy about asking questions or browsing. A good shop will make you feel welcome, whether you’re ready to buy or just looking around.
“Should I go to a chain bike shop?”
Chain bike shops offer consistency. Often, their prices are a bit lower. However, independent shops shine with personalized service and community involvement. The indie shops in your area will tend to have more freedom in their inventory. They have the capability to more closely tailor their offerings to their local riders’ needs.
Ultimately, both chain and independent shops have their merits. The best choice really depends on your specific needs and your preferences.
What to Ask When Buying Your First Bike
For a lot of beginners, stepping into a bike shop for the first time can feel like entering a foreign country. Armed with the right questions, the experience will feel a lot less exotic and more useful in your bike search.
Here are a few ideas of what to ask:
“What type of bikes do you sell here?” If you’re shopping for a road bike, then you want to visit a road bike shop. If a hybrid is your style, many shops carry those as well. Figuring out the types of models and brands that a shop sells helps narrow down the type of bike you need.
“What’s my correct frame size?” Proper fit is crucial. You’ll want to choose a bike that makes you feel comfortable and efficient while riding.
“Can I test ride a few bikes?” Nothing beats the feel of actually riding. There is no reason to wait to test ride. You are not obligated to buy a bike that you test ride!
“What’s included with the bike?” Some shops throw in extras, like a few basic accessories or a professional tune-up.
“What kind of maintenance will this bike need?” Know what you’re getting into.
“Do you offer any warranties or guarantees?” You may be surprised by the warranties available at your LBS. It’s always good to know what’s covered upfront.
“What accessories or upgrades do you recommend for a beginner?” Surprisingly, even an off-the-shelf bike can benefit from a few simple upgrades — although they are far from required. The LBS employees can be a super helpful resource for what’s essential.
“What’s your return or exchange policy?” Just in case.
“Do you offer any beginner riding classes or group rides?” Many shops are great resources for getting started in cycling with others. Remember, the LBS is a community hub for cycling, not just a shop!
Read more: What to Expect on Your First Cycling Group Ride
You may feel some “imposter syndrome” asking these questions. Just remember: there’s no such thing as a dumb question when you’re new to cycling. The staff is there to help. Don’t be shy to ask anything that’s on your mind, especially before you plan to buy!
Read more: When Are You a “Real Cyclist?”
Most Common Pitfalls for First-Time Bike Buyers
Even with the best intentions, first-time bike buyers can stumble. The worst thing is to give up on cycling because of a rider-bike mismatch. Luckily, that’s what going to the LBS aims to prevent. Still, you can protect yourself by keeping a few common missteps in mind. Here are a few to avoid:
- Buying based on looks alone. Sure, that shiny and sporty road bike might catch your eye, but if it doesn’t fit your riding style, it’ll gather dust in your garage. Don’t feel like buying a hybrid marks you as a beginner. You can always upgrade in the future if you stick with the sport. If you never even start, it’s, well… a non-starter.
- Ignoring fit. A bike that’s too big or small can lead to discomfort and even injury long term.
- Skimping out on quality. It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, especially in a bike shop where it feels like everything has a big price tag. Investing a bit more — within reason — can mean a much better riding experience.
- Overlooking accessories. Helmets, lights, and locks are essentials – factor them into your budget.
- Rushing the decision. Take your time and test ride multiple bikes. If it’s not a fit, it’s not a fit! Don’t force something that won’t work well for you. If you aren’t in love with the bike, it’s probably not your bike.
Take care to avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be much happier with your new machine in the long run!
Read more: 10 Pieces of Must-Have Gear for Beginner Cyclists
Post-shopping reflection: possibly the most important step of all.
Okay, so, this is important: after your bike shop visit, you really need resist the urge to swipe that credit card right away! Head home and mull things over. Reflect on the bikes you saw and rode. How did they feel? Which features stood out? Did any particular model just “click” with you?
At this point, you can do some online research to complement what you learned in the shop. Read reviews, compare prices, and see what other cyclists say about the bikes you’re considering. You may also want to take time to consider your budget carefully. Remember to factor in accessories and potential upgrades. It’s okay to stretch a bit for the right bike, but don’t break the bank.
When you sleep on it, a bit of distance can bring more clarity. The bike that seemed perfect in the shop might lose its luster overnight! On the other hand, you might wake up absolutely certain about your choice.
If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to go back to the shop with more questions. They’ll be happy to talk it out with you and help you make the right decision.
Photo by Taylor Smith (via Unsplash)
Beginners: Make Friends With Your LBS!
A lot of beginners don’t realize this, but: your relationship with a good bike shop doesn’t end when you roll out the door with your new bike. You’ll only benefit from staying in touch with the folks at these shops. They’re more than just places to buy bikes – they’re a part of your cycling community.
Build a rapport with your local shop. Pop in for tune-ups, ask for advice… or just for a good café for a coffee ride. From maintenance tips to route recommendations, they can be with you for every step of your beginner cyclist journey! Plus, being a regular can sometimes score you a few great perks. Faster service or heads-up on sales are just a few benefits of staying cozy with your LBS.
Read more: The Joy of the Coffee Ride
I hope this article has encouraged you to embrace your local bike shop for your first bike purchase. They’ll sell you a bike, but they’ll do even more — they’ll help welcome you into the wonderful world of cycling!
Happy bike shopping! ★