Ask the Gear Guy
Best place to buy a bike
Q. Where is the best place to get a bike?
– Jack B., Bowling Green, Ky.
A. In my opinion, J.B., the only place to buy a new bicycle is at a local bike shop. These are places that specialize in bikes and have knowledgeable sales people, great quality stuff and generally excellent support. If you go to an LBS — as local bike shops are known in the cycling world — you know you’ll get the best bike for your size, riding style and budget. It might not be the cheapest bike, but in the long run it will be a better value. Sure, you could go to the local superstore and pick up a cheap bike off the rack. But it won’t last nearly as long or be nearly as enjoyable as a custom fit from your LBS.
Read 8 comments about “Best place to buy a bike”
April 4th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I got my bike at a target, and I still love the brake disk.
Just choose what bike you want AND like, and you’ll love it in no time.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
local bike shops are the way to go!! athough u may pay extra money but u get a better bike
April 20th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Yeah definately go to an LBS. I am a bike fanatic and the only to pursue this sport is with a real bike. Sure the cheapest bike at the shop is $200, but it is worth it.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:09 pm
IRONHORSE IS THE BEST
April 21st, 2008 at 7:21 pm
locals rock but more money they usually give a free tuneup
April 30th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I got my ironhorse quantum 2 at sport authority and i’ve had it for almost a year and its totally the best except for price i got and christmas sales event for $330.00 sorry for you guys out there you’ll have to buy it for $600.00
April 30th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
The best place to get a bicycle depends on how you ride. Most kids use bikes like skateboards, which are strictly for sidewalk use. If that is you, go ahead and buy a cheap $200 bike at a supermarket. But if you realize that true bicycles are actually vehicles, like cars or ATV’s, then you should not be cheap. A true bicycle is an investment, not a toy. I like to compare road bicycles to cars. A $400 bike is like an inexpensive Honda, while a $2000 bike is a Porche and a $5000 bike is a Ferrari. Most people only need an inexpensive Honda to get around. Therefore, learn the rules of the road and pick up a $350-500 bicycle at a Bike Shop. Don’t need a driver’s license to travel on the road!
May 11th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Mylocal bicycle dealer , *whos name i cannot express* , sells $700 bikes for twice the price it’s worth, plus the bikes only function like I just bought it at walmart and when he does tune-ups he charges $50 bucks for doing nothing .So i’m saying in some cases that information is misinformation.